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New Bass Advice

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by steve2, Sep 24, 2001.

  1. Sep 24, 2001 #1
    steve2

    steve2 Guest

    Sep 23, 2001
    Piney Flats, TN
    Hello Everyone

    This is my first post and I just joined the group a couple of days ago and there seems to be a lot of experince out there so hopefully I can get some good advice. I use to play a little a few years ago like 24 to be exact. I played in a high school band.

    About a year and a half ago I got back in it after about a 20 year layoff so I bought me a cheap used Yamaha RBX 260 but I did by me a decent amp a Laney RBW 100. I figured if I would stick with it I would by me a new Bass. Well for the last 8 months I play regularly at church in a band which we play all the music there. Just a little background we have a piano, drums, saax, flute and of course my bass. Even thogh I play decent I am not that familar with all the new equipment. But I would like to buy a new Bass and I would like to stay under $500. I was thinking of a mim Fendr P bass and upgrade the pick ups. I also have seen the Dean 4 Q, and the ESP 204, I seen a Tobias in that price range and also a Carvin B4 for $499 which is on the high side on what to spend. Most of these Basses I have only seen on the web. There is not a big selection were I live.

    Any suggestion on these basses or any other ones.

    Thanks
    Steve2
     
  2. Sep 24, 2001 #2
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    steve, welcome to Talkbass.[​IMG]

    My first recommendation would be an MTD Kingston. Second would be a MIM P bass or Jazz bass and replace the pickups.
     
  3. Sep 25, 2001 #3
    Usul

    Usul Guest

    Apr 16, 2000
    Valley Springs,CA (Sierra foothills)
    Welcome to Talkbass Steve!


    You will find tons of good advice and kewl people willing to help on this website.

    I picked up my used(near mint cond. `98)mia P bass for $500.00.Check out some of the online music sites,there are some really great deals/steals out there.


    Usul
     
  4. Sep 25, 2001 #4
    Gman

    Gman Guest

    Jan 4, 2000
    Indianapolis, IN
    The Korean made Spectors are in your price range. About $529.00, and a very nice bass. Just be sure to stay away from the Chinese built ones.

    Dave
     
  5. Sep 25, 2001 #5
    AllodoX

    AllodoX Guest

    Jun 6, 2001
    's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherla
    Go get yourself a Fender Jazzbass, they rock.. i recently traded an Ibanez EDC705 for a Jazzbass, and i love it...
     
  6. Sep 25, 2001 #6
    Turock

    Turock

    Apr 30, 2000
    Melnibone
    You can find a used MIA Fender for that price.
     
  7. Sep 25, 2001 #7
    Rockin John

    Rockin John

    Dec 20, 2000
    Leicestershire, UK.
    HELLO STEVE2 AND WELCOME TO TALK BASS

    Some of the higher end Yamahas are really nice: I like the RBX 760 for instance.

    I also like the look of the Deans although I've not actually seen one in the flesh, as it were.

    I use a Bass Collection SB310: 4 string, 24 fret, active. It took some time getting used to after the Squier P (which are also quite good for $$ IMHO) but really like it now. I paid £275 - would that be around US$350? - for it 2nd hand, and it was in absolutely mint condition: not a mark on it anywhere. Bass Colls seem to enjoy reasonable press.

    Having said 'active' I'd go back to passive again without any worries.

    Yes. Fender J's are great. MIMs fitted with a couple of really good pups (Barts, Seymore Dunc, etc) reckon to knock the socks of most basses. (Should have done that myself?:( )

    That's my couple of cents worth.....

    John
     
  8. Sep 25, 2001 #8
    whiteout

    whiteout Guest

    Sep 9, 2001
    fort lauderdale, florida
    I have a yamaha rbx760. It was my second bass, and I loved it. I recently got a fender jazz bass though, and Im in love. I never use the rbx760 anymore though. but I have lots of experience with that bass. Its really a great instrument for the money. very comfortable and easy to play. and it looks great in the translucent colors with matching headstock. anyone want to buy mine?!?! :)
     
  9. Sep 25, 2001 #9
    Robert B

    Robert B Somewhere under the rainbow Supporting Member

    Jan 21, 2000
    Rittman, OH, USA
    Welcome Steve2 -- You might consider a used G&L -- they offer very good value -- often at a very good price.
     
  10. Sep 25, 2001 #10
    rickbass

    rickbass Guest

    Nov 9, 2000
    The land of chicken fried funk
    Whatever you consider, take Robert's advice about used. If you stay in the new, under-$500, market, you're not looking at any basses you'll want around for long, IMO.

    If there are good pawn shops in your area, they can be a good source in this price range.
     
