It sounds like you want the 5'er more maybe? Save the 4 stringer build for later. I think, as you even said, you would miss the low B.
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Should I buy or build?
- Thread starter timendous
- Start date
I always say build your own from parts.
Just did a pbass put together from parts for 240$ and it sounds great and looks great.
Just did a pbass put together from parts for 240$ and it sounds great and looks great.
I got to say, there are much better options out there for $300 and will give you what you need. The SUB is a pretty good bass, but if you want a 4 banger, then go for a 4 banger. There are hundreds of basses right here on TB for under $300 for sale that will fit the job. If you are looking for a 5 banger, then go for a 5'er. Again, there are bunches of options in the 4 and 5 string catagory for your price range...
another alternative to the SUB might be an Ibanez ATK.
they are available in 4 and 5 string versions. My ATK 300 made in Korea is a bass I definitely regret getting rid of.
they are available in 4 and 5 string versions. My ATK 300 made in Korea is a bass I definitely regret getting rid of.
I went to GC today to try out a bunch of stuff. They did have a 4 string SUB and I have to say, I had high expectations for the SUB and was kind of disappointed. I have read in some other threads about the preamp being "hot." That was definitely my impression. Any tweak up or down from the middle position and it seemed almost unusable. I dunno, maybe I'll go back and try it again.
I was super surprised and impressed with a bass I didn't expect to be. The "Toby by Tobias." I picked it up just for kicks because i used to drool over the original Tobias' when I first started playing bass. It actually sounded really nice. Price point is right on as well.
Then, I picked up a Squier Vm 70's Jazz.
There's the sound I want.
So, now I'm probably looking at putting my own jazz together, I'm thinking I can get in the ballpark, it will sound like a jazz, and it will be completely my own. As I start getting parts together and whatnot I'll keep the thread going with updates and how its looking.
Thanks all!
I was super surprised and impressed with a bass I didn't expect to be. The "Toby by Tobias." I picked it up just for kicks because i used to drool over the original Tobias' when I first started playing bass. It actually sounded really nice. Price point is right on as well.
Then, I picked up a Squier Vm 70's Jazz.
There's the sound I want.
So, now I'm probably looking at putting my own jazz together, I'm thinking I can get in the ballpark, it will sound like a jazz, and it will be completely my own. As I start getting parts together and whatnot I'll keep the thread going with updates and how its looking.
Thanks all!
I actually did have an ATK for a little while. It did sound fantastic. I was a big fan. I just don't think its what I'm looking for right now though.
Wellllll...... I'm looking to get a new bass. It seems to me that some people really, really like MM style basses, others seem to be pretty satisfied with their jazz basses. Let alone my greater question of the difference between buying or building. Maybe you'd have been more satisfied if I had asked opinions on whether to buy a Squier VM Jazz or build my own jazz bass?
I apologize that I have not had the good fortune or financial ability to have owned both or have extensive opportunity to play both.
I am looking to go down a new road as far as my bass playing and what kind of basses I own. I'm sorry but $300 is a lot of money to me. So this is kind of a big decision. I've seen a lot of threads started on TB based on a lot less. I thought TB was a place where we could ask these kinds of questions and then sincerely appreciate the thoughtful responses of our fellow bass players who have experience(s) that I may not have. I didn't think there was any harm in posing the question.
I am fully aware that jazz basses and MM style basses are completely different. That being said, when I made this post, I was trying to decide between a jazz bass or a MM style bass. Is there something inherently wrong with that?
Sorry for wasting your time.
Unless someone's giving you the parts, this is a terrible idea and the worst option.
If you actually have to source your parts, it will be more work and money than you expect and the result will have no resale value when you're done.
You can buy a better bass than you can build for the money, especially if you shop hard and/or buy used.
i can personally say that while waiting for my 5 string bongo i bought a SUB ray5 to have a bass meanwhile. and i swear to you it is REALLY good. i would honestly have kept it as my main player if i hadnt already had a bongo on the way
Totally misses the point of building a parts bass and incorrect advice, to boot.
agreed.
I've done this several times and it's very satisfying....and I've never been dissappointed. Mostly jazzes. In fact I'm doing another now (waiting on the body....exact same one from 1st page but in white), I already have the jazz Mighty Mite neck and heavier bridge. Can't wait to put it together and rock it.
If you want a 5 string for ~$300, I'd say to look at the Squier Active Jazz Deluxe V, which, last I checked, sells new for around $330.
Or, even better in my book, find a Yamaha BB415. That's a 5 string, passive P/J bass. They are very high quality and sound and feel great. They were selling for $99, new, a couple of years ago. They're discontinued now, but you should still be able to find a used one for under $300.
The biggest difference betweent the two, to me, is the Squier nut width is 2", which is super wide. I don't like that bass only for that reason. It's a quality bass that sounds good. I just don't dig the nut width. The Yamaha has a more common nut width of about 1.75". It's a really nice bass!
Or, even better in my book, find a Yamaha BB415. That's a 5 string, passive P/J bass. They are very high quality and sound and feel great. They were selling for $99, new, a couple of years ago. They're discontinued now, but you should still be able to find a used one for under $300.
The biggest difference betweent the two, to me, is the Squier nut width is 2", which is super wide. I don't like that bass only for that reason. It's a quality bass that sounds good. I just don't dig the nut width. The Yamaha has a more common nut width of about 1.75". It's a really nice bass!
