I want to buy an active electric bass for around $800. I'm currently looking at the fender deluxe active jazz and the sterling ray34 active. Which bass is nicer, if not these then please suggest some others.
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What bass should i purchase for $800
- Thread starter Scott madonia
- Start date
Both sound and feel different.
What sound are you looking for, and what type of feel do you like?
What sound are you looking for, and what type of feel do you like?
I would also consider used basses as you can usually get much more bass for the money. $800 will get you a nice one.
Laklands are nice basses as mmbongo recommended- your two options are also good. It really depends on what suits your style the best but definitely recommend looking at used basses first, you'll be surprised at what all of a sudden becomes affordable.
Laklands are nice basses as mmbongo recommended- your two options are also good. It really depends on what suits your style the best but definitely recommend looking at used basses first, you'll be surprised at what all of a sudden becomes affordable.
I like all styles of music, but mainly funk and jazz. I have a Mexican p bass currently but it lacks low end and doesn't have a lot of pure tone. My only hesitation with the sterling is that it is Indonesian which as I've heard are generally not as good as Mexican made instruments. I'm going to look into that lakland right now.
Actually Indonesian made basses are pretty well made these days.
Also, come to think of it, if you want an active bass, Ibanez has some new ones worth looking at as they have Nordstrand pickups on them that fall in your price range brand new- but again look for used ones too.
The SR650 and the SR750
Ibanez SR750 - Natural Flat | Sweetwater.com
Ibanez SR650NTF - Natural Flat | Sweetwater.com
When it comes to versatility in sound, Lakland 44-01 is amazing. If you like features that make it generally easier to make adjustments go with a Warwick Rockbass. Check this thread out as well.
0, 5-String Bass Shoot-Out | TalkBass.com
0, 5-String Bass Shoot-Out | TalkBass.com
Forgot about the Warwick Rockbasses with the two piece bridges. Lots of good basses out there for that price range.
I'm surprised you want an active for funk and jazz... In any case, $800 gives you many, many options, especially if you are willing to look used as well. I love Ibanez, Fender, etc in that price range but I can imagine Carvin, Lakland, G&L, Warwick, Warmoth, etc would be awesome choices (I've just never had a chance to try them). For that price Yamaha or ESP might have some nice options too.
I think you should figure what aspects you really want before narrowing down the make, so that you can compare all the models of different makes that meet your criteria. Don't ignore used basses either!! An $800 used bass could be amazing... my local kijiji (like craig's list) has a few Spectors up for $600-$800 right now!
I think you should figure what aspects you really want before narrowing down the make, so that you can compare all the models of different makes that meet your criteria. Don't ignore used basses either!! An $800 used bass could be amazing... my local kijiji (like craig's list) has a few Spectors up for $600-$800 right now!
3D bridges make me drool. I think my dreambass right now is a Warwick Fortress 5 for all the features and then Bartolini MK-1s and preamp for the electronics.
You should be able to pick up a used MIA precision or Jazz for that amount if you're patient. Could resell it for that if it's not your cup of tea. Try a Lakland Decade if possible. Very versatile and super hot pickups. I mean active hot.
Check this one:
For Sale - Lakland Skyline 44-02 | TalkBass.com
Don't worry about Laklands being 'Indonesian made', as they have the USA electronics and are fully Plek'd.
You might try what I did.
Fender FSR Jazz bass $499
Auder JZ3 $150
Fender Super 55 pickups (or similar)
$125
Total cost, $775.
My bass now sounds better than any active MIM jazz...better than the American made Deluxe Jazz I was thinking of buying before I put mine together, too.
Believe me, if I can do this mod (no soldiering involved) you can, too.
By the way, the Audere has a passive switch.
Fender FSR Jazz bass $499
Auder JZ3 $150
Fender Super 55 pickups (or similar)
$125
Total cost, $775.
My bass now sounds better than any active MIM jazz...better than the American made Deluxe Jazz I was thinking of buying before I put mine together, too.
Believe me, if I can do this mod (no soldiering involved) you can, too.
By the way, the Audere has a passive switch.
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TWO new Marcus Miller budget signature model basses! | TalkBass.com
$600 or less depending on model.
TWO new Marcus Miller budget signature model basses! | TalkBass.com
$600 or less depending on model.
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G&L L2000 if you want 4 strings, L2500 if you want 5. Very versatile bass at a good price new for a Tribute or maybe used for a USA. The Tribs feature USA electronics.
I compared the 2 bases you are looking at (5 string versions) against the G&L and went with the G&L L2500
The new Ibby stuff sounds great in the clips I have heard.
I compared the 2 bases you are looking at (5 string versions) against the G&L and went with the G&L L2500
The new Ibby stuff sounds great in the clips I have heard.
I'd be looking at Ibanez,they've got some new PJ models w/Nordstrands,a fanned fret bass coming out very soon or a used premium all in that general price range but it depends on what you like.The Ibanez all have narrow slim necks,I like them you may not.
See? This is the reason why I bought over 60 basses in the past 3 years! Too many choices and suggestions by the TB folks here. lol
Good to try as many basses as you can and figure out what features are important to you, what brands tend to have them and narrow it down that way. With your budget and if you include used basses, you've got a smorgasbord of basses to choose from.
Good to try as many basses as you can and figure out what features are important to you, what brands tend to have them and narrow it down that way. With your budget and if you include used basses, you've got a smorgasbord of basses to choose from.
