Suggestions needed for a backup Bass.

[JUSTINKP]

Hey guys,

My primary bass is a Musicman Ray34 and I love it. My band plays everything 1/2 step down, so obviously that's what my bass is tuned for.

We do have a couple of songs we play which are drop D tuning, and I wanted to get another bass for this so I can easily just switch out during gigs but I dont want to spend $700 like I did on my primary bass. I'd rather stay around $300-$400 if possible.

I see an Epiphone SG bass which I like the looks of, but don't know anything about Epiphone basses other than the SG looks awesome. Haha.

Also, if I'm dropping to D, should I buy heavy gauge strings instead of medium gauge like I do now?

 

[danomite64]

You might want to try an ATK; the Epiphone won't sound or feel anything like your Ray34.

 

[RonChase]

go to Ibanez

 

[FunkMetalBass]

I'd get another Ray34, unless you're going for a different sound/feel.

Also, yes, if the bass will stay in drop D, get a heavier-gauged low D-string.

 

[JUSTINKP]

I just can't see throwing another $700 out for a bass I'm only going to use for maybe 5 songs a set. RonChase, what Ibanez series?

Danomite64, I haven't heard of ATK?

 

[Pet Sounds]

You could get a Peavey T-40 for $300-400.

 

[Rebop]

Get an SX or a used one of those OLP basses off craigslist.

You'll only be spending around $100-$200 and will have a second bass to experiment with.

 

[Snakepit72]

I'd second the OLP notion, ATK would be cool too