I've got $600

[ffutterman]

Sub Ray 4 (Walnut...as though there's any other choice), couple hundred bucks of mods/improvements, and a good sandwich.

 

[El-Bob]

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/...-natural-ash-nordstrand-3-band-preamp-939474/

Yum.

 

[cbyrd2200]

That's got the edgy body shape, but the neck on any Warwick is SUPER thick.

I was just in the Warwick showroom in NYC a few days ago. Played a LOT of a Warwicks. 5 models come to mind that all had necks thinner than a standard jazz bass. Specifically the Jack Bruce models (Thumb and EB-3 look-alike), the 4 string Streamer stage I, the TM Stevens model and Streamer LX 5-string which felt like an Ibanez neck.

 

[blackbass54]

Chect out Schecter. They have many to choose from.

 

[DwaynieAD]

Dean has awesome shapes for 2-300 bucks giving you plenty of loot left over to do a pickup swap, get a good (not plastic) nut and probably a new bridge, you could still probably come out with money left over.

 

[tomydacat]

DIPINTO BELVEDERE DELUXE

 

[kjpollo]

In that price range, ESP/LTD for sure. Ibanez is good, and popular around here as well. I've owned both, and LTD is far better in that price range, in my experience. They're not popular around here, but give them a try anyway.

I made this exact comparison about 5 years ago and I bought the ESP/LTD. I had a slightly higher budget ($800) but I was considering the exact same 2 brands. I dont remember what the Ibanez model was but the LTD was the B404SM (Now the B414SM).

 

[El-Bob]

I made this exact comparison about 5 years ago and I bought the ESP/LTD. I had a slightly higher budget ($800) but I was considering the exact same 2 brands. I dont remember what the Ibanez model was but the LTD was the B404SM (Now the B414SM).

Yes, it is truly a shame that they do not get more recognition around here. Ibanez somehow managed to get a stranglehold on the sub $1000, and even sub $500 bang-for-the-buck, thin-necked bass market. Don't get me wrong either, Ibanez are excellent basses and are definitely a great value; they play and sound great. But, I am still convinced that LTD is putting out a better feeling, sounding, and overall quality product in the same price range without getting any recognition.

 

[musicianary]

I was just in the Warwick showroom in NYC a few days ago. Played a LOT of a Warwicks. 5 models come to mind that all had necks thinner than a standard jazz bass. Specifically the Jack Bruce models (Thumb and EB-3 look-alike), the 4 string Streamer stage I, the TM Stevens model and Streamer LX 5-string which felt like an Ibanez neck.

Those aren't in his price range, though. $600 won't get a Jack Bruce 'Wick!

 

[mas502arc]

Fodera

 

[mellowgerman]

BC Rich NJ mockingbird bass

 

[musicwolf]

Fodera

I love foderas but there way out of my price range

 

[musicianary]

Fodera

GTFO