need bass buying advice

[bstringkyle]

Hi all

I am saving up for a new bass but I can't decide on what I want. I mostly play metal, classic rock, and funk. I have 2 modded Fender jazzes and a MM Sterling. I am looking for a trademark sound. My price range is 500 -1000 dollars. I was thinking about a p bass or a Warwick Corvette. I am open to any suggestions.

 

[the_ruckus]

I have been on quite a Warwick kick lately. Here's my .02. The standard passive run of warwick's aren't all that like the higher end models. I had a mid 90's streamer std (pre rockbass) and it just left a lot to be desired. I went and bought a USA Fender Jazz, swapped the pups, and that was the magic.

You should be able to find a nice used Warwick for under a grand. I shopped my Fortress for under $700. Lookout for a Wenge neck, brass nut, and the active MEC's (gold logo) and let your mids rip. That should yield that signature growl you desire.

 

[ysand]

Try a Spector Euro too. You can get a used one in that price range.
Warwick vette and and MTD Z are good choices too

 

[BioDriver]

FWIW, Warwick makes the best fretless basses from what I've played.

 

[Kwesi]

Try a Spector Euro too. You can get a used one in that price range.
Warwick vette and and MTD Z are good choices too

Agreed. Get a Spector Euro or ReBop. Warwicks sound great but the neck shape is uncomfortable and doesn't lend itself well to playing with any sort of speed until you've had some time with it. MTD Zs feel great and the necks are awesome but the sound is lackluster without some sort of modification. After which, you'd probably be better getting another bass entirely.

My only 2 basses are a Spector Euro 4LX and Euro 6LX and I used to own a Rebop so I may be a bit biased but I got to these after playing and owning a variety of basses. They can do probably any genre well. I play in a jazz group that does all kinds of music and the sound fits perfectly with a little EQ tweakage.

There's a black Spector Euro 4LX in the classifieds for a ridiculously low price that you may want to check out.

 

[BeDon Bron]

My vote is for a Line 6 Variax Bass. Plenty of different tones & basses to choose from, so you nail all those different style. I know some TB'er will say you can't play it live, maybe? Really, I don't know about that but I'd check one out at Guitar Center and see if you can work it out live.

http://line6.com/variaxbass/