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I need some bass buying advice

F

fucanay

Aug 4, 2007
54
1
#1
Hi everyone. I've been a lurker on and off for the last 5 years and now I need some advice.

I've been playing this bass since 1989. It's a late 60's/ early 70's Maya J Bass.

maya.jpg


The neck is no longer reasonably fixable. It has a twist in it that makes setting it up for good playing impossible. But this is and has always been my baby. I've tried American Standard Fenders and cheaper basses as well and they just don't measure up to me. I'm to used to this one.

So, to make a long story longer, I'm looking for something different. No Fender type basses. I've always been a fan of Gibson Rippers and Grabbers, but they seem a bit over priced on the market right now. I have an opportunity to get one of the 2009 Grabbers at a fair price, but I want to explore some other basses first. I like the look of the Schecter Ultra Bass and the Musicman Reflex (love this, a bit pricey and more features that I really need/want).

Here are the criteria I've set so far.

1. $1000 and below, used is fine.

2. Nothing crazy modern looking.

3. Passive pickups.

4. 4 Strings, not 5, 6, 7 or 8.

5. Aggressive tone.

I honestly haven't been in the market for a bass in my entire life. I got my first one when I was 13 and haven't ever been bass shopping since then. Does anyone have anything in mind that fit the bill pretty well?

Matt
 
#2
I would suggest that you check out Peavey basses from the earlier 90's. They won't be new but they are available, and are built well. I have a Foundation that I bought new in 1990 that has been my main bass and have played metal, punk and grunge in bands over the years and I haven't needed to replace or repair a single part other than some screws! It is finally in need of a refret and nut after 22 years... Look for the "super ferrite" pups which are passive but nice and aggressive. They are typically not fancy and the neck is quite skinny at the nut, mine measures 1.5". They are a Fender shape but are capable of a good range of tones IMO. Good luck looking, I am currently searching for a new bass that I like better to replace my old Peavey and then will keep it for a backup.
 
#7
@ Catanova I've been hearing more and more about older USA built Peavey basses. I honestly thought Peavey had always been second tier in quality, so I'm learning otherwise here lately. Thanks for the heads up.

@ willbassyeah / Yes, I am aware of that one and do have my eye on it. Looks like the first ones are shipping now and I'm curious about how the new pickups sound. The rest of it for sure fits the bill, although getting a HSC for it will be tough.

@ peledog That actually is kind of crazy modern looking to me. Very round, long. I know people have been playing that style for a long time, but it's not really my vibe. But many thanks, I'd never seen that and that's what I'm looking for, stuff that is good and I haven't seen.

@ Balog and Stumbo / Neck replacement is possible, but it's not something I'm willing to do. This bass is like a child to me, even with it's defects. So I want to just put it away in it's case and let it be what it is. Too much attachment to be taking it apart. I had a very good luthier look at it, he unstuck the truss rod which had been stuck before I got it, he dressed the frets, replaced the nut and bridge. It is better than it's been in years, but still not good enough to be a regular player anymore.
 
#8
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#11
I'd say if you like the sound of your present bass so much, just buy a replacement quality neck to your specs and pocket the change.
 

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