Buy now or wait?

[gabriel192]

I've been playing the bass for around 8 months now, but don't own a bass yet. I play moderately well. I have a rather big (for me) gig coming up, and I'd like to buy a bass for it (I currently play a crappy J-bass copy).

My top 3 choices currently are the G&L Tribute L-2500, Lakland Skyline 55-01, and the upcoming Sterling by Musicman Ray35.

First of all, is there another bass in the $800 range you'd consider? (I mostly play praise & worship and jazz)

And my question is, would you buy the bass now, or wait for the Ray35 to come out?

 

[smogg]

Hit the TB classifieds, you can score a lot of bass in the used market for $800.

 

[BadB]

Other. For praise and worship/jazz gigs, I'd pick up a used Jazz of some sort out of the classifieds.

 

[PSPookie]

Hit the TB classifieds, you can score a lot of bass in the used market for $800.

+1

If you do a bit of shopping, you can find a US L2500 for this price. Don't be afraid to buy used from someone with a good reputaion. There are lots of guys here on TB that will do you right. You'll also find that some of these 'used' instruments are in better shape than the 'new' basses you will find hanging on the wall at GC or Sam Ash. They typically have a better setup as well.

The Lakland is also a nice option (especially if you plan on modding it), but the electronics package in the G&L is far superior IMO. I have not been impressed with the Bart MK1 pups or pre whereas the G&L MFD pups are on my list of all-time favorites.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

The new Sterling series is due out this month. I would wait and check them out. What I see looks pretty good to me.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Check out this thread from the Ernie Ball forums. That Sterling SR5 looks sweet to my eyes!

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[ironrat]

buy an SX?

 

[savit260]

$800 will get you a lot of used bass.

I'll add to the chorus of check the TB classifieds.

 

[gabriel192]

Do you guys think buying used is safe? I'm avoiding that option because of that very reason. I'd rather buy new.

Also, I've decided to wait until the Sterling by [...] comes out and then decide amongst these three…other than this gig, I guess waiting won't hurt.

Thanks guys!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

If you know what you are looking for and know how to appraise gear, you should be safe.

 

[RobertPaulson]

Do you guys think buying used is safe? I'm avoiding that option because of that very reason. I'd rather buy new.

Also, I've decided to wait until the Sterling by [...] comes out and then decide amongst these three…other than this gig, I guess waiting won't hurt.

Thanks guys!

I buy 90% of my gear used. Just don't send money orders or anything, and make sure you buy from someone with a good reputation. If anything feels off, don't do it. I've never had an issue buying gear online.

 

[gabriel192]

Well, I'll look into used. That said, I think I'd still feel comfortable buying new. Plus, international shipping fees would run high, right?

I just found this bass on musiciansfriend: http://tr.im/hZqa
It's the Fender Jazz Bass 24 V 5-String Bass Guitar. For the price, I'm guessing it's MIM. Does anyone own this, or have played this? Would like to hear your opinion, please.

 

[PSPookie]

Do you guys think buying used is safe? I'm avoiding that option because of that very reason. I'd rather buy new.

I haven't purchased "new" gear in a few years but I have purchased several "new to me" pieces in that time.

Just use some common sense and you should be fine. I was hesitant to buy used gear at first but now I don't even consider buying new. Let someone else pay the depreciation

 

[BluesWalker]

Have you played any of these basses? If so, buy the one you like best. If not, try them out before thinking about this.

 

[BluesWalker]

I always buy used, and have never had a problem including purchases from e-bay. If I purchase from e-bay, I have already played that brand of bass somewhere else and ask the seller a lot of questions, etc.

 

[basspraiser]

either a Lakie 55-01; 55-02 or a DJ5 will do you nicely!

I play Praise and Worship and my 55-02 and DJ5 fit in real nice!!! I have only played a 55-01 a couple of times but it seems to be alot of bass for the money!

a 55-01 will cost you less than $800; the 55-02 and D5 more but (for me) they are worth the extra cash!

 

[tidnab]

for 800 take your pick... I've seen used J basses P basses MIA... HH stringray (4's) a ... marcus millers... really you can get a nice bass for 800... I'm pretty sure you can get a 2500 for less than your target price.... definitely check out the classifieds... I've gotten some great stuff from fellow tb'ers... and most of the guys have 'the right price' too

 

[gabriel192]

Aren't the 55-01's electronics inferior to the G&L Trib L2500?

 

[gabriel192]

bump

 

[Barkless Dog]

Most of my basses are used. It's hard to get burned from a reputable seller. Just check their feed back and see if you can return it if you are unhappy.