Reasonably affordable multiscale/fanned fret basses?

[LaXu]

So production models of multiscale/fanned fret basses are still fairly scarce but what is out there that doesn't cost several thousand euros or dollars? The ones I know about:

• ESP/LTD B-1004SE / B-1005SE (4 and 5 string)
• Ibanez SRFF805 / SRFF806 (5 and 6 string)
• Dingwall Combustion / NG-2
• Brice Defiant 53235, HXB2-405 3235 and HXB2-406X 3235 (5, 5 and 6 string)

 

[Bozendoka]

There's the 37" Defiants, too. Speaking of which I wonder why that 35" one is $800?

Also hopefully Carvin someday reasonably soon.

 

[TylerE]

Speaking of which I wonder why that 35" one is $800?

It's a neckthru, the others are bolt-ons. The 37" necktrhroughs are $570 though, so who knows?

On a side note: I've got on the ESP's, see my full NBD/Review thread here: NBD / Review: ESP Ltd B-1005 Multi-scale

 

[LaXu]

It's a neckthru, the others are bolt-ons. The 37" necktrhroughs are $570 though, so who knows?

On a side note: I've got on the ESP's, see my full NBD/Review thread here: NBD / Review: ESP Ltd B-1005 Multi-scale

Thanks for the review! Was thinking of getting one but one of my concerns was the top would look very plain. I kinda wish they had just used the back color all over as it's quite pleasant.

 

[TylerE]

I wouldn't let that stop you from buying it, still preferable to a solid color, just not quite as much color variation as you might hope for - but it's got it where it counts - sound is killer, playability is great, hardware is solid, etc.

 

[J Gold]

I have the Ibanez 6 string...it rocks a little!

 

[bobcruz]

There's the 37" Defiants, too. Speaking of which I wonder why that 35" one is $800?

Also hopefully Carvin someday reasonably soon.

The most expensive neckthrough fanned fret that Rondo sells is $570: Rondo Music Bass Guitar Multi Scale Fan Fret

Rondo leaves obsolete pages on its website that you can still link to and that's probably why there's an $800 price at that link. If you try to add it to your cart, you get an "out of stock" message. I didn't check all of the OP's links but the current Rondo models and pricing are on the page I linked. Cheers, Bob

 

[alembicbones]

I recently picked up a NG-2 and it's a great bass. Easy to play with unique and versatile tones. I highly recommend this bass.

Bones

 

[Keith Guitars]

+1 for the Dingwall. Sheldon has been doing fanned frets longer than most anyone,
and he has really dialed in all of the little ergonomics that make a difference.

 

[Charlzm]

I picked up an early model Combustion used from here on TB a few months ago. It had some neck issues but, once they were straightened out, it had a really nice sound (reminded me of a higher-tech P Bass) and was very playable.

I liked the Combustion so much I bought a used Dingwall Afterburner (also from a TB seller). THAT is an awesome bass but even used, it broke through the upper price barrier this thread has established.

I have played the Ibanez 5 and wasn't especially impressed, though there was nothing obviously wrong with it.

I'd love a chance to get my hands on the LTD for a few hours.

 

[krovx]

Anymore we can add to this?

I see some Kiesel models and a Schecter Stiletto.

 

[jd56hawk]

One of the few Ibanez basses I'd consider.
Looks good in the new finish.
Sure, they could have a few more color options, but at least it's not 2-color sunburst, 3-color sunburst, tobacco burst, vintage burst, cherry burst, etc.

 

[LBS-bass]

I played one of the Ibanez fanned fret 5 strings a few weeks ago. I was surprised at how good it felt to play. If I had an extra grand laying around, I might consider it, but since I didn't I never plugged it in to hear how it sounded.

 

[jd56hawk]

I plugged one in…forgot after a few minutes that I was playing a fanned-fret bass.
Plenty of usable tones. I bet it would sound even better with the proper strings.