• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

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

#21
Being someone who picks up at least three or four basses and has a play every time I go into a guitar shop I've found Ibanez to be up there with the best fit, finish and setup out of the box.

I was in one of the local stores recently which appears to be the only one around here that at least does a basic setup check of all instruments before going on the wall and the tech there said that nearly all Ibanez basses come out of the box, get a quick tuning check and need nothing more...... many of the other makes require more of a tweak.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ThinCrappyTone2 and DumDrummer
#23
DumDrummer said:
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.
Click to expand...
Player Series, buy new pickups.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Lownote38
#24
Well I'd probably say that getting a used Warwick under 1k is a great deal. German built Warwick is hard to go wrong on. Cech built Spectors are also really cool. If you get a Japanese Ibanez you'd be getting really good bang for buck. Same goes for esp basses. If you find a used peavey cirrus that's also absolutely a gig worthy workhorse.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Berndizzle440
#25
JeezyMcNuggles said:
Player Series, buy new pickups.
Click to expand...

I have a Player Series jazz and Mustang PJ. I've been shocked at how low the action is and how well they play-- so much nicer than my '00 MIM standard P-bass. I haven't messed with the electronics in either yet, and while I find the tone enjoyable, those unshielded sing coils pick up an awful lot of noise in my practice space, and that is the main gripe I have with them. Conversely, my SBMM 34HH and Sandberg Electra VS 4 are much quieter.

Appreciate the input! I have definitely kicked around the idea of trying split coil picks in the Jazz bass + some copper shielding.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dralionux and JeezyMcNuggles
#27
BAG said:
Being someone who picks up at least three or four basses and has a play every time I go into a guitar shop I've found Ibanez to be up there with the best fit, finish and setup out of the box.

I was in one of the local stores recently which appears to be the only one around here that at least does a basic setup check of all instruments before going on the wall and the tech there said that nearly all Ibanez basses come out of the box, get a quick tuning check and need nothing more...... many of the other makes require more of a tweak.
Click to expand...

I haven't considered an Ibanez at this price point, but that Mikro SS I had for a while was a hell of a bass for $200, so maybe I will take a look at what they have on the higher end.

Thanks-- appreciate the input.
 
#28
DumDrummer said:
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.
Click to expand...
This is every subjective, but from my experience. For the $800-$1000 price range for a new bass, I would look at:

1. Fender Player Series P or J Bass. These are very nice and feel great. QC can vary from each one, so I would play one first before you buy. In my experience I've found their QC to be lacking sometimes, but If you find one that plays nice scoop it up.

2. Ibanez SR600E. This bass is an amazing value that feels and sounds great. If you like slimmer necks these would be great for you. Plays very fast due to the raw wood on the back of the neck. I've never played a bad one. The controls are easy to use and you can get a wide range of tones out of the bass.

3. Schecter Silletto Studio 4. Very nice bass. IMO it plays similar to the Ibanez and is very fast. QC on these basses have always been great IMO.

4. SBMM Ray34. This is probably the best built bass out of the bunch. It sounds great if you want that musicman tone. I've noticed huge QC issues on these basses at times (sharp frets, twisted necks, bad finishes on the back the neck). With these I would play before you buy.

If I had to pick a new one to buy it would be the Ibanez for me.

For used basses, I would try to find a used Warmoth bass. These are really great basses. I own 2 Warmoth P Basses and they have the most stable necks I've ever played and sound amazing. You can find some in the $800-$1000 price range range.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CytoBass and ThinCrappyTone2
#29
bordinco90 said:
This is every subjective, but from my experience. For the $800-$1000 price range for a new bass, I would look at:

1. Fender Player Series P or J Bass. These are very nice and feel great. QC can vary from each one, so I would play one first before you buy. In my experience I've found their QC to be lacking sometimes, but If you find one that plays nice scoop it up.

2. Ibanez SR600E. This bass is an amazing value that feels and sounds great. If you like slimmer necks these would be great for you. Plays very fast due to the raw wood on the back of the neck. I've never played a bad one. The controls are easy to use and you can get a wide range of tones out of the bass.

