Gothicontheloose Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) Hi Edited September 22, 2012 by Gothicontheloose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Wow you have set yourself up to open a real can of worms here. When you say "[i]I'm in "trouble"... I'm going to buy a new bass but frankly... I don't know much about 'em![/i] " Is this your first Bass? Your budget is pretty impressive BUT if it's your first Bass I personally would aim way lower. I am a converted guitarist and when I started playing Bass, I had a pre-conceived idea of what I wanted. Some years later after a number of Basses have passed through my hands, I have ended up with something completely different, (cue Monty Python Sketch). No-one can pick a Bass for you. You need to touch, smell, feel and most importantly PLAY a Bass to see if it is for you. You will be very lucky if you get EXACTLY what you want by asking someone else to pick it for you. You will get some great advice from here, but with modern manufacturing techniques most basses these days are quality instruments and the makes you have mentioned are all good. There are others. Cort make, IMHO, the most underrated Basses available. They also make for Lakland, G&L, Fender, Ibanez so some pedigree. Aria make great basses G&L, Lakland etc. etc Incidently Fender DO make Active 4 String basses. So don't discount them. Good luck in your search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjb Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Gothicontheloose' post='403651' date='Feb 8 2009, 07:03 PM']Hi, I'm in "trouble"... I'm going to buy a new bass but frankly... I don't know much about 'em! I'll give you some details: I want an active 4-string bass that's good for playing & rock with... So that excludes Fender The price is €1300 min up to 2400€, that's $1700 to $3100 (bit more is ok to...) I need help on following things: ------ Brand: Wich is the best brand? I was thinking about Ibanez, Warwick or Washburn? Model: What model range is the best of that brand? I know with Ibanez it's SR Prestige, but that's all.. Wood: What woods are good? I've heard Ebony or Mahony are great? Other tips you can give? ALL help is welcome!! Thanks in advance, Ward Cauwenberghs[/quote] Fender Ps are actually great for rock, but if you want a fender alternative you have loads of choice. Warwick Streamers/Thumb (here's the $$ streamer which has a big rock sound - [url="http://www.warwick.de/modules/produkte/produkt.php?katID=14445&cl=EN"]http://www.warwick.de/modules/produkte/pro...4445&cl=EN[/url] ) Spector NS basses (really good for heavy metal - [url="http://www.spectorbass.com/bass_us_NS-4_1.html"]http://www.spectorbass.com/bass_us_NS-4_1.html[/url] ) Ibanez SR5000E ( [url="http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/eb_page09.php?area_id=3&data_id=103&color=CL01&year=2009&cat_id=2&series_id=203"]http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/eb_page09...p;series_id=203[/url] ) Warwicks are my drug of choice, but there are loads of options for the money you have - especially secondhand, so take a look around the "for sale" section. Edited February 9, 2009 by rjb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 For that kind of money you could have something custom made for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 You have a nice budget . If I were you I would go to a shop where there are lots of brands(ie schecter/warwick/fender status etc plus brands you mentioned) It's advisable to bring a friend who knows about bass guitar set ups etc. so that what you will be getting will be in excellent working condition&flawless. Try out something that catches the eye.(There could be many) Don't forget ,if you haven't got a decent bass amp allow for that as well. You may get a top notch bass of your dreams and have more than a little change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjb Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 As others have said you might consider getting something to start off on. Seeing as you mentioned Ibanez, how about this? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40703"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40703[/url] SR500s are brilliant for the money (great active tone, useful electronics, Bart pickups, nice woods) and this is a bargain. You'll then have plenty left for a great amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tinman Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Or this even [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40040"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40040[/url] Ibanez again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean-Luc Pickguard Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='Gothicontheloose' post='403651' date='Feb 8 2009, 07:03 PM']... So that excludes Fender [/quote] [quote name='Gothicontheloose' post='403651' date='Feb 8 2009, 07:03 PM']... I don't know much about 'em![/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothicontheloose Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE' post='403803' date='Feb 8 2009, 10:21 PM']You have a nice budget . If I were you I would go to a shop where there are lots of brands(ie schecter/warwick/fender status etc plus brands you mentioned) It's advisable to bring a friend who knows about bass guitar set ups etc. so that what you will be getting will be in excellent working condition&flawless. Try out something that catches the eye.