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My last bass

#42
Seconded for the custom Dingwall Super J5, find a dealer and they will probably have a pre-scheduled build slot that you can spec exactly as you want to skip the wait. Lightweight, great ergonomics due to the fanned frets, classic vibe and really versatile, not to mention some of the coolest finish options out there (in addition to the classic ones). Last instrument you will ever need.
 
#44
The tricky bits to me are "8lbs" and "mail order". If money isn't a big problem I'd get one built. Lull, Nash, Overwater and others will all do you a great job. Down side his how long will it take to build but you will get what you ask for(hopefully) making delivery a guaranteed joy. Good luck.
 
#47
#50
I bought my last bass 8 years ago, a Sadowsky. Never played a better bass but now I'm looking to replace it because the weight has become an issue.

I'm looking at Sandberg Superlights and German made Sadowsky MetroLines.
 
#52
ken ken said:
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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Te best bass I own, and may have ever played, is a Sandberg.
News - Sandberg Guitars

They have superlight models that come in around 6-6.5 lbs, and I have two of them. I hear that the regular, non superlight models are under 9 lbs anyway. They play like a dream. Only problem is, You might have to order one, and i think their backlog is 9+ months.

Good luck, keep us posted!
 
#53
ken ken said:
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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If I were looking for my last bass, I would commission a Skjold!
 
#54
Good luck!

I will throw in my 2 cents worth. It doesn’t seem you have a dream bass in mind so I would create a list of all the best aspects of things you’ve experienced in the basses you’ve owned and really work out what’s important to you. From there add experience - eg we know weight will be a consideration in the future, but also scale length, string spacing and nut width. Is there a likelihood of arthritis in the future? If so, is a shorter scale and narrower string spacing the go? Is it best to go an active/passive bass to give you more sound options, and sounds and therefore what sort of pickups do you want MM, J/MM, etc etc etc.

Then - is that bass available or do you need to get it custom built? So next question, who does that sort of work and has expertise in that scale, those pickups etc. Or actually will a Stimgray Special, Serek, Lakland etc etc fill the bill or can you get a special order through a builder with a custom shop.

There are so many (amazing) options that if it were me I’d be going through a process to ensure I don’t get sidetracked or miss some critical factor and not end up with exactly what I wanted.
 
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#55
Lots of great suggestions so far. A few somewhat obscure options mentioned. Since you posted about having a Jazz Bass in the past, you could follow Leo Fender's evolution to Music Man, or even where he ended his creative work. G&L L-2500 is considered the ultimate active 5-string to many.
 
#56
Gaolee said:
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.
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Another vote for Alembic. I had a 1998 Alembic Rogue 5 string and it sounded amazing. It was really too much for my short self (with average sized hands), so I traded it for a 1986 Alembic Persuader 4 string (plus I got $1500) and that now resides with my bass playing son in Idaho. They are amazing basses.... expensive, but worth it IMHO!
 
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#57
Everyone is going to just name off their favorite or dream bass, but here is some practical advice....

Think about the style and all of the features you want and make a list. Then think about what was most comfortable to you. This is especially true in regards to the neck. Define what size you want at the nut. This is a 5 string so I have no idea how anyone plays those uncomfortable necks. But you do. Define how thick or thin you want it at the back, the fretboard radius and so on. These are all major considerations. Think about what active pickups you like and whereabouts you want them between the bridge and neck. If this is your forever bass and price isn't a consideration or much of one, I would never leave to the people here, I would ascertain what I wanted most out of a bass.
 
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#58
An active 5 string under 9 lbs is a challenge; however, I might suggest a Lakland Skyline 55-02. Mine is a bit heavier, but it sounds great and has a nice neck.
And you are just a kid. I'm 79 and have been gigging since 1963. I haven't bought a bass in a couple of months.
 
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#59
Man, I strongly recommend playing several given the money you’re about to spend. I bought a mint Alembic that I thought was beautiful and it sounded great but the neck profile just wasn’t for me. If you at least have the neck shape, width, radius, etc in mind then that would probably help. Fender Custom Shop is my next stop. Good luck and happy hunting!
 
#60
alembicbones said:
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
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+1 on the Fodera. It can do a Jazz bass sound, and much more. You might have to hunt a little to find one 9 lbs or under, though.
 

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