Choose betwee two basses

Mathilde

Mathilde

Apr 9, 2019
11
7
4,551
#1
Hello, I am very frustrated haha
I have to pick between two basses
The first is a secondhand one and a Samick SAKB-6690 listed at about 275$, here is a picture
Screenshot - 00b8d28171e430a5577b5716d6b9a448 - Gyazo


The other one is Harley Benton PJ-4 HTR Deluxe Series, here is the picture and price
https://www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_hot_rod_bass.htm

The second on is more cheap and the specs are known, but I really love the first one, but it is more riscy. The specs are harder to find on the internet and since it is secondhand, I cannot return it as I can with a store-bought

Which one would you buy?
 
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#6
I haven't tried the Harley Benton, I have tried the Samick (the funky headstock) once before. The Samick has your typical modern tone and other than the funky headstock, wasn't anything special but not a bad bass at all either - given the price, I guess that's to be expected. It reminded me a little of the Schecter bass I had at the time in terms of sound so I didn't buy it as it would sound like a bass I already had. The Samick is an active bass, it has a preamp.

The Harley Benton is a passive bass from the looks of it and is a P/J (has a P bass and Jazz Pickup) which I personally love the sound of. So without having tried one, I may be biased already simply on the pickup configuration. I don't know of the quality or playability of this.

If you can, I would recommend trying both basses - and if your concern with the Samick is quality, Samick instruments are generally pretty reliable- their factories also churn out Squier, Epiphone instruments. But not being store bought and non-returnable, if you go this route, spend a little extra time examining the bass and trying it as there's really no way of telling how the previous owner may have used or abused the bass.

Edit: I just read your answer to the question about trying the basses.
 
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#10
two fingers said:
Yeah get the first one. You'll ALWAYS be able to find a cheap PJ. Always. They aren't exactly "rare". ;)
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Yea that is what I am thinking the Samick is more unique.

To top it off, the seller is a woman whose dad is selling out from his music store, and therefore the blue Samick is new and actually has not been used before. She does not know anything about basses herself and that is why I wrote here. She says that is is completely 'new' as in never have been used
 
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#13
Mathilde said:
Yea that is what I am thinking the Samick is more unique.

To top it off, the seller is a woman whose dad is selling out from his music store, and therefore the blue Samick is new and actually has not been used before. She does not know anything about basses herself and that is why I wrote here. She says that is is completely 'new' as in never have been used
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I was kind of wondering why the bass was in a box. In that case, it's comparing two new basses and between the two brands, Samick is more familiar to me. I've heard decent things about Harley Benton too.
I wouldn't be as worried about the Samick in terms of quality and condition then - it is more modern sounding if that's the kind of bass you're looking for and as you mentioned, it is a little different, pretty cool looking actually.
 
#15
Somehow I'm no big fan of HB. Thomann is a great shop, but I'd rather go for squier etc than for HB. Only thing i'm gonna buy of them is a diy thingy.

You seem to really like the first option, so go for it!

Don't think you're waiting for more options, but a friend of mine was in a similar situation and he saved €100 more and bought a SBMM sub. Never regretted it. Just saying :)
 
#16
Thank you all so much, please keep sharing your experiences, it is very interesting for me, who have been playing guitar for years but has just recently begun showing more interest in bass!
 
#18
Mathilde said:
Yes I guess your are right. I am just nervous considering the unknown specs. Would you personally still choose the Samick? And thank you :)
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They are similar, what matters is a bass that excites you to play! Personally? I like peavey, squire, Yamaha and ibanez for entry level. Whatever you get, set aside a little $ for a pro setup.
 
#20
Mathilde said:
Which one would you buy?
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I think the Samick is the better way to go.


Paulabass said:
You can be fairly certain of the quality of Samick. Certainly one of the biggest makers on earth, but you can't tell much about the condition. All things being equal, I think the Samick was a better bass from the start.
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Agreed. They have a good rep in the business, and have built for many others. I have a Spector made in Korean , and after a side by side comparison with a friends Samick, I often wonder if that is who has been manufacturing the Korean Spectors.
 
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