Waddycall Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 (edited) My 40th birthday is fast approaching and if ever there's a good excuse to buy a new bass then this is it! My current bass is an ibanez sr600 which I upgraded to Bartolini mk4 pickups. I like the playability feel and tones I can get from it but I've never really liked the look of it. Looks wise I much prefer something like a p, j or Gibson EB (especially in sunburst) but find the larger bodies a bit cumbersome. So I guess I'm looking for something that has a similar feel to my SR but more of a classic look budget up to £750 new or used, active or passive, medium or long scale preferred. Any ideas??? Edited September 12, 2015 by Waddycall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliwailer Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 How about a second hand Sunburst Music Man Sterling? (Not the new cheaper ones, but the USA one with the smaller body and thinner neck). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 I wonder if something like a Cort GB74 would suit you; they're well put together and play well though some owners are a little underwhelmed by the pickups and preamp. I suspect however that your best bet is to get to a few music shops and see what you like the look and sound of - with your budget you ought to be able to find something decent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naetharu Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 [quote name='Chiliwailer' timestamp='1442051988' post='2864032'] How about a second hand Sunburst Music Man Sterling? (Not the new cheaper ones, but the USA one with the smaller body and thinner neck). [/quote] I tried one of these out at my local store last month and it's certainly well worth a look - sounded great and felt a lot closer to an Ibanez SR size than any of the Fender/Stingrays I played. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddycall Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions. I have been considering a sterling and this is a 3 hour round trip away https://www.mansons.co.uk/product/preowned-musicman-sterling-honeyburst-7243 It's over budget but could be worth a look I guess. Can anyone comment on the versatility of these sound wise? I play in a band that covers Hendrix, zep, pearl jam, killers, stone roses, qotsa and such Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliwailer Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 That looks almost identical to one of the two that I use to own, except mine had a tort plate. They are great basses, the ceramic pickup sounds 'harder' to me than a regular alnico stingray one, that's no bad thing at all as they have their own character. The three way switch is useful,, the single coil option is noiseless and sounds very clear and the series option gives a good whack when playing loud, the parallel is typical Music Man. The 3 band eq is also very useful. Though they are small, some of the ash body ones can be heavy, which is why I sold mine years back, but if you don't mind that it's well worth a play and is great value for money second hand, though you can get them for less that the £899 at Mansons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Have you considered a Warwick corvette? They are extremely tactile, playable and slim in much the same way as the Ibanez soundgears are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naetharu Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 If you are after a Jazz style bass and want something lighter then one of these might be well worth considering: http://public-peace.de/index.php/bass-guitars/maruszczyk/elwood/4-string/364-elwood-4p-tcs-natural140036 They sell for around the £650 mark (depending on exchange rate) which is just madness given how nice they are. This model (TCS) has 'tone chambers' cut into the bass to keep the weight down, so while it will be normal size for a Jazz the weight should be a lot closer to what you are used to with the Ibanez. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddycall Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 I've always been curious about warwicks. I like the look of the corvette and streamer but there seem to be so many different versions that I wouldn't know if I was getting a good deal or not if I bought used. I guess I could afford a new rock bass version. Trouble with living in Cornwall is it's pretty hard to get anywhere yo try these things out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddycall Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 Thanks Naetharu. it's the size of the body I don't like on jazz basses, weight isn't too much of an issue for me. It's a shame really as I've always wanted a jazz but when I finally got to try one out last year I found it uncomfortable and ended up buying the ibanez. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naetharu Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Waddycall' timestamp='1442085602' post='2864374'] Thanks Naetharu. it's the size of the body I don't like on jazz basses... [/quote] Three more options that are around your price range: (1) The Spector Legend basses - very similar in shape and size to the Warwick basses mentioned above so could be worth checking out both to see which you prefer. [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/SpeLeg_5_Bubinga.html"]http://www.bassdirec..._5_Bubinga.html[/url] (2) The Cort Arona - basically a Sandberg Basic but made by Cort in their factories thus keeping the cost down. Not played one myself but I have heard some very nice reports of them and they're close to something like the Sterling in size but a bit lighter with a more Ibanez shaped neck to them. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/cort_arona_4_opbb.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...rona_4_opbb.htm[/url] (3) The Sandberg Basic - These are perhaps a little over budget if new but I am told you can get them for quite a bit less if you purchase them via a German retailer. Also, the second hand ones - while not that common - are amazing value when they do come up. Its really the same as the Arona above, albeit made by hand in Germany rather than a factory built version from china. If you do go for a new one of these then there are some really cool options to pick from so you can customise the bass to your personal taste far more than you can with a lot of stuff. