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BASS GUITARS (effects/accessories at bottom of page)

  1. '75 Ampeg Little Stud Bass, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (bridge/pickup), (case).  You may have not seen this model before.  In the mid-70's Ampeg began importing their Stud line from Japan, with the Big and Little Stud basses based on the Fender P/J basses.  Basically the body is like a P-bass body shape with similar pickguard and bridge/pickup covers, while the neck was like a J-bass with a bound neck and pearloid block inlays.  This is a medium scale bass, around an inch short of a full scale, and is an excellent player with a nice deep tone that's slightly brighter than a P, but slightly fatter than a J.  By the time this was built, Japan had been building good quality guitars for over a while.  Gone were the days in the early-mid 60's when "Jap junk" was a catch phrase, with action that was 1/2" high.  This bass has a comfortable setup, sounds good, and is in nice shape for 35 years.  The only mod I've noted is an extra strap pin hole on the lower horn, apparently used by a lefty at some point.  A good value for a utility bass at $399.  Includes 70's era hardshell case.
  2. ca. '88 Aria Pro II XRB-2A Bass, (front), (headstock), (back), (gigbag), ('82 print ad).  In one of the cool 80's finishes, blue crackle.  This bass has two major mods - a partial Billy Sheehan inspired fretboard scallop, and a pickup upgrade with a Bartolini J pickup an Jackson P pickup.  Fretboard is scalloped fully at the 12th and 19th to 22nd frets; scalloped under D/G strings only at the 15th and 17th frets.  Electronics are pretty cool.  It has a standard 3-way to select neck-both-bridge pickups plus a mini-switch to select passive or active mode.  The volume controls works in both modes but in the passive mode, the middle knob is a master tone while the 3rd knob is out of the circuit.  In the Active mode, the middle knob is out of the circuit while the 3rd knob is center detented and acts as a treble boost as you turn it forward, bass boost as you turn it backward.  Finish is nice shape, back has no heavy buckle rash and it has a separate control plate for the controls and the 9V battery.  Overall this bass is in pretty nice shape for a used bass, has a nice set up, and with these pickups and scallop job, could make an interesting gigging bass.  Set up with a new set of flat wounds that feel great and sound good.  Whether your a semi-pro or a beginner and you want to get the most bang for the buck - this used bass is $100 cheaper than a new Squier Standard Jazz.  $169(HOLD-Sam 10/31).  Includes for free a well-padded gigbag that's been re-stitched up the side but, hey, it's free. 
  3. Carvin AC-40 Fretless Acoustic/Electric Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (Case).  This is a cool bass and especially recommended for players who are used to playing an upright, or anyone looking for a quality American-made fretless that weighs in at just 5.6 lbs.  It was engineered to produce acoustic bass tones through an amplifier so you can expect it to sound closer to a "dog house" bass than any do-it-all solid body basses.  This one features a lovely cherry sunburst finish over solid spruce top, with a mahogany back and neck, with neck-thru construction.  Optional gold hardware looks great on the cherry sunburst finish.  Carvin uses hand-selected mahogany for the body and neck.  All of their woods undergo a long conditioning process in a de-humidification chamber to remove any stress in the wood and prevent future warping or twisting. The body is carved out of a single piece of mahogany for maximum resonance while maintaining stability, and the neck runs the length of the body for increased sustain and strength. The mahogany construction produces warm tones, perfect for a semi-hollow instrument.  It is similar in size to a solid-body bass, at 13.4" wide at the widest point, and is 1.8" thick. A lovely AAA Engleman spruce top is standard and is higher quality than Sitka spruce tops used on many guitars by other manufacturers.  A 34" scale ebony fingerboard has small position markers on the side of the fingerboard with a smooth neck heel allows easy access all the way up to the 24th fret.  It uses an LR Baggs ribbon-acoustic pickup which is less than 1/32" thick and contains a film sensor laminated between layers of Kapton and then laser-trimmed to its final form - reliable and innovative - with a sensor that is responsive to vibration but not to pressure on the pickup itself, which minimizes the sterile sound that is characteristic of most pressure-sensitive under-saddle pickups, because as the guitar top moves with the vibrations of the strings, so does the pickup, naturally reflecting the actual sound and dynamics of the bass.  It has an active circuit with volume, bass cut/boost, and treble cut/boost.  Cosmetically it's in beautiful condition and has a great set-up.  If you're looking to reproduce the tones of an acoustic bass, either on stage or in the studio, you can't go wrong with this one, especially at $599(HOLD-Raymond 6/3), a steal for an American made bass of this quality.  Includes optional Carvin/G&G tweed case with some stains on the outside but otherwise perfect shape.  
  4. Danelectro Longhorn Pro Bass, (pic2), 2004, Blue Metallic, One of the new Pro series with upgraded hardware - better tuners and bridge, as well as stacked knobs for individual volume and tone controls for each pickup.  These basses are fun to play with a comfortable short scale and very lightweight, but the tone is surprisingly good and even if you don't play one all night, it's cool to play for some select songs.  Pro-setup and a killer player, and a cool bass for $350.  Add a nice Dano case for $49.  
