New bass guitar?

[sumgruuvz]

could probably find a used spector ns-2a around the amount you want to spend. highly recommended!

 

[klejst]

Can't go wrong with a good ole' Fender P...of course that is me talking and my two cents on the situation

 

[boristhespider9]

Yes but would you know to be proud of an MIA instrument if you hadn't tried a MIM/MIJ equivalent? You would pull that MIA out the bag every day thinking, I paid a lot for this, I could have paid less and I wonder if the value for money would be different.

I'm not saying MIA isn't the best, (it is IMO), but you don't know it's the best until you've tried the others by comparison, he may as well have a MIM Jazz now and maybe buy an MIA instrument when he can afford it, and thus appreciate the difference more.

Also, in the UK, you can get a second hand Epi TB pro-IV and a MIM J for the same price as a second hand MIA P or J. It's a no-brainer to me, surely buy both, then trade them both in for an MIA P once you've had your fill with them.

Well, he already has a MIM bass. Look, you can call my original post pretentious, or whatever, but I disagree. I've learned the hard way in my life that when I compromise and don't get what I REALLY want, I end up being disappointed in the long run. So, what I do is wait and save and wait and save and then...with great satisfaction, purchase what I really wanted. And, what I tend to want is what is often considered the "best" or the gold standard. In the case of Fender basses, I believe those to be the American Standard P or Jazz after the upgrades done in 2008.

Sorry, no matter how many of you have "great-playing" MIM and MIJ Fenders (which I have owned), if someone who already has a MIM bass and a chunk of money asks me what the next Fender bass should be, I'm always going to advise to go for the American Standard even if it takes some waiting and saving. Does it make you a better player -- no -- that's up to you learning and practicing. But, there is a sense of satisfaction of not having compromised just because you wanted something "now." And, you simply can't be doubted on your choice either by your own conscious or by other goof musicians who are attentive to equipment and image. Purchase something you can be proud of for a lifetime and not another stepping-stone to what you really want.

Now, if his bass was stolen and was going on tour tomorrow and only had $X to spend, that's a different story....but that's not the case here.

 

[4StringsEnough]

Yamaha BB424. Way better than a Mexican Fender. Or Schecter Diamond P Custom. Again, much better than the Fender equivalent.

 

[boristhespider9]

I have to agree with the so-called "Dr. Phil."

He's not saying the bass will literally be inferior (or maybe he is, but it's beside the point). He's saying the bass will sound/be inferior in the mind of the owner. If OP wants an MIA but compromises on an MIM or MIJ, that compromise will always be in the back of his head... Every time he pulls out his half-way bass, he'll be bitterly reminded of how he compromised on what he really wanted...

Lord knows I've experienced it myself on more than just bass guitars. If there's something you really, truly want then nothing else can satisfy you until you get it.

Well said, and that's indeed what I was saying. Some people just don't want to admit it -- they think it's elitist, but it's not.

 

[boristhespider9]

Ok Dr Phil.

What a crock. What makes most basses sound inferior is the bassist and not where it was manufactured.

Soulman, there is no doubt that the bassist makes the bass sound good due to skill and practice. That was not the point of my post.

 

[gary ashall]

glad to see someone recommend the overwater tanglewood contemporary j 5. i got one last week in translucent blue/green..whatever type of light is shining on it lol. i am really really impressed with it for tone and playability, love the 19mm string spacing at bridge as have had problems when it comes to slapping on most 16.5 mm string spacing 5ers. everything so far is hunky dory UNTIL...i went and bought an armourdillo hardcase and the bass is about 2 centimeters too long.....it will fit if you crush the foam a wee bit but just a tip for any tanglewater contemporary j bass owners out there..measure the bass length wise prior to going for a case. every bass i have had over the last three years ( and there have been plenty ) has fitted o.k in the armourdillo abs bass case except this one but as i say it will fit with a bit of adjustment to the foam. anyway...I.M.O..great sound, great looks and really comfy to play so a keeper as my main 5er for now.