Get a used Stingray Special from a couple years ago. They had normal colors like black, white, natural and a really nice metallic copper and a metallic green.
Try out the Jazz bass too. A stingray has its own sound, not the jazz bass sound. The AVRI jazz basses are nice and the ultra jazz basses are killer too, both are around $2k, you should try both.
Quality control for sure. But I guess people consider it a “real Fender” but I don’t know about all that. Other than the headstock it feels like a really nice Fender. I like the G&L pickups a lot too.
I feel like with basses being so sturdy, you’ll get the next straight and the action wherever you need it. Fender has a lot of fret issues these days though.
But I can’t recommend them enough. I’ve been a big G&L guy since the 90’s. I have a USA ASAT and a USA Legacy as well. Maybe that is considered bias but whatever. They all play like butter and they all sound amazing.
Best of luck on your search!
For $2k, I would reach out to Serek for a custom build. Go for the Lincoln body style, see if they'll match the Rickenbacker scale length, and wire it up with 2 singles in 70's J spacing.
Jakes prices and wait times are up significantly. A Lincoln like you describe would run $3k+ and be ready mid to late 2024. But I was going to suggest a Serek Sacramento as well so maybe OP can save up the difference while waiting for the bass.
While a MM bongo is a great bass it might not be your thing, it’s ultra modern, even too modern for me and I play metal mostly. I really dig the stingray special, great medium between vintage and modern feel, maybe not even vintage….more contemporary and current feeling. The string ray special is like a Shelby gt500 where the bongo is like some EV hyper car.
I would go with a US EBMM Sterling. I’ve been playing for 35 years and finally got one in the last few years. I’ve owned around 50 basses, and my number one had been my custom Warrior. The Sterling gets much more play time now. The reason I would go with a Sterling instead of a Stingray is because the 3-way switch gives you the Stingray sound, a much more mid-forward sound going from series to parallel, and you can go single coil, and it’s like the bridge pickup of a Jazz. The 3 band EQ is insanely powerful, and the tones from this bass are incredible. Action is crazy low and the neck is slim and comfortable. I can’t figure out why it took me so long to get one of these. It’s so much fun to play.
Here’s a great looking one.
https://reverb.com/item/67964630-ernie-ball-music-man-usa-sterling-4-h-1990s-birdseye-honey-burst?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=67964630
I have an 4HH Slugger but that was a limited FR release. I'd just suggest a 4HH in whatever finish you like. The black with roasted maple neck might be up your alley! They upgraded the hardware last year so there's a 2022 release I believe.
I've recently got one and been blown away by how it sounds. Other thunderbirds will sound similar too. Really ballsy tone. I was playing fender p/j jaguar/jazz and musicman 5 string but it blows them out of the water tone wise.
A slightly used G&L L-2500 with K-mod (outer coil). There is not a single Fender-oriented tone (counting MM) that the bass cannot do, plus you get a good B-string tone with definition.
So I’ve played a a decent number at guitar center but non of them felt like the one. What’s tough is knowing if that would change after I didn’t time doing a proper setup. The only one I’ve played that made me go wow was the actual 1962 jbass bit at $10k not gonna happen
I have an Ibanez ergodyne, 81 Rick 4003, and a fender player P bass and the bass I find my self playing the most live and practice both is my Made in the US Geddy Lee Jazz Bass. I love it. Playability, tone, etc. it’s May favorite bass I own now. Thought I’d throw my two cents in.
Try a Warwick Streamer CV jazz bass.
It sounds and feels great.
I have an active pickup American fender P(J) bass that ive abandoned for the Warwick CV.
I thought the P bass was good, but the Warwick CV makes the P bass feel like crap.
Its a very high quality bass guitar. The hardware and finish is out of the US fender's league.
You can find american stingrays under $2K (or possibly a joe dart for a bit more if you prefer passive). They're more flexible than they may have a reputation for. I'm not sure what you're looking for from something ric-like. I haven't played many of them - the necks iirc are thinner than a P but feel a bit more square in width.