  5. ESP M-IV Fretless, (front/back), (headstock).  Real ESP's (i.e. pre-Ltd) are becoming hard to find and basses are especially few and far between.  This one's from around 1990 and finished in a cool flip-flop red pearl finish.  With its distinctive "scoop" in the treble cutaway and overall body shape, you might notice a similarity with Kramer Forum, which was the bass equivalent of Kramer American guitars series.  ESP was the actual builder of the Kramer American guitars and Forum basses with the M-IV being the ESP equivalent of the Forum II.   This is an excellent quality, typical of ESP Japan from this era and features active electronics with EMG P/J pickups, black hardware, Alder body.  Typical light player's wear with a few minor dings and one Grover replacement tuner but overall pretty nice shape and fantastic tone.  Martin just set this one up and it's a nice player, with that tone that you can only get from a fretless.  This bass had an original list price of $1295 over 10 years ago this is a steal at $399 with Ultra-lite case or gigbag.
  6. 2009 Epiphone Thunderbird Pro IV Bass, (front), (back), (headstock/neck), (case).  One of the coolest body shapes of all time, based on the 60's classic Gibson model, complete with reverse body styling.  The Thunderbird Pro IV in Natural Oil finish has the looks and features of a high end bass including 7-piece walnut/maple neck with through-body construction for increased sustain.  It also features Epiphone T-Pro humbucking pickups with custom active electronics consisting of volume, pickup pan, bass cut/boost, and treble cut/boost, which let you dial in a wide variety of tones to suit the song, the room, or your personal taste.   Other features include black hardware, high mass bridge, classic 'T-bird insignia on pickguard, and upgraded locking Schaller strap pins.  This bass is setup with great action and it plays and sounds like a much more expensive bass.  Barely played and in flawless condition, this bass sells new for $588 with optional $89 Epi case.  If you're looking for one of the definitive rock basses here's a nice one for just $439 including case.  
  7. Fender American Series Precision Bass - Sunburst, (front), (back), (headstock), (body/neck), (bridge), (case).  Beautiful condition, killer player, classic fat-bottom tone.  The P-bass defined the tone of electrc bass on virtually all recordings in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, and it remains the most popular bass in the current era.  This bass is actually a marriage of a 2007 American Series in 3-tone sunburst, with a '99 American Deluxe neck.  Previous owner wanted to keep the rosewood neck that was on it and a super nice American Deluxe was swapped out.  The American Deluxe neck is basically the same, but with deluxe tuners instead of the regular open-gear vintage tuners.  It also features the new-style bridge that allows for string-thru-body or top loading.  I'm not going to go into a long history about the features of American P-basses since I've covered that many times.  Bottom line is this is a quality American P-bass that sets up with super nice action, and has that room shaking tone hat we seek in a P-bass.  With new American Series going for $1199, here's an great playing, great looking used model for $400 less - just $799.  Includes original case and paperwork for the '99 neck, including serialized hang tag.  
  8. 2009 Fender Deluxe Active Jazz - Black, (front), (back), (headstock), (controls).  For the past decade the Deluxe Active Jazz has been one of the real "bang for the buck" winners with high-end features at a lower end price.  Most notably, the Deluxe Active Jazz features Vintage Noiseless pickups and active electronics controlled by master volume, pickup pan, and separate bass/mid/treble boost/cut controls.  Other features include quality vintage-style tuners and bridge, Alder body with gloss finish, medium-jumbo frets, and satin-finished C-shaped maple neck with rosewood fretboard and 20 medium jumbo frets.  Beautiful condition, not a scratch anywhere and zero frets wear - could be sold as new and still has removable control label template mounted on controls.  With the Vintage Noiseless and the active 3-band EQ, your tone selection seems virtually limitless.  Plays great - sounds great, and with the new model Deluxe Active Jazz selling for $699 ($999  list), an excellent value for a clean used model at just $489(SOLD-Local 12/1).  Includes new deluxe gigbag.  
  9. 2005 Fender Squier Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V, (front), (back), (headstock).  Looking for an inexpensive Squier 5-string that plays like an American Standard?  The Deluxe Active Jazz V is loaded with tone-shaping capabilities and some of them will even set up with fantastic action.  This is one of those few.  Instead of the normal Vol-Vol-Tone used on a Jazz Standard, the Deluxe Active has active electronics as the name suggests, and features a Volume control, Blend control to select one or any mix of the two pickups, 3-band EQ for bass-mid-treb including a stacked pot, and a mini-toggle "slap" control.  This bass is also in mint condition with plastic still on the pickups and back covers.  If you're looking to step up to a 5-string without spending a fortune yet - or you want to add a 5 string for a few of your songs, this one is an easy recommendation for me.  It plays great, is in immaculate condition, and can dial in countless cool tones.  New cost is $329; this one is "as new" and just $250. 
  10. 2002 Fender Deluxe Active Jazz, (front/back), (headstock), (deluxe gigbag).  One of the real "bang for the buck" winners with high-end features at a lower end price.  Most notably, the Active Jazz features American Deluxe pickups and active electronics controlled by master volume, pickup pan, and separate bass/mid/treble boost/cut controls (shown here).   Other features include quality vintage-style tuners and bridge, Alder body, medium-jumbo frets, and C-shaped maple neck with rosewood fretboard.  Beautiful condition, easily a 9.5+ with no real flaws and no wear at all.  3-Tone Sunburst finish shines like new and looks great with the tortoise guard.  Plays great - sounds great, and with the new model Deluxe Active Jazz selling for $809 ($1020 list), an excellent value for a clean used model at just $529(SOLD-Ed 1/8).  Includes Fender deluxe gigbag.  
