Buying a new bass...Suggestions?

[EagleMoon]

Go to your local GC, and try them all out - see what you like. All you'll get here are everyones personal prefs ... like Ibanez SR series.

copy and paste?

 

[CamiloDíaz]

ever looked outside the common thinking? I mean, p bas and all is great, but consider some spector, maybe, some schecter, ltd... their great in ffeatures, versatile, not thaaat expensive... yes p basses are great, but a little bit overpriced: it's nothing more than maple, bolt on, you know...

 

[Svend-DK]

The greatest rock bass players off our time can't be wrong... Go p-bass!

If it's true rock n' roll you only need one pickup

 

[fivestringgecko]

+1 to going someplace and playing a bunch of basses to see what you like best.

That said, I'll echo BTBplayer, Ibanez is a great way to go. I recently picked up an SR535 and for the price, I'm really happy with it. The Bartolinis are warm with lots of oomph in the low end, good midrange and a high end that sparkles but isn't over powering. (I leave the EQ flat, too) I've never had any trouble cutting through the mix.

I've heard that the SR series is great for metal and there are a few 4-string SRs that are in the $550 - $600 range that even have different pickup configs to choose from. The SR530 is the 4-string version of the bass I just picked up.

If you're interested, I recorded this scratch track with the SR535:
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6773228

Granted, it's not metal and I played it fingerstyle, but at least it'll give you a general idea.

Good hunting!

5sg.

 

[CardinalFan984]

maybe try out some of the new Trabens

 

[Solarmist]

+1 to going someplace and playing a bunch of basses to see what you like best.

That said, I'll echo BTBplayer, Ibanez is a great way to go. I recently picked up an SR535 and for the price, I'm really happy with it. The Bartolinis are warm with lots of oomph in the low end, good midrange and a high end that sparkles but isn't over powering.

I played around with one of those for a few minutes the other day when I was at a local guitar store - it sure is a nice piece! I've considered the SR530 (in pearl white), but I'm not sure how much difference there is in sound vs my SR400QM. It's kinda hard to tell being I can't play it through my system to compare the two.

 

[fivestringgecko]

I've considered the SR530 (in pearl white), but I'm not sure how much difference there is in sound vs my SR400QM. It's kinda hard to tell being I can't play it through my system to compare the two.

I haven't done a direct A/B comparison of the two, but the two things that make the biggest difference between them are the basswood body and Ibanez pickups on the SR400QM vs. a mahogany body and Bartolini pickups on the SR530 (and SR535). Mahogany has a little warmer sound and Bartolinis seem a clearer, IMO.

I still have my 1998 SR400 (my first bass ) that has Ibanez P/J pickups. I definitely like the sound, but compared to my SR535 the sound of my SR400 seems a bit more scooped with less midrange. Maybe that's just be the influence of the P/J setup vs. soapbars though. Regardless, the Ibanez pickups still seem pretty decent.

It's all definitely a matter of personal taste, of course... which is why I'm a big proponent of "play them all and decide which one is best for you." I played an SR535 at Guitar Center, so the setup was kind of wonky and it had all sorts of grubby hand prints on it, but I still knew I had to have one. I ordered a new, non-floor model from Musician's Friend.

5sg.

 

[PSPookie]

G&L

You could get a used Tribute L2k and have some cash left over or you could probably find a used US SB-2 for that price. G&Ls don't get as much love as they deserve but you should definitley look into those two options.

 

[Jason Brown]

P

 

[Jade Stolar]

If you haven't bought a bass yet, maybe try an ESP. There is only one dealer in the Durham Region which is Meanax Music in Oshawa the other dealer I know of is in Toronto Steves Music. I have the B50 LTD model which is under $600 but there are other four string models. I'm currently learning to play Black Sabbath songs using this bass and it sounds really good playing metal IMO.

 

[geetarzan69]

I am actively searching for a Schecter Model T bass guitar! That'll be my new baby

 

[Baird6869]

A black one!

Seriously, a used MIA P is a good call.

 

[geetarzan69]

Yeah I will be ordering a black Model T bass, it will run me a pretty penny! It'll go great with my new bass rig.
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[Basso Gruvitas]

www.skjolddesign.com

 

[crispygoat]

If you did not purchase a bass already you should check the Fender 70s Jazz reissue at Long & McQuade. Really impressive and I believe it was going for $699.99

 

[Slackerprince]

Here are a couple examples of what you can get used if you look around, and are patient:

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A couple interesting basses there, and yes, several P-basses.
I used to be a "New Only" guy, but have recently been scoring some nice used basses for excellent prices on craigslist.
Try to resist the urge to pull the trigger until something unusual comes up.
A lot of people are selling right now due to hard times. Makes you feel a little bad, but hey, now's the time to score deals.
Good luck.

s.

 

[Slackerprince]

Don't know why that Ibanez came up so many times. Sorry.
Here is a MusicMan that looks interesting:

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S.