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BASSES:
- B.C. Rich Virgo Bass -
Onyx, (front/back), (stock
pic), (headstock/ebony board).
Fantastic playability and a truly unique bass. If you missed one of these
during their brief run, here's one "as new" that plays killer and
looks more evil than anything I've seen. Derived from a combination of the
B.C. Rich Virgin and Warlock shapes, it has many striking features including
Onyx (black) finish with Blood (red) bevels, distinctive blood red drop
fretboard inlays, B.C. Rich Beast style headstock, Ebony fretboard, active EQ
pickups, 34" scale, 24 jumbo frets, Eastern Mahogany body, and black
hardware. Rich doesn't offer this model any longer, instead the closest
thing is the cheaper "Celtic" Virgo model in a solid black finish
without contrasting painted bevels. This model Virgo Onyx originally sold
at discount for $630 ($899 list) and it's in flawless condition for just
$459. Note: We have a similarly mint BC
Rich Coffin hardshell case, $159 list, available for $89 if desired.
Very well built with plush, tufted interior in matching black and
red.
- Burns Scorpion Bass,
new-old-stock and harder to find since Burns USA folded a few years ago.
Burns London, since the 60's, was always thinking outside the box has built
perhaps the most evil looking bass I've ever
had. This one's actually an update from the 80's model. Feature P
and J pickups with 3-way selector and mini-toggle for phase switching which
allows a lot of cool collection of tones. Pearloid neck binding
makes for comfortable slides up and down and deep cutaways allow for easy access
to the upper frets. With a list of $899, you'll see these for $659 but
this one is perfect with plastic still on the pickguard AND pro-setup prior to
shipping - for just $529.
- 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.
- 2005 Epiphone EB-0 Bass, (pic2),
(pic3). Very cool little short
scale, with vintage features such as large humbucker and bridge (pic2),
and SG style body with beveled edges, and a bright transparent cherry
finish. The Epi EB-0, authorized by Gibson, brings back a classic bass
guitar of the early '60s. Based on the SG, this guitar-sized (30-1/2"
scale) electric bass is a great axe for anyone not quite large enough for a
full-size bass but as many of us know, these short scales are loads of fun to
play even for players used to full 34" scales and a good choice for
guitarists transitioning to bass.. Factory setups on these can be mediocre
at best and this one came in less than a stellar player but it's been tweaked to
perfection and is now a remarkable player for the money. $415 list for a
new one in Heritage Cherry, but this one's in pretty nice shape with a killer
setup, and a good value at $165(HOLD-Vicente 6/3).
- 2003 Fender Highway One Jazz
Bass, (pic2), (pic3).
Fender's best value in an USA Jazz and some would say, tonally, a better bass
than the "American Series." The primary difference on the
Highways is the thin Satin Lacquer finish, which actually contributes to the
basses' resonance but is cheaper to manufacture than a gloss finish with several
clear coats. In addition to sounding better, this Highway finish only
looks better with use and it will achieve a "relic" appearance much
quicker than the thicker poly finishes. Overall nice shape for a lightly
used bass with the worst flaw being some buckle scratches (pic)
in the clear coat only, which is common on these very thin finishes. This
is an earlier model with the vintage bridge and spaghetti logo but all other
specs are same as the current model. New ones are running $799 but if you
don't mind a bass that has started to relic already, this one's just $579(SOLD-Adam
M 4/20) and
includes Fender gigbag.
- Fender Mike Dirnt
Signature Precision Bass, (pic2).
3rd one of these I've had in 3 months and I love these basses. Mike
Dirnt's (Green Day) signature model is a very cool mix of the old and the new,
loosely based on the '51 slab body Precision, except with some modern features
such as the split coil pickup which followed later in the 50's, an arm contour
which never appeared on a slab body P, a Badass II bridge which has been a
common upgrade since the 70's, and medium jumbo frets rather than the small
vintage frets of the original model. This model has some nice upscale
features (pics) including an Ash
body, Custom Shop '59 pickups, and quality Fender-stamped vintage tuners.
