Washburn ABT Force 5: is it worth it?

[wubalubadubdub]

I was looking for a laid back and cheap 5 string bass that I need for our band. I found this quite old (the description says it was bought at the end of the '80), but still good looking Washburn ABT Force for only (I guess?) 100 €. So, should I buy it or should I look for something else? Any advice for a inexpensive (under 300 €) 5 string bass?

 

[kodiakblair]

Head over to the Washburn owners club
The Official Washburn Club (Part 3)

@MEKer will keep you right regarding the bass.

 

[MEKer]

I was looking for a laid back and cheap 5 string bass that I need for our band. I found this quite old (the description says it was bought at the end of the '80), but still good looking Washburn ABT Force for only (I guess?) 100 €. So, should I buy it or should I look for something else? Any advice for a inexpensive (under 300 €) 5 string bass?

Without seeing a picture I'd say it mostly has to be a Force 5 ABT made 1990-2007 (super long time for any Washburn model---but I have specimens from all those years in my files) and if in good shape and with the price you quote, then it is phenomenally under-priced! I'd be suspicious at first: is the fretboard separating, truss rod work, electronics work. is it cracked anywhere?

 

[wubalubadubdub]

Without seeing a picture I'd say it mostly has to be a Force 5 ABT made 1990-2007 (super long time for any Washburn model---but I have specimens from all those years in my files) and if in good shape and with the price you quote, then it is phenomenally under-priced! I'd be suspicious at first: is the fretboard separating, truss rod work, electronics work. is it cracked anywhere?

thank you for answering,
Indeed the good reviews compared to the extremely low price are the reason why I am asking.
I'll post you a couple pictures so if you want you can look at them and tell me what you think. To me it looks quite good on the exterior, but I haven't been playing for very long.
And also, what do you mean by "fretboard separating"?

 

[MEKer]

thank you for answering,
Indeed the good reviews compared to the extremely low price are the reason why I am asking.
I'll post you a couple pictures so if you want you can look at them and tell me what you think. To me it looks quite good on the exterior, but I haven't been playing for very long.
And also, what do you mean by "fretboard separating"?

"fretboard separating" is where the rosewood fingerboard lifts up from the neck. If you can slip a piece of paper in between, that is something that is not good. Sometimes it can be a very easy fix. Other times no.

 

[kodiakblair]

Wished I'd paid more attention. I've owned one of those,gifted it to a young fella in Ghana

There's plus right away,it handled the move from Scotland to West Africa and the changes in temperature with no
issues. So how was the bass ? It was my first 5'er and had the heaviest gauge I could find as I didn't know any better.
Neck handled the strain and a low action was easy to achieve. 2 Band EQ works fine and battery life was good.Can't
remember the weight but heavy doesn't spring to mind.

Pretty sure mine was 89. For 100 euro that's a steal.

Sorry I missed the ABT part or I would have replied about that model. Here's mine before and after it's move to Kwabena's house.

 

[wubalubadubdub]

"fretboard separating" is where the rosewood fingerboard lifts up from the neck. If you can slip a piece of paper in between, that is something that is not good. Sometimes it can be a very easy fix. Other times no.

Ok. I never had the pleasure but I got what it means. I'll ask the seller to send more photos and then I'll see. Thank you

Wished I'd paid more attention. I've owned one of those,gifted it to a young fella in Ghana

There's plus right away,it handled the move from Scotland to West Africa and the changes in temperature with no
issues. So how was the bass ? It was my first 5'er and had the heaviest gauge I could find as I didn't know any better.
Neck handled the strain and a low action was easy to achieve. 2 Band EQ works fine and battery life was good.Can't
remember the weight but heavy doesn't spring to mind.

Pretty sure mine was 89. For 100 euro that's a steal.

Sorry I missed the ABT part or I would have replied about that model. Here's mine before and after it's move to Kwabena's house.

Well I guess I must take advantage of this offer then! Thank you for the info.
One last question: the bass has active/passive switch, hasn't it?

 

[kodiakblair]

"One last question: the bass has active/passive switch, hasn't it?"

That I'm afraid I don't remember so to be safe I'd not expect one.

 

[wubalubadubdub]

"One last question: the bass has active/passive switch, hasn't it?"

That I'm afraid I don't remember so to be safe I'd not expect one.

No problem. Let's hope I'll discover it personally.