  11. 2005 Fender Squier Affinity P-bass - Black, (front/back), (headstock).  Never retailed and immaculate condition.  Fender's Squier version of the famed Precision bass provides the best bang for the buck on the timeless tone and look of this classic bass.  Features include a contoured hardwood body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, split-coil pickups, and 4-saddle bridge.  With a list price of $330, Affinity basses now sell in stores for $199, usually with mediocre playability.  This one has just had a complete pro setup and has action as low as an American Standard - for just $175.  Note:  I also have this model in Baltic Blue on my "Basses" page.  
  12. 1989 Fender Korea Squier Precision Bass, (front/back), (headstock).  Same quality as the MIK Strat above but a few years earlier when the Squier logo was more pronounced - and a perfect mate if anyone is looking for a guitar/bass set.  Excellent player with the fat bottom Precision tone that works great on recordings or live settings - plus a nice weight that will be comfortable set after set.  Tuners are quality vintage style licensed Schallers that stay in tune perfectly.  Compared to the current model Indonesian or Chinese Squiers, these Korean models are better quality in my opinion and are generally more highly regarded perhaps because Fender's production was simply much lower 19 years ago.  Very nice shape and a good value P-bass at just $199. 
  13. Fernandes APB-100 5-String, front/back), (headstock/nut).  Super nice high-end bass.  This one was custom made for a Fernandes endorser, with all custom options done at the Japan factory as the bass was being built.  It is a world class bass, in my opinion, at $1K less than most of the boutique basses.  Features include Swamp Ash body with trans blue stain and gloss lacquer, which is a striking appearance with the gold hardware.  Custom EQ'ed F.G.I Active pickups and electronics (Low freq. 85Hz, Treb. 3.5 KHz) 12 db boost and cut with center detent on both.  Controls are, vol/pan with center detent/bass and treble via a 9 volt system.  Rosewood fretboard on a 3-piece maple neck with gloss finish and light flame.  Brass adjustable nut for perfect intonation.  Prototype (at the time it was built) Gotoh Bridge, which can be a thru-body if holes are drilled and ferrules installed.  Quality Gotoh tuners.  34" scale with no floppy low-B string.  Lastly, it's a custom color, unnamed by Fernandes but it's a Royal Blue that allows the figuring of the ash to show nicely.  If you've priced Japan-made Fernandes, you know that none of them are cheap.  This one pre-dates the Gravity series which were still in the design phase when it was made.  A Gravity 5 Deluxe is going to run around $1099 but this one is in immaculate condition with the added benefit of being a true custom built bass.  How much more is it worth?  How much less am I selling it for?  Around $550 less.  $649 for this fantastic Fernandes.  Includes super nice gigbag or not super nice hardshell case.
  14. 2007 Gibson SG Supreme Bass - Natural, (front/back), (headstock/neck), (case).   The following are currently in stock:  (#314 Top) (HOLD-Jeff 11/30),, (#600 Top) (HOLD-Armando 1/27).  Untouched except by my tech and first quality Gibson. One of the classic model from the 60's returns in a more upscale look, including thinner beveled edges and figured maple top in place of the Cherry finished mahogany.   This model has its roots in the 60's/70's Gibson EB-3, whose growl can be heard on countless recordings by such top players as Jack Bruce, Andy Fraser (Free), Bill Wyman, Trevor Bolder (David Bowie), Glenn Cornick (Jethro Tull), and Chris White (Zombies).  Like the EB-3, the SG Supreme features the same short 30.5" scale and large neck humbucker (TB Plus) with a mini-humbucker in the bridge.  The original models were solid Mahogany but the Supreme model features the classic marriage of mahogany and maple.  Not just a maple veneer, the SG Supreme features a thick slab of carved maple, fully one-half the thickness of the body (pic here).  Other features include AAA maple top with natural satin finish, well-rounded mahogany neck with slim profile, vintage style TB Plus humbucker and bass Mini-humbucker pickups, pearloid trapezoid inlays, inlaid Gibson logo and flower pot headstock inlay, 20 fret neck with Rosewood fingerboard, 1.695" nut width, Trapezoid inlays, Chrome hardware, 3-way adjustable bridge, Schaller tuners, and Two volumes with one tone control.  If you're looking for a classic "Cream" growl in your bass tone, in an easy to play short scale bass, here you go.  This Supreme model with AAA Natural top has been discontinued but the all mahogany model SG Bass sells for $1429 in cherry ($1299 in blue satin).   Own one of these beauty's for just $1199 (SOLD OUT).  Includes plush lined Gibson case, manual, etc.   
