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Looking for something a little unique.

M

MX5J6

Oct 31, 2012
181
0
#1
I am getting back into music recently and I have been looking to buy a new bass. However, I would like something a little more unique in terms of aesthetics. I have looked into some basses with nice looking shapes like Rick's and I have also looked into some more unusual ones like Violin basses and EUB's. I am having trouble finding something in a sensible price range but that looks good and can handle some heavier playing. I do a lot of Technical Death Metal, Prog Metal, etc.

This isn't really a "Which bass is best for metal" thread, it's a "Which bass has a nice, yet unique looking shape or design that is in a decent price range and of good quality" thread. Though that was too long of a title.

So what are some options for under $2000? Preferably $1000 and under, but if I have to or am willing to spend the extra on something that is really nice, I can do that too.

To tell you a little more about the looks I like, I LOVE the shape of Rickenbackers. they are very appealing, however they are also pretty pricey. I also am not sure I'd want to take a $2000 bass to practice with me. So I still want something I can afford to take out with me but not so expensive I won't want to touch it.

Violin Basses and EUB's attract me because of their look. Violin basses just have a very classic look that I find very interesting and like the Rick, appealing.

As for EUB's I am not 100% on this one as I don't know how hard it would be to transition from a standard bass to an Electric Upright. I do love some of the ones I have seen, but again, they can be expensive and I don't know how steep the learning curve would be.

So, suggestions?
 
#2
Yet I think that to play some intricate tech death/thrash parts
thru a bass like a Premium Ibanez Btb 1400 (5er or 6er) can be
worthwhile

I dig Nordstrand pickups, with three band equalizer, midscoop and on/off switch, and that trademark "Jazz on steroids" kinda sound, in this very case coupled by Btb's neckthru body contruction and darin' design, still at an affordable price

If you're more into 4ers, I'd tell ya Yamaha Trb1004j (I had one) with very good AlNiCo soapbars and proficient bolt on alder/maple construction, a bit less expensive except that active only electronics

Cheers,
Wallace
 
#7
For something aesthetically distinctive to play prog music, which requires to get through with clarity, I'd look for an instrument with a lot of himid/treble range, for example with a piezzo.

The Ibanez AFR (wood)/ EDA (luthite) comes to mind. Less than 1000 second hand only.
ibanez-eda900.jpg

CIMG9102.jpg


Much cheaper, a Cort Curbow could do the trick. Stick some EMG pickups in there and you're golden.
cort-curbow-6_2.jpg


Another great option, a Lightwave bass. They are thunderous and can easily get clanky if you want.
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Over your budget but the same with a Tune shape. It doesn't get more prog than this.
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#11
Well, I haven't yet decided but I think I am getting pretty close. I have narrowed my search down to a select few.

Lightwave Saber Hybrid
Musicvox Spaceranger
Cort T45/45

The only one I think I will have trouble with is the Cort, but there are a few places around here where there should be a dealer. So hopefully I can find someone so I can check one out.

If I could afford them though, The Rick 4003, Dingwall Afterburner and Lightwave Space Bass would probably be the top 3. However, I don't know that I will be able to or want to spend that kind of money right now.

If there arena nymore suggestions, feel free to make them. Right now trying to lower myself to the sub $1500 range. closer to around $1300-$1400 max. Like I said though, if I have to or want to go higher I can. Who doesn't love saving money though?
 
#13
If you like Violin Basses I assume you are not opposed to hollow/semi-hollow bodies. Since you are a fan of Ricks take a look at the Italia Rimini which is based on Rickenbacker's long discontinued and rare 4005:

italia_rimbass_tbs_timini_bass_tobacco_sunburst_medium.jpg
review_62_7.jpg
italia-rimini-4-string-electric-bass-guitar-white-pearloid.jpg

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#15
So I made myself a list of places within an hour of here or that has a nice online shop and I will be looking into the Italia, Minarik, Lightwave, Cort, Hofner, Musicvox, Dingwall and Rickenbackers. Making some calls and taking a trip out to see if I can find one of these things to put my hands on and really get a feel for what it is I am looking for exactly.

Anyone know of any good shops in Southern California, in the LA area or online that has a good selection of any of these? Somewhere reputable I may not have found yet, myself?
 
#19
That Vantage is actually really interesting. I have to look more into that. Also the Ovation you just showed me is really nice. I honestly like it a lot. There seems to be a few on ebay. Pretty good conditions and prices too. I will definitely have to take a closer look at the Ovation Magnum, thanks for all the great suggestions. So many choices, but I think i am beginning to narrow things down to a point where I can soon start eliminating the ones that I don't think will make the cut.
 
#20
Lemmy's signature Rickenbacker is all that is metal. Ormagöden be praised... Haha

Eh there are plenty of great options out there beyond the typical cookie cutter "metal" shaped bodies.

Personally I love the slab side look of an explorer or thunderbird bass that's been stripped and painted matte black with heavy active pickups.
 

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