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Opinions please!

R

redhawk

Oct 8, 2005
73
0
#1
Well, I finally have over $600 saved up for a new bass, (upgrading from my Squier), and pretty much have it narrowed down to two. The two are the Reggie Hamilton Signature and a Fender Aerodyne (PJ) basses. My only problem is I haven't been able to play either since our guitar center is lame and doesn't have either one. But, I have done reasearch and such, and both seem to be nice. My main question is, is the Reggie Hamilton worth $100+ more than the Aerodyne, or is the Aerodyne a good buy? I love the Hipshot Drop D feature on the Hamilton, and it looks amazing (as does the aerodyne), and it would be totally worth it I'm sure, but I DON'T WANT TO WAIT ANY LONGER!! I will be playing Classic Rock/Hard Rock/Metal (some), if it really matters since both basses have the same PUP configuration. Please help me out here, what to do what to do?

I just saw an Aerodyne on Ebay that has the pickguard and the guy put Active (EMGs) Pickups in it...if that changes anyone's opinion.
 
#2
Stewart-McDonald has the hipshot Drop D tuner (as do may others) for around $75, if that's a real issue.
I haven't played a Hamilton so I can’t make any meaningful comment.
The Aerodyne is a very nice bass and received a very favorable review in one of the bass magazines (about 12 - 18 months ago). I've played several Aerodynes while shopping around. All were looked and felt very nice, but all had the traditional single coil hum from the bridge pup (yes, I know if one had the hum they would all hum). But it’s such a great looking bass I kept going back to look at them.

Also in your price range is the Fender P-bass special (vintage noiseless p/j pup and active preamp) which other than the very thick pick guard is a killer bass.

My personal choice ended up being a Yamaha BB414. I liked the sound and feel of the Yamaha the best of everything I tried, and it was under $400.

If the local GC doesn’t stock what you need/want, you can always go directly to the parent company Musicians Friend and order (generally same price or less, probably no sales tax, depending on where you live, which will more than make up for the shipping).

Best of luck and enjoy the new bass (whatever it is).
 
#3
I will give you a little advice that the guys here at TalkBass gave me(which I am extremley thankful for). If it is possible at all try the bass before you buy, esspically Fender. Case in point. I was going to buy a certain bass. After trying it out I didn't like it at all. I then tried one that I have always disliked because of the brand. I loved it and bought it on the spot. So
there are my 1/2 cents worth.
Brian
 
#4
Bro, I've played a couple of Aeros and a couple of Reggies and the Reggie is so vastly superior it's freakin' ridiculous!!! It doesn't matter, but the look of the RH is a lot classier. You really can't beat a 3TS Jazz with a tort pg and vintage tint neck. The feel is better. Of the ones that I've seen, the Reggies had superior fit and finish. The sound is amazing and the versatility is unbeatable. It's nice to be able to switch to passive - not only for the sound, but you don't have to worry if your battery goes dead. The D-Tuner is already there (buying and having it installed on the Aero would make up the price diff.) and you're ready to go straight out of the box!

Now, a lot of this is opinion, but just get the Reggie. You'll be glad you did.
 

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