Want to buy another bass...

[The Ozzman]

...and I'd like some advice.

I am looking to get my stimulus check sometime near the beginning of July.  It is expected to be 600 dollars.  If not, I'll just make up the difference somehow.

Here's what I'm looking to get:
-Something between 400 and 600 dollars and is NEW
-Something I can find at Sam Ash
-Something decent quality

I was thinking maybe a lower end Fender Jazz or a mid-line ESP

EDIT: If I can find a 5-string for that price, I might just get that, but I'd prefer it not be an off-brand

[Valentin Zukovsky]

Try a few basses at a store before you decide. Check out Ibanez, they have a bit of a spotty QC record in that price range, but if you find a good one go and take it. SR5's are pretty nice, as are the BTB5's.

[Valentin Zukovsky]

Yamaha BB 615, imo. 5 strings, active pickups.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-BB615-Active-5String-Bass?sku=519160&src=3SOSWXXA

I take it you have one?

No, but a guy I know has one and says it's very nice.


And I screwed up on link in my post.

That's a pretty nice looking bass there, and it has some interesting features.

I, however, have my eye one one of these. Note that they also come in a non-prestige model that is more like $500-$700.

[Zappatrazz]

Try a few basses at a store before you decide. Check out Ibanez, they have a bit of a spotty QC record in that price range, but if you find a good one go and take it. SR5's are pretty nice, as are the BTB5's.

Haha, the fact that you said that is quite funny. I use to be in their QC department and what you said is true, you really do have to find one that's rather decent and workable (if not, you'll hate it ). Though I'm not a fan of the BTB series, there are some in the SR series that are rather nice. The ATK models aren't that bad either, especially the ATK300 & 305 (cheap 5-string under $600).

[Tucson Bass Player]

Great advice posted here to go and play what you have available. No matter what you buy make sure to have it professionally set up. Unbelievable the difference it makes!

www.tucsonbassplayer.blogspot.com

[blink<3]

Check out Ibanez,

ibanez's are awesome basses for the ones that aren't a couple thousand... i was thinking about buying a new one and playing again... haven't got to the store yet though. maybe this weekend

[Valentin Zukovsky]

The low end Ibanez basses are sweet.  I own one.

Yeah, I play out on my first GSR all the time.

[Valentin Zukovsky]

Try a few basses at a store before you decide. Check out Ibanez, they have a bit of a spotty QC record in that price range, but if you find a good one go and take it. SR5's are pretty nice, as are the BTB5's.

Haha, the fact that you said that is quite funny. I use to be in their QC department and what you said is true, you really do have to find one that's rather decent and workable (if not, you'll hate it ). Though I'm not a fan of the BTB series, there are some in the SR series that are rather nice. The ATK models aren't that bad either, especially the ATK300 & 305 (cheap 5-string under $600).

How was that for a job man?

I like the shape of the BTB's, they're very comfortable on me. ATK's are also really nice, too bad the only one in my guitar center has the strings about 2 inches off of the fretboard.

[Zappatrazz]

Try a few basses at a store before you decide. Check out Ibanez, they have a bit of a spotty QC record in that price range, but if you find a good one go and take it. SR5's are pretty nice, as are the BTB5's.

Haha, the fact that you said that is quite funny. I use to be in their QC department and what you said is true, you really do have to find one that's rather decent and workable (if not, you'll hate it ). Though I'm not a fan of the BTB series, there are some in the SR series that are rather nice. The ATK models aren't that bad either, especially the ATK300 & 305 (cheap 5-string under $600).

How was that for a job man?

I like the shape of the BTB's, they're very comfortable on me. ATK's are also really nice, too bad the only one in my guitar center has the strings about 2 inches off of the fretboard.

It started out cool, but then it pretty much went downhill (from my prospective) around my 3rd month there or so (September '06) with bullshit happening with crew trainers, making quota and some other things I probably shouldn't get into detail; never know if a currently employed Ibanez lackey browses this forum. Then again, I don't work for them anymore, so I probably shouldn't care.

[Zappatrazz]

I've decided between getting a Fender Standard Jazz Bass and the Ibanez SR500.  I fell in love with the neck on the Ibanez yesterday

The SR500 is exactly what I have, but I'd say get the Jazz Bass. That's a man's bass neck for ya

[Zappatrazz]

Yeah, I was playing it and it was hard to play at first because I wasn't used to a neck like that.  I do like the Rosewood on it though.

I tried playing a 5 string and felt retarded playing the thing.

The fast neck on Ibanez's are an advantage, but obviously it's a personal preference to suggest the Jazz Bass. I'm the type of player that wants to feel like I'm actually playing something, an instrument that does sort of puts on a fight as you play just because it pushes you to play a little harder (without straining yourself of course). The problem I have with Ibanez basses is that it's either like playing almost nothing at all or it's just really awkward to play on, hence my disliking towards the BTB series.

I like my SR500 though (neck and all), I think you really need a fairly decent amp to really let that bass shine (and slapping on some flatwound strings wouldn't hurt either).

[Zappatrazz]

Yeah, I think you're saying the Jazz bass takes a little more skill and finesse to play well?

That's what my first thought was when playing it.  I'll probably improve greatly trying to not sound like shit on it lol

Pretty much, it's all in your playing I guess. Or maybe I just like blocky-feeling necks.

[Valentin Zukovsky]

Yeah, I think you're saying the Jazz bass takes a little more skill and finesse to play well?

That's what my first thought was when playing it.  I'll probably improve greatly trying to not sound like shit on it lol

Pretty much, it's all in your playing I guess. Or maybe I just like blocky-feeling necks.

Blocky bass neck? Get a Precision Bass. Or better yet, a German style upright bass.

I know what you mean about the instrument "fighting back". I like to be able to dig in when I want more definition to my tone. A lot of basses I've played at stores feel like they're going to collapse when I try and push them that far. And it's not like I'm playing them unreasonably hard either. It's something that requires a fine balance between string height, truss rod adjustment, and most importantly construction.

[Zappatrazz]

Blocky bass neck? Get a Precision Bass. Or better yet, a German style upright bass.

I know what you mean about the instrument "fighting back". I like to be able to dig in when I want more definition to my tone. A lot of basses I've played at stores feel like they're going to collapse when I try and push them that far. And it's not like I'm playing them unreasonably hard either. It's something that requires a fine balance between string height, truss rod adjustment, and most importantly construction.

I kid But yea, eventually I will get an upright.

[Valentin Zukovsky]

I'm probably going to end up getting the Fender.  It is a bit cheaper than the SR500

That's highly unusual that a Fender would be less expensive than an Ibanez.

Are you ordering off of the internet?