Have to buy new, having problems.

[addam360]

Problems solved. Thanks!

[s]Sorry if I accidentally post this in the wrong place, I haven't really used Basschat for much beyond scouring the For Sale section.

So I am after a new bass, since my Jazz has seen better days, and luckily I also have my 21st coming up, negating the fact that I'm out of money. Only problem is that the buyer is insisting I have to buy a new bass from a music shop, which is a shame after seeing all the amazing deals on the second hand market.

I would like some help choosing some to look at if possible. The budget is around £500-£600, which seems more than healthy for a good solid bass to gig with.

The type of music I typically play fills that odd triangle between punk, pop and alt rock which seems to be the cause of so many arguments online if classified wrongly. I mainly cover bands such as Alkaline Trio, You Me At Six, Biffy Clyro, Rancid, Blink 182 and Wolf Parade. Sometimes a bit of RHCP, but don't we all? As well as some really toned down sort of soft mellow stuff (obviously not at the same time). I would like a bass versatile enough to handle the lot, since I can't afford multiple.
EDIT: Should also have mentioned that I would really like another pickup at the bridge for more funky stuff, otherwise I'd just buy a P Bass and be done with it.

It looks like the majority of the bassists from these bands use either P or J basses with the occasional Stingray/ATK type or some oddity. I know for certain that I'm not after another Jazz, after finally getting hold of one after wanting one for years I find the necks too narrow and tight. They were always great to test out but a few weeks of living with one put me off. Also, the sound is a bit thin for my taste.

The P Bass is the obvious choice as far as I can tell and I do love the sound of a P Bass played with a pick but the super simple electronics can be a bit limiting. If the was a PJ precision in my price range I'd be sorted but as far as I can tell they only exist as Squiers, which is something that doesn't bother me but won't cut it for the person paying, or way out of budget in MIA territory.

As far as Stingray style goes, a Sterling Ray34 seems just out of reach. I've looked at Ibanez ATKs, and the 800 premium seems pretty impressive as well as bang on budget. The problem with both of these though is that I feel I might miss the passive sound.

TLDR:
Okay, sorry it's so long. Main competitors: Standard Precision, Ibanez ATK800, or some great suggestion I'd missed from someone here?

Thanks,
Addam.[/s]

Edited August 6, 2014 by addam360

[chris_b]

What's wrong with your current bass?

It's a jazz. It can be fixed.

[Lozz196]

For a decent bass easily within budget, a Yamaha BB424X fits the bill quite nicely: They come in a range of colours, P/J pickups, nice sized neck - tho no specs to say exactly what size. Great working basses the BBs.

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/yamaha-bb424x-black/47057

Edited July 14, 2014 by Lozz196

[addam360]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1405295476' post='2500580']
What's wrong with your current bass?

It's a jazz. It can be fixed.
[/quote]

Yeah, it's not even broken so much, just beaten up. It will likely hand around as a back up once I get the truss rod bullet adjuster replaced (shredded before I even got the thing).

On top of that though I'm just not getting along with it. I have pretty massive hands and the neck feels too tight, and on top of that the tone is just much "thinner" sounding than what I would like for some of the more upbeat tracks (spot on for a lot of them, don't get me wrong it sounds great). I would like something more substantial and chunkier.


[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1405295578' post='2500581']
Throw in the budget amount Addam and I`m sure many of us will offer some suggestions.
[/quote]

Sorry, it's in there but I rambled too much so it must be lost in the wall of text. around £500-£600 pounds. £600 would be the very top end though.


Thanks for the quick replies.

[addam360]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1405295578' post='2500581']
For a decent bass easily within budget, a Yamaha BB424X fits the bill quite nicely: They come in a range of colours, P/J pickups, nice sized neck - tho no specs to say exactly what size. Great working basses the BBs.

