Your Retirement Dream Bass?

[bassfootballguy]

I’m retiring after 42 years in 30 days.
To mark the occasion, I’m looking at finding my “dream” bass. I will be pretty much debt free and have a substantial amount to spend. Other than a museum piece, I can pretty much get what I want for the first time ever.
I play mostly country/swamp rock/blues rock and also play at church on Sundays.
In recent years, my tastes have run to the P or P/J sound and light weight and playability are huge factors.
What would you get for, say, under $8k?

BFG

 

[CoughSyrup]

Medium-scale F Bass VF

 

[buldog5151bass]

I'd want to search u til I find the pre CBS P that speaks to me. If vintage isn't what stiffens your spaghetti, figure out what you want your dream bass to look like (you say you like Ps and PJs). Contact Lull and some of the other great builders of FSOs and tell them what you want - maybe chambered body, pretty top with the finish that catches your eye, etc.

 

[GTHintz]

My dream bass is probably one of the early Warwicks from back when they said West Germany on the in serial number. Maybe a Wal mk1 or mk2 5 string. If price is no object I'd go for that or a 5 string Carl Thompson.

 

[dc-upright]

I retired 7 years ago, my dream bass is my 74 P I have been playing for lots of years!

 

[Iristone]

Have you tried a Sadowsky? I heard they've released a lightweight body, and maybe you could make it in P/J.
Me? I don't want to retire... just yet! Hopefully I could save up for an Alembic when I'm 60. But I don't want to part with my Rickenbacker and EB-3, either.

 

[bassfootballguy]

I retired 7 years ago, my dream bass is my 74 P I have been playing for lots of years!

That’s cool to hear. Doesn’t help me much, tho!

 

[dc-upright]

That’s cool to hear. Doesn’t help me much, tho!

I was answering your post, an old P is an option if you are looking for a dream bass!

 

[Lammchop93]

I’d get a vintage Fender P or J. The value is just going to increase over time anyways…

maybe take a weekend trip to Nashville and check out some vintage stores and see what speaks to you?

Congrats on retirement!!

 

[Jugghaid]

$8k or under for a P or PJ style, my first move would probably be a custom build by Lull. Lots of great choices though. Good luck in your search and congrats.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

Got my 60 p around 7 grand last year. Nice slab board, had it plekked. If you want a P bass tone the slab board 59-62’s are the way to go.

 

[bassfootballguy]

Got my 60 p around 7 grand last year. Nice slab board, had it plekked. If you want a P bass tone the slab board 59-62’s are the way to go.

I’ve got feelers out, including with some well connected folks in Nashville. I will be heading there in July and doing a bass safari. I wouldn’t mind a refinished one even, as long as it’s got the goods

 

[PrimitiveMan]

I hope when I retire to get an MTD 534!

But based on what you said about a PJ, I'd say Lull or Sadowsky

 

[gtirard]

My "i quit smoking" dream bass

 

[GTHintz]

I’m retiring after 42 years in 30 days.
To mark the occasion, I’m looking at finding my “dream” bass. I will be pretty much debt free and have a substantial amount to spend. Other than a museum piece, I can pretty much get what I want for the first time ever.
I play mostly country/swamp rock/blues rock and also play at church on Sundays.
In recent years, my tastes have run to the P or P/J sound and light weight and playability are huge factors.
What would you get for, say, under $8k?

BFG

If I were wanting what you're after I'd say look at a pedulla or Lakland. They both can be found for within your budget. My last post was my dream basses for my taste. Lol

 

[Clark W]

I’m retiring after 42 years in 30 days.
To mark the occasion, I’m looking at finding my “dream” bass. I will be pretty much debt free and have a substantial amount to spend. Other than a museum piece, I can pretty much get what I want for the first time ever.
I play mostly country/swamp rock/blues rock and also play at church on Sundays.
In recent years, my tastes have run to the P or P/J sound and light weight and playability are huge factors.
What would you get for, say, under $8k?

BFG

This would be what I would start with, and then have a few changes made, like going from active to passive with it and a few other changes. From Ferner's out of Memphis. Custom PJ Deluxe

Or this from Ferner's as well, Custom 68 but definitely with a second pup and stacked volume/tone knobs

They have two of the standard Custom 68s for sale, Marmalade Orange and Tobacco Burst at 2800 each. And some of the Custom PJ Deluxe in the 3800 - 4000 range.

 

[Not yet]

Not as easy to find anymore but I've found the Alleva Coppolo LG5 to be my retirement Bass...

 

[Killing Floor]

Mothman?

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I have a Sandberg passive VT5 (P/J) on order, so I'd go with that (for me)! If weight is a big issue, you can get a Super Light version.

 

[nonohmic]

Mike Lull P for sure.

Or if you wanted something more modern, then just put a deposit down on a MTD, F bass, Roscoe etc. And enjoy the build ride.