  15. 1970 Gibson EB-0, (front), (headstock), (control cavity), (back), (checking), (bridge/tuner), (case).  Here's the bottom-end brother to the '70 SG, with the same Walnut finish, no volute, and one of the cool slot-headstock models.  Gibson has always chased Fender in bass guitars, never gaining the popularity of the P or J basses, but they have a cool tone and these EB-0's with their short scale and narrow neck width are great for guitarists making the change to bass.  When I was a youngster an EB was my dream bass, probably because Jack Bruce was never seen without one.  Other than the bridge, 100% original with no touch-ups or overspray on the finish, and all original solder joints.  Other than finish checking this bass is in remarkably nice shape and hasn't seen a lot of playing time.  Worst flaws are bridge has been changed to a Fender style and a cap for one of the tuners is missing.  The stud inserts are still in the body and original studs are included so if you want to chase down an original bridge it would be an easy install and cover up any holes from the current bridge.   It has a nice set up and like the SG, the kind of tone that is sweeter by virtue of 40 year old wood.  At $1299, it's priced less than a new SG bass and I'll guarantee that it sounds much better.  And when it comes down to it, I can't imagine buying a new instrument when you can get a comparable vintage model at a comparable price.  Includes original blue-lined case with a nice 70's painting of a Pieces symbol.  Hey, that's my sign.  Am I supposed to keep this?  Hmmm...
  16. Hartke HBCK Bass, very nice moderately priced bass for the beginner or intermediate bassists, the CK "Street Rod" Series has everything you need in a bass guitar. Made of solid Basswood with a smooth contoured design somewhat reminiscent of a Spector design, the bass has a slim maple neck with a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard.  Also features versatile P-J pickup configuration, two Volume and Master Tone controls for an excellent selection of tones.  Very sleek and “bad” looking with glossy black finish and all black hardware.  Neck has some moderate flame and it’s autographed by someone on back of headstock (I can probably remove or you can keep it on for a conversation piece).  All in all, good Korean quality and with a list price of $369, a good value, in clean shape, for just $149.
  17. 2007 Ibanez SRX650 Bass, (front), (headstock), (back/side), (detail).   Super comfort, stunning looks, and a very good variety of quality tones make this one of the best values in an active-EQ bass.  Finished in Bright Blue with nicely figured ash with white binding, matching flamed maple headstock, and gold hardware, it's indeed a beautiful bass.  For comfort and ease of play it has a long belly cut and an extended horn on the bass side which puts much of the weight in the center and makes it hang at the proper position, neither neck heavy or body heavy.  One of my favorite features, and it's a very simple ergonomic design, are the small cutouts on each of the pickups which are made for resting your thumb - they keep your right hand in a precise playing position and are much more comfortable than resting your thumb on the sharp top edge of a normal pickup.  Tonally, this bass has passive pickups, but an active EQ circuit (Bass and Treble cut/boost) which lets you dial in many more tones than a passive "tone" control.  The bass is equally at home playing slap/funk or metal, and everything in between.  Features include a light ash body, bound neck and headstock, 2-band EQB-IIDX EQ active preamp, 3-piece SRX4 neck, 24 Medium frets, PFR (passive, full range) high output pickups with a PFR-AL4N (neck) and PFR-AL4B (bridge), large mass Accu-cast B200 bridge, and easy access 9V battery door on back.  Recently discontinued, this model sold for $549 ($733 list), which is a beginner/intermediate price, but this bass is seriously nice enough for pro gigs.  Super clean shape, extremely comfortable setup, and a value leader at $379.  
  18. 1998 Ibanez EDB600GP Ergodyne Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (controls/bridge).  Gray Pewter finish.  The Ergodyne series has long been one of the best selling basses on my site.  They set up extremely well and, as the name would imply, they are designed with ergonomics in mind, with a body that is radically contoured to fit the belly area in back, and curved on top as well with the treble and bass bouts curved out and down to allow for extreme comfort and easy access to the playing area of the best.  It is in m opinion, the most comfortable bass made to strap on and play.   Features include slender 2-octave EDB5 maple neck offers fast and easy fretwork, Ibanez' own Luthite body, and powerful pickups with Ibanez DXH5N and DXH5B Bartollini style with active EQB-III tone circuitry is an active 3-band circuit to dial in the perfect tone.   For anyone used to a single passive tone pot, you're in for a thrill when you play this baby.  For the money it's a hard bass to beat.  P and J basses are great, but pretty much limited to one cool tone. The EDB600 does so much more.  All original except for Dunlop locking strap pins installed but we can swap out if desired.  Overall this bass has seen very little use and the only real flaw is a small finish flaw (shown here) that we color matched nicely.  This model was fairly expensive in '98, selling new in stores for $499.  Again, this one's in beautiful shape and good enough for the intermediate to advanced player for just $349, set up to perfection and ready to rumble.  For Harmony-Central reviews, where it scored a remarkable 9.6 overall on 25 reviews, click here.  Includes free gigbag or, if you prefer, a really nice Ibanez hardshell case for $65.  
  19. 2000 Ibanez SR406 Soundgear 6-String Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (case).  A great playing 6-string in one of the most popular bass series of all time.  Ibanez Soundgear have stood the test of time and from my experience, they're the 2nd most popular basses, behind Fenders P and J basses.  The higher end models like the SR406 have higher end features than the vintage style Fenders, having been designed in the 90's instead of 5 decades ago.  Don't get me wrong, Fenders are fantastic basses but in terms of versatility, it's hard to beat Ibanez' active tone circuit with 3-band EQ, volume, mix, and DX6 pickups.  This allows you to dial in a wide variety of tones to suit the song or compensate for the venue.  Want the big bottom of a Precision - just boost the bass and cut the mids and highs; for a Jazz, boost the mids, etc.  With its body of light American maple with a clear gloss finish, this looks like a bass player's bass.  Add in a thin but very wide fretboard and deep cutaways and you have a neck that's very easy to get around on - from the first fret to the top.  For a bunch of reviews, click here for Harmony-Central where it scored a 9 overall.  This bass plays superbly, with action lower than many of the so-called boutique basses I've had.  If you're thinking about moving up to a 6, you don't have to spend 4 paychecks to get a nice one.  These ran around $900 new but this ones in nice shape and just $529 with a high quality Canadian wood/Tolex case (pictured above) or if you'd rather have a gigbag, just $489.  
