Help out a novice?

[Kristoff Von]

Hi, I'm new here, so be gentle with me.

I've been playing bass for a long time now but never really got into the tech side and never really explored basses that much. I played in a garage/post rock band and it was more about noise - plug and play - so I kinda bought a bass I liked the look of (Fender P51 reissue) and that was that.

But now I've joined a shoegazy cinematic band and really want to get into this side of it, get the right bass, effects, amp blah blah blah.

So I'm looking at Rics and Fender Jazz basses and wanted all your opinions - you's lot being the gurus.

I found a lovely vintage 1970s 4001 Ric with a Badass bridge, Bartolini neck pickup and Hi A bridge pickup. Everything else looks pretty ace and it's all been properly setup recently.

On the other hand I have the much cheaper Tokai Anniversary (rip off) version: Invalid Link Removed

Is the real deal worth a grand more? That is the question.

Also more affordable is the aerodyne Jazz bass which looks kinda hot:
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~name~Fender---Aerodyne-Jazz-Bass-(Without-Pickguard)~ID~4133.asp
or is it rubbish?!

 

[RickenBoogie]

A real Ric is always, (to me) worth the dough, but the one you're looking at has both pups replaced, as well as the bridge. For me, that's a deal-breaker, since, especially the pick-ups, are where alot of the Ric tone come from. Personally, I'd pass, but really, it's more about what makes YOU happy.

 

[Kristoff Von]

I also found a 2009 model Jetglo for £1300
Over here that's not a bad price I thinks....

 

[danomite64]

IIRC, the Hi A is a pickup that literally goes in the bridge, replacing the string mute. So, the Rick might still have the stock pickup in the old horseshoe spot.

 

[lposavad]

Here are my simple rules:
Buy used. Unless there are major damage or structural issues, a used instrument feels like new. Let someone else pay the depreciation.
Play the bass you're interested in - try not to buy sight unseen (online or mail order) unless you're really sure what you're getting. If the instrument feels good and gets the sound(s) you're looking for, then the name on the headstock doesn't matter (unless your gig pays you for a certain look).

 

[Kristoff Von]

Hey guys, thanks for the advice.
I get all excited when I'm trawling the net for basses but you're quite right, don't buy without playing!