Trying out expensive basses?

Any bass can be personal. You just have to love it.

 

Check out return policies. Sometimes you may just be out shipping. See if there's anyone in your area with something similar. Although, sometimes you just need to take the gamble, especially if what you want doesn't exist and will need to be custom made.

 

hey man, first off - good luck. I remember when I was in that same boat and I got screwed buying a bass that I didn't have my hands on prior.

second - if you can somehow rally some troops to help get you to NYC, swing into Rudy's Bass Stop. That is (in my opinion) the best place on the east coast to try out basses that aren't stocked many other places. If you can't make it there, it never hurts to call around to every guitar shop within driving distance and just ask what they have in stock. I'm always surprised to see exactly how friendly and helpful some places are when they know you are actively trying to spend good money on the right bass at the right place.

Back in the day I picked up my first peavey cirrus as my 'headed to college to study bass' bass. I love the cirrus' and now own a few of them, but they aren't for everybody. The price range on them new is right around where you want to be and many shops are Peavey dealers so they are pretty easy to come by. just stay away form the bolt on varieties.

 

You should truly look at Carvin basses. You can customize them yourself and end up paying 1000-2000 bucks to get what you want. Look into to it. I own a B5 and did not play Carvin until I ordered one. I absolutely love the sound and feel of my bass. It cuts through the mix of my rock band, and I get compliments on its looks all the time. I love Carvin and am looking into the SB series 5 bangers, now.

 

What are you looking for, scale lenth, number of strings, ect? I've got a custom for sale I would be willing to part with it for $1500 Check out my site www.jworrellbass.com it's the 5 string. I offer a two year warranty and if you don't like it just pay return shipping. Or if you want something custom built I can do it for a bit higher, depending on pickups and other things.

 

Research, research, and then, research some more.

 

That's a dilemma. I think the people who do know what all the boutique brands sound and play like live in areas where those kind of instruments are actually in circulation. That leaves alot of us wondering.

Youtube is a good place to check out instruments, though internet pics, vids, and files only give you a fuzzy impression of the real thing.

$1,500.00 is a lot of coin, and would cover a nice custom build. If you have a qualified tech in your area who can help you with the build, you always have the option of ordering up your custom parts and finishes from one of the parts suppliers (Warmoth, US Guitar Parts, etc.) and assembling your one-of-a-kind custom boutique bass in your home town.

Otherwise, you have to go with what you know and what's available. If you buy something and don't like it, it would be nice to be able to return it or sell it off and recover your investment so you can start again.

Going a new direction with an instrument is always a bit of a gamble, so here's wishing you only the best of luck!

 

Now you're thinking outside the box. And if you get someone who really knows how to build and set up to your tastes and needs, pick your woods, hardware, and electronics carefully, chances are very good you will have a little brainchild that you will love forever and ever.

BTW, I had grandparents in the valley, Lansing and St Clairesville. Are you familiar with or near those towns?

 

No harm taken, what kind of headstock are you looking for? Here are a few new pictures of my current project a 5 string fretless.

 

Cool. I grew up in Columbus, and we used to visit that area alot growing up. Very pretty.

Just a side note: A build is a pretty big step. Short of that, you could spend some time brainstorming all the things you would like to have in your bass, from body wood to neck woods to hardware and electronics. Then find a reputable boutique builder who makes something (or will custom make it) that meets most or all of your criteria. Again, since you basically designed it on paper yourself, chances are very good you will end up with a winner. It will be like your baby, and most of us end up loving our babies.

 

I got a Dingwall without ever having even seen one in real life. It worked out for me.

 

Yes it did, somewhat, but quite honestly, as I said, research.

I spent months, and months, looking into the RB, every soundclip I could find, searched years old TB topics(dug up a really good soundclip too, of Bruce Lindfield slapping on an RB, I was suprised*), scoured youtube, listend to tonnes of band that Rocose played in, read every spec I could find ten times over, then spent most of a year waiting for a blue and maple one to show up, but thats a different story.

The whole process took quite a bit over a year, but the result was a bass that not only looks perfect(IMO), but everytime I strap it on, feels like home, sounds like heaven(IMO), and covers almost everything I need.

As for the Roscoe, same process(soundclips were kind of thin on the ground), but much quicker, I was looking for a good 5er, wanted a thin neck, Roscoe showed up for sale, seemed to tick all the boxes, thin neck, medium wide spacing etc, and a good deal, so I took a shot. This one was much scarier than the Fender, which is the way with boutiques, IMHO, but again, once I opened the case up, all the worries dissapeared.

I've bought 7, maybe 8 instruments sight unseen, with high levels of success, and some luck.

* I lost that when my hard drive took a nosedive, I must look for it again.

 

$1500...

Were I in your boat, I'd look for an Ebay deal. If you don't love it, flip it and try again. I got a GREAT - I mean GREAT Zon sonus special for $1200 year before last - - it's a keeper. I've also bought some real clunkers, but if you are smart about buying, you can flip with minimal loss. Buying new is a *complete* rip unless you find something you REALLY dig.