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What to buy ?

R

Rickson

Dec 16, 2013
4
0
#1
Hello everyone, I hope you can give me some good advise.

I started playing bass around a year ago and enjoy it immensely. As a European going to the US I will be able to acquire a good USA made bass at a pretty good value. So I plan to buy a serious instrument and have my eyes on Rickenbacker (4003), Fender (J or P) og MM (Stingray 4) as an upgrade from a Godin Freeway 4 i've been using.

It appears to be hard to get prices on Rickenbackers 4003 online, what do they go for (price range) and are they hard to get?

For someone that has been playing for a year, are there any of my choices I should avoid?
 
#2
I have also "been there and done that" but be advised that many guitar stores do NOT have stock available in the high-end models. I have been lucky to have been able to buy from online sellers, shipping to my hotel, but I only have acquired "vintage" instruments this way.

Where are you going in the U. S.? That may decide your strategy.
 
#3
Rickson said:
Hello everyone, I hope you can give me some good advise.

I started playing bass around a year ago and enjoy it immensely. As a European going to the US I will be able to acquire a good USA made bass at a pretty good value. So I plan to buy a serious instrument and have my eyes on Rickenbacker (4003), Fender (J or P) og MM (Stingray 4) as an upgrade from a Godin Freeway 4 i've been using.

It appears to be hard to get prices on Rickenbackers 4003 online, what do they go for (price range) and are they hard to get?

For someone that has been playing for a year, are there any of my choices I should avoid?
Click to expand...

Well, bear in mind that aftersales service might be a bit of an issue if you buy in the US but you're living in Europe. I'd have a good read around and make sure you're happy with the quality control and customer service reputation of whichever brand you go with - that's all I'll say, a quick search will probably fill in the details!
 
#4
Try all the ones you have listed then decide which one works for you.... This kind of question leads to a lot of IMO replies. You are the one playing it, you have to be comfortable with it. A collection of personal opinions from others will not get you there. Think of it like this asking this question is the same as asking what underwear you should put on.

Seek each instrument out, try them then you decide which one fits you..
 
#5
+1

Cookye said:
Try all the ones you have listed then decide which one works for you.... This kind of question leads to a lot of IMO replies. You are the one playing it, you have to be comfortable with it. A collection of personal opinions from others will not get you there. Think of it like this asking this question is the same as asking what underwear you should put on.

Seek each instrument out, try them then you decide which one fits you..
Click to expand...
 
#6
rust_preacher said:
Where are you going in the U. S.? That may decide your strategy.
Click to expand...

+1

If you give us an idea of which state(s) and cities you'll be visiting, we can suggest places to check out. Then, like Cookye says, you can try out as many models as possible. This way, you can find what feels and sounds "right" to you.
 
#7
Have you actually played any of the instruments you're considering? I'm especially asking because of the Ric. They are lots of people's dream bass, but, when the dream comes true, some people discover they aren't all that fond of playing them. Others love them. So, I would try to actually play all the basses you're considering before you make your decision. Don't just go by sound. Your dream bass has to feel right too.
 

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