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Which would you recommend?

Which would you recommend?

  • Total voters
    88
Rush-2112

Rush-2112

Dec 14, 2008
721
71
New York City
#1
Okay so here's the deal...I've been playing for about 2 years and a half, on a Jay Turser "Beatle Bass" copy. Lately, I've found myself playing songs that I couldn't even go near a year ago. Basslines, for instance, like you'd find in Rush's "YYZ" or Racer X's "Scarified". Anyway, I think it's time for an upgrade. So which of these would you recommend for my next bass?

P.S.
If you want to recommend something that's not on the list, feel free to do so...my price budget right now is $800-$900.
 
#3
I've never played any of the basses you mentioned, but going strictly by your user name I'm assuming you're a Geddy Lee fan and I'm wondering why you haven't considered a Fender Jazz? You can easily get an used MIA in that price range.

If you want versatility, I'd also suggest a used Stingray HS or HH or a used Lakland 44-02. Both are very versatile but they feel very different from each other. I owned the 5 string versions of both and prefer the shorter scale and narrower spacing of the Stingray (though I think the 4 string version is wide like the XX-02). However, I found my old 55-02 to be the more versatile of the two and the XX-02 basses are extremely well made (IOW don't let anyone convince you they're junk because they're Korean made).

One thing my suggestions have in common is "used". Unless have reasons to buy new you can almost always find gently used, well cared for basses at a good price in the TB For Sale forum. You'll get a lot of bass for your money that way (that's how I got all of mine).

Just out of curiosity, what factors led you to narrow your choices down to those basses?
 
#7
dave64o said:
I've never played any of the basses you mentioned, but going strictly by your user name I'm assuming you're a Geddy Lee fan and I'm wondering why you haven't considered a Fender Jazz? You can easily get an used MIA in that price range.

If you want versatility, I'd also suggest a used Stingray HS or HH or a used Lakland 44-02. Both are very versatile but they feel very different from each other. I owned the 5 string versions of both and prefer the shorter scale and narrower spacing of the Stingray (though I think the 4 string version is wide like the XX-02). However, I found my old 55-02 to be the more versatile of the two and the XX-02 basses are extremely well made (IOW don't let anyone convince you they're junk because they're Korean made).

One thing my suggestions have in common is "used". Unless have reasons to buy new you can almost always find gently used, well cared for basses at a good price in the TB For Sale forum. You'll get a lot of bass for your money that way (that's how I got all of mine).

Just out of curiosity, what factors led you to narrow your choices down to those basses?
Click to expand...

Thank you for your response! I have indeed tried the Geddy Lee Jazz, and I have nothing against it. It's just that Fender has had some price hikes now, and I've looked around for used but can't seem to find any. Maybe I'll check the classifieds, but to be honest I really like to try before I buy (for used, anyway).

And I chose to narrow it down to those choices because I've been doing research for about 2 months now, and those seem to be what everyone likes in the $800-$900 price range (based on the reviews I've read).

Oh and I was also considering a Skyline 44-01 (the 44-02 is too expensive new)...but I cancelled it out a while ago. Don't know why...
 
#8
At that price you might want to give a Spector ReBop a try. You could certainly pick up either a used 4-or-5 string for $8-900, and possibly a "ZeBop" - a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] with a Zebrawood top (hence the nickname :smug: ) which is incredibly punchy due to the density of the top.

You could also quite possibly find a used Euro neck-through at that price range as well, but I like the ReBop series due to it's bolt-on neck and Alder/Maple body, which gives it a cross tonally between the traditional Spector "grind" and a good Jazz Bass' punch. They're also significantly lighter, so it's easier to play longer and more comfortably.
 
#9
Rush-2112 said:
Thank you for your response! I have indeed tried the Geddy Lee Jazz, and I have nothing against it. It's just that Fender has had some price hikes now, and I've looked around for used but can't seem to find any. Maybe I'll check the classifieds, but to be honest I really like to try before I buy (for used, anyway).

And I chose to narrow it down to those choices because I've been doing research for about 2 months now, and those seem to be what everyone likes in the $800-$900 price range (based on the reviews I've read).

Oh and I was also considering a Skyline 44-01 (the 44-02 is too expensive new)...but I cancelled it out a while ago. Don't know why...
Click to expand...

There are TONS of great basses in that price range and the ones you have chosen are all pretty good, but where did you do your research? I only ask because those seem to be some of the least popular choices on most bass forums at any price range.

I'd go with a used Spector Euro or even a Rebop...although the Rex is a great bass, the other two have better resale and better balance and versatility. Otherwise, a Lakland or a Fender P or J can always be found in the classifieds. And as far as buying used, just ask the right questions and do some research on the seller before you buy. A good feedback rating indicates the seller isn't gonna hassle you or try to sell you crap. And I'd prefer to buy off of Talkbass than from a local classifieds because most of them yahoos don't know much about the instrument other than they bought it for a certain price and they want their money back when they sell it.
 