[url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/yamaha-bb424x-black/47057"]http://www.gak.co.uk...24x-black/47057[/url]
[/quote]

Ahh I hadn't given much thought to Yamaha. Used to have an SBV500 which was great quality as far as I remember (it was a fair few years ago). I'll definitely have a look into that one. Can't say I like the look of it, but I can't be too vain.

Thanks again, please keep the suggestions coming.

EDIT: I believe BBs have roughly P Bass like necks.

Edited July 14, 2014 by addam360

[drTStingray]

A used Ray 34 or 35 or even occasionally a used Stingray may crop up for that value on here or EBay. There was a Ray 35 in the classifieds here for £550 in trans white - v smart and great bass - should cover the genres you mention if you want to go 5 string.

[Captain Codpiece]

how about the modern player jag?

tasty basses.... tiny thin necks though, but i love my CIJ one..... and im a P man through and through.

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/fender-modern-player-jaguar-bass-black-maple/53369

[chris_b]

OK, it's not got a lot going for it......

I'd recommend that you have a look at a Lakland. The Skyline 44-01 is in budget.

What about making the jump to a 5 string.... 55-01?

[addam360]

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1405297132' post='2500593']
A used Ray 34 or 35 or even occasionally a used Stingray may crop up for that value on here or EBay. There was a Ray 35 in the classifieds here for £550 in trans white - v smart and great bass - should cover the genres you mention if you want to go 5 string.
[/quote]
This is exactly what I want to do, find a Ray or P Deluxe second hand, unfortunately it's been forbidden. Due to the restriction of having someone else buying for me they've insisted it come from a shop. If I get lucky and find something similar in-store then I could sway things otherwise I have to buy new.

[quote name='Captain Codpiece' timestamp='1405297367' post='2500594']
how about the modern player jag?

tasty basses.... tiny thin necks though, but i love my CIJ one..... and im a P man through and through.

[url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/fender-modern-player-jaguar-bass-black-maple/53369"]http://www.gak.co.uk...ack-maple/53369[/url]
[/quote]
Got to admit I love Jags. They CIJ one is crazy cheap from Thomann (although they seem to have lost their last blue one today). Just can't get along with Jazz-like necks though but I would put up with it if everything else was perfect. How does soloing the neck on the CIJ in series compare to a split P with a pick?

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1405297387' post='2500595']
OK, it's not got a lot going for it......

I'd recommend that you have a look at a Lakland. The Skyline 44-01 is in budget.

What about making the jump to a 5 string.... 55-01?
[/quote]
I have never ever seen a Lakland in the flesh. Well, maybe in a music shop or something. I will investigate immediately!
EDIT: Really not a 5 string guy. Just can't justify tighter string spacing for a string I never really wanted. Usually I have my jazz in drop D. Will likely add a range extender to whatever I get.

Some great suggestions so far, thanks a lot!

Edited July 14, 2014 by addam360

[HowieBass]

How about buying from a 'shop' that deals with new and secondhand basses? Have you looked at the stuff over at the Manchester Bass Lounge? You'll probably get the benefit of lower price for a used instrument but the bass will be setup correctly and likely carry some kind of warranty... [url="http://manchesterbasslounge.com/"]http://manchesterbasslounge.com/[/url]

Edit: Fender Standard Deluxe Precision there for £450, they do gigbags too I think http://manchesterbasslounge.com/?p=5437 (note I have no connection to the MBL other than I'm a Manc!).

Edited July 14, 2014 by HowieBass

[miles'tone]

Schecter diamond P custom sounds just the ticket.
They have a very good rep in the bang for buck stakes.

http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/schecter_diamond_p-custom_4_white.asp?gclid=CLH8gue4xL8CFVMRtAoddlsAGg

[Musicman20]

I would opt for a Classic 50s Fender P bass / second hand MIA P Bass, or save that cash and get a nice new American Standard P bass/Musicman Stingray.

Waiting and spending a little bit extra will save you money in the long run. Running up until then, will you current bass last?

