Pinball Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 19 hours ago, CameronJ said: , don’t get too hung up on getting a bass with a 35” scale as there are plenty of fantastic basses out there at 34” or less! I agree with the above. Yamaha BB's, G&L's, Sterlingrays, Ibanez Sr's or my choice an ATK805 if you can find If you are set on 35" scale a newish Ibby BTB or Yamaha TRB are great. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 (edited) On 2/27/2018 at 12:13, FarFromTheTrees said: What would you guys say is the best bass (5 string) in the £700 range? I'm soon to be in the market for something to replace my old Cort c5z. The Sire M7 Swamp ash has caught my eye at around £680. I've noticed the price has also dropped on the Ibanez SRFF805 which I have seen priced at around £750 (which is about the upper limit of what I would be able to afford at this moment in time). I've been checking out the classifieds here on a daily basis but nothing used at that price has jumped out at me as yet. I play in a alt metal band (tuned A# C# G# C# F# so would like to try a 35" scale for string tension) but also like to play a ton of reggae at home. I use a Little Mark III for amplification. Cheers! Don't want to hijack your thread at all, I wanted to just jump in on this action quickly as we are in a similar place I think. I'm looking for a 4 string with a similar budget and use, and I think the 5 strings are as popular on the models I've been looking at. I'm a metal player too, depending on the band, though you're looking to have a more 'technical' sound than me by the look of it. (I'd like something as versatile as possible as am thinking of broadening my horizons a bit). I've spent a few weeks looking now and have decided/undecided on various basses, and have mentioned a couple of various posts on here. I research the hell out of everything and it's now doing my head in. Anyway my short list is currently: Schecter Model T Session (£720) Yamaha BB734a (£730) Sire Marcus Miller P7 (Swamp ash natural looks to me the nicest) (£520) Used American Standard P (£750 and up?) ..or a used Sandberg or Lakland when something close to me pops up to try. Don't know if you've considered all of these, but obviously the Sire is cheaper and the 5 string V7 seems mega popular on Youtube. I'm not sure whether people would go for the Sire or think its worth spending a little over budget for any of the others? I did try the Yamaha and it is a thing sent by the gods. Haven't tried anything else though. Wish I lived closer ro GAK or Andertons basically. Good luck with the search anyway. I'd be interested to hear what you eventually go for. Edited February 28, 2018 by Horrorhiker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 3 hours ago, Horrorhiker said: ...Wish I lived closer ro GAK or Andertons basically. ... Suffolk..? Is that so far from London that you can't visit the Bass Centre..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Loads of good advice - reads like a "What's what" of good budget basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 13 minutes ago, Dad3353 said: Suffolk..? Is that so far from London that you can't visit the Bass Centre..? It's not the distance. It's that it's London. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 (edited) 9 minutes ago, Horrorhiker said: It's not the distance. It's that it's London. I can understand the aversion, but that's where the wide choice of basses to try is. Not even worth a one-off, in-out trip..? Your call, of course. Edited February 28, 2018 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Just now, Dad3353 said: I can understand the aversion, but that's where the wide choice of basses to try is. Not even worth a one-off, in-out trip..? Yes this is what I'll do eventually in all seriousness. It's quite easy on the train from here to be fair. More likely to Brighton to look in GAK as they have most of my list in there I believe, and I much prefer Brighton. I mentioned doing that to the missus the other day and she gave me the 'no way' eyes. I know them well. Will stand more chance when it's a bit warmer. I hate going shopping like that on my own, don't know why. Sometimes it's good to have a human shield between you and the salesperson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dannybuoy Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 I would make the trip... otherwise you end up buying a load of used basses you don't like until you can't move without tripping over them, as I have done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Just now, dannybuoy said: I would make the trip... otherwise you end up buying a load of used basses you don't like until you can't move without tripping over them, as I have done! Yeah I probably will I reckon. The Sire is tempting to have a crack at but I suppose any price bass will be the same amount of hassle to return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 38 minutes ago, Dad3353 said: Suffolk..? Is that so far from London that you can't visit the Bass Centre..? Dunno how to break this to you Dad but the Bass Centre is no longer a shop - Brune St closed, what, 6 or 7 years ago? Bass Direct is also do-able from here, but is a moderate PITA since there are no trains and it takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Coventry. Peach Guitars in Colchester might be worth a look - the stock of basses is pretty lamentable but it's an amazing place worth seeing once in a lifetime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 3 minutes ago, pete.young