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/sandberg_basic_4_rw_blb.htm"]http://www.thomann.d...ic_4_rw_blb.htm[/url] Also, it is worth mentioning that if you purchase via a store like Thomann then you've got a 30-day return option if you don't get along with the bass - very handy if you're not in a position to try it out before parting with the cash. Edited September 12, 2015 by Naetharu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Does it have to be knew? Is 2nd hand "as new" any good. It just strikes me that nice USA MM's and Fender PJ's are within your budget Other PJ suggestions would be a yamaha 1024 or 1024x or the new Mexican Fenders seem worth a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 [quote name='Waddycall' timestamp='1442085427' post='2864373'] I've always been curious about warwicks. I like the look of the corvette and streamer but there seem to be so many different versions that I wouldn't know if I was getting a good deal or not if I bought used. I guess I could afford a new rock bass version. Trouble with living in Cornwall is it's pretty hard to get anywhere yo try these things out! [/quote] The reason I make this suggestion is because I was in the exact same position as you - I loved the feel and sound of my SR605 but wasn't keen on the look. The Warwick Corvette ticked all of my boxes once I played them. They don't look particularly exciting in pictures...however they are gorgeous in the flesh and in the hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddycall Posted September 13, 2015 Author Share Posted September 13, 2015 Got to admit I'm quite tempted by warwicks. I think I'd probably want to buy used rather than a new rockbass as rightly or wrongly I'd like to have the real deal as it were. I don't know why but it's only warwicks that make me think that. Maybe it's just the rockbass name! I'm also assuming used ones hold their value ok? I like the look of both the corvette and streamer particulary those in a natural flat finish. I wouldn't want an ash bodied one as I have that on my Ibanez. What confuses me with warwicks is the different specs. Am I right in saying the pro models are cheaper? Seems a bit counter intuitive to me! Also what is stage 1 and 2?? I'd like to be able to quote posts in my replies but there's no reply button in the posts. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks, Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 The Fender Jaguars have Jazz size necks and a smaller body with a different flavour of "traditional" look. There are various versions available, Japanese, Mexican etc. There is now an Fender American Standard Jaguar available. P & J pickups and active/passive/series/parallel switching. You'd have to go used for your budget and there aren't many around yet. http://intl.fender.com/en-GB/basses/jaguar/american-standard-jaguar-bass-rosewood-fingerboard-olympic-white/ Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr zed Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 If you like Jazz basses but prefer a smaller body it may be well worth you considering one of the older (pre 2010) USA Jazz Deluxe's. Smaller body and Hipshot ultra lite tuners means it balances very well. 18 volt 3 band active pre-amp gives plenty of versatility. They don't go for silly money either. Well worth a look! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 [quote name='mr zed' timestamp='1442166284' post='2864837'] If you like Jazz basses but prefer a smaller body it may be well worth you considering one of the older (pre 2010) USA Jazz Deluxe's. Smaller body and Hipshot ultra lite tuners means it balances very well. 18 volt 3 band active pre-amp gives plenty of versatility. They don't go for silly money either. Well worth a look! [/quote] Good call. I had a late 90s Jazz deluxe and really liked the smaller body size. Weight was good too. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyJohnson Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 Thunderbird. Get a Thunderbird. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geek99 Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 [quote name='Waddycall' timestamp='1442085427' post='2864373'] I've always been curious about warwicks. I like the look of the corvette and streamer but there seem to be so many different versions that I wouldn't know if I was getting a good deal or not if I bought used. I guess I could afford a new rock bass version. Trouble with living in Cornwall is it's pretty hard to get anywhere yo try these things out! [/quote] I had a Warwick corvette std active - German model It was dirty and didn't fetch much in eBay so I was lucky there - very nice and recommended Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 The pro models are just that...not hand crafted, but absolutely pro quality instruments. A new Pro series Corvette will set you back up to £1000 - but used they can be had for £350 - £450. They are extremely good value for money used ...and worth every penny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Everything you'll ever want or need - ACG!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Maybe, you could treat yourself to a good few hours in your local musical instrument retail emporium(s), trying out various basses of all shapes & sizes. Find out which one's fit you, which one's don't, which one's you wouldn't have considered in a million years but is actually rather nice to play and sounds great etc,etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waddycall Posted October 3, 2015 Author Share Posted October 3, 2015 Thanks for all the advice. Sadly where I live there are very few shops where you can try much out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skybone Posted October 3, 2015 Share Posted October 3, 2015 In that case, "Bass Shopping Trip"!!!!! Convince the Boss, that you fancy a "City Break" somewhere interesting, and then when you're there just so happen to mention that there's a few guitar shops you'd like to visit while you're there. Likewise, where I live, there's only about 3 guitar shops in a 50 mile radius, and only 1 has anywhere near what you would call a half decent selection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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