SUB 5: A fun cheap bass!

[Dr. Cheese]

The SBMM SUBs offer great bang for the buck. When I was shopping on a limited budget, that one stood out, even holding its own among more expensive basses.
I've been doing a few mods on it this year--new pickup, volume mod to the existing preamp, new smaller bridge (just for aesthetics), Jazz knobs with lines, and Hipshot Ultralight tuners (which really dropped some weight--it was a heavy bass). All in, I've spent about $370 (got the bass on sale), which feels worth it. I've got it strung with, but flats are in the near future.

If I got one, I could see doing mods like an upgraded pickup and preamp. Even $400 of mods would only make it about 30-35% the price of a new Stingray and about $300 cheaper than a good deal on a used 'Ray.

 

[AngelCrusher]

I surely cannot argue with your logic. For $500-$700, you can maybe find a bass that was $1,200-$1,500 new depending on the resale value of a given model.
Those who have read my posts know I am a huge fan of USA made Peaveys, great basses that still underpriced given their quality. I feel the same way about Yamahas from about 1982-2002.

Yeah the US Peaveys are fantastic basses and Yamaha has that P/J that is sweet for the price. Those are the types of basses I'd buy if I was looking for something awesome that is not too expensive. Personally I got the Classic 50's Pbass, which you can find for under $700. Same concept really.

Only reason I even post is I think you should keep saving up for the best bass you can get, like that Ernie Ball. Each time you get a $400 type bass you lose that savings.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Yeah the US Peaveys are fantastic basses and Yamaha has that P/J that is sweet for the price. Those are the types of basses I'd buy if I was looking for something awesome that is not too expensive. Personally I got the Classic 50's Pbass, which you can find for under $700. Same concept really.

Only reason I even post is I think you should keep saving up for the best bass you can get, like that Ernie Ball. Each time you get a $400 type bass you lose that savings.

You are right about buying cheapies taking money away from the grand future purchase. Going to the store, appreciating basses is what I do, and I get a special kick out of great cheap basses. Heck, $1,000+ basses had better be nice!

To be honest, between my Forum, DJ5, and U-bass, I need nothing else. A good fretless five and a sweet four would be great, but I sure don't need them.