• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Inevitable 'what bass to buy?' thread

danlad

danlad

Jan 3, 2015
5
0
50
#1
Sorry to bring another one of these up. I have used the search functions, honest!

Anyway, the scenario is I've been asked to play bass in a couple of bands after some 25 years of guitar playing. My playing I always used to joke is like a bass player's and now my bluff is called.

I have a 30 odd year old Westone Concord II I picked up a few years ago for fun, originally left handed but converted to righty. Kind of looks like the reverse Jaguar pawnshop totally by coincidence. I worry about the reliability though - it has a unique (so far as I know) tone control using a double pot which I think i
works as a normal treble cut to halfway, hits a detente then it's a coil split blend past that. If those pots go, that's it though. No direct replacements are available.

The Westone is P/J pickups with a neck more Jazz than anything else.

So I'm looking for something to fill in, just in case, but with an eye to value.

I've played a few and came away with a short list of:
1. Ibanez ATK200
2. Squier CV 50s Precision
3. Squier VM or CV Jazz

I've never used an active bass and the chunky neck of the Ibanez was very different but nothing you can't adapt to. I don't like the idea of the battery dying when I least expect.

The CV 50s felt again chunky, probably the nicest of the three looks-wise but I worry the pickup might turn out to be too polite and not up for a rock three piece with a guitarist who loves his effects.

The Squier Jazzes felt not too far from the Westone neck-wise, which is either going to make it a seamless option or a lack of adventurousness on my part and I may as well not bother getting something so similar. I also worry that parts might need upgrading. Or rather too many parts will be available and I'll get sucked in and what was a bargain suddenly isn't (I'm a tinkerer).

Any helpful experiences you can chip in with?

Cheers!
 
#2
Welcome to TalkBass, dan!

I had a CV Jazz that was absolutely killer…so much so that it made me abandon the oft-used "…for the price I paid for it" suffix. Who knows? Maybe I just lucked out and got an exemplary one. It's worth pointing out that for the cost of a new CV Jazz, you can get a used Fender Standard Jazz from places like Craigslist or Guitar Center's used database. (an excellent resource, by the way)

But all this is just stabbing in the dark. If you tell us what kind of music and/or band-situation you're into, we may be able to make better suggestions.
 
#3
Welcome to the Dark Side! ;)

The Squier CV/VM Jazz is a good place to start, particularly as there are so many off the shelf parts you can upgrade or change. Aguilar 60's pickups, anyone?!

I'd also have a look at the Yamaha TRBX series. The 304/305 model is really affordable and sounds fantastic. Yes, it's an active instrument, but the preamp actually helps you "push" the sound out. Less effort on your part, anyway.
 
#5
Thanks for those suggestions.

I did try a few Yamahas but I didn't like them as much as I'd hoped as they were very well priced. Maybe I just like glossier finished necks more.

It is a straight 3 piece rock band really, though it'll take a few detours from that no doubt.

I've an old 100w PA valve head on loan to use if I fix it up if that changes matters. Do active basses push them too hard? Is it best to stay passive and the valves do their thing?
 
#7
2nd a VM Squier.

New for less than $300.

Used for under $200.

Can't go wrong.
image.jpg
 
#8
danlad said:
I've never used an active bass and the chunky neck of the Ibanez was very different but nothing you can't adapt to. I don't like the idea of the battery dying when I least expect.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure I've ever heard an Ibanez neck described as "chunky". That may be the case with the ATK series, but generally speaking, Ibanez necks tend to be thinner when compared to other basses, especially the SR series. String spacing on an Ibanez SR's also tends to be narrower, and some folks coming from the guitar side find that to be an easier adjustment.

If you like the sound of an active bass, don't be put off by the battery thing. It's really a non-issue. You learn two things when playing active: don't leave the bass plugged in for days at a time when not playing it; change the battery every six months or so. (I change mine with the Daylight Savings Time clock change.)

The Squiers are excellent value and playability as well, especially when properly set up. Can't go wrong there either.

Good luck.

-Alan
 
#9
IMO this is the best overall value you can find in a bass guitar at the moment. I bought aInvalid Link Removed earlier this year and I'm continually amazed by the overall quality and value. Batteries in active basses don't often die suddenly. There is usually a slow but noticeable drop in volume over time as the battery dies. The newer Duracell Quantum batteries come with a tester so you can always check how much juice you have left.
Invalid Link Removed
 
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
#12
Budget is up to around £300 tops.

I see the G&L JB Tribute could come under that too for a blem or demo model, though I haven't tried one.

So many decent quality options about. It's crazy.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back