If not, try and salvage what you can from it and try and pickup a Squier CV bass...which will then serve as a great backup.

[JamesBass]

If I were you, I'd be sticking with Fender and get a P. They are the cornerstone of the rock tone, they are workhorses that will take beating after beating and are indeed absolute tone animals!

Yes you've got one pick up, one volume knob, and one tone knob, but if you're a good player and know how to get tone to work for you, then it's all you'll ever need!

I do believe there were some PJs in the Mex range? Anyone confirm this?

Edits: bloody autocorrect on iPhone causing havoc again!

Edited July 14, 2014 by JamesBass

[flyfisher]

[quote name='addam360' timestamp='1405297918' post='2500596']
This is exactly what I want to do, find a Ray or P Deluxe second hand, unfortunately it's been forbidden. Due to the restriction of having someone else buying for me they've insisted it come from a shop.
[/quote]

Any particular reason for this? Seems a shame that someone would be so generous but restrictive at the same time.

There's an American P up for sale here for £550, which is a steal.

[chris_b]

I understand that you want to stick to 4's, but the string spacing on the Lakland 5 ers is 19mm.

The "buy new" restriction is a strange one. You can get a much better deal in the BC Classifieds.

[throwoff]

The ATK will pretty much kill any Stingray I have ever heard...

Also another vote for Schecter from me, the Model T is pretty good value especially with Duncan pups.

http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/schecter_model-t_black.asp

[Musicman20]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1405336879' post='2500861']
I understand that you want to stick to 4's, but the string spacing on the Lakland 5 ers is 19mm.

The "buy new" restriction is a strange one. You can get a much better deal in the BC Classifieds.
[/quote]

Not saying a Lakland wouldn't cover it, but I think if he currently wants to stay on a 4...then probably wise to stick with it. When I tried a 5 string a few years into playing I hated it. I didn't really get into 5ers until it felt right...which was about 4 years ago. It took a long time for it to feel right to move to it, and I still play 4s all the time as they do have a different tonality, string feel/tension, and sound.

From the influences, a decent P bass or Ray is going to be spot on.

[KevB]

Tend to go along with Lozz in post 3. If it [i]has[/i] to be new and from a shop and in the budget the OP mentions then the Yamaha's are a great workhorse bass made to a good spec and with plenty of tonal possibilities.

[zero9]

You've answered your own question. You want a P and have done with it

A P is just as good at funk as any other bass. There's a lot of myth in using a particular bass within a particular musical setting.

[cocco]

Yamaha BB? 1024 should be just about getable, awesome bass too

[paul_5]

If you need to buy new, and want a Jazz that'll outperform anything in its price bracket (and a few things outside of it too…) then I'd seriously consider a Blade B1.

Best Jazz I ever had.

Edited July 14, 2014 by paul_5

[addam360]

[quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1405326597' post='2500683']
How about buying from a 'shop' that deals with new and secondhand basses? Have you looked at the stuff over at the Manchester Bass Lounge? You'll probably get the benefit of lower price for a used instrument but the bass will be setup correctly and likely carry some kind of warranty... [url="http://manchesterbasslounge.com/"]http://manchesterbasslounge.com/[/url]

Edit: Fender Standard Deluxe Precision there for £450, they do gigbags too I think [url="http://manchesterbasslounge.com/?p=5437"]http://manchesterbas...nge.com/?p=5437[/url] (note I have no connection to the MBL other than I'm a Manc!).
[/quote]
Shops which specialise in second hand are actually perfect. The restriction is more that it has to come from a shop then necessarily be brand new. Actually getting to Manchester would be an issue so I'd have to just trust that the bass is right. Could do with finding a similar shop around Newcastle or Glasgow. That Deluxe P looks great.

[quote name='miles'tone' timestamp='1405328755' post='2500708']
Schecter diamond P custom sounds just the ticket.
They have a very good rep in the bang for buck stakes.

