Author Topic: Suggestions for non alembic "beater" bass? (Read 747 times)

glocke · « **on:** February 11, 2014, 03:13:18 AM »

Sort of getting out of the high end bass thing...As of now I plan on keeping my SCSD for awhile longer, but am in the market for something less expensive.

I am thinking my budget is probably going to be maxed out at around $1200.00...

keith_h · « **Reply #1 on:** February 11, 2014, 07:20:56 AM »

With a budget of $1200 I wouldn't call it a beater bass. Having said that have you considered Carvin basses? They get good reviews from folks I know who play them.

Keith

eligilam · « **Reply #2 on:** February 11, 2014, 07:34:53 AM »

Stingray: Made in USA. Easily adjustable. Active pickup. Distinctive sound that cuts through.

JuancarlinBass · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2014, 08:24:00 AM »

IMHO, for that budget you could probably find a used Epic, and remain Alembic

gtrguy · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2014, 12:16:47 PM »

I second the Stingray! Also, Fender Deluxe P Bass (active elec), Small body Ibanez Musician (80's, active electronics, way under-rated and cheap).

glocke · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2014, 02:47:14 PM »

Yeah, Ive thought about Carvin..almost had one ordered some years ago, but could not decide on the pickup configuration.

tncaveman · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2014, 05:07:39 PM »

Third on the Stingray. I also like Jazzes, Rick 4003's, and Carvin.

If I was to spend $1200 on a new bass, I'd see what I could do with a Warmoth custom build.

Stephen

cozmik_cowboy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 12, 2014, 10:05:24 AM »

Went to my local shop to hang yesterday & a Fender rep was there showing off their new toys. The new Dimension bass looks interesting; pretty much (and he pimped it this way) a Fender with Stingray guts (all cool, qouth he, as both were Leo's spawn). MIA version lists right around your budget, MIM is several hundred less.

The new Vaporizer amp is kinda a'ight, too.

Peter

sonicus · « **Reply #8 on:** February 12, 2014, 10:37:55 AM »

I agree with jcdlc72 in his post 309 above. For $1200 a used Epic is possible . Various Alembic models with neck through construction even sell for about $1500 used on occasion . I am speaking legitimate sales from legitimate owners. Watch Craigslist and eBay and the such and one is sure to wave at you and yell Here I am ! ___ Good luck on your pursuit ___

bonesrad · « **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2014, 10:23:40 AM »

I think I would go for a nice jazz bass (either Fender MIA or import clone). The Lakland Skyline 44-60 is a solid bass.

Bones

rami · « **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2014, 07:46:33 PM »

I have several Carvins as well. They really are great basses. You can get one with stainless steel frets and abuse the hell out of it and it will never wear out. For pickups, I like their stacked J-style humbucker. Recently, I got my hands on a 2011 60th Anniversary Fender P-Bass. Great vintage styling, beautiful blonde finish with the Ash wood grain showing through. I love it. The wider neck really gives your fingers a stretching and workout. You'll really get in shape to do justice to that beautiful Alembic.

coop · « **Reply #11 on:** February 21, 2014, 11:59:37 AM »

Another option is a Warwick Thumb (used) or a Corvette $$. I've played Thumbs for years and love them. Very similar string adjustments as an Alembic (adjustable bridge and nut) and they sound great. They are also well constructed and have a very custom feel to them as long as you stay away from the RockBass models - stick with German engineering. In fact, my beater bass is a Thumb with a Moses fretless neck on it. Makes a good backup and a decent jam session bass when I don't want to take out my SCSD. BTW, I've got a Corvette $$ I'm getting rid of. 32 scale, great shape. Message me if interested.

Can't go wrong with a MusicMan, but I'd go for a Sterling (the Sterling model MM, not the Sterling made by MusicMan). I had a Sterling fretless and it was a great bass.

stout71 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 21, 2014, 01:44:42 PM »

+1 on the Warwick Thumb, but I'm not sure I'd classify it as a beater. Mine has been my go-to bass since I bought it new. It's second in line now that I have the MK5, but it's still a sweet sounding axe.

5a_quilt_top · « **Reply #13 on:** February 21, 2014, 02:05:29 PM »

+1 on Music Men (4 & 5).

Also, a bit of sleeper is this:

It's a Fender Jaguar. If you get one, you'll want to have a tech repair the noise issues with the electronics (known defect - easy fix) and probably replace the stock stamped metal bridge with the Fender milled brass replacement bridge.

I had both done and my tech liked it so much he wanted to buy it from me!

Orignal cost $595 new w/gig bag, bridge $75, install $30 = $700.

YMMV.

bigredbass · « **Reply #14 on:** February 21, 2014, 10:22:37 PM »

Another alternative for MM's are the Sterling line basses. One of the familiar off-shore build recipes: Made-in-CA hardware, woodwork and assembly in the Far East, and set-up and shipped from CA.

http://www.sterlingbymusicman.com/

Myself, I love Squiers: Cheaper and faster than Warmoth or the like, cheap enough to add real electronics and hardware. There's a couple of Squier fives on the radar at the minute . . . .

http://www.fender.com/squier/basses/precision-bass/vintage-modified-precision-bass-v-maple-fingerboard-3-color-sunburst/

. . . . may very well be a Nordstrand five-string PJ set headed for this and a Babicz bridge.

I know the feeling. Some days, these axes are just too fancy for me (or maybe they just don't belong under my rusty fingers . . .). It's like going fast in a Ferrari or a Boss Mustang: Some days are just a cheesburger and a Coke instead of antipasti and a glass of vino . . . .

J o e y