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Choosing a bass.. need an advice.
- Thread starter koshey
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- choice germany noob questions
First - great name.
Second - All of those basses are good; I'd suggest a trip to Thomann before you buy though - try to narrow down your preferences: what string spacing works best, how heavy is too heavy, what kind of tone do you prefer, etc? If you catch the bug (similar to COVID, but messes up your finances rather than your lungs), you'll want to find yourself in the position of having a bass that compliments the musical direction you want to take.
When I started, I went in with no expectation, tried a bunch of stuff, found that a Rickenbacker was the best choice for me, and now play everything from jazz to pop to progressive death metal on it.
Second - All of those basses are good; I'd suggest a trip to Thomann before you buy though - try to narrow down your preferences: what string spacing works best, how heavy is too heavy, what kind of tone do you prefer, etc? If you catch the bug (similar to COVID, but messes up your finances rather than your lungs), you'll want to find yourself in the position of having a bass that compliments the musical direction you want to take.
When I started, I went in with no expectation, tried a bunch of stuff, found that a Rickenbacker was the best choice for me, and now play everything from jazz to pop to progressive death metal on it.
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I've been playing for over 30 years and while I'm not a gear snob I do have my preference. For the sake of helping I would always suggest Yamaha and Ibanez for bang for your buck. That being said from your choices I would say they are all pretty solid with good reputation, yes even the Cort now a days. If it were me I would buy the newest bass that felt good in my hands. If I can't get hands on I go for best resale value. Hope that helps.
I do not know a lot about Indonesian Cort instruments but the South Korean versions were very well made.
You don't mind a little bit of a worn instrument and if you have access to online or other sources of used Cort instruments a South Korean pbass is about as bulletproof as you're going to get. And if you're not happy with the electrics put in EMG passives. You can probably get by with one of those for $250 maybe $275.
You don't mind a little bit of a worn instrument and if you have access to online or other sources of used Cort instruments a South Korean pbass is about as bulletproof as you're going to get. And if you're not happy with the electrics put in EMG passives. You can probably get by with one of those for $250 maybe $275.
@koshey You have selected some excellent options!! For a variety of quality tone I’d lean towards the Mayones (maybe not the one in the link) then Streamer and then the Thumb. The Thumb has its place for tone but you’ll find the others to be a bit more versatile. These 3 ALL also have a curved back body which makes them extremely comfortable to play. The Mayones has a thinner neck then the Thumb and the Streamer is a bit chunkier.
I am a bit biased as I own 3 on you’re selections.
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@koshey You have selected some excellent options!!
…and since you’re in Germany these should be easily obtainable. For a variety of quality tone I’d lean towards the Mayones, then Streamer and then the Thumb. The Thumb has its place for tone but you’ll find the others to be a bit more versatile. These 3 ALL also have a curved back body which makes them extremely comfortable to play. The Mayones has a thinner neck then the Thumb and the Streamer is a bit chunkier.
I am a bit biased as I own 3 off you’re selections.
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I think the Mayones would be my pick. It’s a lot of bass for 800€!
public-peace.de has some cool looking non fender options. And they're in the EU, so you should be able to get one cheaper than me...
Also, take a trip to a store that has variety. And try different basses - even ones you dont like. Try one for a specific feature to see how it feels. Like grab a fender P, then a J, then an Ibanez SR just to feel the necks. You dont even have to plug it in for that comparison. Then check different ones with different string spacing and see what feels better. Work your way through the specs you would expect on a bass. Knowing your preferences will go a long way to figuring out what to buy online. Though that's not absolute. I dont like wide necks, but I did like the EHB1005 which does have a wider neck for the 5 string. But it will help to know (it might not be width that bothers me, but perhaps depth from fret-board to thumb....)
I tried an Ibanez AFR just to see what the hype was about when I was doing what I described above. That weird bass is awesome. Good thing I didn't have money at the time. I would have spent it. AFR is consistently in my GAS list, but I dont play enough to buy something so nice....
Also, take a trip to a store that has variety. And try different basses - even ones you dont like. Try one for a specific feature to see how it feels. Like grab a fender P, then a J, then an Ibanez SR just to feel the necks. You dont even have to plug it in for that comparison. Then check different ones with different string spacing and see what feels better. Work your way through the specs you would expect on a bass. Knowing your preferences will go a long way to figuring out what to buy online. Though that's not absolute. I dont like wide necks, but I did like the EHB1005 which does have a wider neck for the 5 string. But it will help to know (it might not be width that bothers me, but perhaps depth from fret-board to thumb....)
I tried an Ibanez AFR just to see what the hype was about when I was doing what I described above. That weird bass is awesome. Good thing I didn't have money at the time. I would have spent it. AFR is consistently in my GAS list, but I dont play enough to buy something so nice....
From your list, I would choose either the Mayonnes or Warwick Streamer. Probably the Streamer, just because it is the only 5-string on the list.
I have never tried one, but I really like the look and sound clips I have heard of Sandberg basses, although most of their models are Fender like.
I have never tried one, but I really like the look and sound clips I have heard of Sandberg basses, although most of their models are Fender like.
I'd go for the Mayones or the Warwick Streamer. Warwicks are great instruments, and the Streamer is typically much better balanced than the Thumb.
I vote Warwick but I am biased. Buy the best streamer or thumb you can afford. The streamer will be more versatile.. But if the thumb tine is ur thing (and it's amazing) then don't hesitate to get one. Only issue some complain about is neck dive from the shallow horn.
A used streamer stage 1 or 2 is a lot of bass, but they aren't cheap.
A used streamer stage 1 or 2 is a lot of bass, but they aren't cheap.
I had a Warwick Streamer for a couple of years and loved it! It has a nice warm tone and you can make it work for any type of music. You may have to play it a bit to get used the neck carve, but once you get used to it, it’s fantastic. The Warwick Thumb is a fantastic bass and it has a very unique sound but you’ll probably like it too. Good luck!
Not because it's in my profile picture, but I own a Warwick Thumb BO, the German engineering really isn't a myth, it feels like a neck through, that would be my first pick. To give some perspective, I also have a Gibson LPB-2 and ESP Vintage 4 among others. The build quality of the Warwick is beyond the other 2 and I paid $800 for it a few years back, it was the Guitar Center anniversary release they did in 2001. On the other side of the coin, the ESP Vintage 4 is my favorite, due to the ergonomics and the PJ config. I play at home mostly sitting down though with the Warwick and ESP Vintage 4, I don't use them it in the band, but I bet it's fine standing up.
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