Help me choose a new bass...

[ComeHomeShane]

OP here. Sorry about missing some key info. I’ve been mulling it over and have come to these conclusions.

1. I’d like a P/J.
2. I’d like a more Jazz width neck
3.I’d prefer a USA made instrument
4. I’d prefer passive
(not 100% set on 3/4 as it’s hard to find something to suit this setup).

my budget new is around the Fender USA Performer series (I’m in Aus).

Used is an option, but new is preferable.
Music style is basically everything apart from the heaviest of metal.

Anything passive from G&L is great. Most of them can be ordered with various neck profiles, if you order custom built. The standard models (fullerton deluxe) are cool too, but you don't have the options. My work horse jazz is a G&L JB.. love the neck. The LB100 you can have a jazz neck put on it, in fact I see them come through the classifieds all the time because people often put the J neck on the LB100. The SB2 is G&Ls p/j style bass, but with MFD pick ups. I think they're great, but they're rare. Occasionally they pop up on classifieds. If you're super nice, G&L MIGHT make a custom build SB2 if you sweet talk them into it. But it's not a bass they are currently producing in mass. The kiloton is nice too. I have a standard version and the paralelle/series/mfd switch sounds reminiscent of a P/J/Ray (of course it's not exactly like a true P, J, or Ray... but it leans in that direction enough to fake it at a gig). Used USA g&Ls have great value, that's what I recommend.

my two cents...
- Shane

 

[SteveC]

Get a P bass. Flats or rounds. I used to be anti-P but now that I have one I like, I think it’s a good one to have. It’s a counter to my active 5 strings.

 

[Morgan Colgrave]

OK - Update.
Just pulled the trigger on a bass!

ended up buying a mint 2011 Fender Tony Franklin Fretted in Golden Amber.
Has the P sound but also the J bridge for a bit more versatility!

 

[jd56hawk]

My main bass is a USA EBMM Sterling single bridge Humbucker model.

Looking to get another bass to give me an alternative sound for recording. Having a hard time choosing which one, (COVID) ruling out any hands on playing. Just wondering what others would grab as an alternative to the Music Man.

maybe a Fender P or a J?

Where do you live where you can't try out basses?
This has to be the third or fourth time I've heard someone say that.

Other than that, why not go G&L?

 

[Morgan Colgrave]

Where do you live where you can't try out basses?
This has to be the third or fourth time I've heard someone say that.

Other than that, why not go G&L?
View attachment 4044778

well for one I’m in Australia. I’m in a smaller regional city that has 1 music shop. It only stocks entry Basses etc.

Our state has been in strict COVID lockdown for months so travel has been prohibited.

So yeah that’s kind of why I can’t try Basses.

 

[jd56hawk]

well for one I’m in Australia. I’m in a smaller regional city that has 1 music shop. It only stocks entry Basses etc.

Our state has been in strict COVID lockdown for months so travel has been prohibited.

So yeah that’s kind of why I can’t try Basses.

Sorry to hear that.
Over here in the states, NJ, we were on lockdown for a few months...non-essential businesses...but the music stores did open again. One store, however, is only by appointment only, one person at a time has half an hour to try basses, amps, etc.
Looks like some form of lockdown is eminent again, maybe in another week or two.
I know what you mean by essential basses, of course, the Guitar Center closest to me is big...90 to 100 basses...but it's not like you're going to see Sire, Bacchus, and Dussenberg basses hanging on the wall.
Before this all began, I was trying out 50 to 60 basses a year, but now, I only make it to GC, Sam Ash and Russo Music once a month.
The funny thing is, I have 7 basses and bought all but 1 online.
If you have to buy online, though, all the more reason to go for G&L or something similar. Bit of a gamble buying without having the opportunity to play, so making a safe choice is a good bet.

 

[Morgan Colgrave]

Sorry to hear that.
Over here in the states, NJ, we were on lockdown for a few months...non-essential businesses...but the music stores did open again. One store, however, is only by appointment only, one person at a time has half an hour to try basses, amps, etc.
Looks like some form of lockdown is eminent again, maybe in another week or two.
I know what you mean by essential basses, of course, the Guitar Center closest to me is big...90 to 100 basses...but it's not like you're going to see Sire, Bacchus, and Dussenberg basses hanging on the wall.
Before this all began, I was trying out 50 to 60 basses a year, but now, I only make it to GC, Sam Ash and Russo Music once a month.
The funny thing is, I have 7 basses and bought all but 1 online.
If you have to buy online, though, all the more reason to go for G&L or something similar. Bit of a gamble buying without having the opportunity to play, so making a safe choice is a good bet.

Yep lockdown has been hard but has worked well here. With Under 100 active cases in our whole country right now. Still a long way before any sort of normality. Even pre all of this I've bought many instruments online. Not too worried about not trying out, this is why we have great forums like this!

 

[jd56hawk]

Yep lockdown has been hard but has worked well here. With Under 100 active cases in our whole country right now. Still a long way before any sort of normality. Even pre all of this I've bought many instruments online. Not too worried about not trying out, this is why we have great forums like this!

Exactly!
Would've never known about G&L and Bacchus if it weren't for Talkbass.

 

[Morgan Colgrave]

Here is the Tony Franklin I’ve bought. Not my pics. Hopefully it shows up before the end of the week!