Who do you usually recommend?

[logdrum]

I have only paid less than 2K for a bass. Yamaha Japan or EB for current and Pedulla for used.

Simply because that is my experience.

 

[nixdad]

Serek!

 

[dbsfgyd1]

If someone is looking for a nice , new bass at the $2k-$3k price point, who are your go to top 5 recommendations?

I think these companies offer very good quality and value for the money while bringing their own thing to the table.

Ernie Ball MusicMan
Yamaha
G&L
Dingwall
Sandberg

If someone has the same budget or a little lower or wants to go used, I might also recommend.
Sterling Ray 34/35
MTD Kingston
Sire
or a used USA Peavey.

I think you have a great list there that most would be thrilled with. If I were making a recommendation, it would be either a gently used $4-$5k instrument which can be had for $3k ish, or a new Fender P ( JB ) that first went first for a set up with the best luthier in town.

 

[r_bnks]

Spector

 

[MaxSpinrun]

USA Lakland, Music Man, Sire V10, Jay Dee,. MTD Kingston, covers what I would want.

 

[DaveParker39]

Spector
Fender
Yamaha
Warwick

 

[micguy]

Warmoth

I second this. My herd is all built with Warmoth wood. One of the challenges with any custom build is knowing what you really want. With that budget, even if your guess as to what you want isn’t spot on. you could buy what you think you want, and have enough left over for a “correction” if necessary.

 

[Ric5]

I usually recommend that people buy the bass THEY like ... not the bass that I like

 

[Killing Floor]

Kiesel
Duesenberg

 

[Sands]

With that budget, I’d spend 1/3 on the bass and 2/3 on the amp.

+1

 

[Oldbasslover]

Used Fodera Yin Yang. I say that due to having 2 Foderas, a G&L, 2 EBMM Sterlings, a Fender (modified) and an old Guild Starfire. Fodera is my go-to bass hands down. Playability, great controls, weight, comfort, looks.
There are a number of basses I would love to try - some of the old Alembics, Sadowsky, and any number of other fine instruments that are out there, but for what I own and have played hundreds of hours each on, the Fodera has been my favorite for several years now.

 

[Gizmot]

Everyone makes recommendations based on what they’re familiar with and that’s okay. After reading a page or two of responses I noticed that no one mentioned Warwick. I’ve owned three Warwicks and they were fantastic! I’ve written before that Warwick’s neck profile is my absolute favorite. On the downside they are a bit pricey but if you buy a German made model, you get absolutely first rate materials and workmanship.

 

[Topkat13]

If I were spending that kind of dough, and I have, I would make my own decision which I did.

 

[xzaqaz]

At that price point, I have little or no experience. There are plenty of nice basses in that price range, and for that kind of money they ought to do your dishes and take out your trash as well.

The one bass I have that has a MSRP above $2000 is my Gretsch Thunderjet. It's a short scale masterpiece of immaculate finish and great sound. I would immediately recommend it to anyone looking for a short scale in that price range.

But the GOOD news is that MSRP is not the real world price. It's widely available new at a street price around $1600, and I got mine for around $1200 used but in mint condition with the case and all the case candy.

And I am not convinced that buying new is wise. There are tons of great used basses in excellent condition. I'm a used car buyer, too.

View attachment 4891245

I buy used cars only too.
Why do I shy from used basses?

That is a nice bass.
How much does that weigh about?

As for the question, maybe a Gibson SG Bass.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

If someone is looking for a nice , new bass at the $2k-$3k price point, who are your go to top 5 recommendations?

I think these companies offer very good quality and value for the money while bringing their own thing to the table.

Ernie Ball MusicMan
Yamaha
G&L
Dingwall
Sandberg

If someone has the same budget or a little lower or wants to go used, I might also recommend.
Sterling Ray 34/35
MTD Kingston
Sire
or a used USA Peavey.

Only one:

Fender Custom Shop Pino Palladino Precision bass

 

[bassrique]

We don't know about the player. Without that knowledge, just about any one bass for ~2.5k is good with modern manufacturing plants.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Spector would make the list!

 

[el murdoque]

Sorry if my answer isn't exactly what you're looking for (jind if a tradition here at TB).

At that price point I would advise someone "Get thee to a really nice store" and play a buttload of basses. Your new bass will choose you.

Plus, have a look around at the second hand market. There are many people that collect basses more than play them and you can get a mint condition bass that retails for $4k+ for less than 3000 with a bit of searching and a bit of luck.

 

[SteveHeissner]

Dingwall if you like the multi-scale fanned fret approach to playing. I personally like it equally as much as non-fanned fret non multi-scale and switch back and forth. Good luck. Lots of good gear out there these days.

 

[sawzalot]

I would tell them to peruse the Talkbass Classifieds, where they'd find better deals and great basses of some of the same brand names, many of which fall below the $2K-$3K price point.