It has a special shaped and lightly tinted neck with vintage logo - the size of
which is a little more substantial than your Standard series P-bass, nicely
rounded in the back. It's a very fat sounding bass, although with a nice
snap thanks to the ash body. With a list of $899, these sell in stores for
$629 and they're a good value at that price. Better still is one, never
retailed with plastic still on the pickguard, for just $499. Includes
Fender gigbag and, of course, in-house setup prior to shipping.
- Fender Coronado Bass II
, (front-click to enlarge), (back),
(headstock), 1968, nice shape and an absolute
killer player with low action, perfect electronics,
rich & full tone. The Bass II is the more desirable 2-pickup version
of the Coronado hollowbody series. I don't know why the hollowbody line never took off for Fender
because all the Coronado/Wildwood's/etc. I've had were very high quality
guitars. I guess the public decided that they wanted their hollowbodies
with the Gibson name only so the run on these was rather brief, '67 to '70 (Antigua
finish through '72. Specs of the Coronado II include 2-piece laminated
maple top and back, laminated maple sides; single bound top, back, and f-holes,
nitrocellulose lacquer, 1-pc bound maple neck with rosewood fretboard and
pearloid block markers (pic), Fender
steel with trapeze tailpiece, Fender open nickel tuners, Two Fender/DeArmond
single coils with adjustable pole pieces, short scale (30"), Nut width 1
5/8" Body, 16 1/8" lower bout, and 1 3/4" depth. This one is all stock and very nice shape
other missing the little "F" on the tailpiece, and somebody embedded a
ruby into the back of the neck (pic here)
which we can remove and fill if desired. Also, it has one small plugged
strap pin hole in the upper horn. The factory strap pins are the ones on
back of the headstock and near the neckplate, as well as beside the
tailpiece. Only one worn spot on finish on bass side horn
and overall the finish has minimal checking and has a very nice gloss to the
nitro lacquer. No overspray or touch-ups and while it will appeal to collectors,
it's a seriously great playing bass for just $1299. I am including an old
case for a hollowbody bass (pic here),
which appears to be a 60's Victoria brand but, regardless, fits the bass
perfectly.
- 1996 Fender P-Bass
Special, (front/back),
(headstock), (preamp).
Killer playing "Super P-Bass" with just enough simple refinements to
make it really stand out in both tone and appearance. Cosmetically, with
the large pickguard and smaller headstock with spaghetti logo, it's somewhat
reminiscent of an early 50's Precision. It's finished in one of the cool
older 90's colors, "Crimson Burst", which is a transparent finish that
just a little darker around the edges, and translucent which allows the ash
grain to show through (pic).
Under the ash veneer is an alder body with a P/J pickup combination controlled
by an active preamp with stacked pots controlling volume, pickup pan, bass
boost/cut, treble boost/cut. With the Precision and Jazz pickups you
have the perfect choice - or blend - of the two most popular bass tones in
history and using a blend pot rather than a 3-way, allows you to dial in just
the right amount of fat-bottom P, or jump out of the mix J. This bass is
in beautiful condition for a 12-year-old bass and has an excellent setup across
the entire register. Fender has been through a number of iterations of the
P-Bass Special over the years, starting with the early 80's USA model with low-z
pickups, and later the MIJ model with non-active circuit and no pickguard, but
this particular model is one of the best in my opinion, and certainly among the
best values at $399(HOLD-Joe (Local)) with Fender gigbag.
- 2004 Fender American Deluxe Precision
Bass V, (front/back), (headstock).
Everybody seems to be playing 5-strings these days and some of the nicest are
the tried and true Fender P's and J's. The Deluxe V features a wide choice
of tonal options via an 18V circuit with a 3-band active EQ and two dual-coil ceramic Noiseless pickups with nickel-plated pole pieces.
