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Not knowing your preferences, it’s hard to say…these basses are quite different.
I’ll start with the SUB, bc I had one. Looked exactly like the one u posted. Good stingray sound, if you’re into that. But I could not get it to sound right for me. I need a neck pickup, or it might work to solo the neck coil. Also, back of neck is painted and felt sticky. Could be dealt with perhaps. And, no forearm contour…
never had the Thumb, but from what I hear the sound is more niche, and ergonomics aren’t for everyone. Including body shape, upper horn (or lack of it), neck shape, and the curved back does not work for all. They do nothing for me (based on trying other Warwicks, Spectors). But others love them.
streamer is a fiver. If I was in the fiver market, I might look at it. That pickup config might work well on a fiver. Some of the same worries might apply as for the Thumb, plus perhaps tight string spacing. I believe Warwick 5s are more on the tight end. Some love it, but some of us don’t…
Mayones is interesting. Don’t know much about them, but looks fun. Two things might give me pause: one, the neck J seems positioned more to the bridge, which might not work as well for me (or it could be great). And two, is there a good market for these, where you could easily sell it if it didn’t work out?
which brings me to the Cort. I’ll just say that this is the one I’m most drawn to. Looks fairly ergonomic etc, and has two Bart soapbars in quite classic positions. I have no idea about those electronics, but there are many replacement options in that shape. From what I hear and some limited experience, Corts are build well. Being the cheapest of your options and given other factors stated, I’d probably pick that one.
I'm keeping my eye on StreamerI have 2 LX5s, passive and active, the necks are great for me. Between Ibanez and Fender.
I was going to suggest the Yamaha BB series, but you said you didn't want Fender style basses.
I had planned to go to Thomann, myself, from Portugal, but the pandemic started.
I really think it's a good idea. It's the biggest store in Europe, probably in the world.
If you really get into playing, you will eventually want Musicman Stingray tone. Just get it first & get that out of the way.
If you listen to some music and think you don’t like the MM stingray tone, get the Warwick. You can buy a second bass later, which will probably be something that can create MM Stingray tone…
No better opinion than your own hands.
As long as you’re not in a hurry, part of the fun is trying new stuff. If you can get to a music store, that’s the best way to start your quest. Even if you don’t find what you like, you’ll probably be able to get a feel for what you’re looking for, or be able to rule some out, either of which can help to narrow your search going forward.
Also, if you can’t try basses out before buying, getting something off the used market will usually allow you to sell it without much loss in case you have to try again.
Either way, no matter what a bass looks like on line, you can’t be sure if it’s going to be a keeper until you can play it.
Good luck with your search!
X out the sub. Just cause they made it 30 miles from my house, doesn't mean squat. My guitarist has one, it's not a great bass.
The Warwicks will play exceptionally.
The Cort will sound great, and play great.
The Mayones is probably the best bet for all of the above. Except that it looks fairly bland.
Those are all good choices. None of them will back you into a corner artistically, but for what I know, I’d opt for the MM Sub.
ahaha=) thumb in that case) but I'll regret))))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.
ahah, you have the full-house=)@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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Keep us posted....