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My last bass
- Thread starter ken ken
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- my last bass
If you like the Fender formula, look at a Sadowsky. Used Japanese Metro, or splurge and get an NYC custom to your dreams.
I am 62 and in the past 4 years I have gone thru (bought & sold) 6 basses looking for something I like. I did keep 2, about to sell one to buy another hope you have better luck than me!!
I agree with what some said, take a trip to a place that sells a nice variety of high end basses, and try them. It’s not just the sound. It’s how the neck feels. It’s how it balances and fits your body.
For a budget bass, or just another bass in the toolbox, you take what you get and get used to it. But for your rest-of-forever bass that you’re willing to spend big on, you owe it to yourself to get one that’s just right in all ways.
For a budget bass, or just another bass in the toolbox, you take what you get and get used to it. But for your rest-of-forever bass that you’re willing to spend big on, you owe it to yourself to get one that’s just right in all ways.
MTD has been a staple in the gospel, jazz and Latin arenas. There is no questioning the quality you get.
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
Alembic. It will be your last because you will be out of money after you buy it. That's all I know. I have never even seen an Alembic.
If I am to purchase a bass and money is not the most important consideration, I would look at something like an FBass. They are masterfully built and I have only heard good things said about them.
Check out a Muckelroy Bass. (Home - Muckelroy Basses) Brady is a monster player, very kind, and a helluva luthier. He will make exactly what you want in a bass, and most Mucks are light-weight.
drumvsbass
Commercial User
- Aug 20, 2011
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- I work for Long and McQuade Musical Instruments Canada in Sales.
I am known to be a Zon guy, but even I have to agree with this. Fodera's are perfection all around. I have only played a few, only spent real time with one, and it was nice enough for me to have even brought my Zon to the store for comparison. Didn't buy it, but a good friend did. I had just gotten my Zon fretless and just didn't have room for another monster in the stable.
You really can’t go wrong with a Sadowsky. I would look for a 90s Modern. It won’t surprise me if 80s & 90s Sadowskys are the New Pre-CBS basses in another 30 years…
I would also suggest Ken Smith 80s or 90s too but I think the weight will be an issue. 90s Foderas are nice too. The only reason I’ve bought new basses is because I wanted wood that wasn’t common in the 80s & 90s (Pale Moon Ebony). If you want something not too heavy, I would check out:
Tom Clement Instruments | Specializing in Hand-Crafted Lightweight Basses and Guitars
He makes amazing instruments for a very reasonable price! This is the one he made for me:
I know this bass doesn’t check your boxes but Tom can certainly build you something that will! Best of luck on your journey!
I would also suggest Ken Smith 80s or 90s too but I think the weight will be an issue. 90s Foderas are nice too. The only reason I’ve bought new basses is because I wanted wood that wasn’t common in the 80s & 90s (Pale Moon Ebony). If you want something not too heavy, I would check out:
Tom Clement Instruments | Specializing in Hand-Crafted Lightweight Basses and Guitars
He makes amazing instruments for a very reasonable price! This is the one he made for me:
I know this bass doesn’t check your boxes but Tom can certainly build you something that will! Best of luck on your journey!
It'd be hard to go wrong with a Mike Lull. I don't have one, but last year when I was passing through Bellevue, WA I stopped in the shop to play a few - wow! Very nice, playable instruments, impeccable workmanship, and a lot of options (yes, they have active 5-strings).
Mike, alas, is no longer with us, but my understanding is he was the sort of craftsman who was very generous with his knowledge, and they are still making basses the way he taught them.
Mike, alas, is no longer with us, but my understanding is he was the sort of craftsman who was very generous with his knowledge, and they are still making basses the way he taught them.
devnulljp
Supporting Member
Perhaps consider a custom made from a top luthier if budget is not an impediment.
I found myself in a similar place to you after playing bass for 60 years, some of it small time pro, some occasional and some just for my own enjoyment. I decided to treat myself to one last "dream" bass and commissioned a 5 string, active, semi-hollow fretless from Martin Keith. He's been sending me progress pix and estimates we're about 4-6 weeks from completion.
There are pros and cons to both custom made and high end production models. In the end I think it comes down to one's personality type. I love fine detail so working out all the specs for my bass with Martin was a very enjoyable process. Others might find that tedious.
I found myself in a similar place to you after playing bass for 60 years, some of it small time pro, some occasional and some just for my own enjoyment. I decided to treat myself to one last "dream" bass and commissioned a 5 string, active, semi-hollow fretless from Martin Keith. He's been sending me progress pix and estimates we're about 4-6 weeks from completion.
There are pros and cons to both custom made and high end production models. In the end I think it comes down to one's personality type. I love fine detail so working out all the specs for my bass with Martin was a very enjoyable process. Others might find that tedious.
If you like your Jazz bass and cost is not an issue, I would consider an LG5 from Alleva Coppolo. Familiarity, Superb feel and Tone that tamed any 5 string GAS left in my system. Enjoy the search, you are in an enviable position!