This fine bass reflected the latest refinements from Fender's R&D team - including improved pickup design and electronics. Deluxe features include abalone dot position inlays, rolled fingerboard edges and highly detailed nut and fretwork. Other features include a graphite reinforced neck, select alder body and a bridge that lets you choose between
strings-through -body or top-loader. The American Deluxe P-bass also has a five-bolt neck plate, a sculpted
heel (picture) for easier access to the upper frets and a chromed steel bridge plate with nickel-plated brass saddles.
One cosmetic flaw (shown here) where
there are a few finish bubbles on the top of the horn, not visible from the
front. Otherwise, beautiful condition with a nice setup and a nice and stiff B-string,
this is a killer 5-string for just $999(HOLD-Jim R 6/30). Includes new SKB
Freedom case with support the entire length of the neck.
- 2003 Fender FSR
Standard Precision, (front/back),
(headstock). Special
Edition model, aka Factory Special Run (FSR) color, Electron Blue Metallic.
This bass has also been upgraded with a new Duncan Basslines pickup set (shown
here) so the tone is absolutely killer for a bass in this price range.
Overall nice shape with perfect frets and just 2 minor dings that we can touch
up if desired. All the cool P-bass features and the famous fatness you
love a Precision for - in a very cool color and one of the best pickups on the
market. With a stock color setting you back $449, why not enjoy this FSR
model, with a killer upgrade for $100 less - just $350 with the Duncans - or
$310 with stock pickups - but I highly recommend the Duncans.
- 1990 Fender Squier II
Precision, (pic2). A real
beauty in Pearl White, with a few tasteful pro upgrades including pickups out of
a MIJ Standard P-bass, excellent quality Grover
Titan tuners, and chrome knobs and pickup cover added for a cool vintage
look. This is a very good quality Korean-made Squier II, and is more
highly regarded than the China- and Indonesia-made models that followed.
The tuners on this bass alone sell for $69 ($89 List). A new Squier
Standard is going to set you back around $232 and won't sound as good or stay in
tune as well. Own this better quality Korean model for less.
$219. (Note: We can swap out the Grovers and lower the price to $184 but
getting these tuners at 1/2 price is a good investment if you want to stay in
perfect tune.)
- Fender
Squier Precision Bass, (pic2),
1999, in cool new color "Baltic Blue". This is one of
the Affinity Series, which are the best bang-for-the-buck that Fender has ever
offered. Classic Precision fat tone, well constructed, and very
playable. This one's in overall very nice shape with the worst flaw
being a little paint touch-up (2 pics of same spot)
that we color matched pretty well. These are a $299 list but this one is
pro-setup and an excellent beginner--or spare--bass for just $139.
- Fender Squier Affinity P-Bass, 2003,
new-old-stock, best value in a Precision bass and a killer starter bass
with classic look and tone, hardwood body with split-coil pickup, 4-saddle
bridge, maple neck with rosewood fretboard. Absolutely mint condition with plastic still on pickguard
and an excellent value at $149.
Add Fender gigbag for $19.99
- 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.
- 2007 Gibson Les Paul Money
Bass Satin Flametop - #374, (front/back), (headstock).
KILLER playing bases - both of these are set up with incredibly low action -
from the nut to the top fret! This one sort of goes back to the Les Paul bass of yesteryear, at least the
silhouette of the original Les Paul bass, it is an attractive bass that's
lightweight and hangs nicely from a strap, and, more importantly, has a nice
selection of tones via a pair of TB Plus ceramic humbuckers, each with its own
volume and a master tone control - pretty much a Jazz layout. Speaking of
which, what really impressed me with this bass was that the bridge pickup has a
tone that's not too far off from a Jazz, with that mid-range honk that really
cuts through - while the neck pickup definitely has the fat, fully bottom of a
P-bass. Just like a P- or J-Special, you get the best of both
worlds. Woods are mahogany neck (some nice
flame on this one), mahogany body, with a AA-flamed maple cap, plus rosewood
fretboard, 1 5/8" nut, 34" scale, and headstock overlay with inlaid
Gibson logo. Tuners are good quality Grovers and the bridge is a very good
design that I haven't seen Gibson use before, but it's a fairly high mass design
that does an excellent job of transferring the tone from strings to body.