  20. Ibanez Japan Soundgear SR800 Bass, (front/back), (headstock), 1991, first year for this model.  Excellent Japan-made Soundgear built with superb quality and comfort.  Features include Poplar body, IBZ B IV bridge, 24-fret fingerboard, and active electronics and good quality P/J pickups - IBZ DXP and DXJ - controlled by Volume, Blend, Bass Boost/Cut, Treble Boost/Cut.  Ibanez' popular Soundgear line has been around since '87 and their nicer ones, such as this Japanese SR800, are the choice of many pro players, musicians who can afford to play any bass they choose.  With the low impedance P/J combination and excellent sounding EQ, this bass can do the fat P-bass tone, the J-bass tone that jumps out of the mix, with great power and no noise.  Overall beautiful condition with an excellent setup and quality tone and resonance.  This was a fairly high end bass, with the last list price of $900.  I consider it a pro quality bass for the price of a beginner/intermediate at just $399. 
  21. 2004 Ibanez SRX-500 Passive,  (front/back), (headstock), (pic4).  Wonderful player and killer looks, and if you want a nice Soundgear bass but aren't a fan of active electronics or like to have a 3-way selector, this one has been changed over to passive with installation of three CTS pots (volume, volume, tone) a 3-way selector in place of the volume, volume, bass, treb.  The stock pickups on these are passive so the only change was the circuit and I will add that these PFR (passive, full range) high output pickups are definitely quality pickups.  Other features include basswood body with flamed maple top, 3-piece maple neck with rosewood fretboard, high-mass Accu-cast bridge, pearl fret markers, and medium frets.  This bass has nice low action and the tone is remarkably nice for a bass in this price range.  Overall extremely clean except for a few scratches on the back.  Sells new for $479 but if you like passive electornics and a standard pickup selector, this one is made for your taste and just $329.  
  22. Ibanez AEB10 Acoustic/Electric Bass, very good quality import and a good quality bass for the money.  The AEB10 features a slim neck, feedback resistant body, and high fidelity electronics - very well suited for live performance.  It features all maple construction and a high-gloss black finish, Fishman Sonicore pickup Ibanez AEQ-SS Shape Shifter EQ, colorful abalone rosette, quality nut and Ivorez nut.  List price is $499 and although this one is a factory second--although we can find any flaws--it's nicely discounted to $269, fully setup and ready to your unplugged gig.  Nice TKL Acoustic Bass Case available for $65.  
  23. Ibanez Soundgear LEFTY SR300 Deluxe, mod. SR-300DX LH, very clean shape and an absolute killer player with very low action and excellent tone.  The DX model features “Phat Bass Boost” circuitry and this lefty model lists for $450 on a new one.  The clean used one probably plays better than factory setup and is a good deal for $199.
  24. Ibanez Soundgear SR-305 Deluxe, excellent buy for the money - features active circuit with "Phat Boost" that works on either pickup and makes this thing sound huge.  Quality touches such as brass inserts for the backplate, 9V battery access via control cavity held in place by a strong retainer, volume for each pickup and master tone plus the Phat Boost works on both of the DX5 Soapbar pickups.  Good quality and versatility for the money - includes hardshell case for $359. 
  25. Jerry Jones "Neptune" Longhorn Bass, (front/back), (headstock) - In beautiful Copper Burst.  The best Dano reproductions on the market.  While the Korean models offer a good guitar for the money, Jerry Jones makes pro quality USA instruments in his Nashville TN shop.  The Neptune Longhorn is based on the Danelectro model from the 50's and features excellent balance, superb playability, and fantastic tone in a 30" short-scale.  It's light weight and 30" scale make it a dream to play during long gigs, and the tone is rich enough that you can use it throughout the night, rather than pulling it out for a few songs.  Other features include hollowbody construction, Indian Rosewood fretboard with 14.5" radius, truss rod at the heel, quality Gotoh tuners, 4-way rotary pickup switching, Gotoh bridge with adjustable steel saddles and, most notably, Jerry Jones own lipstick tube pickups, widely acclaimed as the best lipsticks on the market.  For all the info on the Neptune Series, click here for Jerry Jones' site.  To quote Jerry, the Neptune has a "punchy percussive tone that can really cut through the mix. String this one with flat-wounds and leave your upright at home."  Taking his advice, this one is strung up with a fresh set of nylon flatwounds and after playing it I can't imagine a better setup for this model for comfort and tone.  You can order this bass direct from Jerry's site for $1150 (includes $100 for burst finish), or buy this immaculate used one for just $799(SOLD-Wayne D 12/7).  