3. Schecter Silletto Studio 4. Very nice bass. IMO it plays similar to the Ibanez and is very fast. QC on these basses have always been great IMO.

4. SBMM Ray34. This is probably the best built bass out of the bunch. It sounds great if you want that musicman tone. I've noticed huge QC issues on these basses at times (sharp frets, twisted necks, bad finishes on the back the neck). With these I would play before you buy.

If I had to pick a new one to buy it would be the Ibanez for me.

For used basses, I would try to find a used Warmoth bass. These are really great basses. I own 2 Warmoth P Basses and they have the most stable necks I've ever played and sound amazing. You can find some in the $800-$1000 price range range.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the input! Another vote for an Ibanez so I will definitely have to check one out soon.

I've got a SBMM 34HH. The finish is great, the neck feels great (roasted maple), the electronics are dead silent-- but the action. The action is nearly .020" higher than my $200 Ibanez Mikro and easily the worst of all my basses. As I discovered digging around online and looking at reviews, and as you mentioned as well, it does seem they have some quality control issues. Which is a real shame because it is otherwise a fantastic bass. It is currently at a local shop getting a full setup. I've got my fingers crossed that they won't report back with any neck twist or a broken truss-rod and that they'll be able to massage it into a more playable condition.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jim C and bordinco90
#32
DumDrummer said:
26575858[/URL], member: 89836"]

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).
Click to expand...

The quality of the hardware is less about the tuners, and more about the bridge. Worm gears (what all tuners use) may have backlash (you have to tune “up”), but aside from that, they simply don’t slip - the design is such that it’s easy to make one that works well. I like Hipshot ultra lies because they’re light and smooth, but if all you want is tuning that stays put, a much cheaper tuner will work fine.

Bridge saddles, on the other hand, often do slip - the stock bridges of Fenders that use 6-32 threads, for example, often need loctite or nail polish to stay put. Metric ones that use 3x.5 mm threads - (a much finer pitch) don’t. If a bridge saddle slips, you’re hosed - there isn’t a simple fix - not only has your tuning slipped, but the action can drop to where the thing rattles on you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fourstr00
#34
Smooth_bass88 said:
proceed with caution though... seems like the prices in TB's classifieds have gotten to a point where you may as well just buy new.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, that's just about everywhere.

While I voiced an opinion about the Charvel before, if I'm not being nostalgic, I want to echo the voices who were so impressed with the Ibanez line.

Ibanez was my second-ever bass and wound up replacing my '72 P-Bass as my main performer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: CytoBass and Zooberwerx
#35
DumDrummer said:
I have a Player Series jazz and Mustang PJ. I've been shocked at how low the action is and how well they play-- so much nicer than my '00 MIM standard P-bass. I haven't messed with the electronics in either yet, and while I find the tone enjoyable, those unshielded sing coils pick up an awful lot of noise in my practice space, and that is the main gripe I have with them. Conversely, my SBMM 34HH and Sandberg Electra VS 4 are much quieter.

Appreciate the input! I have definitely kicked around the idea of trying split coil picks in the Jazz bass + some copper shielding.
Click to expand...
That's really all you need in those basses. The bodies, and necks are pretty nice. They save their money in the hardware and labor.

Bridge, tuners, pots, and pickups. She'll be rocking far above her class. For a total of 300 - 400.

I suggest fralin splits, if you do it. They are expensive, but they sound almost identical to single coils. Fralin single coils.

If you decide to keep it rocking with singles instead, I suggest Duncan Quarter Pounds for something balsy, Nordstrand J Blades for something different, and standard Fralins for the real deal JB.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DumDrummer and Growling Woods
#37
I got my Lakland Skyline 44-64 for under 1k, and I've gigged it more than any other bass I've owned. Might be hard finding a new Skyline at that price today, but used, definitely possible. I think Skylines are every bit as good or better than anything under 2k.
 
#38
Reedt2000 said:
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.
Click to expand...
Agreed - if I had to get my first bass with a budget of around 800-1000 I'd look at G&L tribute series or a used USA model.
Regards
Mark
 
  • Like
Reactions: Reedt2000

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back