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I need ideas for a new bass!

autodidact

autodidact

Mar 13, 2011
2,054
101
#1
I currently have 4 basses [Ibanez SR500, Ibanez BTB575FM, Jay Turser "Beatle bass", modded Squier P/J] and they're just taking up too much room. So I thought to myself..."Self, what if you could just have everything you want...in one bass." Problem is, I don't know even know where to start so Talkbass, this is why I come to you everyday! HELP ME BROTHERS [or the roughly 5 sisters]!

Useless answers:
"Go out and play them all"--I can't or I would.

"Look in the TB classifieds"-- Generally a good idea but I want to play something before I buy it.

"Look for a used __[random bass]___"--There's probably a 7% chance of me ever finding that random bass.


I'm listing what I'd like/dislike in a bass, if you have any ideas or suggestions let me know!

WARNING: I can't afford boutique/custom models, as much as I'd love one, are all out of the question because I'm already going to have to sell my basses AND save just to get a nice production model, thanks.

BUDGET: UNDER $1K PLEASE! If the right bass comes along and I can wait, I may save up a bit more.


Wants:
- Active/Passive switch would be wonderful but no needed if I can tame the Active controls
- 5 strings [I like EADGC]
- Preferably at least 3 band EQ [but if its got those pups that just sound good no matter what then I'm flexible.]
- Preferably 34"
- Hi-Mass bridges are nice, but again not required


Dislikes:
- J style pups [but that could change if it blows me away]
- EMG [depending on model, same rules apply as J pups]
- Pointy BC Rich-esque bodies and/or obnoxious Traben-esque bridges
- STINGRAYS [No offense to the owners, you do you. Unless the HH version can be mellowed out? That would be nice.]
- Back breakingly heavy basses [*cough* t-40s *cough*]


Overall I don't think the list is THAT picky, I just don't even know where to begin looking.

Thanks in advance for the help everyone, I'm open to pretty much anything that's close to my criteria. :help:
 
#8
ESP Ltd B 154dx meets all your desires other then active passive switch. Their 3band eq's are very good with nicely chosen center freqs. So that mids and treble are also useful knob unlike some active basses to me. I'm not reccomending the higher models because their body woods are heavier.
 
#9
Sorry guys I completely forgot to put a concrete number. I'd REALLY like to keep it under $1k, but if the right bass came along and I could suck it up I could save for longer.

Also forgot an important dislike: I don't like Stingrays, too much twang and its hard to mellow out IMO.
 
#11
Oops I did not notice that you already have two Ibanezes and don't like them. And you mentioned some other "modern" stuff you don't like. So go vintage style. Get a Fender. 5 string A Dlx P bass. You'll have to go used in That price range, but you'll find a great bass.
 
#12
socknroll1 said:
Oops I did not notice that you already have two Ibanezes and don't like them. And you mentioned some other "modern" stuff you don't like. So go vintage style. Get a Fender. 5 string A Dlx P bass. You'll have to go used in That price range, but you'll find a great bass.
Click to expand...

Its not that I don't like them, quite the opposite actually haha.

I like all my basses for their own purpose, I just have too many and I'm looking to get one bass that might be able to handle most if not all of what those 4 can do. They're definitely diverse so I know it's going to be a challege.

I'm looking at this Ibanez SR1200e online right now with the Nordy Big Singles and I'm GASing hard, but its a lot of money.
 
#15
If you wanted to do a BEADG 5-string, I would say to try out a Dingwall Combustion. It's a little out of your price range brand new, but if you keep your eyes peeled for a used one, you might be able to swing it.

While not (entirely) a 34" (34" G to 37" B), it sounds great, has a more traditional sound to most of their other models and has a clarity that can't be beat. The fanned frets are easier to get used to than they look. Oh wait, they have EMGs, but they are very well suited to the bass; they don't sound sterile and don't sound modern. And, they have a two band EQ. The first batch are only active as well but the newer ones have active/passive push-pull pot.

So, It's a great bass but actually misses a lot of your criteria!
- 34" scale length? No.
- EMGs? Yes.
- 3-band EQ? No.
- Within budget? Maybe.
- 5-string EDAGB? Possibly (with a new nut)?

However, it does excel in sound, playability and balance. And it just looks cool!
 
#17
autodidact said:
Its not that I don't like them, quite the opposite actually haha.

I like all my basses for their own purpose, I just have too many and I'm looking to get one bass that might be able to handle most if not all of what those 4 can do. They're definitely diverse so I know it's going to be a challege.

I'm looking at this Ibanez SR1200e online right now with the Nordy Big Singles and I'm GASing hard, but its a lot of money.
Click to expand...

If you like the Ibanez basses, then you should get an Ibanez that is nice and can do the most.

I have been wanting a new bass and although people said to get the MM HH or the $$, I still want the SR1200e.
 
#19
Smallmouth_Bass said:
If you wanted to do a BEADG 5-string, I would say to try out a Dingwall Combustion. It's a little out of your price range brand new, but if you keep your eyes peeled for a used one, you might be able to swing it.

While not (entirely) a 34" (34" G to 37" B), it sounds great, has a more traditional sound to most of their other models and has a clarity that can't be beat. The fanned frets are easier to get used to than they look. Oh wait, they have EMGs, but they are very well suited to the bass; they don't sound sterile and don't sound modern. And, they have a two band EQ. The first batch are only active as well but the newer ones have active/passive push-pull pot.

So, It's a great bass but actually misses a lot of your criteria!
- 34" scale length? No.
- EMGs? Yes.
- 3-band EQ? No.
- Within budget? Maybe.
- 5-string EDAGB? Possibly (with a new nut)?

However, it does excel in sound, playability and balance. And it just looks cool!
Click to expand...


I really do appreciate the help but... /facepalm
 

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