I did a search and didn't find what I was looking for. Please feel free to direct me to any threads (recent, as things do change) that have covered this already.
Through a series of robberies over the years I have found myself losing a Ken Smith, a 1980 mahogany/ebony G&L L1000 (I cried for months), and a modified USA Jazz. Now I am currently without anything "pro" level (I gig for a sizable chunk of my income) and it's driving me insane.
I picked up a Fender Vintage Modified Jazz (the humbucker model) and I added an 18v preamp to tie me over until I figure out my next move. But it's time to move on (I keep an ultra-low action and it only makes me aware of how "rubbery" the neck on this thing is).
I am looking for a bass with a bit of a "boutique" look that can be had for under $1500. Oddly enough, I don't have real strong feelings concerning bolt-on vs neck-thru. I really prefer flatter FBs with larger radiuses. J-style spacing is a must. I think I'm ready to go back to a five (oh, how the pendulum swings. Farewell, alt country/garage rock era).
As far as style goes, I confess I'm a little tired of Fender-Style basses and would like to go with something less traditional. I like woods more than paint, and am not a big fan of pickguards. I like little horns and symmetry in my double cuts--more so than the "pointy" horns I associate with the 80's and 90's*. My first bass as a teen was a Kramer 450B in natural (think SD Curlee) with a definite "Alembic" vibe--and I think it may have colored my tastes for life.
I am familiar with Warwick and Carvin at that price point, but I feel as if I'm missing something, perhaps from smaller builders. Unless I miss my mark, my beloved Alembics and Foderas are right out. Any help? Thanks so much!
*bonus points: I'm a sucker for single-cut bodies.
Through a series of robberies over the years I have found myself losing a Ken Smith, a 1980 mahogany/ebony G&L L1000 (I cried for months), and a modified USA Jazz. Now I am currently without anything "pro" level (I gig for a sizable chunk of my income) and it's driving me insane.
I picked up a Fender Vintage Modified Jazz (the humbucker model) and I added an 18v preamp to tie me over until I figure out my next move. But it's time to move on (I keep an ultra-low action and it only makes me aware of how "rubbery" the neck on this thing is).
I am looking for a bass with a bit of a "boutique" look that can be had for under $1500. Oddly enough, I don't have real strong feelings concerning bolt-on vs neck-thru. I really prefer flatter FBs with larger radiuses. J-style spacing is a must. I think I'm ready to go back to a five (oh, how the pendulum swings. Farewell, alt country/garage rock era).
As far as style goes, I confess I'm a little tired of Fender-Style basses and would like to go with something less traditional. I like woods more than paint, and am not a big fan of pickguards. I like little horns and symmetry in my double cuts--more so than the "pointy" horns I associate with the 80's and 90's*. My first bass as a teen was a Kramer 450B in natural (think SD Curlee) with a definite "Alembic" vibe--and I think it may have colored my tastes for life.
I am familiar with Warwick and Carvin at that price point, but I feel as if I'm missing something, perhaps from smaller builders. Unless I miss my mark, my beloved Alembics and Foderas are right out. Any help? Thanks so much!
*bonus points: I'm a sucker for single-cut bodies.
) Then I would <snerk!> have something I could truly call "MINE", top to bottom. Instead, I have to build mine from pre-made parts, which is still as rewarding as it is fun.