(There could be many) Don't forget ,if you haven't got a decent bass amp allow for that as well. You may get a top notch bass of your dreams and have more than a little change.[/quote] I'll be being an Ashdown... Donno what model... I'll see bout that when I get it =) But the problem is that in my country we don't have shops that have much high-end basses... The basic rule seems to be they have bout 25 basses 300$ ---> 700$... And one from bout 1000$... But for someone looking for a high-end bass costing bout 1600$ min that's not much help O.O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothicontheloose Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='Musky' post='403757' date='Feb 8 2009, 09:46 PM']For that kind of money you could have something custom made for you.[/quote] Hmm, andwhat are good brands for that? ^^ And then I've got the hige problem of not knowing anything about woods, pickups, etc... :S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='Gothicontheloose' post='404371' date='Feb 9 2009, 03:20 PM']Hmm, andwhat are good brands for that? ^^ And then I've got the hige problem of not knowing anything about woods, pickups, etc... :S[/quote] And you don't need to - that's your luthiers job. You go and say I want a bass that plays like this and sounds like that and looks like the other, and they work out how to make it from your description. Where are you? I'm guessing it's not in the UK from the currencies you're mentioning - we might be able to point you in the direction of some suitable custom builders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyparrot Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='Gothicontheloose' post='403651' date='Feb 8 2009, 07:03 PM']Hi, I'm in "trouble"... I'm going to buy a new bass but frankly... I don't know much about 'em! I'll give you some details: I want an active 4-string bass that's good for playing & rock with... So that excludes Fender The price is €1300 min up to 2400€, that's $1700 to $3100 (bit more is ok to...) I need help on following things: ------ Brand: Wich is the best brand? I was thinking about Ibanez, Warwick or Washburn? Model: What model range is the best of that brand? I know with Ibanez it's SR Prestige, but that's all.. Wood: What woods are good? I've heard Ebony or Mahony are great? Other tips you can give? ALL help is welcome!! Thanks in advance, Ward Cauwenberghs edit: Anyone know any good brands for custom made basses? And is it worth with my budget? Or is it better to buy a normal one?[/quote] Buy mine! £2500. Or one of he spector US basses. I have played many but these are just fantastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothicontheloose Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='BigRedX' post='404436' date='Feb 9 2009, 05:16 PM']And you don't need to - that's your luthiers job. You go and say I want a bass that plays like this and sounds like that and looks like the other, and they work out how to make it from your description. Where are you? I'm guessing it's not in the UK from the currencies you're mentioning - we might be able to point you in the direction of some suitable custom builders.[/quote] Well... I live in Belgium... -.- ^^ And well... Some builders on the main land would be great... But if the UK has incredible bass builders it's really not hard for me to come there... My English is pretty decent... And I can get to the UK for free So that's no problem! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 (edited) Belgium? Chr1st, I thought you must be somewhere like Kazakhstan. Get yer ass on the free transport , shoot over here and spend your lovely Euros with someone off this site, or at the bass thingy place in Camden or, worst case scenario, up Denmark St. With that sort of budget, you can get two (non-custom) basses and a nice rig. Take in a show while you're at it - we need the money. Edited February 9, 2009 by skankdelvar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothicontheloose Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='skankdelvar' post='404577' date='Feb 9 2009, 07:00 PM']Belgium? Chr1st, I thought you must be somewhere like Kazakhstan. Get yer ass on the free transport , shoot over here and spend your lovely Euros with someone off this site, or at the bass thingy place in Camden or, worst case scenario, up Denmark St. With that sort of budget, you can get two (non-custom) basses and a nice rig. Take in a show while you're at it - we need the money. [/quote] Eeeeeerrrr... ok ^^ Any sites or clear addressee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='Gothicontheloose' post='404592' date='Feb 9 2009, 06:06 PM']Eeeeeerrrr... ok ^^ Any sites or clear addressee? [/quote] You may wish to check out the websites first to see if what they've got matches what you want, but these are some good ones, IMO Bass Gallery 142 Royal College St London NW1 0TA Telephone 020 7267 5458/7267 5258 The Bass Merchant, Unit D1 Colchester Seedbed