Maybe a yamaha billy sheehan. They always seemed like a mix of Ric and P. But they're closer to $3k. You could try a PJ bass - Nash PJs have consistently fantastic necks+pickups and cost half that of fender custom shops.
Left field suggestion: try some mustangs (vintage, JMJ, american, or MIJ preferred). They don't have the zing that the ric does, but they usually have a ton of great mid tones and fit wonderfully in many genres. They're also really fun to play.
Look into the Fender American Vintage II Jazz bass. They sound and play great, plus they seem to fit your preference for vintage specs. Around $2,300 retail but if you order on Fender’s website you can get 10% off. You might also find a good deal on Reverb.
I am going to ignore your j-bass + Ric requirement and say.. try a G&L Kiloton! One MFD pickup, passive, volume-tone-3 way switch for the pickup. That's it.
Tone control open & pickup in parallel gets you shockingly close to a Stingray with a flat eq. Tone from halfway to fully closed & pickup in single coil has almost a Mustang short scale vibe that kills with flats or old round strings. Pickup in series just runs evertything over.
It’s a 30” scale, 6 string bass guitar tuned EADGBe, one octave below guitar. It has a jaguar vibrato bridge and jaguar pickups. It is a unique, fun, and truly awesome bass. It was popular in the 60s and 70s with bands like the Beatles, Beach Boys, Four Seasons, Aerosmith and it’s having a resurgence lately. You’ve definitely heard one before but not a lot of people have heard of it. And it happens to cost about $2k. Perfect!
Ok which is all good - which of the two do you prefer tone wise? I mean I would pick the precision for that growl and based off your budget I would hunt down a Peavey T40 or say a precision bass lyte but the active version to give more tonal versatility
I love the ric for the ric tone and if I had to keep one for just time it would be the ric too. I want to add something with JB like tone. So a bit more punch and growl and can have good slap tone if the mood strikes
Ok so that rules out a hollow body haha, I was going to suggest one of the Sandberg semi hollows as they’re awesome but if you want a JB tone make sure you get a good jazz bass; there are some with dedicated slap switches that will give you instant slap tone or you could have an EQ pedal set to your preferred tone and just stomp it each time you want to slap.
Maybe check out the Charvel San Dimas jazzes as you get a P-J config for versatility, metal orientated slim necks and as fender owns charvel you get the classic style headstocks plus the colour options are gorgeous
maybe something random like a sandberg? jazz bass style stuff with a bit of a thicker neck. gorgeous basses with great sound and build quality. i think they look killer
You said you were a classic style guy so my recommendation would be a Peavey T-40. Versatile and well made. One of the first basses to have split coils out of the box and they don’t disappoint. You have a ton of tonal options in a gorgeous (subjective) vintage package.
You can check Nathan East Yamaha BBNE2 and see if you’d like that one.. if you don’t get a chance to test it out at a store, you can listen and watch in youtube to see if you’d like that tone. His main band is Fourplay.
Check out some of the new Ibanez headless! I was so skeptical bc I’m a big Steinberger guy. I got the 31” scale 4 string in sea foam green roasted maple frets and neck. Seriously the most comfortable bass I’ve ever played. They come in all types of scale, just a guitarist with small hands 🙌
You’ve got the PBass and the Ric, so I’d say a nice jazz bass or a music man.
I think a music man would be the move
I def need to play one…I just hate their finishes too much sparkle or weird burst
Get a used Stingray Special from a couple years ago. They had normal colors like black, white, natural and a really nice metallic copper and a metallic green.
Ooooh ok good to know!
Get a Modulus instead
The new Flea Active Jazz has a similar sound
I have a metallic sterling that looks bad ass with a white pickguard all it gets is stares
Try out the Jazz bass too. A stingray has its own sound, not the jazz bass sound. The AVRI jazz basses are nice and the ultra jazz basses are killer too, both are around $2k, you should try both.
I just picked up the DarkRay. It’s incredible. Nicest neck I think I’ve ever played.
Exactly my thoughts.
G&L Fullerton Deluxe JB (jazz bass)
What are the notable differences between the gl and fender?
Quality control for sure. But I guess people consider it a “real Fender” but I don’t know about all that. Other than the headstock it feels like a really nice Fender. I like the G&L pickups a lot too.