The chrome covers and bridge was a nice touch (shown
here), as an excellent contrast to the natural finished maple.
Speaking of finish, these are Satin finished, which may lack a little glitz, but
from a tone standpoint, is the best finish to use for maximum sustain.
This bass doesn't appear on Gibson USA's site but click
here to read specs on Gibson-Japan's site. With a list of $1709, these
are selling in the SuperStores for $1159 which includes a mediocre setup and
fret-ends that stick out - or we have a few that are untouched and set-up to
perfection - for just $999 - which is a smoking deal on a full-scale USA Gibson
bass. Includes Gibson case.
- 2007 Gibson Les Paul Money
Bass Satin Flametop - #348,
(front/back), As above, same deal;
$999 w/case.
- 2007 Gibson
Thunderbird 4 Active - Zebrawood, (front/back/neck),
(headstock). (#332
- available), (#403 -
available), (#429 -
SOLD),45 years after
it was first released, Gibson has a new take on the ageless T'bird, with fine
woods and active electronics. Features include a 9-piece neck (walnut
& mahogany) for perfect stability, solid Zebrawood body (cross
cut view), narrow 1.5" nut width, back contour for comfort, black
hardware, 3-way adjustable tailpiece, Grover tuners, and a pair of T'Bird Plus
ceramic humbuckers. As with the original Thunderbirds, this is a neck-thru
model, with the center section slightly thicker than the wings and attached in a
wedge-shaped cut (shown here).
We got in a few of these basses and the most remarkable aspect, aside from the
beauty of the Zebra Wood, is the resonance - these are very lively instruments
with a remarkable sustain. With a pair of volume controls and a master
tone, this isn't a bass that will do 12 different combinations but both pickups
sound very good and distinctly different from one another - and still twice as
versatile as a standard P-bass. I don't know why they call this model
"Active", other than perhaps you can move around easily due to it's
very comfortable light weight - it is in fact a passive circuit - but it's
official name is "Thunderbird 4 Active". With a list price of
$3049, these are selling at USA's favorite super
store discounted to $2049. These are NOS, never played, set up better,
and $600 cheaper for now, just $1449. Includes deluxe Gibson black
reptile case with combo lock.
- Godin
Freeway 4, Note: I need to re-shoot better pics but this bass is
flawless in high gloss black finish. Very comfortable and excellent sounding 4-string,
made in USA from Canadian parts. Excellent sounding P/J combination
pickups, strings through body via a sustain block, deep treble cutaway for
easy access to the top frets. This bass easily compares in terms of
quality with American Fender and as with most Godin products, one of the best
deals on the used market. It's in beautiful condition, barely played,
with a fantastic setup. When you're talking value for your dollar, this
one's got it at $375.
- 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.
- Ibanez
Japan Soundgear SR400 Bass, (front/back),
(headstock), 2000. Excellent
Japan-made Soundgear with features including American Maple body and active
electronics with 3-band EQ (EQBIII) controlling DXP and DXJ pickups.
Ibanez' popular SG line has been around since '87 and their nicer ones, such as
this Japanese SR400, are the choice of many pro players, musicians who can
afford to play any bass they choose. With the P/J combination and a well
designed 3-band active EQ, this bass is capable of a wide variety of tones,
accented by its maple body which provides better note definition than most of
the basswood and poplar bodies. Just a great bass in all regards.
Definitely a pro quality bass for around the price of a cheaper Korean model at just
$350. Includes gigbag for free or Ibanez
case available for $49.
