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Nice four-stringer for 2K or less?

Flatwound

Flatwound

Supporting Member
Sep 9, 2000
2,919
1,932
San Diego
#1
Just wanted to know what your recommendations are, and either new or used is OK. I'd like something under 9 lbs, and somewhat tighter-than-Fender string spacing is OK too. There are a lot of things on my list to try before I make my mind up:

-Rickenbacker 4003 (I've played 4001's but not a 4003)
-Used Alembic Essence or something (not so sure about weight)
-Used Mike Lull (I like Jazz Basses)
-Reissue Fender
-Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones
-Gibson SG Reissue
-Rickenbacker 4004 (never played one)
-Used Spector

I'd consider just about anything, doesn't have to be terribly expensive, just punchy and comfortable. The Schecter Exotic Zebrawood bass is pretty cool (or looks cool, anyway) and it's about $800. Likewise, USA Fenders (I've had a few) are in the running as well.

And tell me why you like what you're recommending.

Thanks.
 
#2
Flatwound said:
Just wanted to know what your recommendations are, and either new or used is OK. I'd like something under 9 lbs, and somewhat tighter-than-Fender string spacing is OK too. There are a lot of things on my list to try before I make my mind up:

-Rickenbacker 4003 (I've played 4001's but not a 4003)
-Used Alembic Essence or something (not so sure about weight)
-Used Mike Lull (I like Jazz Basses)
-Reissue Fender
-Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones
-Gibson SG Reissue
-Rickenbacker 4004 (never played one)
-Used Spector

I'd consider just about anything, doesn't have to be terribly expensive, just punchy and comfortable. The Schecter Exotic Zebrawood bass is pretty cool (or looks cool, anyway) and it's about $800. Likewise, USA Fenders (I've had a few) are in the running as well.

And tell me why you like what you're recommending.

Thanks.
Click to expand...


Sadowsky Metro - no brainer
 
#5
Vigier Excess 2. Handmade European craftsmanship, light weight (6.5 lbs), no cheap veneers, SUPER low action and
fast playability, excellent growl, impeccable fretwork & detail,
HUGE tone. Puts (ahem, er) Sadowsky in the cheap seats..

Slug
 
#6
I am a big fan of MusicMan basses. Music Man now has two pickup versions of the Stingray and Sterling which should be nice. The Sterling would be good for a Jazz bass lover. The main downside of MM basses is that they tend not to be light basses.
 
#8
The Sadowsky Metros are definitely very nice basses for the money, as are the Lakland Skylines. But, if I didn't have the luxury of owning a bunch of instruments, and I wanted one do it all axe, with tons of clarity and a huge tonal range, I'd be talking to Pete Skjold about a Stage or Pro series bass. These are definitely attainable in the sub $2k range (the Stage for sure), and they are an exceptional handmade bass at a mass production price.

Tom.
 
#11
Might also want to consider Dingwall Afterburner basses (either a AB I or II). Well w/in your price range and under your weigh requirement (www.Dingwallguitars.com).
36.5" E string and the novax board add up to some amazing tone, punch, and playabvility. The ABII have onboard active electronics (aggie OB1), but honestly the FD p'ups are so good in passive mode you'll almost never need active. You can get almost every tone; modern and not so modern out of these basses
 
#12
tombowlus said:
The Sadowsky Metros are definitely very nice basses for the money, as are the Lakland Skylines. But, if I didn't have the luxury of owning a bunch of instruments, and I wanted one do it all axe, with tons of clarity and a huge tonal range, I'd be talking to Pete Skjold about a Stage or Pro series bass. These are definitely attainable in the sub $2k range (the Stage for sure), and they are an exceptional handmade bass at a mass production price.

Tom.
Click to expand...

What he said :)
 
#13
FCM3 said:
Might also want to consider Dingwall Afterburner basses (either a AB I or II). Well w/in your price range and under your weigh requirement (www.Dingwallguitars.com).
36.5" E string and the novax board add up to some amazing tone, punch, and playabvility. The ABII have onboard active electronics (aggie OB1), but honestly the FD p'ups are so good in passive mode you'll almost never need active. You can get almost every tone; modern and not so modern out of these basses
Click to expand...

What he said too lol
 
#15
You could probably get yourself one of the cheaper Jerzy Drozd models for that: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] , Jerzy Drozd Basic would do nicely in the budget. Dunno about weight but they're hardly giant slabs of wood so I can't imagain them being too heavy, Jerzy is very into ergonomics so I can't imagain them being that heavy. His site is being updated atm so check back in a few days, http://www.jerzydrozdbasses.com/basic.htm is the details on the basic for ya, remember it's very cusomisable, he can do just about anything. Supposedly they're awesome to play and very tonally flexible so go give one a try if you can :P.
 

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