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Recommend 4 String Bass ($500-$750 Range)

M

Malachi71

Oct 11, 2007
281
9
#1
Scanning through Musician's Friend Bass Edition with Nathan East on the front cover I saw the following list of basses available in this price range:

Fender Standard Jazz
Fender Standard Precision
Ibanez SR-750
Sterling by Music Man Ray 34
G&L Tribute L-2000
G&L Tribute JB-2
Warwick Corvette Basic
Spector Legend
Yamaha TRB1004

4 String Basses not listed in MF but that I am aware make good 4 strings (Don't know the models)
Kingston
Lakland
Schecter
Peavey
Can't think of anymore? Maybe you can?

I play rock, blues, jazz, and gospel. From the list, which bass would be the most versatile for these styles that can produce sounds from thump to funk to burp to growl and everything in between and beyond?
 
#3
Lakland has a Skyline 44-01 with 2 humbuckers and a 3-band EQ. For all intents and purposes, this bass would be very versatile. I would recommend that (no real experience with it though) or the Fender Standard Jazz. You really can't go wrong with a Jazz Bass: solo the bridge and you've got growl bark and bite instantly. Solo the neck and you've got pretty close (not exact, but close) to a P-Bass. Really great basses. And, with a Jazz Bass, you can find upgrade parts anywhere.
 
#7
Malachi71 said:
Scanning through Musician's Friend Bass Edition with Nathan East on the front cover I saw the following list of basses available in this price range:

Fender Standard Jazz
Fender Standard Precision
Ibanez SR-750
Sterling by Music Man Ray 34
G&L Tribute L-2000
G&L Tribute JB-2
Warwick Corvette Basic
Spector Legend
Yamaha TRB1004

4 String Basses not listed in MF but that I am aware make good 4 strings (Don't know the models)

Kingston
Lakland
Schecter
Peavey
Can't think of anymore? Maybe you can?

I play rock, blues, jazz, and gospel. From the list, which bass would be the most versatile for these styles that can produce sounds from thump to funk to burp to growl and everything in between and beyond?
Click to expand...

First off, if you really want to get "more" for your money, look used. Preferably here on the TB classifieds, some incredible deals to be had on "like new" basses.

If you must buy new, and going by your list, I like:
Lakland 44-01.... just a bit over $700.
G&L L2000
The new Sterling Stingrays seem great.
It's really what you're comfortable with and if you like a more modern sound vs a more vintage sound.
For vintage, Standard Fender basses are great, although in my opinion, overpriced these days:ninja:
 
#11
rayzak said:
First off, if you really want to get "more" for your money, look used. Preferably here on the TB classifieds, some incredible deals to be had on "like new" basses.

If you must buy new, and going by your list, I like:
Lakland 44-01.... just a bit over $700.
G&L L2000
The new Sterling Stingrays seem great.
It's really what you're comfortable with and if you like a more modern sound vs a more vintage sound.
For vintage, Standard Fender basses are great, although in my opinion, overpriced these days:ninja:
Click to expand...

I agree that the Standard Fender's seem overpriced. I'd say that I prefer a more vintage sound over modern but sometimes a particular song calls for both. I recently saw Ed Friedland's review of the G&L Tribute L-2000 and I was impressed. I haven't heard any sound clips of the Lakland 44-01. I have to check it out.
 
#12
Malachi71 said:
I play rock, blues, jazz, and gospel. From the list, which bass would be the most versatile for these styles that can produce sounds from thump to funk to burp to growl and everything in between and beyond?
Click to expand...
G&L Tribute L2000 or L2500. If you want just one bass to do it all from on-board controls, this is it: humbucker sounds, single coil sounds, passive, boost, and boost + treble. Covers all the ground, is extremely well made, and unlike most imports, the pickups are US-made.
 
#16
bassist4dalord said:
Lakland has a Skyline 44-01 with 2 humbuckers and a 3-band EQ. For all intents and purposes, this bass would be very versatile. I would recommend that
Click to expand...

LaklandBass said:
Grab a used Lakland Skyline 44-0?

I had the one with the bartolini MM style in the bridge and a jazz in the neck. VERY versatile bass and plays better than most in the range
Click to expand...

rayzak said:
If you must buy new, and going by your list, I like:
Lakland 44-01.... just a bit over $700.
Click to expand...


I agree with all of them...it's unanimous. Lakland Skyline is the way to go. I can tell you from my experience, the 44-01 is really sweet...the best bang for your buck (well, in my opinion anyway) :)
 
#17
baba said:
Used American or Japan Fender Jazz
Used American or Japan Fender Precision
Used G&L L-2000
Used Musicman Sterling
Click to expand...

+1, in addition

Lakland 44-01
Stingray (sometimes they pop up as low as 750 in the classifieds)
Sterling by Musicaman line of basses
Ibanez SR

It depends on what kind of sound and feel you're going for. Just take all the suggestions in this thread and try out as many of them as you can get your hands on.
 
#18
the Lakland 44-01 would be my choice. I picked up a like-new 55-01 a couple of months ago for $600 and I love it. I continue to find more and more sounds that it can produce. The US models are out of my price range but the Skylines are VERY nice basses. Lakland will even tell you that there is not much a difference between the Korean and US models.
 

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