- Ibanez
AGB200 Semi-Hollow Bass, (front/back),
(headstock), 2006 Top of
it's class for playability, tone, and comfort, beating any semi-hollowbody bass
I've seen at under $600 list. The AGB200 features a 30" short scale
which makes it very easy to get around on, with an all maple body, dual
humbucker pickups, gold hardware including Gibraltar III bridge, bound neck -
body - f-holes - headstock, and pearloid tuner buttons which adds a touch of
elegance to the inlaid logo and headstock emblem. The action on this bass
is super low with no buzz and it features one simple but noteworthy upgrade with
a new set of Thomastik Infeld nickel flatwound strings, and at $106 list,
they're perhaps the best strings on the market. This bass sells new for
$449 but this one, freshly set up to perfection with a new set of Thomastik's -
PLUS a free well padded gigbag
and manual - is a better deal - just $399(HOLD-Martin 5/30 and offered in dead mint
condition If you're a fan of semi-hollow short scales, such as the Epi
Rivioli, I think this is a better bass and a much better value. Click
here for Ibanez site specs.
- Ibanez EDB400 Ergodyne Bass,
(pic2). Looks blue in the pics but the color is actually dark
purple. 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. One of the most comfortable basses
to strap on and play. Has a very deep belly cut (attempted
pic) and all the body contours are designed for comfort and easy access to
the fretboard. Features include slender 2-octave maple neck offers fast
and easy fretwork, strong passive pickups and active PHAT tone circuitry with
one-knob control to boost the perfect balance of highs and lows, Basswood body
with Maple neck. For the money, you're not going to beat this bass.
Forget about a P or a J, unless you like one tone - this one does a lot
more. Just $279, set up to perfection and ready to rumble.
- Ibanez EDB500 Ergodyne
Bass, (pic2). Higher
end model of the EDB400 above, the EDB500 features a Luthite body, 3-piece EDB
thin neck, B10 high mass bridge, DHX neck and bridge pickups, and PHAT EQ
control. This one is finished in gray pewter and is in beautiful shape
except for one small finish chip
that we color matched and sanded down as to be minimally noticeable.
Set-up is impeccable with low action and, again, this Ergodyne body is
impossible to beat for comfort - it fits your body like a glove, is super
lightweight, and plays with complete ease. At $299(HOLD-Judy O 7/19), this is an instrument
I would feel perfectly comfortable with taking to a gig and working with it all
night long - it's definitely good enough.
- Ibanez Ergodyne EDA900,
(pic2), in Silver Flat finish, features (controls on rear)
for EQ and individual volume for each piezo saddle. A rather futurist
bass with radical looks and construction - and a killer player with
pro-quality features in a reasonably priced bass. Most of all, these
Ergodynes are comfortable - they hang perfectly and the contours are made to
fit the human body. Features include a piezo bridge for your choice of
electric or acoustic tones. The lighter Luthite body takes away the
weight and heavy feel to the bass, but leaves all the qualities desired in a
normal body material. Low-profile bridge and wider neck provide wide
spacing for right and left hand fingering. The Fishman Piezo Mono-Rail II
bridge is another great feature and provides crystal clear definition.
They also produce a bigger, warmer sound--and at a much higher volumes before
distortion--than you can get with only a magnetic pickup. The Mono-Rail
bridge is a well-thought out piece of hardware and just another aspect that
leads to excellent sustain and punch. Excellent sounding active preamp
that provides a lot of control, allowing you to do about any type of
music. The EDA also utilizes reversed tuning machines which allow
straight line stringing from nut to post for more precise tuning and more
consistent string-to-string tension. Set up with a nice set of flatwounds.
These listed for $800 but this one's in great shape, works perfectly, and is a
really nice bass for $399.
- 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.
