Help me pick my present!

[pghjeeper]

Ok wife is getting me a new bass for Christmas and I went to a local gibson dealer and here are my choices:
1.) Epiphone Korina explorer bass brand new in natural or black with case for 375.00.....I know they are impractical but I always wanted an explorer as I'm a child of the 80's.
2.) 1987 Gibson IV bass in natural finish. I played it and while it isn't light by any means I love the ebony neck and the tbird growl of the pick-ups. It's in decent shape with a good bit of finish wear on the back, it's only clear coat. It comes with a nice original Gibson hardshell cash.
500.00
3.) Gibson EB-13 in natural finish with case for 750.00. I am blown away how light and powerful this bass is. It also has the thinest neck of the three and plays real nice.

 

[JACink]

If you like all 3, why not let your beloved decide and surprise you?

 

[pghjeeper]

If you like all 3, why not let your beloved decide and surprise you?

She would eliminate the IV because it's worn and get the epi because it's the cheapest and blingiest of the bunch

 

[Lee Moses]

She would eliminate the IV because it's worn and get the epi because it's the cheapest and blingiest of the bunch

So tell her you want one of the other two.

 

[russpurdy]

Only one of those I would personally be into is the explorer based on looks alone.

 

[GM60466]

Used P Bass here in the classified section

 

[Bass Fund]

I'd be skeptical of the EB with the thin neck, cause I've seen so many of them from the 70's that had huge necks that were bowed beyond most repair methods. You could find an American Standard Fender/used with $750, which could be an upgrade to your Classic Vibe.

 

[Fuzzbass]

1.) Epiphone Korina explorer bass brand new in natural or black with case for 375.00.....I know they are impractical but I always wanted an explorer as I'm a child of the 80's.

If you're confident that you can deal with the impracticality, then this one gets my vote. Way cool! I'm usually a "bassic black" guy but natural korina is cool too.

 

[smcd]

She would eliminate the IV because it's worn and get the epi because it's the cheapest and blingiest of the bunch

And as a result, would be making the right decision.


If you want an Explorer, get a nice model, not a cheap Epiphone. Gibson Explorers can be had used for well under $1grand. For slightly less than that, you can find a great Hamer Blitz. For a good deal less than that, you can have an Aria ZZB, which is far better than any new $300 Epiphone.

The Gibson IV is dated and ugly. A good example of a vintage bass that is not cool or desirable.

The EB-13 is the way to go.

 

[P. Aaron]

Used P Bass here in the classified section

Heh.

 

[PWRL]

EB-13 all the way.

 

[pghjeeper]

I'd be skeptical of the EB with the thin neck, cause I've seen so many of them from the 70's that had huge necks that were bowed beyond most repair methods. You could find an American Standard Fender/used with $750, which could be an upgrade to your Classic Vibe.

I have more than just a classic vibe brother this is just another bass in the stable. I own mostly all Fenders....I have a 2012 American P, American J, 1983 P, 1978 t40, and the classic vibe.....I just don't own any gibsons

 

[pghjeeper]

And as a result, would be making the right decision.


If you want an Explorer, get a nice model, not a cheap Epiphone. Gibson Explorers can be had used for well under $1grand. For slightly less than that, you can find a great Hamer Blitz. For a good deal less than that, you can have an Aria ZZB, which is far better than any new $300 Epiphone.

The Gibson IV is dated and ugly. A good example of a vintage bass that is not cool or desirable.

The EB-13 is the way to go.

Honestly the epi explorers are physically very nice. Love the brass nut on them just like the 80's explorers. Probably just the pups and electronics that are cheap.