Bass suggestions

[Pallister]

Hey all, I’ve been playing bass for awhile now and I’m thinking of upgrading from my current bass, it’s a cheap one tbh
I’m looking for something around $800 AUD, which is around $630 USD, but if I really like it I’ll go I bit higher
I’m asking here because people know their stuff, and I don’t even know what to look for, or what matters when buying a bass.
I play songs from artists like linkin park and arctic monkeys, I don’t play jazz or funk at all, would different basses make different sounds?
This is also a very very minor point but I also prefer non glossy guitars if you know what I mean

Hope you guys can help

 

[sgl]

Maybe a Japanese Fender P or J? Not sure if there are any of these on the second hand market in your area, but worth checking. Solid basses, great playability.

 

[Pallister]

I’ve heard good things about those, just haven’t found one I like the look of they’re all sunburst orange or or white, and being the closeted 2000’s emo I am I prefer matte blacks

 

[JRA]

Hope you guys can help

ha! your optimism is inspiring!

we're all going to tell you to pay attention to what we like for ourselves... and then we're not really going to expect that you would make the same (dreadful?) decisions!

so, IMO:
- play a bunch and choose a neck style you like (thick, thin, narrow, wide, long, short...)
- the instrument must balance well.
- a two pickup instrument can be more versatile --- for down the road.
- remember that price, by itself, does not determine the value to you.
- make sure the color is black. matte black. (you can paint it yourself if necessary!)

good luck with your search! let us know what you choose!

 

[saabfender]

I’d take a look at the Ibanez stuff in a matte black. I’ve run across those a time or two and they look quite good. Since shiny necks and guitars are my thing, I haven’t paid too much attention.

 

[Pallister]

Ooh, Ibanez make some awesome ones, its a shame the SR5000 caught my eye, waaay outta my price range

So far i'm leaning towards the SR300E pearl black fade metallic, because despite what i said, that is a sexy guitar

ESP F-104 seems to be perfect for me dunno prices though

 

[Pallister]

Does anyone know if i can get an ESP Tom Araya FRX ebony neck in Australia? Bellfield music doesn't have any

 

[Nephilymbass]

Ooh, Ibanez make some awesome ones, its a shame the SR5000 caught my eye, waaay outta my price range

So far i'm leaning towards the SR300E pearl black fade metallic, because despite what i said, that is a sexy guitar

ESP F-104 seems to be perfect for me dunno prices though

If you’re thinking esp f series find a 415fm used. Its a good bass for the money. There’s a big jump from up from the f100 level to the 400 level. With the 415fm you get emg pickups and eq, neck through construction, better woods and hardware. Here’s the one I had. I would compare it to Spector euros that cost twice as much.

Here’s a song I recorded with that bass

 

[jd56hawk]

I’ve heard good things about those, just haven’t found one I like the look of they’re all sunburst orange or or white, and being the closeted 2000’s emo I am I prefer matte blacks

G&L SB-2…Tribute.
A lot of bass for the price.
Very potent MFD pickups. Powerful like an active bass but no battery needed.
Not sure if you mean you like flat finished necks or bodies.

New color if you don't like the Bordeux Red Metallic...Black Frost.

 

[WhenTheDrumsStops]

What ever bass you go for always go for a secondhand bass, it will save you a lot of money.

 

[willsellout]

G&L Tributes would be a great choice. Not sure what they run in Australia though.

 

[Pallister]

Cheers to all that’ve replied, I’m going hunting in my city to try and find something I like and that’s decent
And also I don’t know how to mark the thread as concluded, but I suppose people can feel free to keep adding things

 

[ThuzzleFump]

From what you've mentioned, Pallister, I believe you might find happiness with an ESP or even a lower-cost Bacchus if you can find the right one. Otherwise, yeah, it's hard to go wrong with a P or P/J and I really like the Japanese ones. You do pay a premium for the Fender name, though.

Another thought that's a bit less common is a Fender Blacktop P or J. They are rockers and are surprisingly cheap for what you get. Take a look here:

Fender Blacktop Jazz bass 2011 Black | Joseph's Gear Bazaar

 

[Epitaph04]

Whats wrong with your current instrument that makes you feel like you need to upgrade it?

 

[Pallister]

My current bass is 3 years old, has frets that stick out and cut my fingers, and he E string rattled against one of the frets

 

[phangtonpower]

First off what is the bass you have now?

Second, if black is you're only requirement, I would just paint the bass you have now black until you really know what you are looking for. Play as many basses at the stores and see what fits you the best and what sounds you like the best. Check out the gear of your favorite artists and research what those basses have in common or are different. There are a lot of fans on here that love cheap basses, and you may even find one that's black.

Also there are no basses that genre specific.

 

[wintremute]

Ooh, Ibanez make some awesome ones, its a shame the SR5000 caught my eye, waaay outta my price range

So far i'm leaning towards the SR300E pearl black fade metallic, because despite what i said, that is a sexy guitar

ESP F-104 seems to be perfect for me dunno prices though

Matte black? Ibanez? There's the new 670.

 

[wintremute]

Matte Black? Emo? There's the Epiphone Thunderbird Goth.

 

[Cassivellaunus]

I was going to say Ibanez or Yamaha will give you good bang for the buck or whatever you use down under... Also, have you looked at any of the Jackson basses. The CBXNT should be in your price range. If you like pointy head stocks. There's a black one on Amazon.

 

[sikamikanico]

My current bass is 3 years old, has frets that stick out and cut my fingers, and he E string rattled against one of the frets

Sounds like your bass just needs some maintenance! Take it go a reputable tech for fretwork and a setup.

If the bass otherwise works for you, there’s no need to “upgrade.” If you want new sounds, string change is most cost effective.