- Ibanez EDC700 Bass, Ergodyne, this is
one f-i-n-e bass, “Contemporary” model with an even sleeker body than the
regular Ergodyne series, finely sculpted Luthite body that “fits” your
body like a glove, excellent tone and action, 3-band eq with stacked pots,
very thin Jazz-style neck, and excellent choice for fans of low
action. New ones go for around
$629 with a list of $849 but this incredibly clean (plastic still on back
plate) used one is just $425
- 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.
- 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.
- Kramer USA Pioneer Bass, 1984,
(pic2). If the "Jaco"
vibe (above) isn't for you, here's one with original finish. These are
great basses and Kramer's version of the Precision bass with some quality
features such as gold hardware including
Schaller tuners, brass bridge/saddle, Dunlop strap locks, etc. It also
features great sounding Schaller pickups, where are original for this model, as
well as Ash body, chicken beak headstock, and vintage tinted neck. Not too
many of these around, certainly not as many as its guitar brother, the Kramer
Pacer series with chicken beak headstock. Overall nice shape for a used
bass, with just one finish touch up on the edge that was touched up and
lacquered over. Frets and fretboard are perfect (pic).
The dark spot on the finish is a factory imperfection in the wood and not a
stain of any sort. I was a little tempted to keep this for sentimental
value - maybe if it was trans teal like my old one I'd have to keep it.
Excellent value in a genuine American Kramer at $349(HOLD: Paul C 2/1). Includes excellent
quality Levy's gigbag.
- Kramer
USA Voyager Bass, 1982, (pic2),
one of the early aluminum neck, headless model. These are pretty cool
basses and as pre-'86, it's a real USA model. Not especially clean but probably
average condition for 24 years. Tone-wise, this baby has a lot of growl
and with the 3-way pickup selector, not just a one-trick pony. Original Schaller
tuners except one replaced with an identical tuner, although not stamped
Schaller. Good player, cool tone, and think how cool your bad ass will
look with this baby strapped over your shoulder on stage. Good value on a
vintage and rather rare Kramer at $575. If I have one that fits, gigbag
will be included for free - or if I have a case that fits this beast, probably
$50 more.
- 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.
- Martin ALternative X Cutaway Acou/Elec Bass
w/Case,
(front/back), (headstock/neck),
(preamp). Combines killer looks, durability, and a surprisingly good tone, both acoustically and, especially, plugged in. Electric tone comes via a Fishman Pro preamp, complete with notch
filter to eliminate any "howling" frequencies, plus a 4-band EQ, volume, and a phase switch. This thing also has cool looks, especially under stage lighting as the top is crafted from an ultra-thin sheet of aluminum adorned with a swirling graffiti pattern. This top also contributes to a bright tone that really cuts through the mix, while the back and sides are formed from high-pressure laminate. The fingerboard and bridge are made from
Micarta. Very comfortable to play while standing, with its thin body which is a 00-size cutaway. Also features a slick ebony fretboard that's full scale (34.15"), 1.58" at the nut,
compensated black tusq saddle, aluminum headstock overlay with black logo decal, and black tuning gears.
With a list of $1549, this model sold at discount at $1130 but this one is in
dead mint condition, set up to perfection, and just $899. Includes a
nice Martin case.
- 2005 Martin 00-16GTAE 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 $1549 ($2099 list) but this bass appears to have
seen zero playing time and set up to our high standards, for $1099
- Mayfair Violin
"Beatle" Bass, 1960's. (front/back), (headstock/neck),
(side view). Pretty cool old
Japan copy, loosely based on a Hofner 500/1, with a beautifully flamed maple
back. Nice player with pleasing tone and, like the real thing, insanely
lightweight, and the quilted figuring is nicely bookmatched and truly
impressive. Many of the features, especially the pickups, bridge, and
multi-ply binding (picture) are
knockoff of the original Hofner. This bass is in overall nice shape
for its age and the very comfortable setup and lightweight construction
make it a lot of fun to play. The worst aspect is a lot of finish checking
(as shown here), primarily on the
back and bass side of the top, which are in the clear coat only and not
problematic. A Japanese bass that plays well, sounds good, good example of
Japanese vintage for just $239.