  26. Kubicki Factor-Style Custom Bass, (pic2), (pic3).  I don't know anything about the history of this one other than what I can see and hear - very unique appearance, modeled, loosely, after an Factor bass with the elongated upper horn, very deep treble cutaway, and extra cutaway in the bridge area.  It's a fantastic player with quality features (pic here) such as DiMarzio DP-127 P-bass pickups, Badass II bridge, and quality Ping tuners.  Very comfortable unfinished neck with Ebony fretboard with perfect frets.  Finish is a thin brushed finish that reminds me of Gibson's black finishes from the 80's - not perfect but a nice job overall.  If you're looking for something truly unique that plays exceptionally well and sounds very good, I can easily recommend this one and at $399, it's around what you'll pay for a new Mex P-bass. 
  27. Lakland Skyline Series 44-64 - Ltd Ed Finish, (front), (headstock), (back), (bridge), (case).  Limited Edition model with Teal Green finish.  The Skyline series are Lakland's import line, offering some of the best imported basses on the market.  Formerly known as the Bob Glaub Signature Model, the 44-64 is based on the '64 P-bass, with a similar look, feel, and tone but with some minor refinements such as body cutout for access to the truss rod, improved hardware and pickups, and wood screws directly into body rather than into a neckplate.  Features include:  ash body,  flaw-sawn rock maple, 1.75" nut width, Delrin nut, rosewood fretboard with "clay" dot inlays, Hipshot Ultra-Lite tuners, aged white pickguard, Lakland dual-access bridge (through body or through bridge).  The stock pickup is Lakland Hybrid split pickup but if you want an exact Fender tone, a USA Vintage Series (pic) at no extra cost.  I was really impressed with the quality of this bass.  Like PRS guitars, Lakland has managed to produce an import model that stands out from the competition.  The Sklyine series are the best playing basses in their price range, thanks to each one receiving a Plek treatment in Lakland's USA factory.  This process, which evens the frets perfectly, is usually only found on guitars costing $2K and more and is a $150 option if you'd like to get a bass Plek'd.  It's a nice comfortable weight and sounds fantastic.  Sells new for $1224 (including $99 case) but this beautiful used one is set up perfectly and a nice deal for $850.  
  28. 2005 Martin 00C-16GTAE Bass, (pic2), (front/back), (headstock/neck), (case).  Fun to play and nice tone, whether plugged in or sitting on the back porch.  Features a comfortable & thin 00-size cutaway body with gloss finish solid Sitka spruce top, satin finished solid mahogany sides and back, Fishman Prefix Pro system, rosewood fingerboard with only side dots, 1.58" nut, 34" scale, body depth of 3-1/4" to 2-3/8", black body binding, black chrome tuners, and original green-lined tolex/wooden Martin case.   If you're a bassist and don't have an acoustic/electric, I highly recommend this model.  It's size makes it more fun to play than a deeper body but the tone is definitely as nice as many of the larger body models I've had.  Online and superstores sell new at $1599 ($2199 list) but this bass appears to have seen little to no playing time and set up to our high standards at $500 off the new cost, just $1099
  29. Michael Kelly Dragonfly 5-String Fretless Acoustic-Electric, (front/back), (side), (preamp), (headstock), (fretboard detail).  A beautiful example of "guitars as art".  The DF5-FL QN (Dragonfly 5 fretless quilted natural) is just sheer beauty from the natural-finished quilted maple, to the edge trim, of which are bound with multi-ply binding on top and back, and most notably the fretboard and headstock inlays.  Reminiscent of various "tree of life" inlays, the DF5 features a "dragonfly" inlay that adorns the entire length of the fretboard, continuing on the headstock, and is painstakingly made of genuine pearl and abalone.  Likewise, the wide soundhole rosette is made of genuine abalone.  The all maple body features some of the nicest quilted maple you'll see and more than looks, gives the bass an improved attack and acoustic projection.  Although you can play acoustically, the low string on acoustic 5's are notoriously unimpressive so it's better suited for plugged-in play and the DF5 has it covered with a Fishman active pre-amp and Fishman under-saddle pickup, which includes a side mounted 3 band EQ and volume control.  This is a limited edition model, with 25 made per month in each color, and when they're gone, that's it.  The run for quilted natural finish is long passed and it's usually the most desirable finish.  Remarkably, these sell new for $599 ($860 list), which is less than the upcharge to get just pearl and abalone fretboard inlay on most guitars.  This one has barely been played and offered in perfect condition.  It is quite possibly the best looking acoustic bass I've ever seen and a good value in a full body acoustic/electric 5-string at $450. 
  30. OLP MM-2 Licensed Musicman Stingray, (pic2), features the Ernie Ball/Musicman trademark headstock, custom shaped neck and classic shaped body profiles - the feel and vibe of a Stingray - at a fraction of the price.  Features Basswood body, North American Maple neck, Musicman style wide pickup, controlled by two volume and one tone controls.  Nice playing bass with good assortment of tones (each side of the pickup has it's own volume) and super clean without a scratch.  Offered stock as pictured for $199 with gigbag.  We will also offer this with an EMG circuit upgrade - an EMG BTC preamp which is a stacked pot with bass boost and treble boost - the other two knobs will remain volume controls.   Cost for the upgraded bass would be $299, which includes labor and the EMG preamp, which is a $92 list.
