What basses do you absolutely recommend to others?

[MegaSwing]

All you can do is encourage a player to truly comprehend what he/she does and doesn't like.

 

[Neon Scribe]

Craigslist, er, I mean TB Classified!

 

[azfatboy]

I think recommendations like fodera and alembic are great if you are creating bucket list (they are certainly on mine), but for me, Schecter has just got to be one of the most obvious answers to this question. Great looks, great sound, awesome versatility, and one of the best values.

 

[cheechi]

Ibanez sr500 or higher

asking as a lefty, I have played a 200 or 300 and a 205. I think I've seen a 505 in person, was long enough ago may have been a 405.

Anyway I'm always interested in people's opinions on the higher end ibanez as they all have the same size neck/body comparing 4's to 4's etc right? so if you get an sr200 and like the feel but want a better, or don't like the feel, that can save you from buying a pricier one?

I want to like the ones I have played at the store but never loved active basses, they don't have the character passives to my ears. The sr200 for example feels really nice but sounds like active is needed to overcome the otherwise lack of any real standout on its own.

I want to believe, if that makes sense. Are the preamps or pups or both better on the higher end ones or just better woods/finishes?

 

[RockinBass85]

I can only recommend what I've played. I've played a ton from different brands. Bought, sold, traded everything I had at one point. Hands down, a Lakland 55-01. Relatively inexpensive used, but a great pro-amateur instrument.

 

[Tom Bomb]

Just get a nice one. Don't scrimp. Get the bass of your dreams, if you can. Alternately, get the best you can. That's always what I've done. No complaints

 

[ubernator]

asking as a lefty, I have played a 200 or 300 and a 205. I think I've seen a 505 in person, was long enough ago may have been a 405.

Anyway I'm always interested in people's opinions on the higher end ibanez as they all have the same size neck/body comparing 4's to 4's etc right? so if you get an sr200 and like the feel but want a better, or don't like the feel, that can save you from buying a pricier one?

I want to like the ones I have played at the store but never loved active basses, they don't have the character passives to my ears. The sr200 for example feels really nice but sounds like active is needed to overcome the otherwise lack of any real standout on its own.

I want to believe, if that makes sense. Are the preamps or pups or both better on the higher end ones or just better woods/finishes?

Better all around , and the bodies are thicker and flat topbon the 200, the 300+ have carved thinner bodies. Many different levels of electronics, the bart MK1 on the 500 is pretty good, and the nordstrands are even better

 

[Burwabit]

... all tube Ampeg... because it's the sound in your head...
... American made Fender... because there IS a difference...
... a boutique bass... because it might take your game to the next level...

 

[Kmonk]

MIA Fender, Alembic, Spector.

 

[Wolfhound32]

Kiesel basses
These things are serious top-shelf quality, and there are so many options to choose from that a player can build it to suit his/her needs, and the customer has direct access to the builder.

G&L
Fantastic Fender-type basses by a company founded by Leo himself, and they continue to use several of the build methods used in classic-Fender's glory days.

Common factor between the two is affordability. Both companies offer many options that their larger counterparts don't, and the level of craftsmanship is fantastic. For under $1500 a person can special order a unique, American made, professional level instrument that will serve them for a lifetime.

 

[FirewalZ]

What I call my "Leo Trio" covers all bases(pun intended):

• Jazz Bass
• Precision Bass
• MM Stingray

Take your time and find really good passive Fenders, they are inconsistent in years past yes, but when you find one that "has it", they are hard to beat.

 

[Kukulkan61]

I recommend everyone get the Bass that plays, feels, looks and sounds best to them, don't matter what brand be your own judge...

 

[Nofrets2]

It's all context dependent. There are no absolutes.

I'd be sensitive to the needs and resources of the other and would effort to see through their eyes before I responded.

 

[Tom Baker]

Warwick.

 

[Hand slap]

I usually go with a USA Peavey Cirrus in this case.

Because.... to ME they have the best playability, balance and tone. I'll miss ol' blue until she returns to me one day (pretty sure I'll never see that bass again).

I like to recommend basses I'M selling.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Rickenbacker 4004

meanwhile I'd recommend getting one of these over the more popular (& IMHO inferior) 4003

If you're on a budget, get a SR300E
if you've got an extra $100, get a SR400EQM:

add: and another good candidate is the SR370E

same as the SR300E, but with a maple body vs. mahogany

 

[Biggbass]

Recommendations would depend on player's skill, needs, and budget. But I would
probably keep it simple and suggest something from Fender that falls within budget.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

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

I was wondering how long it would take before Lakland came up. I've played 4 and 5 string, long and short scale, and my fingers say they like Lakland necks the best.

 

[jd56hawk]

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.

I tried the Epiphone Thunderbird Classic IV Friday.
I've been wanting one for years but you just don't see the Alpine White model hanging up every day.
I knew what to expect, but I was still surprised to find my expectations not only met, but surpassed.
I usually give a bass I'm trying a 10- to 15-minute workout, but I must've played this one for half an hour.

Yes, I bought it.

 

[Gaolee]

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.

I would expand on that and include Rickebackers. There is a lot of nonsense floating around about Gibson bass guitars in general, Thunderbirds in specific, and Rickenbackers in general. They aren't Fenders and won't feel or sound like Fenders. Playing them for a while dispels some of the myths around what they do and don't do.