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I need ideas for a new bass!

Wouldn't I specifically need 5 string pups? Plus to put on a new neck, cut out the neck pocket to fit, and get a new bridge would it even be worth the money?

As long as 5-string's spacing isn't ridiculously wide, the pickups should be fine. For a new neck, you would have to cut it, but if you were patient enough, you could get all the parts (including the bass) for under 1000. Or you could just get a 5 string bridge and drill a 5th hole in the headstock for a fifth tuner, then get a thin nut that will fit on the neck's nut slot.
 
Big Als are great basses I'm not disputing that. But the chances of me running into one, used, 5 string and in my price range and pretty slim especially where I live. I'd love one. Trust me. Same with a Bongo

Arnt the Big Als like 1,200 new? So wouldnt they be roughly 900-1100 used? And Yeah finding it in a 5 string used would be pretty dang difficult. I mean hell ive only played one big al once at my local guitar center ^.^ I want o get one thats for sure. But yeah you cant go wrong with the DLX p basses though ;D If you want a full sound sample i can make you a quick video :)
 
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:

Mine
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Peavey cirrus neck through would fit the bill except for two things. No active/passive and 35" scale. Sound and play great though imo. Used under 1000 isn't unrealistic.

Also have you thought about getting a bass such as a a used lakland 55-01 and putting the preamp or pickups of your choice in? It may be 35" scale but throw in a nordstrand preamp in there and you'd have active/passive and 3 band no problem. You'd still be under 1k too.
 
Peavey cirrus neck through would fit the bill except for two things. No active/passive and 35" scale. Sound and play great though imo. Used under 1000 isn't unrealistic.

Also have you thought about getting a bass such as a a used lakland 55-01 and putting the preamp or pickups of your choice in? It may be 35" scale but throw in a nordstrand preamp in there and you'd have active/passive and 3 band no problem. You'd still be under 1k too.

I havent played a Peavey that I've liked soundwise yet besides a T-40, but I've not played a Cirrus. I imagine its worlds above the Grind 5s that Ive played haha.

I didnt even consider Lakland to be honest because of the price but they should be easier to find used than some others.


P.S.- If anyone knows some good bass shops in the Lancaster/Harrisburg/Philly, PA area to check some nice instruments out, feel free to chime in :ninja:
 
I really do suggest trying to find a carvin b40/50 around your area to play and see if you like it because they are truly amazing basses, I ordered mine without playing one just as a leap of faith from all the reviews and boy am I glad I did, carvin bass electronics are light years ahead of their guitars and they are spectacular to play. mine was $781 with all custom options including active/passive, swamp ash body, and birdseye maple headstock. a b50 would probably only be a little bit more
 
I really do suggest trying to find a carvin b40/50 around your area to play and see if you like it because they are truly amazing basses, I ordered mine without playing one just as a leap of faith from all the reviews and boy am I glad I did, carvin bass electronics are light years ahead of their guitars and they are spectacular to play. mine was $781 with all custom options including active/passive, swamp ash body, and birdseye maple headstock. a b50 would probably only be a little bit more

Just "built" mine on the site and without any fancy woods or anything it was still over a grand. I've only heard good things about Carvin tho. Do they do a P style pup? I've never seen one one personally.
 
I've done all the research for you and I have the answers you seek.

Take a look at my signature and you will find two choices that meet your needs. The G&L L-2500 and the Lakland 55-02. Both WONDERFUL basses.

If you don't want the 35" scale, the G&L is your bass. If you want the three band EQ, then the Lakland is your bass.

I will say that G&L and Lakland both have killer B strings (but you're looking to do do EADGC so that won't matter much), and both have active passive switches, but the G&L is truly amazing when played passive, the Lakland not so much. None of the EQ controls work on the Lakland when in passive mode, but the G&L is fully functional when in passive mode and sounds FREAKIN' FANTASTIC. I seldom ever turn on the pre-amp.

There is nothing out there that sounds like the mighty G&L MFD pickups. I bought my bass new and paid around $1300 for it. You can absolutely find used US G&L's for under $1000 or brand spankin' new G&L Tribute models (which are 95% as good as the US model and sound exactly the same) for around $800 (used around $500).

Lakies tend to be more pricey. I bought mine new for around $1400 and decided to buy new because even used ones were running up in the $1000 range.
 
chadhargis said:
I've done all the research for you and I have the answers you seek.

Take a look at my signature and you will find two choices that meet your needs. The G&L L-2500 and the Lakland 55-02. Both WONDERFUL basses.

If you don't want the 35" scale, the G&L is your bass. If you want the three band EQ, then the Lakland is your bass.

I will say that G&L and Lakland both have killer B strings (but you're looking to do do EADGC so that won't matter much), and both have active passive switches, but the G&L is truly amazing when played passive, the Lakland not so much. None of the EQ controls work on the Lakland when in passive mode, but the G&L is fully functional when in passive mode and sounds FREAKIN' FANTASTIC. I seldom ever turn on the pre-amp.

There is nothing out there that sounds like the mighty G&L MFD pickups. I bought my bass new and paid around $1300 for it. You can absolutely find used US G&L's for under $1000 or brand spankin' new G&L Tribute models (which are 95% as good as the US model and sound exactly the same) for around $800 (used around $500).

Lakies tend to be more pricey. I bought mine new for around $1400 and decided to buy new because even used ones were running up in the $1000 range.

I played a G&L Tribute L-2000 a while back and absolutely loved it. At my price point maybe a Tribute 2500 wouldn't be a bad option! Alot of others so far have said G&L too, maybe I'll look around for a used American for a little while but if Tributes match up to everything I've heard that might be the one.

Not to mention...blue burst is dead sexy.
 
I played a G&L Tribute L-2000 a while back and absolutely loved it. At my price point maybe a Tribute 2500 wouldn't be a bad option! Alot of others so far have said G&L too, maybe I'll look around for a used American for a little while but if Tributes match up to everything I've heard that might be the one.

Not to mention...blue burst is dead sexy.

I have an E-C strung L2500, made in the USA, with an EMG preamp and custom pickup switching for something different. It *might* even be for sale under your price point. PM me...

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