Decent basses in the 1000 - 1500 range ???

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griff10672

griff10672

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I'm looking to add a Bass to my " Pedal testing " arsenal .... I have an old Washburn that I like ..... but it's pretty old ....

so figured it was time .... I would like to stay American made .... and would rather buy used ...

I haven't shopped at all yet ....... no idea what's available in that price range ....
 
RaceU4her said:
just a regular old P or Jazz bass id say
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VonBonfire said:
I only believe in precision basses and music man stingrays with flatwound strings. I would think you should be able to find a used USA P-Bass in that price range.
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my first thought was a Fender Jazz .... and throw some really good pickups in it ... but I wouldn't mind an Ernie Ball either if I can find one that makes sense ...
 
Though they aren't Amercian made - Kramer era NS-2A is in that price range I think & Charvel model series - 3B (neck through) are sleeper basses.
Otherwise you can get in many P or J Fenders for that price
 
griff10672 said:
my first thought was a Fender Jazz .... and throw some really good pickups in it ... but I wouldn't mind an Ernie Ball either if I can find one that makes sense ...
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Music Man>Jazz Bass

Jazz basses sound great until you A/B it against a Precision or a Stingray then you realize they just don't sit in a mix as well. I do think the factory pickups in Fender basses are outstanding though the Duncan Quarter Pounders are great pickups also if you aren't happy. Something else to consider are P basses with the jazz pickup added. I think you can also get a jazz bass with the P bass pickup in there also but don't quote me on that one. One of those might be ideal for your testing purposes.
 
I'm required to say Spector. I'm a fan boy.

You can find the old NS2000 AND NS-2A basses around that price range. The modern equivalent is the NS Ethos series, which are also around that range. Those are all Korean, but still really high quality. The maple in those basses really punches and has the low end.

A more traditional route would be the Music Man or Fender basses. You can't go wrong there either.
 
If you're ok with North American made. The troy sanders sig fenders (Jaguar / p) I think are great. Play very well, have active / passive pickups and p/j pickups. Lots of tones and great players... The Jaguar has the roller switches for bass and treble contour which is kinda cool for finding the right sound.
 
Something with both active and passive pickups would be beneficial, especially since many active basses have a HUGE range of output available and will clip the input of some pedals (like my Spectors with bass/treble turned all the way up which is how I run them).

I'd say look for something like a used Spector Euro4LX.. there is chance to find one for less than $1500 still, even if prices have gone way up. Or maybe one of the NS Pulse basses for a little less.
 
GOHOINC said:
If you're ok with North American made. The troy sanders sig fenders (Jaguar / p) I think are great. Play very well, have active / passive pickups and p/j pickups. Lots of tones and great players... The Jaguar has the roller switches for bass and treble contour which is kinda cool for finding the right sound.
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I second that one too. I just looked it up, and it looks sweet.

Guitar Center has one.
 
Offer them $400 on one of these and thank me later.

https://reverb.com/item/87821106-ch...ramelized-maple-fingerboard-metallic-black-rp
https://reverb.com/item/87821105-ch...ramelized-maple-fingerboard-platinum-pearl-rp

Here's mine in a 5 string. Absolutely stellar.
If you're 100% set on spending more money: MM Stingray, G&L L2000, or Carvin LB74/Other Carvin.
1745504319277.jpeg
 

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I know a big sexy mofo with one of the coolest basses ever made… if you ask him real nice he might sell it…. Trust me bro you would like it…paging @japetus
 
@Floyd Eye should also be chiming in on this thread with his excellent bass knowledge.
 
For that price range you can get some really nice basses man. What is your style as far as looks? I have really loved some Fender Jazz basses over the years for feel and tone. For that range though, you could possibly get something used that is truly something special. Warwick basses are hit/miss for me. Some I have really loved, and others not so much.
 
GuitarGuy08 said:
For that price range you can get some really nice basses man. What is your style as far as looks? I have really loved some Fender Jazz basses over the years for feel and tone. For that range though, you could possibly get something used that is truly something special. Warwick basses are hit/miss for me. Some I have really loved, and others not so much.
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I want a Carl Thompson .........................

I like traditional stuff .... I'll most likely end up with a Precision / jazz combo of sorts ..... that I'll upgrade the pickups on
 
NowYou'rePlayingWithPower said:
Offer them $400 on one of these and thank me later.

https://reverb.com/item/87821106-ch...ramelized-maple-fingerboard-metallic-black-rp
https://reverb.com/item/87821105-ch...ramelized-maple-fingerboard-platinum-pearl-rp

Here's mine in a 5 string. Absolutely stellar.
If you're 100% set on spending more money: MM Stingray, G&L L2000, or Carvin LB74/Other Carvin.
View attachment 398244
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That looks killer; i may be in the market for a bass. Anyway gripes or high points?
 
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