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Something To Buy And Keep Forever. Old Timer Stuff!

S

Slats

Apr 25, 2004
113
0
#1
Background: Playing music for 40+ yrs. Taught gui*** for some yrs.

Played in bands at dives and nice places too (with open bars and expensive dinners for band members also)....and dives also (biker babes displaying the twins soaked in beer.

OK you got the pic.

Martin D 18 (bought new in '73)
Gibson ES 335
Gibson J 160e

Hofner 500/1
Ric 4003

Would like to get another bass to compliment the stable.

Don't really know the new...W, Sad...Tobias etc.

Saw a Gibson USA SG in GC...liked it. GC doesn't usually carry things I like though.

Need suggestions as to what is amongst the best available.
 
#3
You are certainly a man of good taste.

With those two basses, you already have a fine stable and the guitar selection ain't too shabby either.

Is the idea to buy something new with the idea that it will be recognized as a classic/iconic instrument in the future? Or is to buy something vintage that already is in the league of your other guitars and basses?

If it is the former, I'm not sure that the Gibson SG would be that bass. For standout looks, craftsmanship and future collectibility; would a Ritter fit the bill?

If the latter, Fender is conspicuous by its absence.
 
#7
A vintage Fender Jazz would definitely be cool, but the prices are so outrageous, not to mention verifying authenticity. Instead, I'd suggest the following:

Vintage G&L L-2000 - they're still in reach, and probably better than the Jazz in some ways

Gibson EB-1 - same deal. They're not completely insane in price, and they have a way cool factor going

Johnson Scroll Bass - essentially the old Ampeg Scroll bass with a few improvements, they're more expensive than the originals, but probably a better bass, and still cheape than vintage Fender
 
#8
Thanks everyone,

The idea is to get a good idea of what to look at.

A new guitar for me doesn't have to be brand new nor vintage....just something of top quality that stands on its own. :cool:
 
#13
Slats said:
Thanks everyone,

The idea is to get a good idea of what to look at.

A new guitar for me doesn't have to be brand new nor vintage....just something of top quality that stands on its own. :cool:
Click to expand...
Well, good for you. A lot of people get hung up on wanting something new, or something vintage for its own sake. Which is silly.

Anyway, a P is standard equipment, and you dun't have one. So...get one. Do I win the thread?
 
#14
How about an early 80's Aria SB? I can recommend the 900 series. Two passive soap-bar pickups, Lots of tonal possibilities, and a build quality that is real hard to match! Neck through, ash wings, Incredible fit, finish and feel. Also not hard on the eyes! My bass just sits where I put it (Super Balanced!). And looks like the cats pajamas! I have a lot of other basses I love, but my 1980 SB-900 is going to my grave with me! Sustain for days, why you could go out for a bite...
 
#15
Hi Penny, By a 'P" is that a Fender P bass? I know they did the original basses which are on all the songs I grew up with and love, but I've never been a Fender fan.

Bought a Tele....an American that everyone around me in those days ('82) loved. It wasn't something to love and keep. It was a six string.

Please help to make clear in my eyes what would work.

Thanks Frank
 
#17
Slats said:
Is the Lakland 4-94 the signature series?
Click to expand...

No, 4-94s are the USA Laklands. Great instruments, truly great. If you have a line on one, a hankering, or have touched one you like, don't wait. I did, and missed a great used one (for about $1400). :p

Someone else will have to weigh in on the signature series. I'd check lakland's web pages. :bassist:
 
#19
Slats said:
Hi Penny, By a 'P" is that a Fender P bass? I know they did the original basses which are on all the songs I grew up with and love, but I've never been a Fender fan.

Bought a Tele....an American that everyone around me in those days ('82) loved. It wasn't something to love and keep. It was a six string.

Please help to make clear in my eyes what would work.

Thanks Frank
Click to expand...
P = Precision, yeah, but not necessarily Fender. As others have said, I'd look into a Lakland Bob Glaub- US or Skyline, depending on your budget. The Fender 50's Classic and various Japanese-made models also get a lot of love around here.
 
#20
my 2.5¢ from experience...

Buy a light 70's Fender P in good shape. Find one be patient, they are out there. Historically they are your best investment grade instrument (older Fenders) that you can have fun with, and that appreciate in value twice that of the stock market in a 10yr time frame.

Then buy a second hand Sadowsky J. Once they are not new they will not go down in value and are the most consistently excellent instruments available. They are just one of those "smile" types... pick em up, plug em in and smile! The feel and tone is just right there.

Or if you have the deep pockets, the patience and the luck, find a < 65 J that is not beaten to **** unless you have a really good setup man.

Everyone has there preferences but from a Fender guy point of view, and one that also "collects and keeps", G&L's, Lakie's, etc. just don't do it for me, I've bought and sold many. It will be decades before they start appreciating.

A
 

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