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I am lost, basically....

T

tommytoughnuts

Jan 26, 2005
51
0
#1
Ok, so I'm in the market for a new electric bass. I'm 16 years old and I've been playing bass for a little over 7 years now. Heres the deal. I still have my beginner bass that I bought for 200 bucks new at the local music shop. I love the bass because it was my first, but in all reality, it sucks, and I think its time to upgrade.

Does any one have suggestions for a new bass? 4 string electric preferably in the $500-$1000 range? I've been looking at the Ibanez SR500 Soundgear and SRX700. Any other good ones that you guys know of? Any help is much a apreciated
Thanks!
-Tom
 
#2
I really liked the Ibanez SR505. I was recently in the same situation as you (I'm 16 as well).

lemme tell ya, the best 4 string bass I've ever played is the Ibanez EDB700. I would've gotten it if I wasn't looking for a 5 string. I ended up buying a 1500 dollar Carvin (3x what I was planning on spending on a bass). It rocks anything else I've played, but yeah, 1500 is alot, specially for peeps like us who can't legally get a job.
 
#4
Keep an eye on TB's For Sale Forum. I've seen a lot of great deals on 4 and 5 bangers in the $500 - 700 range: Fender, Carvin, Ibanez, you name it. You're going to get a better deal than you would at your local music store or E-bay. Be patient, the right deal will come along.

Riis
 
#7
Ya, Fenders suck. They're only the most popular bass in the world because they've got bassists under some magic spell.

But seriously, nothing in the world will serve you as well as a decent Fender. You can take a Fender anywhere on any gig with any kind of music. You can't say that about other types of basses.
 
#10
500-1000 gives you a ton of options. Ultimately, my philosophy is if it sounds good and it plays good, it is good. YOu got any music stores close with a decent inventory? Live within a couple hours of someplace that does?

Sound and feel are largely subjective (and sound is somewhat contingent on the style of music you are playing), so it is pretty hard to make a reccomendation. That said, I've played a fair number of basses in the range, and there are plenty of good ones to be had.

My biggest advice though, woud be to look for something used. For under a grand lately, used I have seen some great stuff:

Late model fender Jazz (I actually like these better than the new ones, tone wise). Around 750

Used musicman stingray (closer to 1000).

Used Alembic- this isn't typical, but my local guitar center had one tagged at 999. It was a little beat up, but sonded and played great.

Lakland skyline series. The 44-01 is still under 1000 bucks new, I think. Most of the others can be found used for under 1000.

Carvin- especially used. New they are 7-1200, but they depreciate pretty badly. I recently got an older fretless 6 for 400 bucks with a case.

Fender Marcus miller- Great funk or rock bass. 800ish.

Fender Geddy Lee- the one I played needed some love, but people seem to really dig these, and they are 800ish as well.

Yamaha BB series- kind of dowdy looking, but the BB414 is only 400 bucks and plays and sounds much nicer.

There is nothing wrong with Ibanez either, but I don't know those specific models.
 
#14
$500.00 to $1000.00 gives you a broad spectrum of choices. Ask yourself these questions,
1. Do I wan't active or passive?
2. Do I want to be bothered by changing batteries?
3. Do I want modern or a vintage tone?
If you want a modern tone go with a higher end Ibanez either in the SR or SRX series. If you want a vintage tone go with an American Fender{Passive}. If you want the best of both worlds the Marcus Miller Jazz is the way to go. It has active and passive modes and can make vintage and modern tones. I was at one time a diehard Fender fan but in recent years their quality has gone down and their prices went up. I guess Im an Ibanez man now beings I own two of them. An SR 400 with the P/J configuration and im awaiting an SRX 655. My other bass is a Peavey Millenium BXP 5 . { Very good bass for the money at $239.00} You might want to check out an upper end Peavey Cirrus they are very good as well. It all comes down to what you like though. Take your time and try before you buy. :bassist: :cool:
 
#17
Go to stores and play everything you can get your hands on. Everyone will tell you what their favorite bass is but only you can tell what your's is. Buying used is a much better deal but don't let that stop you from buying what you love. Happy hunting.
 
#18
IconBasser said:
ugh... I'f you like the sound of the SR's, you won't want a Fender.
Click to expand...

Not true, I own both, theres a time and place for everything.

However along the lines of fender, some gigs won't even higher you if you don't have a fender. One of my buddies was called to do a Recording session. He walked in with this beautiful custom Buckey Burl bass and the producer said he couldn't do the recording with that, so he was turned away...sad I know but people hear with their eyes

But get what ever bass feels the best for you!
 
#19
all I have to say is if you are 16 and have been playing 7 years, I think you are awesome. I would consider playing a P-bass, Jazz or Stingray. I'm not saying these are the end all basses but they will be a good point of reference for you. Good luck, have fun.
 
#20
I'd go with a jazz or something equally versital because you're young like me and if you're anything like me your taste in music changes almost daily. Might as well have something that can fit in anywhere. Just my 2 cents
 

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