'80s Matsumoku factory Electras and all the other various badges they wore. They go for a steal on eBay. There's a nice one on our FS boards as well. Why people buy Rondos when these absolute GEMS are out there, I do not understand 
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Underrated/Good bass brands.
- Thread starter bassslater19876
- Start date
If the bass sounds good without the amp, is comfortable to play and is set up well, you have all you need except a good sounding amp.
The one variable left out is electronics, and most of what's out there sounds good.
I love the HELL out of my Traben Array. I set it up and she plays like a dream, and sounds just as good.
Another vote for the Matsumoku basses - although many of them DO sell for decent money. I think people are wising up about them.
I have to put in another vote for Traben as well. I had an Array Limited, and I would often prefer its sound to nearly anything else I played.
I'd agree with the Godin Exception.. I've had bad interactions with the company.. the gear is good.. company doesn't care.
DiPinto doesn't make many basses, just the Galaxie, Mach IV, and semi-hollow Belvedere, but they're very good. The guitars are excellent as well.
ESP makes great stuff too, but doesn't get much attention.
ESP makes great stuff too, but doesn't get much attention.
IMO, it all comes down to electronics. Good electronics will impact any bass---regardless of price. Now, my current Squier does not have upgraded electronics, but two of my former Squiers did. They feel as good and as comfortable as a $800+ Fender with quality electronics.
IMO, Peavey is the most underrated. I think Peavey is finally getting the fair attention they deserve---it's unfortunate tho that they are now making most things overseas. Ten years ago, I walked into local shop expecting to buy a Warwick or a Pedulla. I walked out with Peavey Millennium 5+ Tiger Eye. For the money and in terms of quality and sound, the Peavey won me over.
IMO, Peavey is the most underrated. I think Peavey is finally getting the fair attention they deserve---it's unfortunate tho that they are now making most things overseas. Ten years ago, I walked into local shop expecting to buy a Warwick or a Pedulla. I walked out with Peavey Millennium 5+ Tiger Eye. For the money and in terms of quality and sound, the Peavey won me over.
I would have to go with the majority on here....Peavey and Carvin. As far as playability goes,it's r-i-g-h-t up there with my pre-Gib Tobias. In fact,I'll put them pretty much dead-even!
I don't wanna say the Carvin electronics/pups are inferior(?). Hell,I don't even know how to describe what I'm trying to say here. Tone-wise? Yes,it kicks ass. Maybe it lacks,(just by a cock-hair though) in the "tone personality department". I am in no way,shape,form,or fashion saying their electronics are inferior..... Ah,hell. You all get what I'm tryin' to say... But,I TRULY WISH Carvin would offer other pre/pup brands (as an option),on their already beautiful,amazingly-built instruments.
I would be willing to "bet the farm",that their sales would DRAMATICALLY increase.
I don't wanna say the Carvin electronics/pups are inferior(?). Hell,I don't even know how to describe what I'm trying to say here. Tone-wise? Yes,it kicks ass. Maybe it lacks,(just by a cock-hair though) in the "tone personality department". I am in no way,shape,form,or fashion saying their electronics are inferior..... Ah,hell. You all get what I'm tryin' to say... But,I TRULY WISH Carvin would offer other pre/pup brands (as an option),on their already beautiful,amazingly-built instruments.
I would be willing to "bet the farm",that their sales would DRAMATICALLY increase.
Yep, the Matsumoku factory is already mentioned, but the name Aria pro II should be mentioned here as well.
I recently bought a new SB505 for as little as 450. Unbelievable for such a quality bass. (don't know where it was build actualy)
Godin?? Well I do own 2 guitars of that brand, very good quality, but certainly not underrated pricewise.
I recently bought a new SB505 for as little as 450. Unbelievable for such a quality bass. (don't know where it was build actualy)
Godin?? Well I do own 2 guitars of that brand, very good quality, but certainly not underrated pricewise.
Well i agree on the fact that good electronics will impact any bass. But good electronics will never change a bad bass into a good or even mediocre one. On the other hand, bad electronics will make a good bass sound bad.
up until maybe 3 years ago, you could pick up used American G&Ls for $700 or less. that, my friends, was the best deal in universe.
Dunno if you were serious or not... but after this weekend, i TOTALLY agree. The daisy rock i heard had one of the best tones at the entire Fest i played. (though it was a custom bass)
Aside from that:
-Peavey (+1,000,000).
-Ibanez for other genres besides metal (i use my ATK for garage-pop).
-Squier (totally upped their game with the CM/VM)
Carvin over the last 3-4 yrs has really turned it up a notch. I own 2 Carvins and they are simply excellent basses, soundwise and constructionwise.
