Help with new bass (unable to test many)

[Benj-jammin]

Welcome to TB, Charlie! Just wondering, is there ANYWAY you could take a day or two off to make a road trip to a music store? Sure would be nice if you could try some out in person, especially if you're going to spend that kind of money. You're obviously familiar with the Fenders, but some of the others will have different weights, neck radiuses, electronics, etc. Stating the obvious here. Of course, you may really be in the boonies, but just my .02 here.

 

[CaribooBass]

I know what it is like to live in a rural part of world with no music store closer than 2 hours away. You say the word Bass around here, it has scales and Finns.
My solution was go to the music store and try out all the basses I could. You played bass before so you know what you want in both feel and sound.
This eliminated any need for brand/model number information until I found the bass I wanted then looked it up. I ended up with basses that played the way I like and made the four hour drive and expense well worth it.

 

[coy garcia]

If you liked your fenders I would look for any bass you prefer that has a P and J style passive pickup.

 

[Razman]

Welcome to TB, Charlie! Just wondering, is there ANYWAY you could take a day or two off to make a road trip to a music store? Sure would be nice if you could try some out in person, especially if you're going to spend that kind of money. You're obviously familiar with the Fenders, but some of the others will have different weights, neck radiuses, electronics, etc. Stating the obvious here. Of course, you may really be in the boonies, but just my .02 here.

This - and here's another warm welcome to Talkbass from another member! Great first post btw!

Plan a vacation to Orlando. Visit Bass Central. Bring money (some of it for your wife to go off and do what she wants). Leave with a great bass. Another option is buy used (here or other online retailers) and sell if you really don't like it. You'll loose less that way (and sometimes profit a little) and be able to experience a variety.

Raz

 

[themickster]

Ibanez SR standard series are a lot cheaper than Fenders and lovely to play. If you can't find a tone you like on them, you're too fussy to live.

 

[Charlie8927]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Going in person would be great, but other than the small store I already went to with limited selection, the closest large store with good inventory is at least a few hours away and it'd be some time before I can make it down. My wife wants to start playing sooner than later (meaning I have to practice sooner than later!) so I'll go with a tried and true Fender American Standard. I liked the last one I had, and how it played, so I think it's a good place to start as I get back into playing. Guitar Center had a used one, same color as my old one! I'm one for nostalgia. Will go with a Rumble 200 amp.

Neither is the top-of-the-line, but I also know neither the bass or amp will limit me--unless I find I need a 5th string down the line, but then, I can always upgrade down the line if it comes to that. Until then, I need to just play and think less.

Thanks for all your help

 

[jd56hawk]

You're going to get quite a few rote responses, of course, and there's nothing wrong with Fender, G&L, Yamaha, Ibanez, etc, but I'm going to suggest something special.
I have three Jazz basses, including a Japanese Bacchus Woodline, but this is my favorite.
Italia Imola..what a surprise this one was!

When I saw this one on Reverb earlier today, I had to do everything in my power to keep from hitting the buy button.
Why go with the same old, same old?
Dare to be different!

As for mellow, GHS black tapewound strings might be right up your alley...smoother than flatwounds and the tone is pure heaven.
(By the way, are you talking about buying online?)

 

[Ihaveshingles]

You can still buy a beginner bass for 1500-2000 if you aren't careful!

my top 5 options would be :

1.- buy the bass that feels/plays the best out of everything that you can try locally, it doesn't matter if it's a Warwick.
2.- buy a squire vm or cv (don't let the squier badge confuse you - they are not beginner instruments , and you'd be saving money if you bought one)
3.- buy a used American fender (they're easy to come buy , and easy to sell in case you don't like it). Also, you already know you like them.
4.- buy a rickenbacker . Again , you can get a used one For less than 2k, and they are very easy to sell in case you don't like it. This one is only because I like rics.
5.- buy a squier Bronco. No , I'm not kidding. They're like 150 bucks, and extremely comfortable! The smaller body balances great, and if you don't like it , you still have 1850 bucks for another bass. I know I love mine. Maybe even more than my rickenbacker (just don't tell anyone I said that)

Buy the bass that is overpriced, archaic and has outdated hardware that makes no sense, it doesn't matter if it's a Rickenbacker

 

[GreyBeard]

If you are a Jazz Bass guy, the Player series is by far the best bang for your buck. fender jazz bass player | Sweetwater

 

[getBAK]

I'll confirm the Yamaha as being excellent. The BB series is 'more P-Bass than a P-Bass' You'll be shocked at just how good the 400-series is. If you have the means, most agree the "Pro" series (BBP) easily matches basses twice its $1600 street price

Let me throw another horse into the mix: The Cort GB74 Gig This may be the most versatile bass on earth.
Cort doesn't get a lot of credit these days, but they are the actual manufacturer for a lot of the other instrument companies out there (Ibanez and PRS to name a couple). You can get one of these for $700 new

 

[Ihaveshingles]

I'll confirm the Yamaha as being excellent. The BB series is 'more P-Bass than a P-Bass' You'll be shocked at just how good the 400-series is. If you have the means, most agree the "Pro" series (BBP) easily matches basses twice its $1600 street price

Let me throw another horse into the mix: The Cort GB74 Gig This may be the most versatile bass on earth.
Cort doesn't get a lot of credit these days, but they are the actual manufacturer for a lot of the other instrument companies out there (Ibanez and PRS to name a couple). You can get one of these for $700 new

Actually I think that Cort is getting more credit than ever, finally in the hands of great players like Nathan Navarro and basstheworld on YouTube, people can see first hand they sound pretty darned good...they never had that exposure pre-YouTube