Hi fellow bassist, I have been playing bass for over 45 years now. I have always purchased budget basses and have kept them. The most expensive an $800 American Jazz Bass. I am 60 years old and would like to buy what I consider my last bass and play it while enjoying it. I am looking for active 5 string not too heavy, less than 9 lbs. There are so many options out there both boutique and not boutique that’s a little overwhelming, furthermore I have little chances of trying them out before buying as they would have to be shipped since the top expensive brands are not locally available. I am open to any brand suited for gospel , jazz and Latin. Budget is Not an issue. Thanks for your suggestions and help in the quest for my last bass.
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My last bass
- Thread starter ken ken
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- my last bass
Fretted or fretless?
I’ll throw a few options to consider:
BassLab L-BOW-Bass 5st Fretless Bass Guitar with Gig Bag F/S | eBay
Strandberg Guitars Boden Bass Prog 5 - Brown | Reverb
I might add to this list, but others may have better suggestions.
I’ll throw a few options to consider:
BassLab L-BOW-Bass 5st Fretless Bass Guitar with Gig Bag F/S | eBay
Strandberg Guitars Boden Bass Prog 5 - Brown | Reverb
I might add to this list, but others may have better suggestions.
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I'm zero help with active 5 string basses, but I wish you the best! No budget forever bass. That's ten tons of badassery!
When I turned 65 I went on a bit of a buying spree.
You’ll find you probably need another after you buy that.
You’ll find you probably need another after you buy that.
100% agree! I've got no insight on active basses or 5-stringers but I envy your position, OP.
Can't wait to see the results. Whatever you end up with, enjoy it in good health!
Think about buying a Sandberg bass , they are GREAT basses .
We can't help you, suggest but, it's all opinion. Go to your favorite music store(s) and play ad many as you can. Most people will recommend what they own. It needs to be your decision by trial. Good luck.
If budget isn't an issue travel somewhere where you can try them out. No two basses are the same, nor bass players. Good luck.
EBMM Stingray 5 Special
-lightweight aluminum hardware
-lightweight ash body
-active electronics
it may be available for you to try at a local store. I absolutely love mine. The 3 band EQ is very usable.
-lightweight aluminum hardware
-lightweight ash body
-active electronics
it may be available for you to try at a local store. I absolutely love mine. The 3 band EQ is very usable.
If this is you last bass for now at least, I would make an adventure of it and travel to the stores that have basses you might be interested in.
Get on your Harley, the one with the side car and away you go.
Seriously! Go out and try them in the stores, it is worth every moment of the journey.
Also do not be surprised that the bass you think you will enjoy is not what you come home with.
Get on your Harley, the one with the side car and away you go.
Seriously! Go out and try them in the stores, it is worth every moment of the journey.
Also do not be surprised that the bass you think you will enjoy is not what you come home with.
Second vote for Roscoe. One of the best B strings in the business, super comfortable necks and Keith is a master with fancy wood tops and finishes. He’s also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Hop on over to the Roscoe thread and have a look. Build times vary, but seem to be hovering around a year right now and totally worth the wait. Roscoe ClubLooks like a Roscoe could be something to look into... Roscoe Guitars
^This^ pretty much. I just bought my LAST bass a few minutes ago. A left handed Guild Starfire I demo bass from Sweetwater. I could have bought a "new" one; matter of fact, I can afford to buy pretty much anything I want. But, since most of the 26 basses in my herd were bought used (very few new-in-the-box Rick 4001s or Kramer Lumies laying around), I figure a slightly scuffed demo bass will fit right in. This "short scale set neck" fills the last empty spot in my herd, so... I can finally quit searching for the things. And it only took me... gee; just about 30 years. Be grateful you ain't left handed...
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Shameless plug for my R-bass:
For Sale - Ray Rogers R-bass Singlecut Fiver
Either way, I’m with Cariboo, jump on the bike and go ride out to find one. Best wishes on your search wherever it may take you. Sub’d so I’ll get the “rest of the story” when you finally find it.
Eric
Edit: mine is just over 10 lbs.
For Sale - Ray Rogers R-bass Singlecut Fiver
Either way, I’m with Cariboo, jump on the bike and go ride out to find one. Best wishes on your search wherever it may take you. Sub’d so I’ll get the “rest of the story” when you finally find it.
Eric
Edit: mine is just over 10 lbs.
Have a look at the Kiesel JB5. Active and passive, ebony board.
Yeah, this right here. I did the same thing; bought a killer 5-string MTD as a 65th birthday present to myself. Told myself it was likely to be my last bass as well. I've bought more two basses since then. (Trolling the Classifieds lately, too.)
There may indeed be a "last bass", but for some of us, it will only be because we died before we had a chance to buy another one.
MTD 535-24. Take a look at Lobster's review. That thing sounds sooooo good.
Order a custom Dingwall Super J5 and don't look back.
Fender fanboy here also suggests EBMM basses. Just run that rack and see if any of them appeal.
Well built, luscious finishes, lotsa 5-string actives to choose from.
If budget is not an issue, the Fodera Emperor Standard 5 string is an amazing bass. Clocking in at around $6k, it's an investment. That said, every time I pick up mine, it's inspirational to play. The build quality is right up there with their custom basses and the electronics are top notch.
If that is too much, there are many basses in the $2k - $3k range. I tried a Sandberg this weekend at The Bass Shop this weekend that was pretty darn sweet.
Best of luck finding your forever bass. Be picky and choosy. Lots of great options out there. Definitely keep asking questions on this thread if you need to.
Bones
If that is too much, there are many basses in the $2k - $3k range. I tried a Sandberg this weekend at The Bass Shop this weekend that was pretty darn sweet.
Best of luck finding your forever bass. Be picky and choosy. Lots of great options out there. Definitely keep asking questions on this thread if you need to.
Bones