Centre, Wyncolls Road, Severalls Ind.Est, Colchester, Essex, CO4 9HT Tel: 01206 751173 ...and for interesting old stuff Angel Music Guitars 1st Floor 25 Denmark Street London WC2H 8NJ Tel: 020 7836 8008 Wunjo Guitars 20 Denmark Street London WC2H 8NE, U.K TEL: (+44) 020 7379 0737 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tait Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='rjb' post='404095' date='Feb 9 2009, 10:38 AM']As others have said you might consider getting something to start off on. Seeing as you mentioned Ibanez, how about this? [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40703"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=40703[/url] SR500s are brilliant for the money (great active tone, useful electronics, Bart pickups, nice woods) and this is a bargain. You'll then have plenty left for a great amp. [/quote] i was gonna mention that exact bass. you wont get a much better bass, especially for a beginner (such slim necks), for anywhere near that much. i might have to write a review or something on the sr500, cos going on about them so much gets boring, but basically theyre easily the best stock bass ive ever played, inc my dads warwicks (although his $$ was quite close). the BTBs are nice, too, i think it was tinman who mentioned them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Burpster Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 There are some very nice European basses that you may do better with the exchange rate... Marleaux (Consat 4 is very nice) Warwick (take your pick- they wil all do rock but the Vampyre is awesome!) Clover - Avenger or Expression 4 (Yummmie) Vigier - Arpege 4.... VERY nice.... Or as said above get yer backside to the Gallery in London and chat with Alex.... He'll be more than happy to liberate your money from you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothicontheloose Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 [quote name='The Burpster' post='404651' date='Feb 9 2009, 08:01 PM']There are some very nice European basses that you may do better with the exchange rate... Marleaux (Consat 4 is very nice) Warwick (take your pick- they wil all do rock but the Vampyre is awesome!) Clover - Avenger or Expression 4 (Yummmie) Vigier - Arpege 4.... VERY nice.... Or as said above get yer backside to the Gallery in London and chat with Alex.... He'll be more than happy to liberate your money from you![/quote] Thanks! That's a real great help!! I'll check all those options out Hafta go to London somewhere in the vacations anyways ^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 (edited) What sort of a look and sound are you after? Something conventional? Something Classy? Something outrageous? When you say rock can you be a bit more specific - it's a wide genre after all! Edited February 10, 2009 by BigRedX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 If I were you - considering that you don't really know anything about what you want, but you've got a big budget - I'd buy a couple of different used mid-price basses and sell the one you don't like (or both). Keep going until you find one you really like, or until you gather enough knowledge to make an informed decision about what you want from a bass. I would avoid having a custom bass built for you if you don't know what you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothicontheloose Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 [quote name='BigRedX' post='404959' date='Feb 10 2009, 01:22 AM']What sort of a look and sound are you after? Something conventional? Something Classy? Something outrageous? When you say rock can you be a bit more specific - it's a wide genre after all![/quote] Yeah ^^ Well... Something not to conventional deffinitly... To give u some ideas: I really don't like ANY Fender model O.O Just not one [url="http://www.warwick.de/modules/custom_shop/NewsCustomShop.php?newsID=1610&modell=Vampyre+NT&cl=EN"]Warwick Vampyre[/url] - Looks GREAT [url="http://www.vigierguitars.com/page/fiche_produit.php?id_prod=243"]Vigiers Arpensomething[/url] Good looking! [url="http://www.marleaux-bass.de/marleaux_bass_galerien.html"]Marleaux Gallery[/url] Well... Really don't like the first group but from then on they only get prettier. Also... Color isn't a big deal since there's a big chance I'll let someone painbrush it with a custom design... And the genre... Well... I have a Gibson SG... And it's like good at playing just any rock... And also bit more heavy stuff... I'd like something like that, that's good in a broader area. But mostly for just heavy metal - Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Guns 'n Roses... And still able to handle nu-metal like System of a Down, Korn & stuff for when I get a bit better. I hope that's a bit more information? Not easy trying to explain xD Also, now I've been looking more at custom made ones I've seen much more kinds of wood, a lot of flaming maple to... Is this any good? