Best Value in the $800-$1,000 Range

[DumDrummer]

Which manufacture is offering the best value in a 4 string bass at the $800-$1,000 price point?

I understand "value" is subjective, but for me I think I would narrow it to setup/playability from the factory, tone quality, and hardware (i.e. quality of the tuners).

I have some experience with the player series Fender's, SBMM, and Sandberg's, but am wondering what you all think.

 

[CytoBass]

Pretty Vague there.... you should at least narrow it down by pickup configuration.
J,P,PJ etc... or type of music if you don't know which pickup setup you want.
Then people can reply with brands and models.

 

[Iridescentone]

The FGN stuff looks pretty good to me. Haven't checked prices lately though, may have escalated north of your budget by now.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Used. Take a look in the classifieds here. MIA Fenders, etc.

 

[Reedt2000]

G&L Tribute models are pretty solid and they're in that range. You can sometimes find their USA made cousins for that price used. If you get into the used market USA made Peavey basses are incredible value for money (used 5 string in the classifieds now for like $350...). Carvin/Keisel basses also sell used for far less than new and tend to be very well made.

 

[Clark Westfield]

I just jumped in to a Reverend that was in that price range.

After owning an American Fender and NYC Sadowsky, it certainly is a keeper.

Well made and sounds great.

Different too.

 

[CytoBass]

Yeah the Reverend guitar/basses are really well built and they have some amazing choices of pickups. You won't have to upgrade anything on it. Just pick the model for the tone you want.

 

[Doctor Morbius]

I'd be inclined to toss Sire's name into that hat.

 

[RustyStringer]

Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas

 

[rhopper]

I like Reverend basses in this price range also.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I was VERY impressed with a $599 used FGN Mighty Jazz that I played at a GC last week. It was sold when I came back the next day.

 

[Spidey2112]

Used. Take a look in the classifieds here. MIA Fenders, etc.

G&L, too.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Which manufacture is offering the best value in a 4 string bass at the $800-$1,000 price point?

I understand "value" is subjective, but for me I think I would narrow it to setup/playability from the factory, tone quality, and hardware (i.e. quality of the tuners).

I have some experience with the player series Fender's, SBMM, and Sandberg's, but am wondering what you all think.

If this way my budget, Id look for a used USA Ernie Ball MusicMan SUB. 2nd choice would be import Sterling Ray 35.

 

[J Wilson]

FGN (sometimes referred to as Fuji-Gen or Fuji-Gen-Gakki) is one of the largest contract builders for other makers, mostly around the Pacific Rim. On their axes built with their own name on them, the quality is VERY high.

These days $800-$1000 can buy you a lot of great bass guitar, but any type in particular?

 

[drumvsbass]

Yamaha

 

[drumvsbass]

Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas

View attachment 4733693

WTH... nice blue finish... I'm jonesing for the black sparkle one. Waiting for the right one to come in to the store.

 

[CytoBass]

Fender Aerodyne PJ has great low action and made in Japan and super comfortable body

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

Charvel Pro Mod San Dimas

View attachment 4733693

This would be my choice; if for no other reason than I haven't owned a Charvel in quite some time.

 

[elgranluis]

Squier vm and cs. They’re not quite in that price range yet , but give them a couple of years. They’re a steal right now , new with warranty is cheaper than used.

 

[Blueinred]

Used Lakland Skylines and G&L Tributes are right in that range and are worth double that. Seriously well made, professional (meaning workhorse) guitars.