Which boutique shall I get?

[mark beem]

Let's get some opinions on boutique basses. I am very close to purchasing one, and I thought I would get some opinions on which ones you think are worthy to be called boutique? My budget allows for around $3300. With this said the MTD 535 is in the lead at the moment (probably only because I haven't looked for many more than that).

Go with your gut... They're great basses!!

 

[peabody]

A Sadowsky....

Preferably the one I'm selling.

I'll sell you mine for $1600 and you'll still have enough for a used Aguilar DB750. You can't go wrong....

Shameless self promotion....you gotta love it (or not)

Over and out

 

[smperry]

I'm becoming less enamored with the MTD et al. Bartolini setup, so if it were me with your cash and the musical leanings, I'd look to:

Nordstrand
Benavente
R Bass
F
Ken Smith
Sadowsky

There are a ton of other great options of course, but as I've checked out examples of these, they strike me as "safe bets" in that range.

Marshall

 

[tbone0813]

Here is my new bass. It possesses the most effortless playability of any bass I have ever picked up. It is a Warrior Dran Michael Signature 5 string. I picked it up today at the Arlington Guitar Show. Check out the Cross & Sword inlay at the 12th fret. It doesn't get much better than that.

Specs:

Finish: Anointed Oil
Top: Family Vault Burl Maple
Middle: Purple Heart
Back: Hand Carved Alder
Neck: 3 Piece Flame Maple and Purpleheart
Fretboard: Birdseye Maple
Inlay: Custom Abalone Crusader Inlay
Headstock: Matching Family Vault Burl Maple
Tuners: Gold Warrior Keys
Hardware: Gold with Warrior G-Factor Stringing System(tm) and Custom Wood Knobs
Pickups: Bartolini MMX5
Electronics: 18 Volt Active Preamp with Custom MidKit
Case: Warrior Crocodile Plush Lined Hardshell

 

[ducaticarl]

Check out RITTER guitars unbelieveable stuff...pricey!

 

[Figjam]

Elrick

 

[mark beem]

Here is my new bass. It possesses the most effortless playability of any bass I have ever picked up. It is a Warrior Dran Michael Signature 5 string. I picked it up today at the Arlington Guitar Show. Check out the Cross & Sword inlay at the 12th fret. It doesn't get much better than that.

Awesome!! Congrats!!

 

[greg]

For $3,300 you can get a really decked out Yancey, Cb, or Stambaugh. Of course my .02 cents goes to Yancey basses. If you want to save a little more then:
Ken Lawrence(long wait now)
MTD
Fbass
Benavente

 

[D.A.R.K.]

wise choice on the neck-through
(imagine it bolt-on...much nicer as-is, eh?)
congrats!
d

 

[Snarf]

My preference would be a used Fodera mondarch. Just for the mystique. If not that, I would definitely check a Stambaugh. The best bass I have ever played was a Stambaugh fretless. If not that, then Benavente would be my next choice.