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjb Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Gothicontheloose' post='405000' date='Feb 10 2009, 06:42 AM']Yeah ^^ Well... Something not to conventional deffinitly... To give u some ideas: I really don't like ANY Fender model O.O Just not one [url="http://www.warwick.de/modules/custom_shop/NewsCustomShop.php?newsID=1610&modell=Vampyre+NT&cl=EN"]Warwick Vampyre[/url] - Looks GREAT [url="http://www.vigierguitars.com/page/fiche_produit.php?id_prod=243"]Vigiers Arpensomething[/url] Good looking! [url="http://www.marleaux-bass.de/marleaux_bass_galerien.html"]Marleaux Gallery[/url] Well... Really don't like the first group but from then on they only get prettier. Also... Color isn't a big deal since there's a big chance I'll let someone painbrush it with a custom design... And the genre... Well... I have a Gibson SG... And it's like good at playing just any rock... And also bit more heavy stuff... I'd like something like that, that's good in a broader area. But mostly for just heavy metal - Nirvana, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Guns 'n Roses... And still able to handle nu-metal like System of a Down, Korn & stuff for when I get a bit better. I hope that's a bit more information? Not easy trying to explain xD Also, now I've been looking more at custom made ones I've seen much more kinds of wood, a lot of flaming maple to... Is this any good?[/quote] Thw Warwick Vamp and the Vigiers will definitely give you the really modern active growl that you're after for (nu-) metal. Also have a look at Spector NS basses. They're brilliant for metal. Here's a dude playing his spector US NS4 [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1JbqC0DiD4"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1JbqC0DiD4[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yltJaHqR_a0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yltJaHqR_a0[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_GvfOlV0EA"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_GvfOlV0EA[/url] And here's Doug Wimbish getting funky on his... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f35NVX_PU0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f35NVX_PU0[/url] Edited February 10, 2009 by rjb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 [quote name='thisnameistaken' post='404979' date='Feb 10 2009, 01:09 AM']If I were you - considering that you don't really know anything about what you want, but you've got a big budget - I'd buy a couple of different used mid-price basses and sell the one you don't like (or both). Keep going until you find one you really like, or until you gather enough knowledge to make an informed decision about what you want from a bass. I would avoid having a custom bass built for you if you don't know what you want.[/quote] A resounding +1. If you don't know what you want go for the "used" option. You can keep buying and selling until you know what you want. You will probaly like the neck from Bass A, Body of Bass B, Pick-Ups from Bass C, then you can have the ideal bass built. If you go custom and can't decide what you want then the chances are you won't like the end result and will lose a load of money if you want to sell it. It will be a Bass built to your spec and no-one else may like it. I have just ordered an ACG Re-Curve 5-String from Alan and it took the best part of an afternoon just picking the wood. If I hadn't owned and sold a load of Basses over the years I would not have had a clue where to start when you start getting questions like. Bolt on or Through Neck? Asymetric Neck Profile? 34 or 35" Scale? String Through? Which Pick-Ups? etc. etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gothicontheloose Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 [quote name='rjb' post='405060' date='Feb 10 2009, 10:16 AM']Thw Warwick Vamp and the Vigiers will definitely give you the really modern active growl that you're after for (nu-) metal. Also have a look at Spector NS basses. They're brilliant for metal. Here's a dude playing his spector US NS4 [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1JbqC0DiD4"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1JbqC0DiD4[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yltJaHqR_a0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yltJaHqR_a0[/url] [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_GvfOlV0EA"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_GvfOlV0EA[/url] And here's Doug Wimbish getting funky on his... [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f35NVX_PU0"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f35NVX_PU0[/url][/quote] Yeah, I've been asking round and I especially hear alot of Vampyre O.O And they look... well unbelievably xD And Vigiers doesn't make neck-thru anymore... And well... When I pay £2000 or more for a bass I don't want a freagin bolt-on xD -[url="http://www.warwick.de/modules/custom_shop/options.php?TYP=NONE&submenuID=14620&katID=15059&cl=EN"]Warwick Electronics[/url] - Few question tho! Difference between 9V and 18V, what will the difference be in sound? What's the difference between 2- and 3-band? Last one bout this: Is there a big difference between the configurations?? -Have no idea wich pickup to pick either, is there a way to find out wich one is better? -Any neck type you can suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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