Rayman

Contrary to what I've said previously, and having spent time with it, I'm going to say this one. For 200 quid its head and shoulders above anything I've had in a long time, it puts a massive smile on my face, it plays itself and it's just an absolute all around belter. I'd be insane to ever let it go, and in fact I want more of them. It's all the bass I've ever wanted and more. *I have said all this in the past, the Kinal, the Overwater etc... but its always been financial difficulties that have forced me to sell previously. Hopefully that won't be an issue again.... but I've learnt to never say never.

Give me a collection of modest but decent basses over a couple of amazing ones all day long. My mood changes daily. One night I'm into flats, the next the brighter zing of active, the next passive honk.... etc. I want access to a choice of sounds and feels to cater for my mood that night. I definitely don't have a clue what my ideal bass is, not a clue.

Some great comments, and I agree with all of them. Let's just be clear, it was a hypothetical question and I'm definitely not in a position to buy a Fodera or similar, yet. I love hunting for more affordable but decent quality gear. I'm still hoping to get my hands on a couple more Hohner B basses, a Tune Maniac and a semi of some description, but certainly down the line I'll be looking for that expensive purchase, regardless of whether I'm worthy or not 😉 Don't get me started on amps.

I happen to know that you are good

I guess I'm just playing Devils advocate..... I'm a reasonable player, but as much as I enjoy my Arias, Hohners etc... I intend to lash out on something really posh, because I remember how I felt playing my Kinal when I had it.... it was SO comfortable, and probably made me play better too. I guess that answers my original question.... but, I would still feel a bit if a fraud with a boutique bass in my hands I think.

Here's a question..... Have you ever felt guilty, or that you're really not good enough to own that expensive bass? I mean, I'm ok, I'm a decent player, but I'm no vertuosso.... and currently, after a handful of years away from playing anything at all, I've started to re-accumulate a modest collection of decent gear, but in the past I've owned Sadowsky, Overwaters etc, and wondered if A: Do I really need a 2K bass? Or B: Am I good enough to justify it? Am I really only worthy of sub 1K basses? Am I destined to stick with the Corts, Ibanez and Yamahas of this world? Or balls to it, I'll have what I want? Thoughts?

Samick makes everything for everybody. It's the only guitar factory in the world. Everyone else is lying.

No such thing as best under any circumstances, but if it were me right now, I'd buy used. That opens up your £400 to more options. If I were buying new, there's a sunburst Sire V7 on Andertons for 399.

Once you have a 5, you'll start learning songs that are pretty hard to play without one, and there's no way back, in my opinion. For example at home, I play along with a ton of jazz and trip hop stuff, which needs a low B. There's no way I could do without a 5er in my collection now.

Yeah lobster and bully both disliked it, BUT you can't judge a bass with someone else's ears, you might love the Pre. I was told my Hohner B Bass would sound weak..... no chance, it sounds fabulous to me.

I think the M5/7 is maybe a better bet. It seems like a total all rounder. But yes the Charvel is a looker, I love the colours available, but again, apparently the Pre is a bit weak.

Fretted version https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/334308194433?hash=item4dd6523881%3Ag%3At1cAAOSwK0ph7dEo&LH_ItemCondition=3000

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224815384625?hash=item34580a8831%3Ag%3AX1QAAOSwbbZh9r~d&LH_ItemCondition=3000 Not mine...... but, I'd be all over this if I had the spare cash *EDIT It's fretless...... I'd still buy it though

Sire V9 or M7 (V7 or M5 for cheaper but awesome versions) would be where I'd be looking. That's from New. Personally I almost always go second hand. Ibanez 5ers are easy to play, narrow spacing and well built. A Yamaha BB is always a safe bet. I've heard the San Dimas comes with a very unexciting Pre.... Otherwise a lovely bass, if you're prepared to upgrade the Pre to something more useable. Having said that, the bass player with Diamond Head (old school rock) was using one the other night, and it sounded really great. I LOVE the look of the San Dimas.... I'm tempted myself..... but having researched the M5/M7 I'd probably go down that road..... (If you can live with the headstock).

We played the Manchester Academy 3 a handful of years ago. All was going well until I stepped forward to sing one of our more popular songs, caught my foot around the lead and pulled the DI box off the top of the amp. My bass went dead, and I had no clue what had happened. After looking at the sound woman, who shrugged her shoulders, I binned the bass and sang the song without it. Bloody technology coupled with a clumsy pillock.... not my finest hour.

Like Kiwi, I don't have any keepers. They're tools, and none of them are particularly precious to me. I've had hundreds over the years. Although the Aria Integra 5 is the nearest thing to a keeper.... bought for me by my partner for Christmas.... trouble is I haven't decided if I'm keeping her or not yet.

Update for anyone interested.... my tech measured the pots, said they were fine and replacing them would be pointless. So, I brought it home, and raised the pickups. I didn't think it would make a difference but it really did. The Barts obviously need to be nearer to the strings to function properly. You'd think, after 40yrs I'd know that already. So now it sounds awesome. Happy days. Maybe a John East pre might go in it in the future. It'll be worth it, it's a really comfortable bass to play.

My 68 is up there with an Overwater Progress 5 I had, which even Chris May (who built it) agreed was a beast.

Yep, it's half the weight of my IGB68/5, very nice thing indeed, hopefully the upgraded pots will help its slightly polite sound. The IGB68 sounds immense, but of course that's active.

Late 90s Aria with Barts. Light, nice action, ergonomically nice to play.... surprisingly average sound. I'm guessing that the original MIK EQ is a bit crap, so it's going in for new pots etc. Anyone know anything about the Bartolinis? Any danger they designed to be active? This bass is passive. Other than the sound at this point, I'm very happy with it.

I remember the likes of Vantage and Westbury all being a cut above the usual crap around in the 70s/80s.

I wonder if anyone has gone the other way? Preferring a warm tone for a long time, but more recently going brighter? I'm talking more about home playing/listening mostly. Obviously a gig often demands a particular tone, so that's slightly different.