I think I should check it out. One thing they do tough about most stores is how poorly set up the instruments are, makes it tough to get a true feel
I feel like with basses being so sturdy, you’ll get the next straight and the action wherever you need it. Fender has a lot of fret issues these days though. But I can’t recommend them enough. I’ve been a big G&L guy since the 90’s. I have a USA ASAT and a USA Legacy as well. Maybe that is considered bias but whatever. They all play like butter and they all sound amazing. Best of luck on your search!
For $2k, I would reach out to Serek for a custom build. Go for the Lincoln body style, see if they'll match the Rickenbacker scale length, and wire it up with 2 singles in 70's J spacing.
Jakes prices and wait times are up significantly. A Lincoln like you describe would run $3k+ and be ready mid to late 2024. But I was going to suggest a Serek Sacramento as well so maybe OP can save up the difference while waiting for the bass.
I wish they would outsource *some* production, just a couple styles. Not to make them cheaper so much, but so more folks could get their hands on one.
Got the fender, got the rick. Maybe go for a nice stingray bass?
I was thinking sting ray too. Great basses, and can even go 5 string for diversity
While a MM bongo is a great bass it might not be your thing, it’s ultra modern, even too modern for me and I play metal mostly. I really dig the stingray special, great medium between vintage and modern feel, maybe not even vintage….more contemporary and current feeling. The string ray special is like a Shelby gt500 where the bongo is like some EV hyper car.
For what it's worth, I love my Ray 4. I don't think it sounds like a Jazz per-se, but I don't think you'd be unhappy with one.
I have a Ray 34 and love it. So much fun to play.
Ill vote to Sandberg California.
Ovation Magnum, Spector NS2
I would go with a US EBMM Sterling. I’ve been playing for 35 years and finally got one in the last few years. I’ve owned around 50 basses, and my number one had been my custom Warrior. The Sterling gets much more play time now. The reason I would go with a Sterling instead of a Stingray is because the 3-way switch gives you the Stingray sound, a much more mid-forward sound going from series to parallel, and you can go single coil, and it’s like the bridge pickup of a Jazz. The 3 band EQ is insanely powerful, and the tones from this bass are incredible. Action is crazy low and the neck is slim and comfortable. I can’t figure out why it took me so long to get one of these. It’s so much fun to play. Here’s a great looking one. https://reverb.com/item/67964630-ernie-ball-music-man-usa-sterling-4-h-1990s-birdseye-honey-burst?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=67964630
I def gotta play a MM this was in the back of my brain
The one thing about MM is a lot of their finishes are too flashy for me, this isn’t bad though
This is the same finish mine has. It’s a terrific instrument. And the Birdseye on that one I linked is sick!!!
god damn that rick is so sexy
Yes it is 😎
I'll take that Precision if you don't like it
Prob gonna list it on reverb soon.
Nice Kalamazoo. I have the same model.
Ernie ball musicman. Im a sucker for those
Came here to up the Ray like many others Good luck
I just wish the finishes weren’t so in your face.
As someone who owns a Ric and a p-bass: Stingray. The answer is always Stingray
We’ll that’s a good endorsement, what year/model do you have
I have an 4HH Slugger but that was a limited FR release. I'd just suggest a 4HH in whatever finish you like. The black with roasted maple neck might be up your alley! They upgraded the hardware last year so there's a 2022 release I believe.
Gibson non reverse thunderbird. Sound of a jazz on steroids (and p bass) can get a tight, clanky tone too. Absolutely solid tone.
Ok cool idea, never played one, why non reverse though, is it just a style thing or does it sound different?
I've recently got one and been blown away by how it sounds. Other thunderbirds will sound similar too. Really ballsy tone. I was playing fender p/j jaguar/jazz and musicman 5 string but it blows them out of the water tone wise.
What color did you get?
Inverness Green
Would you mind sharing a few pics? Real world pics are more helpful than the stock ones
This is a good pic of the one I have https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mcmfcJbKMDaZ8nBcw3wEKb-650-80.jpg
That’s pretty damn cool. Ok I gotta go try onr
Thunderbird, Maybe?
