Double Bass lateral move from a 1960's Ampeg Baby Bass-similar models?

A

adrianhalo

Oct 14, 2018
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1
4,586
#1
Hi, I have a 1964 Ampeg Baby Bass and I'm looking to eventually sell it and replace it with something less terrifyingly rare/delicate and ideally slightly cheaper. I'm at a point in my life where owning vintage gear doesn't really interest me because I'd rather just have newer stuff that I can gig with and not feel like it's such a liability...I'm a player, not a collector.

Having said that, I like the style, the neck, and the general concept and sound. So I guess I'm looking for something close to it but maybe a little more modern, cheaper, and easier to service if something should go wrong. What are some similar options for under $2000? I sent an email to KK...are they decent? And is there anything under $1000 that would be comparable or is that unrealistic?

Thanks!
 
#3
Under $1000 new limits you to EUBs like the Dean and Stagg models which have minimal bodies. Be aware that Dean offers some EUBs with 35" rather than 42" scale length.

The NS Design models also have minimal, solid bodies and start at just over $1000 ($1049 currently at one online dealer for the WAV model). They are pretty radical designs being playable using a endpin as well as being stand mounted or even strapped on! They are all full scale except for the Omni basses, which are 35".

If you need something with a body more like your Baby Bass you will be paying a lot more than $1000.
 
#5
brianrost said:
Under $1000 new limits you to EUBs like the Dean and Stagg models which have minimal bodies. Be aware that Dean offers some EUBs with 35" rather than 42" scale length.

The NS Design models also have minimal, solid bodies and start at just over $1000 ($1049 currently at one online dealer for the WAV model). They are pretty radical designs being playable using a endpin as well as being stand mounted or even strapped on! They are all full scale except for the Omni basses, which are 35".

If you need something with a body more like your Baby Bass you will be paying a lot more than $1000.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this, that's kinda what I thought. Potentially stupid question but despite the difference in body style, do the ones that are more of a "stick bass" at least *sound* similar to the Baby Bass, or not really?

I think a lot of this will hinge on how much I can get for the Ampeg and where I'm at financially in another few months. If I have to pay closer to $2000 to get something I will play more often, I'm okay with that, I'm just not sure what my options are. I'll see about Ray Ramirez as well, I've definitely heard good things there!
 
#12
adrianhalo said:
Hi, I have a 1964 Ampeg Baby Bass and I'm looking to eventually sell it and replace it with something less terrifyingly rare/delicate and ideally slightly cheaper. I'm at a point in my life where owning vintage gear doesn't really interest me because I'd rather just have newer stuff that I can gig with and not feel like it's such a liability...I'm a player, not a collector.

Having said that, I like the style, the neck, and the general concept and sound. So I guess I'm looking for something close to it but maybe a little more modern, cheaper, and easier to service if something should go wrong. What are some similar options for under $2000? I sent an email to KK...are they decent? And is there anything under $1000 that would be comparable or is that unrealistic?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
 
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