What bass..?

[IainT]

I've got a hankering for a new bass. I play in a Rock/Punk covers band and need something fairly versatile.

My current (and all previous basses) are 4-String but I'm considering a 5 String for flexibility although it's not strictly necessary!

Looking at a fairly healthy budget and the options that I'm keen on are:

1. Custom made by local luthier.
2. Fender Jazz American Delux
3. Ibanez SR5005E-OL

I've played briefly unamplified on one of the local luthier's basses - a 6-string fretless. It was sublime - both in looks and playability. The wood and finish reminded me of the exotic bodies Warwick Thumb basses. His pricing mean it's be both unique and cheaper than the Fender but not by much.

I really could do with finding somewhere local (Manchester area) that I can have a decent go on some high-end gear!

What are other decent options and left-field suggestion from my friendly PH experts?

[Baryonyx]

It depends on what you're after. All of the basses will sound quite different; the Ibanez has quite a modern sound with the Barts, the Jazz will be very versatile in that 'Jazz bass' way. The custom option is always interesting, though resale will typically be poor if it's not a well known luthier!

[droopsnoot]

What about this: http://www.shukerguitars.co.uk/jjpbass.html

I have no idea whether it's any good or not, but he seems to get a good noise out of it.

[Mastodon2]

Shuker, there is a name I've not heard in a few years.

[Baryonyx]

If I was prepared to spend Shuker money, I'd sooner have an ACG. The preamps and pickups in those are the finest going in any bass made today, I reckon.

[chevy-stu]

I'd go to a decently stocked shop and try as many as possible.

As already mentioned a Jazz5 or Stingray5 will easy to resell, if you ever want to, and if that's a consideration...

I'd recommend The Gallery in London, who also make their own, as well as stock proper main and rare brands, or Bass Direct in Warwick..
Unfortunately both not near Manchester

[IainT]

chevy-stu said:

I'd go to a decently stocked shop and try as many as possible.

Ended up spending three hours at Manchester Bass Lounge last Saturday. Drew, who runs the place, was an absolute star and totally patient with my apparent desire to play everything he had in stock (some 80 basses).

Some stonking basses there and I was very tempted with the Warwick Thumb Jack Bruce sig bass but couldn't justify the outlay.

In the end I plumped for a pre-owned Musicman Sterling (red with black pick guard). I'm a fan of active basses and it sounds great - huge range of tones and plays so nicely!

I don't think he made a huge profit on the bass but the one-to-one service he offers is so good I'm certain I'll be going back there for bass stuff...

Speaking of which I think I'm in love with Markbass gear... the CMD102P is epic.

[chevy-stu]

IainT said:

chevy-stu said:

I'd go to a decently stocked shop and try as many as possible.

Ended up spending three hours at Manchester Bass Lounge last Saturday. Drew, who runs the place, was an absolute star and totally patient with my apparent desire to play everything he had in stock (some 80 basses).

Some stonking basses there and I was very tempted with the Warwick Thumb Jack Bruce sig bass but couldn't justify the outlay.

In the end I plumped for a pre-owned Musicman Sterling (red with black pick guard). I'm a fan of active basses and it sounds great - huge range of tones and plays so nicely!

I don't think he made a huge profit on the bass but the one-to-one service he offers is so good I'm certain I'll be going back there for bass stuff...

Speaking of which I think I'm in love with Markbass gear... the CMD102P is epic.

Excellent !!!
As long as you're happy with what you chose that's good, and nice to hear you got looked after at The Bass Lounge, as that's what it's about because you said you'd go back !