Which japanese "thumper" to choose? 70's-80's and 90's content

I voted Ibanez cuz is seems the least neck-divey.

 

Another vote for the Roadstar--I've heard them live, and they're very nice. I also voted for the CSB; I love mine, more than any other bass I've played. However, the one you're showing doesn't have the original pickup, which is too bad. Might still be a good bass, but hard to know from afar. Note: the CSB basses have tighter string spacing than normal (with less neck taper) and a 32" scale, all of which I prefer, but not everyone does.

 

I always liked the helix and they had some good reviews when they came out. I'd go for that. Weird and unique are pros in my book. Second choice would be the Ibanez. More "conservative". Kinda reminds me of a G&L or a MM and I think the tone would be similar enough. Westone and Aria Pro are just meh and the Fernandes I find just fugly.

 

I say Ibanez. I've played a few instruments from that era and series, and they were all really nice. Maybe a little on the heavy side, but made out of the right stuff, comfortable and great sound. Loud, too.

 

If it plays great, I would get the Fernandes and immediately cut my own guard that fits around the P bass pickup better. Either the same color or a nice dark red tort would look good. PJ electronics options are nearly endless.

 

The only one I have spent time with is the Westone, and it was a truly solid bass. Great player and it sounded like thunder.

 

Ibanez with Westone a close second.

Armadillo Guitars makes reproduction brass Westone knobs if you decide to go that direction. I bought some for a guitar project recently.

 

Speaking of replacement parts, Rautia Pickups makes replacement pickups for Aria Pro II basses.

 

I voted for the Ibanez. That one could be a serious ripper and looks like it would be comfortable to play.

 

I really like the TEB
Would like to see a full pic of the bass

 

Several good pics with a maple board here.

Fernandes TEB-1 1990 Black & Gold Japanese Telecaster Bass Guitar Rare Fernandes TEB-1 1990 Black & Gold Japanese Telecaster Bass Guitar Rare

 

I am super interested in the Lace.
I’ve tried with success to put the alumitone on bass. It sounded super cool. Very different from other pups I own.

 

Mk, they are all far away and I assume you intend to buy in one trip or travel will be as expensive as the bass.
As much as I like roadstars I would want a guarantee the neck and frets are still good on a 40yr. old bass. For that reason alone the Fernandes & Lace seem to be the safer gamble. (I voted Lace)

 

Haven’t run into an Aria Pro II that isn’t still going strong. I have one of their TSB-350 “Thor” fretless models, and it plays and sounds great.

Aria Pro IIs are real sleepers IMO. You can readily find them on Reverb in the $300-$600 range depending on the model and condition. Dirt cheap for a high quality 80s era Japanese made bass.

 

I like the look of the first one - the black one with the single pick up.

 

As somebody that owns a Thunder 1A, I will say that in my experience looks can be deceiving in regards to weight. Although the body on the Thunder is somewhat smaller than average, it is somehow impressively heavy. (Although my sample size is of 1).
Somehow this small bodied four string bass is as heavy if not heavier than my 6 string Atelier Z Jazz. I guess the upside is that there is almost no neck dive on such a small body.

 

If you are looking at Westone, I highly recommend the Electra X640N......either the pre 83 with dual Ps or the wide P/J 1983.... great preamp in those including Q filter, Series/Parallel, and phase.........I have the 1983