said: Dunno how to break this to you Dad but the Bass Centre is no longer a shop - Brune St closed, what, 6 or 7 years ago? Bass Direct is also do-able from here, but is a moderate PITA since there are no trains and it takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Coventry. Peach Guitars in Colchester might be worth a look - the stock of basses is pretty lamentable but it's an amazing place worth seeing once in a lifetime. I went to Peach Guitars last weekend funny enough. It is an impressive place but I came away with a couple of typical music shop anecdotes unfortunately. Plus yes, sorry but the bass selection is awful for that size of place. I didnt think about Bass Direct. My brother lives in Northamptonshire and a mate in Lutterworth and I visit them every now and again. That is getting towards coventry way, so probably worth a look. Cheers for that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 1 minute ago, Horrorhiker said: I went to Peach Guitars last weekend funny enough. It is an impressive place but I came away with a couple of typical music shop anecdotes unfortunately. Plus yes, sorry but the bass selection is awful for that size of place. I didnt think about Bass Direct. My brother lives in Northamptonshire and a mate in Lutterworth and I visit them every now and again. That is getting towards coventry way, so probably worth a look. Cheers for that! Even if you walk away having bought nothing, Bass Direct is a religious experience. So many amazing instruments hanging off every surface. Do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 1 minute ago, CameronJ said: Even if you walk away having bought nothing, Bass Direct is a religious experience. So many amazing instruments hanging off every surface. Do it. Brill sounds good. I think im going that way beginning of April so will try and hang on to my compulsions until then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CameronJ Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 6 minutes ago, Horrorhiker said: Brill sounds good. I think im going that way beginning of April so will try and hang on to my compulsions until then! Ha - good luck! In the meantime, check out their website and think of it as “bass foreplay” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Just now, CameronJ said: Ha - good luck! In the meantime, check out their website and think of it as “bass foreplay” Sounds like something I would usually skip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 1 minute ago, CameronJ said: Ha - good luck! In the meantime, check out their website and think of it as “bass foreplay” ..I have had a look just lately but didn't really look to see where they were stupidly. I shall look with a bit more interest now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarFromTheTrees Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 (edited) On 27/02/2018 at 15:11, ambient said: Have a look at Ibanez. A couple of my students use them. One has a brilliant 6 string that he got for a stupid price. MTD also make some great instruments. I found this on ebay yesterday. I'm still not so hot on that ibanez shape however https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ibanez-SR1405TE-Premium-5-String-Active-Bass-Nordstrand-Pickups-inc-case-MINT/292464264688?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649 Theres also a nice MTD for £500 in the classifieds but I dont care much for tobacco bursts haha 8 hours ago, cetera said: Great basses, very well made and tight focused tones. However, if you really want a ReBop or Euro 5LX then I would suggest saving a little longer. One will come up and you should be able to get an ex-condition used Euro for £800-£900. Ive never seen a Euro 5 go for that low. And i'm still yet to see a used Rebop 5 show up in a finish I like. One of either of those would be ideal however. 8 hours ago, xgsjx said: I'd do that 200 mile round trip. Make a day of it. I've been an Ibby player since 1990 & though I've had a few other basses over the years, the Ibby is My go to instrument. But... There's a lot of great options out there & what's good for me might not suit you. That's why I say try loads. £700 is a decent budget too. Yeah I might have to if nothing appears soon! It would be a fun way to spend a day, cruising music shops and playing all the basses I can find. Edited February 28, 2018 by FarFromTheTrees Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarFromTheTrees Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 5 hours ago, Horrorhiker said: Don't want to hijack your thread at all, I wanted to just jump in on this action quickly as we are in a similar place I think. Good luck with the search anyway. I'd be interested to hear what you eventually go for. Not at all buddy! Jump on in haha. I hadnt considered any of those basses you listed as theyre not really the sound and look im going for. That being said the 5 string version of the yamaha you mentioned sure is tasty looking! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 3 minutes ago, FarFromTheTrees said: Not at all buddy! Jump on in haha. I hadnt considered any of those basses you listed as theyre not really the sound and look im going for. That being said the 5 string version of the yamaha you mentioned sure is tasty looking! Cheers! Yes I'm more looking for the vintage, stoner rock style vibe and sound, so it's a bit of a different thing I think. The 5 string Yamaha is getting away from your budget a bit I'm assuming, but I went to a shop and compared the 434 and the 734, completely prepared to get the 434 if it was ok but after playing the 734, I couldn't do it as it was chalk and cheese quality wise. £700 is a funny sort of budget I'm finding. It seems to be the point where 'budget' merges into higher end and you face the risk of under buying, if that makes sense. I originally was going to save a bit longer and get an American pro precision, but I just can't buy a bass that's worth more than my car. Plus, playing in a fairly rowdy band, I want something I'm not afraid to slap about a bit. As suggested above, I just had a look on the Bass Direct website and there are some amazing looking basses on there. I'm going there at the beginning of April so I'ts entirely possible that my short list will fly out of the window (together with my marriage when I spend the holiday money on a bass twice my budget). But so the old saying goes, wives come and go, but the right bass is a once in a lifetime thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 1 hour ago, pete.young said: Dunno how to break this to you Dad but the Bass Centre is no longer a shop... Just shows how clued up I am; I meant The Bass Gallery. D'oh..! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonestar Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 9 hours ago, cetera said: Great basses, very well made and tight focused tones. However, if you really want a ReBop or Euro 5LX then I would suggest saving a little longer. One will come up and you should be able to get an ex-condition used Euro for £800-£900. How about a Spector coda 5 string ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarFromTheTrees Posted February 28, 2018 Author Share Posted February 28, 2018 39 minutes ago, Horrorhiker said: Cheers! Yes I'm more looking for the vintage, stoner rock style vibe and sound, so it's a bit of a different thing I think. The 5 string Yamaha is getting away from your budget a bit I'm assuming, but I went to a shop and compared the 434 and the 734, completely prepared to get the 434 if it was ok but after playing the 734, I couldn't do it as it was chalk and cheese quality wise. £700 is a funny sort of budget I'm finding. It seems to be the point where 'budget' merges into higher end and you face the risk of under buying, if that makes sense. I originally was going to save a bit longer and get an American pro precision, but I just can't buy a bass that's worth more than my car. Plus, playing in a fairly rowdy band, I want something I'm not afraid to slap about a bit. As suggested above, I just had a look on the Bass Direct website and there are some amazing looking basses on there. I'm going there at the beginning of April so I'ts entirely possible that my short list will fly out of the window (together with my marriage when I spend the holiday money on a bass twice my budget). But so the old saying goes, wives come and go, but the right bass is a once in a lifetime thing. Yeah I think you're right about the budget. Especially if you're only looking at new basses. I've spent more time looking at used options these last couple of days. Going to have to remember that saying about the wives haha! I'm on bass direct now as it goes, I really like the look of this Legend Classic 5, and its under my budget too which is nice. Knowing my luck though i'll jump on it and a used Rebop 5 within my price range will appear, so perhaps I should just wait. Aaargh the indecision. http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Spector_legend_classic_5.html 9 minutes ago, lonestar said: How about a Spector coda 5 string ? Not really my style Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horrorhiker Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 3 minutes ago, FarFromTheTrees said: Yeah I think you're right about the budget. Especially if you're only looking at new basses. I've spent more time looking at used options these last couple of days. Going to have to remember that saying about the wives haha! I'm on bass direct now as it goes, I really like the look of this Legend Classic 5, and its under my budget too which is nice. Knowing my luck though i'll jump on it and a used Rebop 5 within my price range will appear, so perhaps I should just wait. Aaargh the indecision. http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Spector_legend_classic_5.html Not really my style Yeah I think everyone is right when they say its worth travelling to try a load out. I'm liking the look of Maruszczyk basses. Watched a few Youtube vids and they look right up my street. I think that one you're looking at is on hold? That's someone telling you to wait. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkandrew Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 9 hours ago, cetera said: Great basses, very well made and tight focused tones. However, if you really want a ReBop or Euro 5LX then I would suggest saving a little longer. One will come up and you should be able to get an ex-condition used Euro for £800-£900. I got my Euro 5LX in near-mint condition for £750 and it was worth every single penny - great quality and great tone at a very reasonable price. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OutSpoon Posted February 28, 2018 Share Posted February 28, 2018 Can I throw in a vote for the Yamaha TRB1005 - 35" scale http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/TRB1005J.html Brand new for £725! I just bought one of ebay and it's lovely. Very hi-fi sounding and punchy as hell. You can pick them up used for around £500. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.