Best possible bass: $400-600 range??

[J.DavisNJ]

I need a bass to record with. I don't mind buying used. What, in your opinion, is the best bass I can get in the $400-600 range?? Also, if the bass is mediocre, what are some nice pickups that I can look into?

I was thinking a Musicman SUB if I can find one used. thanks,

-Joe

 

[Metaltastic]

There was a pretty long thread about this about a month or two ago, and I think the consensus was the Fender Jazz...still though, try and find that thread, cuz it was a good one

 

[2012]

I just picked up a '93 MIM Jazz for $250 that is fucking incredible.

+1 for Jazz & P-Basses.

 

[MetalWorks]

The Tobias Toby Pro 4 or 5 is nice.

I got lucky with my Toby Pro 5 and got it new for $399 durring a sale.

But the Last time Musicyo.com carried them they sold the Toby Pro 5 normal for $599.

I imagine the Toby Pro 4 would be around $499.

On Ebay, it should be cheaper, especially used.

I would only recommend getting some nicer pickups for it, EMG's or something.

Very nice though!

 

[J.DavisNJ]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I will research them all.

So the Mexican Jazz basses are the ones to look for eh?

-Joe

 

[MetalWorks]

Yeah, they are Tobias Neck Through basses made of Maple, Wenge and Bubinga I believe.

Toby Pro is the model. Sweet bass but really could use nice pickups. Active Electronics with cheap Tobias pickups.

Alot of features for the money.

Looks just like an $1800 Tobias.

I guess you could say its like the LTD of ESP for Tobias Bass.

They were only available through Musicyo.com but apparently they arent selling them at the moment.

Musicyo was selling Kramer guitars, Tobias basses and Gibson accessories which are all owned by Gibson.

 

[2012]

So the Mexican Jazz basses are the ones to look for eh?

Every instrument is different, but the early 90's were good for Fender MIM instruments. The one I snagged just sings. The volume and tone between strings is consistent and unplugged it is still LOUD and in your face.

If you can play before you buy, look for one that sounds amazing acoustically.

These are instruments, after all.

p.s. I like the Toby Pro 4 too...

 

[Torniojaws]

From when I was on the lookout for a good bass, it was always the Fender Mexico Jazz Bass and Ibanez BTB-series that popped out. And since I had the privilege of testing out the Mexico JB in person, I went for the Ibanez BTB (555-MP) since I didn't like the Jazz Bass - a bit dull sound even with brand new strings. The BTB was much more prominent and, well, metal You should be able to get a used BTB555 (if you're looking for a 5-string) for around 600 USD. I think you can get a new BTB 4-stringer for 600 USD. My 555 cost 649 euros, or 870 USD with the exchange rate during last summer (1 EUR = 1,35 USD).

 

[J.DavisNJ]

From when I was on the lookout for a good bass, it was always the Fender Mexico Jazz Bass and Ibanez BTB-series that popped out. And since I had the privilege of testing out the Mexico JB in person, I went for the Ibanez BTB (555-MP) since I didn't like the Jazz Bass - a bit dull sound even with brand new strings. The BTB was much more prominent and, well, metal You should be able to get a used BTB555 (if you're looking for a 5-string) for around 600 USD. I think you can get a new BTB 4-stringer for 600 USD. My 555 cost 649 euros, or 870 USD with the exchange rate during last summer (1 EUR = 1,35 USD).

Ya know, I had seen that bass also. I'm definitely interested in it. I'm gonna check it out as well. How are the pickups in it?

-Joe

 

[sparkyness]

I swear by my MiM Jazz which I've had since 2002. I've owned 8 or 9 basses over the years and most of the cost at least double what this thing did but it's probably the most playable instrument I've owned, with the possible exception of a Status bass which cost me the proverbial left gonad to acquire back in 1993.

It was more than useable with the stock pickups and bridge, but I replaced the bridge with a Badass III and dropped in some Bartolinis last year. Oh...and a tortoise shell pickguard cos the white one looked a bit bland

 

[cobrahead1030]

i'll be in the minority here and recommend an old ibanez...the sr800 (90's model, made in japan) is one of the best bang for the buck basses out there IMO; i'm wanting to say i picked up mine with an emg p/j set off e bay for like $350 shipped about a year ago

the RKB series (also made in japan, their answer to the ebmm stingray) are also really top notch...but those are hard to find, and prices on them are getting higher these days...they look like this

 

[Exocaster]

A friend of mine has a Conklin Groove Tools 5 string that sounds amazing. He picked it up for under $600. It was a GC blowout, though, so your results may vary there.

Spector NS series are pretty nice IIRC, a used Musicman would be all kinds of kickass, as would an American Fender if you can find one in the $600 range (probably not so likely, but hit Ebay or Craigslist)

As for pickups, active EMGs or Bartolinis.

 

[J.DavisNJ]

Thanks again guys, great suggstions.

Yes, a 5 string Stingray would be great!! Too rich for me right now though...Maybe when I graduate.

-Joe

 

[2012]

It was more than useable with the stock pickups and bridge, but I replaced the bridge with a Badass III and dropped in some Bartolinis last year. Oh...and a tortoise shell pickguard cos the white one looked a bit bland

That's funny, I did some of the the same things with mine: Badass bridge & tortoise pickguard. I also put on a GraphTech nut. I haven't upgraded the pups yet... that's next. The thing is, the particular MIM Jazz i have is just so damn loud and present unplugged, I haven't felt the need to upgrade the electronics yet, but that's next. How would you describe the Bartolini's you dropped in?

active basses vs. passive basses = apples vs. oranges

 

[csholtmeier]

I had Bartolini's in my old Jazz, and EMG's in one of my jazzes I have now.

Neither of them compare to the Dimarzio Model J's I have in my main bass for thick, muscular tone with grind for days.

The funny part is the Dimarzios are cheaper than either the Barts or EMGs.

A Precision with a Model P in it is a force to be reckoned with.

 

[JBroll]

I'm going to have to pull for Brice, after trying all of these and then buying one of them blind, deaf, and dumb from Rondo Music. Godly six-string, alder body with bubinga top, active pickups and preamp, three hundred new. I swear they genetically engineer their workers to make them super-sanders of doom that don't need to eat or sleep...

Jeff