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Best basses under $1000

#24
Stop wasting time and get yourself a good Precision. ;)

Seriously though, the main thing is more expensive doesn't always mean better. When I was young I had a great Aria Pro p/j bass, but I coveted a Ric. When I finally got one I didn't want to admit it, but I liked my Aria MUCH better and actually used it more than my Ric.

In my college days I discovered that what really floated my boat was regular old Fenders.

Over time sold the Aria and the Ric, today my main go to bass for live and recording is my MIM Precision that cost just over $200 used. It's fits me perfectly and the tone, oh wow the tone is just gorgeous.

Anyway, lots of words to just say this, expensive isn't always "better", keep your options open and trust your ears. Good luck. :)
 
#25
DogBone said:
Stop wasting time and get yourself a good Precision. ;)

Seriously though, the main thing is more expensive doesn't always mean better. When I was young I had a great Aria Pro p/j bass, but I coveted a Ric. When I finally got one I didn't want to admit it, but I liked my Aria MUCH better and actually used it more than my Ric.

In my college days I discovered that what really floated my boat was regular old Fenders.

Over time sold the Aria and the Ric, today my main go to bass for live and recording is my MIM Precision that cost just over $200 used. It's fits me perfectly and the tone, oh wow the tone is just gorgeous.

Anyway, lots of words to just say this, expensive isn't always "better", keep your options open and trust your ears. Good luck. :)
Click to expand...

Yeah I you're right, expensive isn't always better. Thanks for the advice :bassist:
 
#27
Go to Every music store cash in hand and go to the used section- play everything you can touch regardless of looks, find the one you can't live without and take your time, than comarison shop on tb, craigslist, the gear page, e-bay, classifides ect.
 
#28
I know your looking for ideas and possibly some level of confirmation. I know as I was just where you are now. For sure read the reviews on what basses are on your "short list". Go out and play them as recommended. Keep in mind off the shelf may not be the best set-up. This is what I did and wound up with the Fender American Jazz Special (yes, read the reivews!) I does NOT play like a Squier (I know as I have three Squiers, one is the CV 60's white Jazz) the Fender it is much better. Like it better than the American Standard, because the neck is better (for ME) and it sounds great (FOR THE PRICE!). Now, I just picked up a 94 Korean Squier Jazz that plays like butter with a neck like a 2x4!! Ahhhh!!!! Fun to play the Squiers, but I already have Fenders as well so It's not like I'm stuck with one. My prize is the Fender American J-S though. IMHO Good Luck!
 
#30
Fluid Power said:
I know your looking for ideas and possibly some level of confirmation. I know as I was just where you are now. For sure read the reviews on what basses are on your "short list". Go out and play them as recommended. Keep in mind off the shelf may not be the best set-up. This is what I did and wound up with the Fender American Jazz Special (yes, read the reivews!) I does NOT play like a Squier (I know as I have three Squiers, one is the CV 60's white Jazz) the Fender it is much better. Like it better than the American Standard, because the neck is better (for ME) and it sounds great (FOR THE PRICE!). Now, I just picked up a 94 Korean Squire Jazz that plays like butter with a neck like a 2x4!! Ahhhh!!!! Fun to play the Squires, but I already have Fenders as well so It's not like I'm stuck with one. My prize is the Fender American J-S though. IMHO Good Luck!
Click to expand...

You just contributed a lot to my search man :) I can't wait to go to my nearest music store and try out all the basses LOL
 
#31
Get something used in the $600-$700 range (which is enough to get a really nice bass) and spend the other $300 on a MIM or Squier P-Bass or J-Bass.
For my $700, I bought an Ovation Magnum. Brings the thunder and a great value in terms of lbs. of Honduran Mahogany per dollar :hiding:
 
#35
Buy used...once you learn how to do your own setups, polish frets etc you will have a better idea of what you like and how to achieve it....then you can always resell it without a loss usually.

Otoh, play ALL that you can new & used.

I would REALLY like to have the Geddy Lee bass (saw the 2112 tour, blew my mind too) but there are so many good basses if you can just find a bunch to try first .......you'll get to know the possibilities first hand (no pun intended).
 
#36
If I had that much money to buy one bass, I would probably go for the Reggie Hamilton Jazz as well, especially if it was going to be a "my one and only" bass. Between the P/J configuration, active/passive controls and a pre-installed drop-d tuner, you've got a veritable Swiss-Army-Knife of a bass there. One extra little perk there; although the body will be heavier, the neck profile is almost, if not exactly, the same as your Jaguar's.
 

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