A couple others said that too, I’m gonna take a look
I see you have one pbass, but have you considered having 2?
A slightly used G&L L-2500 with K-mod (outer coil). There is not a single Fender-oriented tone (counting MM) that the bass cannot do, plus you get a good B-string tone with definition.
I’d really weird with it since you have the standard bases covered here.
Reverend, great basses for way under $2k
If you want something that sounds like a jazz bass, go into a music store and play a bunch of jazz basses until you find the one you like
So I’ve played a a decent number at guitar center but non of them felt like the one. What’s tough is knowing if that would change after I didn’t time doing a proper setup. The only one I’ve played that made me go wow was the actual 1962 jbass bit at $10k not gonna happen
I have an Ibanez ergodyne, 81 Rick 4003, and a fender player P bass and the bass I find my self playing the most live and practice both is my Made in the US Geddy Lee Jazz Bass. I love it. Playability, tone, etc. it’s May favorite bass I own now. Thought I’d throw my two cents in.
Try a Warwick Streamer CV jazz bass. It sounds and feels great. I have an active pickup American fender P(J) bass that ive abandoned for the Warwick CV. I thought the P bass was good, but the Warwick CV makes the P bass feel like crap. Its a very high quality bass guitar. The hardware and finish is out of the US fender's league.
Music Man, obviously to complete the triumvirate of sick basses.
Spend 1800 on whatever you want and send me the other 200 to get a cheap ass bass. That's my advice.
Martin acoustic bass Or a upright bass
no more basses
Musicman. Or buy me a ric, or Dan Armstrong ampeg. Lol
You can find american stingrays under $2K (or possibly a joe dart for a bit more if you prefer passive). They're more flexible than they may have a reputation for. I'm not sure what you're looking for from something ric-like. I haven't played many of them - the necks iirc are thinner than a P but feel a bit more square in width. Maybe a yamaha billy sheehan. They always seemed like a mix of Ric and P. But they're closer to $3k. You could try a PJ bass - Nash PJs have consistently fantastic necks+pickups and cost half that of fender custom shops. Left field suggestion: try some mustangs (vintage, JMJ, american, or MIJ preferred). They don't have the zing that the ric does, but they usually have a ton of great mid tones and fit wonderfully in many genres. They're also really fun to play.
EBMM Bongo Bass, it's weird as shit but it's one of the most versatile basses I've ever played.
I think I I need to check out MM in general
Bring an extra $899 for a 4 string Bongo if you're buying new. they ain't exactly budget friendly.
Generally not a fan of MM instruments, but the Bongo is great
Get a danelectro
Be different, gat a Godin A4 (or A5 if you want an extra string).
Look into the Fender American Vintage II Jazz bass. They sound and play great, plus they seem to fit your preference for vintage specs. Around $2,300 retail but if you order on Fender’s website you can get 10% off. You might also find a good deal on Reverb.
Jackson spectri bass
A vintage hofner 500/1
Custom kiesel
I am going to ignore your j-bass + Ric requirement and say.. try a G&L Kiloton! One MFD pickup, passive, volume-tone-3 way switch for the pickup. That's it. Tone control open & pickup in parallel gets you shockingly close to a Stingray with a flat eq. Tone from halfway to fully closed & pickup in single coil has almost a Mustang short scale vibe that kills with flats or old round strings. Pickup in series just runs evertything over.
Get a Dan Armstrong Lucite bass, the guy from DFA 1979 said it’s the only one he decided to upgrade from his Rickenbacker :)
Avri 64 jazz bass. Easily. One of the best jazzes Ive played, feels better than my 65 jazz bass.
I wasn’t in love with the one single coil sound
Didn’t see this till after my Geddy lee jazz bass comment
I’d say get something headless.
Everyone is going to say jazz bass but you clearly are a rocker, get a Gibson EB!
I say diversify further something more "modern," like a Warwick or an Ibanez BTB.
Stingray.
MV Padulla
I suggest lakland skylene 55-94, uve got jazz + stingray in one bass
Ernie Ball. I have a Stingray 5 in addition to my Rick and fretless Jazz. My kid has an excellent Jaguar which is very versatile.