  11. Sep 25, 2001 #11
    Michael Jewels

    Michael Jewels

    Nov 29, 2000
    Queens, N.Y.(Near JFK Airport)
    Hey Steve2, welcome to Talkbass, and welcome back to playing. Good advice by all so far, the only thing I can add is: check out www.musiciansfriend.com Look around and see what catches your eye. I've bought a bass online, so I wouldn't worry if that's what might stop you.
    As for what I'd recommend: New: Made in Mexico Fenders, Jazz or P-Bass. Also any of the Yamahas; they're all underrated. Used: You can almost definitely get a higher quality bass for a lot less.
    One more thing, try not to rush. The more time you take to shop and ask questions (here) the more likely you'll end up with something you'll like.

    Good Luck,
    Mike J.
     
  12. Sep 25, 2001 #12
    Usul

    Usul Guest

    Apr 16, 2000
    Valley Springs,CA (Sierra foothills)
    Check out www.basspalace.com They have good prices and usually a great inventory of high quality/nm used basses! ;)
     
  13. Sep 25, 2001 #13
    steve2

    steve2 Guest

    Sep 23, 2001
    Piney Flats, TN
    Thanks everyone.

    I am going to wait a couple of months before I buy something. Right now I belive I am leaning toward the Kingston or an MIM Jazz or P bass and upgrading the pick ups. Or possibly a used MIA Fender. But I am always keeping an open mind everyones suggestions. THe MTD Kingston seem to have excellent reviews. There is a dealer I think about 100 miles away. Thanks again.

    Steve2
     
  14. Sep 25, 2001 #14
    cassanova

    cassanova

    Sep 4, 2000
    Florida
    Hi Steve, Welcome to the family!! :D

    The MTD Kingston is a great bass in that price range, I myself would go with a MIM Jazz dlx, (I prefer the tone a bit more) they run a little over $500 but imo are a much better investment than the mim standards. they have usa etronics and usa pickups. so more than likely you wouldnt have to swap them out. also after you swap of of the pup's on the standard p or j, youd be looking at the same price of the mim dlx.

    other options in that price rangeare:

    Spector NS-2000 series
    Ibanez
    Dean
    Esp
    Yamaha
    Conklin Groove Tools are also in that price range i think.
     
  15. Sep 26, 2001 #15
    Suburban

    Suburban

    Jan 15, 2001
    lower mid Sweden
    Welcome onboard, Steve (or is it aboard?:rolleyes: )
    Good.
    Use that time to try every piece of bass you can get your hands on!

    Because we can all suggest basses that don't fit you. Three words: ergonomics, sound, budget.
    First find which basses you can wear for hours (I know church gigs, can be long...) and that feels good.
    Then you find which among these that sound good.
    Then you see which you can afford.
    If there is no clear match to your budget, you start cutting your other demands, from your standpoint.

    In short: TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

    'nuff screamed :D Good Luck!
     
  16. Sep 26, 2001 #16
    Rockin John

    Rockin John

    Dec 20, 2000
    Leicestershire, UK.
    ;) Hi Suburban. How's things? Long time since we've had a chat on TB.

    John
     
  17. Sep 27, 2001 #17
    Suburban

    Suburban

    Jan 15, 2001
    lower mid Sweden
    Things are nice, John, xcept I don't get enough time for practise:(
    And you left the Sqier knighthood, I read....now what to chat about?:D
    -urban-

    Oops, this would have been better as a PM...will I be banned now:eek:
     
  18. Sep 28, 2001 #18
    jcranny

    jcranny Guest

    Jun 5, 2001
    Hi steve, try a couple of basses, im sure u can find what u need for round that price, and squires r usually good V.F.M so try a few of those.
    Good luck and happy huntin!
     
  19. Sep 28, 2001 #19
    steve2

    steve2 Guest

    Sep 23, 2001
    Piney Flats, TN
    I had to take a 1/2 days vacation to drive too 2 different towns. I only played 3 Basses. All Fenders
    A mim p bass which seemed pretty good then I saw a brown sunburst MIM Jazz. I belive it was love at first site. Played extremely well. I really thought that I would like the P-bass better but I didn't. The 3rd bass I found at a different place was a MIM Jazz Re-issue and it was also nice. Neither place seemed to know about the Kingston by MTD but they seemed intreseted when I told them about how every one liked them. The Mtd is still not out of the Picture. But since I have been playing 1978.(I quite playing for about 12 years). I always felt that I would like to be a Fender man. Also if I get the Jazz sunburst I will replace the pickguard with the tortise shell. And in the future I will replace the pickups but I will not be in any hurry. I know that some of you all will be thinking that I will have a large investment in a MIM Bass and I could buy a used MIA bass easily for what I will have in it and you are probably right.

    Thanks everyone for the advice. It will probably be late NOV before I purchase but at least my mine will rest a little easier.

    Steve