[url="http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/schecter_diamond_p-custom_4_white.asp?gclid=CLH8gue4xL8CFVMRtAoddlsAGg"]http://www.richtonem...CFVMRtAoddlsAGg[/url]
[/quote]
[quote name='throwoff' timestamp='1405337032' post='2500866']
The ATK will pretty much kill any Stingray I have ever heard...

Also another vote for Schecter from me, the Model T is pretty good value especially with Duncan pups.

[url="http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/schecter_model-t_black.asp"]http://www.richtonem...del-t_black.asp[/url]
[/quote]
Both Schecters look great, especially the T. I've heard bad things about the electronics in Schecters so I shied away from them but if you both recommend it I can't see them being all that bad. If their putting Seymour Duncans in then at least I know the pickups are good. Prices are very close to Mex Std P, how does the build quality compare?

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1405330060' post='2500734']
I would opt for a Classic 50s Fender P bass / second hand MIA P Bass, or save that cash and get a nice new American Standard P bass/Musicman Stingray.

Waiting and spending a little bit extra will save you money in the long run. Running up until then, will you current bass last?

If not, try and salvage what you can from it and try and pickup a Squier CV bass...which will then serve as a great backup.
[/quote]
Not going to have a chance to save up my own money unfortunately. I will only be in the area for about a month and a half and during that time won't have access to to another bass so would like to get one at the start.

[quote name='JamesBass' timestamp='1405330562' post='2500743']
If I were you, I'd be sticking with Fender and get a P. They are the cornerstone of the rock tone, they are workhorses that will take beating after beating and are indeed absolute tone animals!

Yes you've got one pick up, one volume knob, and one tone knob, but if you're a good player and know how to get tone to work for you, then it's all you'll ever need!

I do believe there were some PJs in the Mex range? Anyone confirm this?

Edits: bloody autocorrect on iPhone causing havoc again!
[/quote]
A P of one type or another does to be where things are leaning. If there are any PJ Mexs in my price range I can't find them unfortunately!

Thanks again!

[Romeo2]

For 500-600 quid you should seriously also consider G&Ls Tributes, L2000 has tons of character and a fine, chunky neck, or get the M series, hi-fi preamp and a slightly thinner neck but still better than jazz/ibanez thinnes - I know, got rid of an ibanez srx700 and a jazz bass once I realised how much more comfort i get out of playing a thicker neck.

[Dad3353]

[quote name='flyfisher' timestamp='1405331382' post='2500764']Any particular reason for this?...[/quote]

Going off topic here...
Pure guesswork, and non-exhaustive, but I can imagine at least a couple of scenarios where this could be the case. If a loan is involved (from a bank..?), there could be a requirement to supply an invoice to 'prove' that the loan was used for its declared purpose. Some loans (in France: for cars, for instance...) have particular rates which need justification. Alternatively, I could envisage the finance as coming from a company, again needing an invoice to be able to declare it in the accounts somewhere. There could be other explanations; I'm not suggesting that, in this case, any of the above apply, simply that there may well be legitimate reasons. The OP has no obligation to expand further; this is all mere speculation on my part.

[addam360]

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1405353111' post='2501122']
Going off topic here...
Pure guesswork, and non-exhaustive, but I can imagine at least a couple of scenarios where this could be the case. If a loan is involved (from a bank..?), there could be a requirement to supply an invoice to 'prove' that the loan was used for its declared purpose. Some loans (in France: for cars, for instance...) have particular rates which need justification. Alternatively, I could envisage the finance as coming from a company, again needing an invoice to be able to declare it in the accounts somewhere. There could be other explanations; I'm not suggesting that, in this case, any of the above apply, simply that there may well be legitimate reasons. The OP has no obligation to expand further; this is all mere speculation on my part.
[/quote]

Sorry, forgot to reply to that one. It's just a trait of the buyer I guess, everything they buy has to come from a dedicated shop and preferably be brand new. They just don't trust second hand stuff or cheaper brands.