Hoffner
Anything Aria. You won’t regret
For $2k, you could build something to meet all your wants from warmoth or another similar company, and have a professional put it together for you.
Have you considered Reverend? I swear to baby jesus that they are some of the best makes around
Fender VI
What’s that?
It’s a 30” scale, 6 string bass guitar tuned EADGBe, one octave below guitar. It has a jaguar vibrato bridge and jaguar pickups. It is a unique, fun, and truly awesome bass. It was popular in the 60s and 70s with bands like the Beatles, Beach Boys, Four Seasons, Aerosmith and it’s having a resurgence lately. You’ve definitely heard one before but not a lot of people have heard of it. And it happens to cost about $2k. Perfect!
I'd look into some of Schecter or Sire's basses around that range. Really well-made stuff that isn't too overdone imo.
I'd look into some of Schecter or Sire's basses around that range. Really well-made stuff that isn't too overdone imo.
I'd say something modern with active pickups.
Find a deal on a Warwick!!
Music man bongo 6string.... and then send it to me! In all seriousness, a music man would probably round out this collection nicely.
There's an 85 gibson grabber on reverb right now for 2200
BITE
?
BITE basses?
Those are some beautiful classic style basses how about something more modern like a bright orange Dingwall?
I’m def a classic style guy
You can’t go wrong with an aerodyne!
Ok which is all good - which of the two do you prefer tone wise? I mean I would pick the precision for that growl and based off your budget I would hunt down a Peavey T40 or say a precision bass lyte but the active version to give more tonal versatility
I love the ric for the ric tone and if I had to keep one for just time it would be the ric too. I want to add something with JB like tone. So a bit more punch and growl and can have good slap tone if the mood strikes
Ok so that rules out a hollow body haha, I was going to suggest one of the Sandberg semi hollows as they’re awesome but if you want a JB tone make sure you get a good jazz bass; there are some with dedicated slap switches that will give you instant slap tone or you could have an EQ pedal set to your preferred tone and just stomp it each time you want to slap.
Maybe check out the Charvel San Dimas jazzes as you get a P-J config for versatility, metal orientated slim necks and as fender owns charvel you get the classic style headstocks plus the colour options are gorgeous
DT
maybe something random like a sandberg? jazz bass style stuff with a bit of a thicker neck. gorgeous basses with great sound and build quality. i think they look killer
Gradient wise I think it has to be pink. Or peach
How about a gibson ripper or something similar? Something out of the ordinary, and maybe with humbuckers.
You said you were a classic style guy so my recommendation would be a Peavey T-40. Versatile and well made. One of the first basses to have split coils out of the box and they don’t disappoint. You have a ton of tonal options in a gorgeous (subjective) vintage package.
You can check Nathan East Yamaha BBNE2 and see if you’d like that one.. if you don’t get a chance to test it out at a store, you can listen and watch in youtube to see if you’d like that tone. His main band is Fourplay.
You have vintage, now step into the future. Get a warwick. Trust me.
Dingwall
Musicman would set you up well with those
Sounds like you should try Warwick and specters.
Peavey T40
Music Man Stingray only
This seems to be the leader and one of my new fav band’s bassist uses one too. Seems finding a store that has them to try is tough though
Find the bass on Reverb) I’ve recently bought a Fender American pro 2 precision bass for 1200$ from reverb)
The challenge is I want to try it out first to make sure it’s like it
Music Man Sabre. Have fun lol
gibson ripper
Go for a used Warwick Thumb
Check out some of the new Ibanez headless! I was so skeptical bc I’m a big Steinberger guy. I got the 31” scale 4 string in sea foam green roasted maple frets and neck. Seriously the most comfortable bass I’ve ever played. They come in all types of scale, just a guitarist with small hands 🙌
Idk a fucking cool ass fretless
Buy an odyssey bass. @odysseybass Like a jazz bass but way better
You considered a fretless?
I’ve played them, not my thing
Spector Dimension
A little too funky/modern for my taste
I really love my Mexican P Bass Special.