  31. 1983 Peavey T-40 Bass, (close-up), (headstock), (back), (case).  As I've mentioned before, Hartley Peavey revolutionized the guitar building industry with the introduction of CNC (computer numerical control) routers and the T-40 was the world's first CNC-manufactured bass.  Due in large part to this technology, Peavey was able to sell their instruments considerably lower than other major companies.  Today all the major manufacturers, and most of the small ones, use CNC routing rather than the manually-controlled jig saw of the old days.  Irrespective of any technologic advantage, Peavey has *always* represented top quality gear at the lowest price, making it the best value in USA guitars and basses in my opinion.  The T-40 is a heavy bass, built during the era when mass was thought to equal tone, thus the large, heavy ash body and massive metal parts including bridge, pickups, and knobs.  The tuners, oddly enough, are fairly lightweight Grover style which are the same one used on Fender "Plus P and J basses.  Features include Ash body with thin satin finish, brass nut, large sustain block bridge with strings thru body and saddles adjustable for intonation-height-slant, truss rod adjustment on headstock end, 20 frets, dual volume and tone controls, 3-way pickup selector, phase switch, huge 3-ply pickguard with 18 screws, two dual-blade pickups (humbucker/single coil depending on settings), tilt-neck adjustment on neckplate, 20 medium frets, and 34" scale.  The neck on this model is gloss finished with bilaminate construction - (two pieces of opposing grain - which produces superior stability.  The neck/fingerboard is one piece of maple, rather than a maple cap, and has the feel of a Fender P-bass.  One of the cool innovations of the T-40 (and T-60 guitar) is the circuit design - the pickups change from humbucker to single coils via the tone knob - at "7" and above they're single coil; below 7 they're humbuckers.  The bass is truly a tone chameleon and can closely emulate the sound of a P-bass, Jazz, or just about anything else, depending on how you dial it in.  Overall this bass is in nice shape for bass that has been used periodically for the past 27 years with the worst flaws being a ding on the headstock edge, some buckle scratches on back, and wear on the fretboard edge in the lower register (all shown here).  I wouldn't recommend this bass to anyone for whom light weight is consideration but if you're a manly-man, it's an excellent playing bass with good sustain and a great selection of tones.  One day, and I don't know when, the T-series will certainly take off on the vintage market and more than any other American brand, their growth potential is considerable.  Until that time, it's an excellent utility bass with a character all its own and nicely priced at $399.  Includes original case with plush brown lining.  For complete specs, Peavey has a copy of the original manual here.  
  32. Peavey Milestone 5-String, (pic2).  Note - this is the original Milestone series, don't confuse with the later Milestone II or III series.  If you've been thinking of moving up to a 5-string but don't want to spend a fortune - here's the ticket.  This Milestone is set up great, is in nice shape, and is an excellent quality bass for a great price.  Very flat 8" fretboard radius, extended horns on the Poplar body for great balance in any position, dual single coil J-style pickups that are humbuckers when used in tandem, and lastly just a cool looking player's bass with a glossy blue metallic finish.  Nice setup and ready to gig for just $229 with gigbag.  
  33. 1981 Peavey T-60 Bass Parts - Please note that I have another one - just like the one pictured - that I'm parting out.  Let me know if you need any T-60 parts.  
  34. Samick AB-1 Acoustic/Electric Bass, one of the new Greg Bennett designs and offers remarkable quality for a reasonable price, this one was a cosmetic second but it's easily in near mint condition - with a nice setup and good tone amplified or acoustically.  Nato sides/back, select spruce top, rosewood board, die-cast tuners, passive electronics, Abalone soundhole rosette, soft-cornered bridge, high-gloss finish, several available at $199 .  Nice TKL case available for $69.  
  35. Samick 5-String Bass, (pic 2).  I haven't had time to look up model info on this bass but it plays great and this gold-leaf finish is fantastic.  I had a Tom Anderson with this finish and it remains one of my favorite.  Samick makes great guitars and basses and, in fact, they make probably 75% of the instruments in the world, although with many different names on the headstock.  Excellent sounding with active electronics and 9v easily accessible via the backplate (pic here).  One of the best playing 5's I've had for this price and a real bargain in the looks and tone department as well.  Just $299(HOLD-Ray C 10/25) with gigbag.  
  36. 1996 Tobias Basic 5 Zebra, (close-up), (back), (headstock), (controls), (gloss finish), (case).  Made in USA.  A true world-class bass and a more high end bass than the current model Basic 5 with Zebrawood body and gloss finish, neither of which are available on recent models.  This is one of the nicest playing 5's I've ever had and the obvious beauty is certainly a plus.  It's also one of the best ergo dynamically designed basses ever made, it hangs perfectly, body size is slightly small with all edges well-rounded and cutaways provide easy access to the top frets.  Beautiful woods composed of 5-piece maple/purpleheart neck-through a Zebrawood body finished in high gloss clear lacquer.  Electronics are top-notch as well with a pair of Bartolini soapbar pickups controlled by Volume, Pan, Cut/Boost pots for Treb - Mid - Bass, and a 3-way mid-range switch for selecting the crucial mid-range frequency, choice of 250 Hz, 500 Hz or 1 Khz.  Also features Dunlop Strap lock pins, Grover tuners, and the earlier style bridge.  Overall very nice shape for a used bass, not mint but nice.  One thing that is nice is the price.  I don't know what a gloss finish Zebra Basic 5 would cost today, probably close to $4K if they still made it, but this super bass, capable of practically any tone you're looking for, is just $2100.  
