What basses do you absolutely recommend to others?

[chris_b]

I would absolutely recommend a P bass of some sort. . . . mine is a Mike Lull PJ5.

In every respect an absolutely world class bass.

 

[Peepaleep]

How about we answer the way the OP phrased the question...

A Carvin because they are far better instruments than you think they are.

 

[mc900ftj]

The ones I'm selling....

2006 Rickenbacker 4003 (Fireglo) $1,100 + shipping
1978 Kramer 450B (Natural) $800 + shipping
2009 Fender Precision Special Deluxe with Hipshot Bass extender (Blizzard Pearl) $450 + shipping

PM me if interested, haven't gotten around to getting them in the classifieds yet.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I won't go too boutique here, because not everyone can spring for a Fodera / Sadowsky. That's just reality.

I'd say "If you've never played a bass or bass amp/cabs you can't find at Guitar Center, you're really missing a whole 'nuther world".

 

[DigitalMan]

But the majority don't want to take a risk and order a bass that they can't play first.

If that were true we would have no Sweetwater or Reverb.

Buying a bass online is only a crapshoot if you happen to be ordering crap. Otherwise the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor.

 

[Jazz Ad]

Danelectro Longhorn, the epitome of twang that cuts through anything and plays very easily.
Cort Curbow, an unique take on ergonomy.
Ibanez SR Premium, the current best balance between tone, construction and price.
Sadowsky, because it is possible to make a J better than Fender does.
Status Stealth, makes anything easier to play.

 

[JW56789]

I've been playing a long time and seen a lot. I've seen guys with mega-buck rigs that couldn't play the intro to 'My Girl', and guys with sub-Thrift Store axes and amps that were literally smoking that were impossibly good, and everything in between, so I never recommend anything.

Plus when I was starting out, and I'd inevitably ask guys who'd 'been around' for recommendations . . . . . well I wasted lots of money until I educated myself as to how and why these things do what they do. Then I could reasonably begin to dial in what it is I wanted, as I knew how to get there.

So if I'd recommend anything, educate yourself about the technology, the hardware, the tools. The bass equivalent of giving somebody a fish instead of teaching them how to fish.

On the other hand, I will say buy Alembics, once you've been around and know your axes. I sold mine for what I paid for them, and the Wickershams are utterly the BEST people in the world in terms of they really feel like every axe they ever made is still something they should look after, and the people that use them, and they make no difference whether you bought them new, or used like I did. They are NOT for everybody . . . . . but IF you 'get it', there's no substitute.

 

[Jrussblues]

Mtd
Because they are just fantastic instruments
Modulus
Because they are just fantastic instruments
Gibson era Tobias
Because they are actually pretty darn good

At the end of the day what works for me doesn't work for everyone though.

 

[Malak the Mad]

i recommend folks build their own from their most favorite parts ..!

Exactly what I was going to say…the FrankenBass Solution!

If someone already has even a vague idea of what body types, neck specs, pickups/tone, wiring scheme, hardware, etc. they really dig, I suggest they curate their own, unique bass from parts.

"But why?", do you ask? There are many reasons;

1. It's incredibly educational. (So much of what goes into building an electric instrument was unknown to me until I started working on my first parts-bass project.)
2. Instead of dropping a big wad of cash all in one shot, the cost is spread out across a longer period of time.
3. Within reason, you get exactly what you want.

I'm sure by now some already have their mouse poised, ready to reply by playing the "resale value" card. In some cases, it's a valid point, but they're not the people I'd suggest go this route. This is for those who want something that stands out from the crowd in either little or large ways…or someone who wants a deeper understanding of that makes their instrument-of-choice "ticks"…or someone who isn't afraid of spending a few bucks on the experience, the journey and the rewards that follow.

And I may say so, the rewards for my efforts have been kinda awesome.

 

[Watchootognbout]

If that were true we would have no Sweetwater or Reverb.

Buying a bass online is only a crapshoot if you happen to be ordering crap. Otherwise the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor.

Yeah.
But even then they gravitate toward what they always buy.
And how would anyone know what is crap when they won't take a chance on an unknown?

 

[nostatic]

I love treating myself to yummy food and desserts. Nothing wrong with that.

Every time I play my Fodera or Rob Allen, my soul gets fed.

ymmv

 

[DigitalMan]

Yeah.
But even then they gravitate toward what they always buy.
And how would anyone know what is crap when they won't take a chance on an unknown?

I think it's pretty easy to make inaccurate generalizations about people who do things differently than you do.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I would suggest a bass that is LIGHTWEIGHT and WELL BALANCED. Those are two features you can't really change by MODDING your bass.

Also 70's and 80's Japanese made basses are excellent quality and great bang for buck.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I think it's pretty easy to make inaccurate generalizations about people who do things differently than you do.

Yep.And you can generally expect most people to do and act the same thing they've always done.

 

[39-Bassist]

I suggest either the Passive MIJ Fender PJ or USA Tony Franklin PJ

 

[39-Bassist]

i recommend folks build their own from their most favorite parts ..!

Dave that is exactly what I did....and I LOVE all 3 of my basses. (all for 1/3 the price too)

 

[DigitalMan]

Yep.And you can generally expect most people to do and act the same thing they've always done.

I don't know about that. I was hanging around music stores in the 80's playing every bass I could get my hands on. That has no relation to how I identify and choose basses to buy or try today.

Things change. Times change. People change.

 

[Mechanical]

Carvin/Kiesel because there is no way to get better quality for a custom instrument so inexpensively.

 

[AaronVonRock]

A P bass of some sort like Fender, Lakland, G&L, etc because it will sound good in any genre of music.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I used to say Lull, but when they were an absolute bargain. Fantastic bass, but not the relative bargain they used to be.