#13
NKUSigEp said:
There are TONS of great basses in that price range and the ones you have chosen are all pretty good, but where did you do your research? I only ask because those seem to be some of the least popular choices on most bass forums at any price range.

I'd go with a used Spector Euro or even a Rebop...although the Rex is a great bass, the other two have better resale and better balance and versatility. Otherwise, a Lakland or a Fender P or J can always be found in the classifieds. And as far as buying used, just ask the right questions and do some research on the seller before you buy. A good feedback rating indicates the seller isn't gonna hassle you or try to sell you crap. And I'd prefer to buy off of Talkbass than from a local classifieds because most of them yahoos don't know much about the instrument other than they bought it for a certain price and they want their money back when they sell it.
Click to expand...

I'm gonna go to Sam Ash and a couple other guitar stores tomorrow to try and find a used Spector Euro or Rebop. I looked them up, very cool basses. I just wish I had the money to buy one of them new...anyway, so if I don't find one of those, do you think I should go with the Rex?
 
#14
Rush-2112 said:
Thank you for your response! I have indeed tried the Geddy Lee Jazz, and I have nothing against it. It's just that Fender has had some price hikes now, and I've looked around for used but can't seem to find any. Maybe I'll check the classifieds, but to be honest I really like to try before I buy (for used, anyway).

And I chose to narrow it down to those choices because I've been doing research for about 2 months now, and those seem to be what everyone likes in the $800-$900 price range (based on the reviews I've read).

Oh and I was also considering a Skyline 44-01 (the 44-02 is too expensive new)...but I cancelled it out a while ago. Don't know why...
Click to expand...


There was a Geddy Lee on Ebay yesterday with a $550 BIN price. Might be sold now though, I'm not sure.


Still, I would recommend going to every music store within an hour or two and trying out every bass possible, even if you think it's something you think you won't like, or if it's a bit above (or below) your intended price range. You might find something that you love that's cheaper than what you expected, or you might find out that you need to spend an extra $100 to get what you want. Either way you'll be saving money in the long run.

Also, call ahead and make sure that they have a similar amp to yours (or bring your own amp), so that you have some consistency in the basses you try out. It's all too tempting to try out the most expensive bass rig and everything sounds amazing, but when you get the bass home on your rig it falls short of what you heard at the store.

Be patient, be smart, and try to keep your mind open to trying everything.
 
#15
It's been said before, check the TB classifieds and try Craigslist. There should be some good stuff in your area. I picked up a beautiful MIA Jazz in your price range that I found on Craigslist in Houston. I was able to try it out and seal the deal. I could not justify going new with the recent price hikes and I was able to get my hands on a Jazz with a swamp ash body, trans orange finish, and a maple fretboard. I haven't weighed it yet, but it sure is light compared to some of the others I've picked up. Feels like a feather compared to the Gibson Grabber I've been playing. Good luck in your search.
 
#16
Rush-2112 said:
Okay so here's the deal...I've been playing for about 2 years and a half, on a Jay Turser "Beatle Bass" copy. Lately, I've found myself playing songs that I couldn't even go near a year ago. Basslines, for instance, like you'd find in Rush's "YYZ" or Racer X's "Scarified". Anyway, I think it's time for an upgrade. So which of these would you recommend for my next bass?

P.S.
If you want to recommend something that's not on the list, feel free to do so...my price budget right now is $800-$900.
Click to expand...

you know theres a HUGE tonal and playingstyle difference from YYZ to Scarified.....:smug::D

and 2112, you attempting Scarified now??? --

that would be a treat to MY EYES to see cause not too many people do it on bass that are any good at it..


as to what YOU want, and the 3 choices you posted>........well if your trying to emulate your favorite player, then you are..If your looking for their "tone" then you are...If you are looking to buy a comfortable/good sounding bass for you to have your "looks" and your "sound"...why ask any of us what YOU should buy??? :cool:

p.s. I did NOT vote for the CMG, as you know I love and own many Jacksons, but I always liked the looks of the holoFlash...
 
#17
amimbari said:
you know theres a HUGE tonal and playingstyle difference from YYZ to Scarified.....:smug::D

and 2112, you attempting Scarified now??? --

that would be a treat to MY EYES to see cause not too many people do it on bass that are any good at it..


as to what YOU want, and the 3 choices you posted>........well if your trying to emulate your favorite player, then you are..If your looking for their "tone" then you are...If you are looking to buy a comfortable/good sounding bass for you to have your "looks" and your "sound"...why ask any of us what YOU should buy??? :cool:

p.s. I did NOT vote for the CMG, as you know I love and own many Jacksons, but I always liked the looks of the holoFlash...
Click to expand...


Great to hear from you amimbari! Yeah about Scarified...I've been, uh, attempting it a bit (by the way you nailed it on that vid), nothing to post on Youtube JUST yet :rollno:

Haha but anyways, thanks for your response. Based on the responses I've received on this thread, now I'm torn between the Spector and a Lakland 44-01. I just don't know :crying:
 

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