  37. Washburn XB-100 Package, with Washburn case, excellent playing Washburns XB-100 bass in classic gloss black finish with Washburn case, strap, cable, and picks.  Great package for the beginner - or even good enough for the accomplish player.  Features solid Mahogany body, Maple neck, and Washburn 100-series P-style pickup that delivers big fat bottom, punchy mids, and is designed with an incredibly balanced feel to make it one comfortable playing machine.  List price is $499 but these are just $199 while supplies last and unlike the superstores and auction sites, this one will arrive professionally setup to make it one of the most incredibly playing basses in this price range. 
  38. 2003 Warwick Corvette Standard Fretless, (front/back), (headstock), (tailpiece/bridge).  The real deal German-made model, not to be confused with their import Rock Bass series.   For many, this is a bassist's dream bass with premium tonewoods throughout including a bubinga body,  3-piece ovangkol neck, and wenge fingerboard.  This is a passive bass traditional tone and incredible punch through MEC "Dynamic Correction" J/J pickups, controlled by volume, blender, and tone.  You can get a wide variety of tones from this simple passive system.  Other features include an excellent quality Warwick bridge and tailpiece that's mounted directly to the body, plus easy-access control cavity (pic).  List price on a new one is around $1799 but this used one is barely played, in beautiful condition with no discernable wear anywhere, and just $799.  Includes quality gigbag.  
  39. Warwick Rock Bass Corvette, (pic2), (pic3).  Excellent value in a Warwick as part of their import line.  Marketed to rock players, with the string spacing, active electronics, and a fast neck feel that lets you play hard-driving, powerful bass.  From a player's standpoint, it's extremely well balanced, easy to play, and loads of tonal options via the active preamp section.  As with all Corvette Basses, it features quality MEC "Gold active single-coil pickups and 2-band active electronics, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and nickel frets.  The body is alder with a transparent blue finish.  This bass sells new online for $549 and is a pretty good bargain for a bass with these specs.  Better still, this super clean used one for just $375.  
  40. 2007 Yamaha RBX375 5-String Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (pickup/bridge).  High end features in a nice playing 5-string.  For years Yamaha has been synonymous with two things - Pianos and basses.   For many decades they have built the best bang-for-the-buck basses, going back to the BB-series in the 70's, many of which are still being played today.  The RBX375 is much more high tech than the old BB's, with active electronics, newly designed bridge, and high output ceramic hum canceling pickups, but with a list of only $579, this is a lot of bass.  Features include: bi-level headstock, solid alder body, 24-fret neck, 2-band active EQ, master volume, and blend pot.  One of my favorite design features, are the notches cut in the pickups, which make a perfect anchor point for the thumb, whether you're fingering close to the bridge or in the mid-body position.  This is an excellent player in beautiful shape, and at $289, much more versatile than an import P or J-bass and less money.  Highly recommended for anyone who wants to try out a 5-string, or any beginner/intermediate player who wants a good quality bass without spending a month's pay.  I have a vintage BC Rich case (pic here) that fits well, 2 replaced latches but very serviceable, for $49 if desired, or inquire about other cases.  
  41. Yamaha RBX4 A2 Bass, (front/back), (headstock), (light-up knobs), (bridge/thru-body).  Super comfortable bass in both action and weight.  Utilizing Yamaha's A.I.R. (Alternative Internal Resonance) technology, the RBX4-A2 weighs in at a scant 7.3 lbs.  Like the RGX guitar that preceded it, the RBX is a unique instrument, very forward-thinking in its design.  Its body construction, combines lightweight, resonant softwoods sandwiched between layers of harder tonewoods to create a lightweight bass that has depth and sustain.  The body utilizes what Yamaha calls "Alternative Internal Resonance" (A.I.R.) technology - a lightweight wood core sandwiched between a harder, heavier wood on both the front and back of the guitar's body.  Special sound tubes pass through the body so that string vibrations normally resonating only the guitar's top are transmitted through the entire body.   The result is a full, powerful, and resonant tone with distinctive presence.  The neck is less radical, with a traditional maple neck and rosewood fretboard, but it does have a unique bi-level headstock and the top screws on the tuners are recessed into the headstock which is another innovative approach.  One of the coolest features, and it won't appeal to everyone, is the  illuminated pickup selector knob.  You'll quickly get used to it and it can be very useful on a dark stage.  On the bridge pickup, the back of the knob lights up blue; on the neck the front lights up green, and with both pickups, both sides are lit, with brightness changing in conjunction with the volume level.  Pickups are Yamaha's Y.A.S.H. custom shop designed single coil pickups which sound very good.  This bass features lightweight hardware, including tuners, knobs, strap pins, and a very unique lightweight bridge.  This is an attractive bass with gloss white top, Cadillac Green back, with a silver/black binding.  For a great page devoted to this model, check out Yamaha's site here.   Click here for an in-depth review by Guitar World mag.  This bass has never been retailed and is first quality, new in box (pic) with cable and paperwork, untouched until my extraordinary tech does final setup.  With list price in '08 of $999, it's a very good value on an extremely cool bass - $399  (Several available, hole one for Keith Z 4/15).  

Bass Accessories