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Thinking about getting a new bass
- Thread starter MBJack
- Start date
You're going to have to give us something more to go on my friend. There are several hundred basses that fit your current criteria of an upgrade to an Epi EB-0 under $500.
-How many strings?
-Do you want to stick with short scale or go long?
-What do you not like about the EB-0?
-Have you played any basses you like and what did you like about them?
-What kind of music do you like to play?
etc, etc.
-How many strings?
-Do you want to stick with short scale or go long?
-What do you not like about the EB-0?
-Have you played any basses you like and what did you like about them?
-What kind of music do you like to play?
etc, etc.
Until you answer these questions, I'm gonna suggest a used Japanese Fender.
-4 Strings
-I should probably go long, I got damn big arms
-I find it a bit uncomfortable, especially with prolonged practice sessions
-The only other bass I usually play is the LTD B-50 at school, I like the feel of the fret board but I don't play it for long periods of time like I do with my EB
-I just like to play what I think sounds good, so I guess versatility is a good thing to look for
Unfortunately there are no Yamaha bass guitars at the shop I'm looking at, I also took a look on trademe and there was nothing.
If you like a classic style, I'm going to suggest a Jazz Bass of some sort. Since it seems like you're not totally sure what you want, a Jazz bass will give you a variety of tones to play with and visually will fit in almost any kind of music. The nut width is about the same as your EB0, so despite the longer scale, the transition should be easy. There's also a wealth of pickup options if you someday decide to upgrade.
A used fender made in Mexico or Japan Jazz bass can be had in your price range. If you like the LTD at school, LTD makes an excellent Jazz style bass called the J-204 that is also well within your budget. As far as I know, LTD is distributed out to New Zealand and there might be some MIJ Fenders as well.
My best advice would be to go to as many music stores as you can and play as many basses as you can and if you don't find something that really speaks to you, let us know what you did like about the bases you played and we can help refine your search.
Squier CV Jazz...feels fantastic, sounds great, and looks incredible in Inca Silver. Why buy something so many others have...sunburst with tortoiseshell pickguard, black with white, white with black, etc? Dare to be different!
Seriously, you can't go wrong with Squier CV Jazz or Precision basses...Squier VMs, either.
Seriously, you can't go wrong with Squier CV Jazz or Precision basses...Squier VMs, either.
I couldn't find any J-204's, I could how ever find a Vintage 214 and a B204, would these be good alternatives?
There is a white one with a maroon pick guard at the store, I will be sure to give it a try.Squier CV Jazz...feels fantastic, sounds great, and looks incredible in Inca Silver. Why buy something so many others have...sunburst with tortoiseshell pickguard, black with white, white with black, etc? Dare to be different!
Seriously, you can't go wrong with Squier CV Jazz or Precision basses...Squier VMs, either.
If you want a more "modern" style bass, there are some Ibanez models that would be worth looking at. These have the active preamp and 3 band eq system. I would at the very least look for an SR500 or above- the bass on my user icon on the left hand side, is the SR700. Terrific player for the money, very light and offers great versatility. The Ibanez SR basses have super slim necks though, so you may want to try them first to see if it's suited for you.
Trying different basses out is the only way to see what bass works for you. I shied away from Fenders and Squires for years...one reason being I tend not to go with the flow...but after trying several I found out how good theses basses can be.
Don't let all the Fender/Squier hate you might see on this board enter into your decision...politics should have nothing to do with buying what's right for you. When I bought mine I was upgrading from the exact same bass...the kid at Guitar Center actually tried to tell me the EB-O was better than any Squier made and tried to sell me an EB-3 from the used section...I guess it was easier than ordering the bass I wanted. After I got done laughing at her I found another salesman and bought the bass from him. Funny thing is, the girl isn't working there any longer...but she seems to be happy at McDonald's right down the street.
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From an Epiphone EB-0, you bet it is. Maybe not an Affinity, but a CV - definitely.
I agree that a VM or a CV would almost assuredly be an upgrade from a starter level EB-0, though of course not an up grade from one of the higher grade versions.
Best of luck on your search. I imagine it's a bit more difficult having a smaller selection to choose from but it looks like you've got some good leads.
The Vintage 214 is a very nice instrument. Basically the same quality as a J204 but in a Precision Bass style. I have the 214 fretless and like it ALOT. Being based on a P-bass the neck will be slightly wider, but I found it to be very comfortable and it's quite a looker to boot. I don't know anything about the 204, but ESP/LTD makes good bases and if you like the feel and more modern look then it would probably be a good choice.
Best of luck on your search. I imagine it's a bit more difficult having a smaller selection to choose from but it looks like you've got some good leads.
What's uncomfortable about the Epi? Too heavy? Awkward body? Hard to play? Have you ever gotten it set up (or done your own setup?) I've found that even "low end" basses can be great players with the right strings and setup
Squier CV 60's Precision. Best bang for your buck if you don't have a big budget.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
OP - problem is different people like different things. Just trying to moderate a "what's better, Precision or Jazz bass? (never mind adding in the Squier variable)" debate can lead to bloodshed. Time to go to stores and pawnshops. Try as many as you can.
I have stubby fingers - I love a baseball bat P neck - other people hate them. No substitute to trying them out.
I have stubby fingers - I love a baseball bat P neck - other people hate them. No substitute to trying them out.
I have the Squier pj the neck was wider than I like so I switched it out for one I got on eBay. Plays and sounds great and (at least here in cali.) Was within your budget (I bought it from Sweetwater) and the neck was realy vanity talking, it is bound & blocked (-:
