Time to Upgrade, but I need help

[bozobarnum]

Since about '99, I've been playing the same Squier P. It never goes out of tune. It sounds great with Chromes. I like it. However, I feel its time to upgrade. There are so few reliable reviews on the net, and I hear lots of conflicting info. Here's what I'm looking at. I will go to GC and try them all, but I would like some feedback from people that have used them for more than five minutes. Keep in mind that I do NOT like "metal" sounding basses. I mostly go for blues/jazz type sounds.

Squier VM 70's - I'm almost positive I will like this. I just think there might be more out there.
Ibanez SR300 - My qualm is I historically do not like modern looking or sounding basses, however the reviews are consistently good and the look is growing on me. I'm just weird about battery basses. I also wonder if I can squeeze a good bluesy/jazzy sound out of it. I've read that's the point of EQ is to have more sound control which these seem to have. I like the idea of a single/humbucker/both switch.
Washburn T24 - The only complaints I've read are sketchy pots and neck dive, both of which seem to be rare. I like the look the best.
Schecter Stilletto Extreme 4 (or similarly priced Schecter) - This gets awesome reviews, and I like the look. The few reviews that say anything about the sound, talk about how it has a metal/rock sound rather than a jazz/blues sound. That is a problem.

 

[dinoadventures]

I voted the Squier. Look at new Yamaha BB's as well.

 

[blubass]

Based on what you want and your needs, I'd narrow it down to the VM and the Stilletto, and here are some unbiased reasons why:

The VM'S are easily right on par with the Mexican made basses now, and in some cases more desirable and better sounding. The biggest issue I have with the Squier instruments is in their hardware. I've had both the E and A string posts for the tuners collapse. They look solid, but they're actually hollow and they finally gave way during a routine string change (it had been around 8 years though). Also, the nut isn't of a very good quality, and I replaced the first one within a year. However, both are easily replaced with other high quality parts that are simply bolt-on, making the Squier a solid choice.

The Schecter Stilletto though, is a better made, more solid instrument. The quality of the Schecter can be seen in the attention to detail, fretwork, inlays, nut, neck to body clearance and hardware. It is an active bass though and requires a battery. I have had a habit of converting my Schecters to active/passive push pots, and the tone of the bass in passive mode is warm, with a subtle growl if you dig in, and clean otherwise.

I don't recommend the Ibanez SR300, for your sound choices or for it's quality. I've owned 2 previously and have one currently as well. Out of the box new, they play great. Over a few seasons though, the thin necks become finicky, and 2 eventually warped on me beyond truss rod adjustment; the 3rd is on it's way in the next couple years i'm pretty sure. (temps in my area are between 30-105 with no snow or humidity and gradual temp changes, so it's certainly a quality problem and not an extreme weather issue.) However, they do have several different models of these that have come out within the past few years. Some have a solid maple neck, some have a laminate neck. The body on the solid maple neck has a side input jack, and soap bar pickups OR PJ configuration. Then the laminate necks have an inset input jack on the front, and soap bar pickups that are either solid black, or open staggered pole soap bar pickups. All of them use slightly different preamps, with differing amounts of knobs as well. The laminate necks are said to be much more stable than the solid maple necks.

I have no experience with the Washburn T24 past playing in a showroom to kill some time. It didn't scream anything special at me, it was simply okay. Because of that I had no reason to continue playing it. YMMV with this one though, so you should give it some extensive play time if you like the style. It may also help to bring a friend and turn your back while they play some stuff, so you aren't just purchasing with your eyes.

 

[bozobarnum]

Exactly the kind of info I was looking for!
+Blubass No review said anything about the SRs being cheap, but the reviews are all super old or right after purchase.
So does the Schecter have similar tonal variation to the VM or SR? I don't mind the possibility of growly, if it can also achieve those jazz bass middy type sounds.

 

[GoLeafsGo]

I have a Schecter C-4, and it is very versatile, very well made. The pre-amp lets you dial in any tone you want. A great bass, and looks very cool too!

 

[bozobarnum]

Went to GC today.

The Schecter felt the most expensive, but there was something about the neck I didn't like. The neck was weird.

The Squire VM Jazz felt enormous, especially the neck, which is weird considering I'm used to a P bass. I liked the simple controls a lot.

The ibanez felt wonderful and I liked the vast control variation.

If only I could put the ibanez neck on the Schecter body. I'm going back one more time to make sure, but I think I'm going with the Ibanez. I'm going to try the SR305 to see if I like that and the SR500 bc Sweetwater has them for like $15/month.

 

[alack]

You have a P you like. Now get the J. The added bonus is both could be upgraded easily in the future with better electronics is you need.

Off your list......If you're interested in great sounding American made vintage bass with a J type tone check out a used Peavey Foundation. Guitar Center always has many in their used inventory.