Best current bass makers

[tom5string]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='958026' date='Sep 16 2010, 10:28 AM']f) Isn't already massively expensive.[/quote]

Ignoring this we can conclude on:

Carl Thompson Basses - Les Claypool
Zon Basses - Michael Manring
Alembics - Stanley Clarke

Additionally, i guess Marleaux Basses have a good chance being collectibles in the future, while I don't believe Warwicks will ever be (despite those ultra custom signature handmade stuff)

[danbowskill]

tokai all the way(only jap stuff mind :-) ) .played tonsof differnt basses .....but hay ho each to there own?

Edited September 16, 2010 by danbowskill

[danbowskill]

doe!!!just saw the current bit!!

[charic]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='958376' date='Sep 16 2010, 02:48 PM']Warwicks, maybe, but only German made ones and only from certain periods.

I'd say that ACG fits more of the collectable criteria than Shuker (except the JJB Signature) as most ACG basses have certain defining and unique features the most notable being the filter pre-amp. Shukers have too many differences between individual basses for there to be a definitive Shuker style. Same goes for Sei - fantastic basses but they are all too different.[/quote]

However, shukers are played by atleast 2 famous people that I can think of.

Yamahas? Theres quite a few famous players out there playing them.

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='BigRedX' post='958376' date='Sep 16 2010, 02:48 PM']Warwicks, maybe, but only German made ones and only from certain periods.

I'd say that ACG fits more of the collectable criteria than Shuker (except the JJB Signature) as most ACG basses have certain defining and unique features the most notable being the filter pre-amp. Shukers have too many differences between individual basses for there to be a definitive Shuker style. Same goes for Sei - fantastic basses but they are all too different.[/quote]
The thing with Shuker is that you can tell it's Shuker without even looking at the headstock - they have a crispness and vibrancy and an attention to detail all of their own. Alan's basses are more organic to look at but sound fooking amazing.

[cocco]

Filter preamp? I think I know why no one else does that.

[BigRedX]

[quote name='cocco' post='958485' date='Sep 16 2010, 04:13 PM']Filter preamp? I think I know why no one else does that.[/quote]
What do you mean?

[PaulWarning]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='957778' date='Sep 15 2010, 10:18 PM']It doesn't really matter since you can never hear the bass player anyway. Just get a cheap one.

Unless you want a special-sounding bass for doing YouTube play-a-long videos.[/quote]

If you buy a cheap bass no one will hear you cause they don't cut through in a band situation

[Cat Burrito]

I'm pleased we've had some really common sense answers here. Ultimately it comes down to tastes and without being a visionary, who's to say what will be collectable in the future. The Japanese Fenders were panned in the early days and nowadays the JV Series are highly regarded. A lot of rubbish *can* be spoken about musical equipment (often by people who haven't actually played what they are slatting) and it's pleasing that this thread hasn't (yet) descended into the can of worms predicted.

[cocco]

That it's not a common feature on many basses probably because it doesn't need to be. I think bass players on the whole fear change

[BigRedX]

Strange then that the filter pre-amp is one of the features that makes Wal Basses so desirable...

IMO these pre-amps have more to offer the bassist since they don't simply duplicate the controls on their amp but in a less good form.

And bassists who fear them tend to be bassists who have never tried them.

[bassatnight]

Sadowsky for me.

[sshorepunk]

"future classics" would have been a better title!

Which basses being made today are we going to look at in the same way we do a '62 or '75 jazz, to name but a few, in thirty years time!

Tony

[Truckstop]

Im hoping that my Yamaha RBXJM1 will be collectible when Dream Theater split. Or when John Myung dies in a hooker/vomit/drugs storm! It's the quiet ones you need to look out for!

Truckstop

[Ou7shined]

[quote name='BurritoBass' post='958524' date='Sep 16 2010, 04:50 PM']I'm pleased we've had some really common sense answers here. Ultimately it comes down to tastes and without being a visionary, who's to say what will be collectable in the future. The Japanese Fenders were panned in the early days and nowadays the JV Series are highly regarded. A lot of rubbish *can* be spoken about musical equipment (often by people who haven't actually played what they are slatting) and it's pleasing that this thread hasn't (yet) descended into the can of worms predicted.[/quote]
Right. It's the naughty step for you for mentioning the F word in this thread.

[AndyTravis]

I'd possibly suggest the Alleva Coppolo basses made in NY with the Brazillian Rosewood fingerboards?

Wals made by Ian Waller and Pete Stevens are obviously in this category, I wonder if the new breed will do the same?!

Edited, because in a thick moment I misread 'current'. It's such a toughy.

Edited September 16, 2010 by AndyTravis

[LawrenceH]

I really have no idea about who the best or most collectible are, but those Yamaha BB basses with the voodoo (marketing?) wood treatment sound as good as any I've heard ever. And I'll bet they play pretty nicely too!

[BottomEndian]

[quote name='cocco' post='958534' date='Sep 16 2010, 04:56 PM']I think bass players on the whole fear change[/quote]
Really? I'd say the opposite is true, compared to (for example) guitarists. We embrace our active circuits, fretlessness and lightweight amp gear. Anybody here play with a guitarist with an onboard preamp? Fretless guitar? Neo speakers? Chances are they're toting a Strat/Tele/Les Paul/SG, into a heavy 2x12 combo.

Sweeping generalisations there, obviously, but there's an element of truth IMO.

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='BottomEndian' post='958794' date='Sep 16 2010, 08:50 PM']Really? I'd say the opposite is true, compared to (for example) guitarists. We embrace our active circuits, fretlessness and lightweight amp gear. Anybody here play with a guitarist with an onboard preamp? Fretless guitar? Neo speakers? Chances are they're toting a Strat/Tele/Les Paul/SG, into a heavy 2x12 combo.

Sweeping generalisations there, obviously, but there's an element of truth IMO.[/quote]
I play all active basses through a class D amp with a NEO cab (no fretless yet) and both bands Im in the guitarists use a combination of all that stuff you listed through marshall and fender 2x12 amps! All true.

Edited September 16, 2010 by stingrayPete1977

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

Steinberger? Schecter?

[wesfinn]

squier CV series!

[cocco]

Haha ok that's a fair point. Although I'm a p/j toting heavy Ampeg 8x10 lugging stuck in the 70s although I'm only 23 type.

[KERMITNT]

we have all to admit that the most acceptable and all around instrument is ken smith nobody says a bad word for them patitucci has one

collectables

fbass- alain caron
fodera-richard bona
ken smith-all great players have one hidden

[BigRedX]

[quote name='KERMITNT' post='958939' date='Sep 16 2010, 11:13 PM']ken smith-all great players have one hidden[/quote]
Yes because they're so bloody ugly! ;-)

[Chris2112]

[quote name='tom5string' post='958386' date='Sep 16 2010, 02:56 PM']Carl Thompson Basses - Les Claypool[/quote]

Carl Thompson basses are already really expensive! Very rare too, given the size of Carl's operation, apparently he makes approximately 10 a year!

I don't think even think Carl is making instruments now, last I hear a couple of years ago was that he was completing his order book and taking repair and refurb work on basses he had already made. They all seem to circulate in America too and I've not seen one for sale in this country for ages.

Alembics, as mentioned, will just hold their value. Some of them have been sold for "giveaway" prices but they are what they are: beautifully finished handmade instruments. There are plenty around too, which is encouraging. If I had a 4 string series I or II I'd be happy man!