What basses do you absolutely recommend to others?

[JohnnyPustular]

Great all around basses:
* For men: G&L L2000 Tribute-- great value, extremely versatile, and too manly for guitar players to noodle around with. A big hunk of thud.
* For the ladies: Fender Precision Lyte-- if you can find one, they are light weight with a comfortable comfortable neck, prettier than the average bass, fit well with smaller physiques and 100% Fender bass. PJ pickups can't be beat.
For metalheads:
* BC Rich Mockingbird-- because, smell the glove
For the guys outlining the changes under the quickest pickers:
* Fender Precision-- because country music is work and you need the best tool
For jazzers/progressives/fusioneers/and everyone else that knows what to do with an diminished 7th add 11 add 13 in 7/8 time:
* Fender Jazz-- what else has those notes?
For fretless explorers:
* Zon-- graphite-- nothing glissandos like a Zon

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Valenti - your custom desires built on a solid framework of what Nino knows to work well.

 

[Jakedog]

I recommend they play guitar instead. More jobs for me!

 

[jd56hawk]

I'd recommend this one.

On second thought, no, I wouldn't.
Let it remain one of bassdoms best-kept secrets.

 

[Mdrummey]

I guess I'm interpreting this as basses someone should play Vs basses someone should buy.

I think anyone who hasn't tried out an Alembic is missing out. They are very much out of my budget but I'm always excited when I see one at a shop. I find that there is just something magical about them. They have amazing sustain and sound beautiful even when unplugged.

I'd also put in a big vote for Rob Allen basses. Some of the best sounding and most beautiful instruments I've ever seen. I'm always blown away by these basses whenever I get the chance to check one out.

 

[Joe Nerve]

One man's SX is another man's Fodera is another man's vintage Fender is another man's Stingray is another woman's Daisyrock.

I'm one of the gang here that doesn't really recommend basses to anyone.

 

[lermgalieu]

MIA P

 

[Garret Graves]

If you are a bass player and have never played a Skjold, you are missing out on life!
Because you will own a handcrafted bass with top of the line electronics, and an unbelievably versatile tone. They are usually lightweight (my 6 string weighs less than 9 pounds), the necks are fast and comfortably hand shaped, and ergonomics are spot on. Those who own them usually rave about them, and I'm on that list. Take a few minutes to read the 'why Skjold' section of his website, and you will get a sense of his build philosophy and approach!

 

[shodan]

As many have said, you need to try them out and find what you think fits you.

That said, here are a couple of options:
For a bass on a budget look at a Squier Vintage Modified; if you can find one, a Korean Squier; or an Epi Toby for active.
A little more budget puts you in the MIM P/J range as well as a number of Ibanez.
Of course there is a wide range of MIA P/J versions, both in features and price.
The next step is probably a Rick, a Lakland, an early Tobias, Warwick, Musicman, G&L, or any number of lesser know customs. Maybe a good used boutique.
And then the high end and boutique.

My personal fav (at the moment) is a Lakland 44-02. With a trade and the fact that it had a couple of finish cracks (hello CA), I only have $600 in it. Plays like a dream and has all the tone you could ask for.

 

[packhowitzer]

SX

 

[Gizmot]

I own a couple of Warwicks and a couple of Rics. I like all of them. I think Warwicks are underrated - their workmanship and playability is absolutely incredible. They do cost more than they should because of German manufacturing and the fact that another distributor is making marrgin. I love their necks and the just-a-nuts.

 

[Peepaleep]

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,

I sold mine for more than I bought it for. Didn't like the bass all that much but loved the investment.

 

[Manticore]

Alembic.
I take at least one to every gig I play and have for the last 25 years. I encourage folks to play my basses, whether seasoned pros or beginners. No one knows how they will react to an Alembic until they play one. If they speak to you, there's no going back...

 

[TomTomPipersSon]

Alembic.
Great feel, easy to play, very high quality. Mine spoke to me and I'm hooked.

 

[Manticore]

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.

As you say, they aren't for everyone. They absolutely speak to me and I encourage everyone who asks to try mine. They are rare in the wild, and most folks never know whether they will speak to them until they actually try one. As with Porsche, "there is no substitute."

 

[BassmanMetzger56]

Aside from the obvious "anything Fender" suggestion, I would honestly recommend everyone at least try out a Thunderbird. Or any Gibson style bass for that matter. They aren't for everyone, but you'll never know unless you try.

 

[BassLover668]

Squier VM P bass

Cheap and great

 

[west al]

My is the Ric 4003, since I'm now playing a single bass again, not multiple basses. The 4003 just plays, and feels right.

 

[podmornica1]

Lakland 55-02, 44-02, Musicman Sterling 4, 5... you can't miss with those models (or even brands)

 

[gelinas666]

Thunderbird.

2nd the Gibson T Bird..