Ibanez SR Premium, Yamaha BB, or G&L L2500?

[Groovin1122]

I am looking for a versatile bass as my first upgrade. I have heard people raving about the Ibanez Premium SR series with Nordstrand pickups, Yamaha BB's and G&L L2500 series.

I am really only going to be able to have 1 bass. I'm split between these choices. I am hoping to be able to have a 5 string bass to play Church music, cover band music rock and pop stuff, blues, to raging metal/djent. If you were to have only 1 bass from these choices what would it be and why?

 

[TopoChico]

What is your price point? That is a pretty big range that you have listed assuming you are looking at USA G&L and not Tributes. If you are considering the BBP series Yamaha's, I would get the BBP35 and not look back. The Japan built models are flat out amazing. Top notch build quality. PJ pickups that are a little hot but not over the top and can cover a lot of genres. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of those, but the Yamaha would me my personal choice.

 

[Groovin1122]

What is your price point? That is a pretty big range that you have listed assuming you are looking at USA G&L and not Tributes. If you are considering the BBP series Yamaha's, I would get the BBP35 and not look back. The Japan built models are flat out amazing. Top notch build quality. PJ pickups that are a little hot but not over the top and can cover a lot of genres. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any of those, but the Yamaha would me my personal choice.

I am hoping to keep it around the 1200 range but I am happy spending less! I'm more so focused on getting the right bass over budget but I can't afford prestige or higher-end premium SR's. If I were to go G&L I would get a used USA model likewise with the Yamaha. Ibanez just has a lot of color options I am not a fan of so I would probably just get the one I liked if that were the winner. I wish I could just go to one shop and try these all out but I'm likely only to find the Ibanez locally.

 

[ebo]

I have a G & L L2000 USA that I just love. I have an Ibanez SR 705 that is nice, doesn’t have quite the range but was less money. I’ve never owned or played a Yamaha bass. I’m a fan of playing before buying, especially when buying used. I don’t get hung up on brands, I found something that looks interesting, I read up on it, then I play it for myself. There is weight, balance, finish, electronics, neck design, tuners and bridges and overall mojo. Tough to decide on just one. Maybe that’s why I’m still single!

 

[songwriter21]

I am looking for a versatile bass as my first upgrade. I have heard people raving about the Ibanez Premium SR series with Nordstrand pickups, Yamaha BB's and G&L L2500 series.

I am really only going to be able to have 1 bass. I'm split between these choices. I am hoping to be able to have a 5 string bass to play Church music, cover band music rock and pop stuff, blues, to raging metal/djent. If you were to have only 1 bass from these choices what would it be and why?

I said L2500 only because it's U.S.-made. If you can find one, possibly used, get a Yamaha BBP35. Mine has blown me away...all passive, and can sound as nasty and big as a G&L or Spector (with a volume boost). The Japanese do it every bit as well as we do.