in need of some opinions please

[ralph029]

Hey folks! I'm new to TB and decided to pick up the bass a while back. I've been spending a lot of time here using the search feature (so much information to look through!). Figured I'd try to get smarter before I started asking dumb questions. (BTW... I've worked in the explosives field once in my life and yes there is such a thing as a dumb question!)
So here's what I need help with. I'm ready to move up to my first quality bass. Yep, my red SR190 is going to be retired. I've been looking around and doing research, been to a few shops and touched (can't really call what I do playing at this point, but I'm getting there). I've gotten some input from folks I know but would like to widen the "opinion pool". Tomorrow is the day I bring home a new baby (or at least order it). Here's what I've narrowed the field to:
1. Washburn Force 4
2. Washburn BB4
3. Yamaha TRB104
(This last one might not make sense)
4. Spector Legend series (unless I can find something used that's active)
I'm not in a band and probably won't be. I play for me and my own mental health. My musical tastes? Frank Zappa, Godflesh, Little Feat, Neurosis, (early) Helmet, Mastodon, Isis, Made out of Babies, Pink Floyd (pre-The Wall). I think this list gives you a good idea of how messed up my brain is already.
Yes, money is an issue too. I'm trying to keep the $$$ to the $400 - $600 range.
Again, I'm looking for opinions. Thank you in advance for everyone's help!

 

[René_Julien]

You can't go wrong with a Yamaha.

I love the TRB.
It's the most appealing to me on your short list.




Prepare for 43 suggestions for a precision bass.

 

[wildhorse]

Precission Bass then a Yamaha

 

[ralph029]

You can't go wrong with a Yamaha.

I had a working musician tell that same thing a number of years ago. He wasn't even talking about basses.

 

[wildhorse]

I had a working musician tell that same thing a number of years ago. He wasn't even talking about basses.

Good point. You can't really go wrong with anything that says Yamaha on it.

 

[René_Julien]

Good point. You can't really go wrong with anything that says Yamaha on it.

Except for the motorcycles.

disclaimer: I own a Honda motorcycle dealership.

 

[Jojabeau]

While we are talking $$ do you have an amp? You can get by with a headphone amp but they are around $50 which would go a long way towards a small practice amp. +1 on the Yamaha BTW.

 

[ralph029]

While we are talking $$ do you have an amp?

Yep, sure do. A Kustom KBA 30X. At the moment, it's perfect for what I'm doing (since I'm the only one listening to me butcher "music").

 

[flea claypool]

Except for the motorcycles.

disclaimer: I own a Honda motorcycle dealership.

old fella has a XT660x and shes a beast

personnal disclaimer i own a 05 cbr600rr and shes a bit beastier

 

[bassteban]

Except for the motorcycles.

disclaimer: I own a Honda motorcycle dealership.

*Note: No CAPS LOCK

My WR-250 says otherwise:

Bass-wise, I've had a few & loved nearly all- the exception was a TRB-5fl(fretless). JUNK preamp, but likely fixable w/a new one. I vote Yamaha(bass).

 

[flea claypool]

*Note: No CAPS LOCK

My WR-250 says otherwise:

Bass-wise, I've had a few & loved nearly all- the exception was a TRB-5fl(fretless). JUNK preamp, but likely fixable w/a new one. I vote Yamaha(bass).

used to have a yzf 250 cracker!!

this is my tack toy for as much as i use it

134bhp rwp

 

[bassteban]

Yeah, I totally plunk on it- I'm 45 and went 30 years w/o a dirt bike, so I'm careful, as well as really having no business doing anything totally stupid. I still get pretty ******** on my MTBs though.
Derail over.

 

[ZonGuy]

Yamaha's are a safe bet.

The Fender Jazz and the Fender Precision (and the Fender Stratocaster) are the work-horses of the music industry....but the quality of the wood has been hit or miss for decades, esp at the low range.

 

[René_Julien]

old fella has a XT660x and shes a beast

personnal disclaimer i own a 05 cbr600rr and shes a bit beastier

Both nice bikes.

*Note: No CAPS LOCK

My WR-250 says otherwise:

Bass-wise, I've had a few & loved nearly all- the exception was a TRB-5fl(fretless). JUNK preamp, but likely fixable w/a new one. I vote Yamaha(bass).

That's also something fun. I used to have a Yamaha TT250 trailbike. Indestructible.



Well, here are my bikes:
My personal bike is the red & white CB1300

And off course here are my Yamahas.

Honda makes great motorcycles... and Yamaha makes great instruments.

 

[Nobody]

Thinking outside the box a bit might I suggest a Fender Bdec. Amps aren't as fun to buy but this one really is fun and you can get a lot of different sounds out of it no matter what bass you have.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...-Bass-Digital-Entertainment-Center?sku=483713

 

[ralph029]

Thinking outside the box a bit might I suggest a Fender Bdec. Amps aren't as fun to buy but this one really is fun and you can get a lot of different sounds out of it no matter what bass you have.

I think that's a decision left for another day. More research, more traveling, more gas! I can't wait! SOOOOOO much information!

 

[ralph029]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who chimed in. I bought a TRB1004 at a local shop and got a screaming deal on it and a case. I plugged her in, hit the E string, and fell in love! The big difference I see so far is it's all about feel. Gentle touching rather than having to jam my fingers on the fret board. Almost like coaxing the notes out rather than stabbing at them. Thanks again for everyone's help. BTW... I was almost coxed away by a Fender Power Jazz.

 

[René_Julien]

Hey, congratulations.


That's a very beautiful bass.

And very awesome in everyway.
(Well, I pesonally don't favor active electronics.)




Welcome to the low end.

Enjoy it.

 

[wildhorse]

Except for the motorcycles.

disclaimer: I own a Honda motorcycle dealership.

A little biased there are ya? Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha are all great motorcycles. I've owned and ridden a lot them.... Never understood all the hoopla about a Harley until I bought my Sportster. 10 years old and running strong.

 

[wildhorse]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who chimed in. I bought a TRB1004 at a local shop and got a screaming deal on it and a case. I plugged her in, hit the E string, and fell in love! The big difference I see so far is it's all about feel. Gentle touching rather than having to jam my fingers on the fret board. Almost like coaxing the notes out rather than stabbing at them. Thanks again for everyone's help. BTW... I was almost coxed away by a Fender Power Jazz.

Saaaweeet!
Congrats.