Yet again, an instrument that would probably justify the asking price if it was in much better condition than it is.
I've recently looked at Kramers and they sold for under 800.
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Is this a value or not?
- Thread starter Zeepit
- Start date
I've recently looked at Kramers and they sold for under 800.
This quote is pretty much the bain of musicians existence, so true: "I liked the idea of it more than I actually liked it!"My recommendation for a first bass is simply that you go out and try anything and everything, and don't buy anything you can't try in person (including through an amp). I owned a T-40 for about a decade, and over time realized that I liked the idea of it more than I actually liked it. Some folks may get on perfectly with them though, including you, but you won't know until you try one. As others have said, I wouldn't necessarily recommend a vintage bass on your first go, but for under $1k there are plenty of solid choices to look for if you're deadset on one, like old Yamaha BB300s, other old Peavey models (Fury, Foundation, Patriot, etc), Ibanez (old SRs or TRs), but again, make sure you get out to local shops or hunt through your local classified ads (Craigslist, OfferUp, or whatever is local to you) and actually get your hands on these basses first. For punk music though, honestly, it's hard to do much better than a Fender or Squier P or J (see bands like The Clash, Rancid, Dead Kennedys, Mission of Burma, etc, etc), and you'll have less to worry about things being stolen or losing value when it comes to a Squier. Happy hunting
If you are sure you can tolerate the weight, I'd offer $750 for that T40, not a penny more.
Yes, as I have bene a 6 string player for over 30 years I know the aesthetic I'm looking for at all times, and thankfully this forum is a godsend of information. I have never received more generosity! It's tur then, bass players are the most generous of the musical food groups! LOL
Kind of.....I know aesthetically what I'm looking for but if it has all the downsides everyone has been listing then I will need to pivot. These aren't problem I am stuck with just things I am learning.
Peavy T-40 and Antigua (fender color). Two things I would have bet against becoming so popular, but here we are.
I’d pass on the T-40 and I’d also pass on the Kramer.
Also, punk band? Um, P bass. Just sayin.
I’d pass on the T-40 and I’d also pass on the Kramer.
those high flyers are cool basses. In case you didn’t know, it’s a short scale. That may or may not matter to you, but the other basses you were looking at are long scale. Eastwood makes a high flyer which you might want to check out. Cheaper than that vintage univox and brand new.
Also, punk band? Um, P bass. Just sayin.
If you’re determined to get something quirky and old and suitable for punk—which I totally get—this seems like a good option. Buying it from CME via reverb also seems like a safe bet, as they’ve likely addressed any major issues, and they would probably take care of you if anything did come up.
I have half an eye on this one myself
Eastwood has a fairly faithful version of this in production currently for a similar price if you wanted to get the quirky vintage vibe with a warranty.
Peavy T-40 and Antigua (fender color). Two things I would have bet against becoming so popular, but here we are.
I’d pass on the T-40 and I’d also pass on the Kramer.
those high flyers are cool basses. In case you didn’t know, it’s a short scale. That may or may not matter to you, but the other basses you were looking at are long scale. Eastwood makes a high flyer which you might want to check out. Cheaper than that vintage univox and brand new.
Also, punk band? Um, P bass. Just sayin.
D’oh! Beat me by seconds as I wordsmithed!If you’re determined to get something quirky and old and suitable for punk—which I totally get—this seems like a good option. Buying it from CME via reverb also seems like a safe bet, as they’ve likely addressed any major issues, and they would probably take care of you if anything did come up.
I have half an eye on this one myself
Eastwood has a fairly faithful version of this in production currently for a similar price if you wanted to get the quirky vintage vibe with a warranty.
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,589
- 18,607
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
I play a Mexico J Bass currently. It's fine, but it's a lender, and I'd like to stop borrowing.
I have two aluminum neck basses and a third in the making, and I would not recommend one as your first bass.
What about a Peavey G bass? It has a graphite neck (or graphite coated), it's light, comfortable and can get you the classic P bass sound. With some change from a grand, usually.
This one's mine (with a refinished body, unfortunately they don't come in this color)
you have good taste, @Zeepit . Yamaha bb800? I have the bb1200. Still brutal. Nothing wrong with vintage. I'd definitely look for "player" condition. A 1992 MIM precision is far more vintage than a 63 P was (and it was called "vintage") when I started playing in 86. That doesn't just mean I'm old, it's also true.
- Aug 21, 2003
- 11,589
- 18,607
- Disclosures
- A-Designs Mike Lull GK Tsunami Cables GHS Strings RMI Basswitch Nordstrand Pickups Darkglass
If that is working for you, then this tank will be no issue. Just note, they are heavy.
If you don't mind heavy basses, the T40 is a decent but not great instrument. If budget is important, go peruse all the pawn shops in your area and nearby areas. You might just find a gem.
I bought one of those for my son when he was in high school back in the mid-80's so he could play in the Jazz band. I bought it because it sounded good, it had a decent neck on it and the price was right. I asked him if he remembered that bass (he's turning 50 next month), and he said, "Dad, I remember that thing was a boat anchor. It was heavy as hell!" So it had a decent sound and fairly comfortable neck to play, but it weighs a ton. And when a 16-year old in high school only remembers how much it weighed, that's not a good thing. He got a job later that year and bought himself an Ibanez about 2-years later.
I bought two of them in the early 80's when they came out ($349.50, including the OG G+G case with the copper fur the early ones came with, before they went to the plastic case shown in this ad). A Grand for that one? Is that what admission runs for the More Money Than $ense Club these days?
For Me (and your results may vary):
Those things were BUILT. Big Ash body, the bridge must have weighed a pound by itself, the semi-open Grover keys, etc., QC was excellent on them, but both of mine (no wonder) were the big end of nine pounds each.
For me, the ingenious humbucker-to-single coil rollover as you went from 0 to 10 on the tone controls wasn't all that, I always played them wide open as single coils. Always Roto Swing Bass with a pick, it was pretty bright.
And somehow they felt strange in a way as you had that massive body wearing a slim, almost Jazz Bass like neck, as if it was out of proportion with the body.
I'd never want another one at any price, just not for me.
For Me (and your results may vary):
Those things were BUILT. Big Ash body, the bridge must have weighed a pound by itself, the semi-open Grover keys, etc., QC was excellent on them, but both of mine (no wonder) were the big end of nine pounds each.
For me, the ingenious humbucker-to-single coil rollover as you went from 0 to 10 on the tone controls wasn't all that, I always played them wide open as single coils. Always Roto Swing Bass with a pick, it was pretty bright.
And somehow they felt strange in a way as you had that massive body wearing a slim, almost Jazz Bass like neck, as if it was out of proportion with the body.
I'd never want another one at any price, just not for me.