- Musicvox Space Cadet
12-String Bass, (front/back),
(headstock), (bridge).
Musicvox is noted for guitars and basses with a cool vibe, unlike anything on
the market. They also noticed an untapped market for octave string basses
and rather than just going with a double-string 8-string, they did something
truly unique and used a triple-string configuration and made a very cool
12-string model. Features of this bass include: regular full scale
(34"), stereo outputs that split the root and the octave strings - or use
one for mono and everything comes out of the single jack, neck-thru construction
with maple neck/center, runs passive or active circuit at the flick of a switch,
two double truss rods, locking tuners. This bass is a limited edition
model which I take means when they're gone - they're gone. The only finish
it came in was white with black hardware with a factory painted graphic proudly
announcing it's a "`12" string. It plays effortlessly and sounds
very cool indeed - would be an especially good choice for a trio where the bass
needs to fill a lot of sonic space. These sell for $899 new but this one
is dead mint and only $699. Includes nice gigbag,
identical to the Fender deluxe gigbag.
- OLP MM-2 Licensed Musicman
Stingray, (pic2), features the Ernie Ball/Musicman
trademark "four over two" 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.
- OLP MM-3 Stingray *EMG-Upgraded*
5-String, (Natural or Black).
UPDATE: I finally got a nice neck for the Natural MM-3 that had a bad
neck; I just had to buy a whole bass to get it. Here's the deal - take
your pick of either Black or Natural finish, choice of black or chrome
hardware, choice of black or black pearl pickguard - and we'll use the
excellent Rosewood neck that's currently on the black one.
Description: OLP's Officially Licensed Musicman Stingray copy.
I've always been impressed with OLP's quality and every one we've had set up
exceptionally well. This MM-3 is an exceptionally good playing 5-string,
especially in this price range. The action is low and comfortable and
the low B string isn't at all floppy. Even acoustically, this bass
sounds good. Although this bass is pretty much flawless, it's BETTER
than new as it has an active EMG circuit installed, controlled by an EMG BTC
preamp which is a stacked pot with bass boost and treble boost. The
other two knobs are volumes for the Musicman style pickup - each coil is
controlled by its own pot so with one knob turned up it's a single coil - with
both knobs turned up it's a humbucker - sounds good at all settings.
Solid Elm body with natural finish looks great - maple neck is perfect.
The preamp upgrade is, conservatively, a $150 value as it required some
routing for the 9V battery plus the $92 part. With this EMG preamp
the tone of this bass is so drastically improved that it's good enough for the
pro player. List price for a stock Natural MM-3 is $399, making
this upgraded model with a pro setup an pretty sweet deal at $259.
- Peavey Milestone 5-String,
(pic2), 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.
- 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.
- 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 with
gigbag.
- Schecter Elite 5, (pic2).
Killer 5-string with upscale features at a modest list price of $999. The
Elite 5 features neck-thru-body, multi-laminate construction and high-end
cosmetics. The top is quilted maple with mahogany wings and also features S-Tek
bridge, EMG pickups, two-band active EQ, neck binding, dual diamond 12th
fret inlays, and gold hardware. Also features an extended 35"
scale neck for increased low 'B' clarity. The Diamond Series neck thru
guitars have all been very impressive and I've been looking forward to getting
this series bass in stock. I am totally impressed. It plays
exceptionally well with low action and not a floppy feel on the low
string. The EMG Hi-Z pickups sound great and this is a quality electronics
package to be sure. The small body is easy to get around on and very
comfortable with the well-rounded edges. It's in beautiful shape and one
fantastic neck thru 5-string for just $450 with gigbag.
- 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.
- Tobias
Renegade 5, (front/back), (headstock).
Made in USA. Another excellent Tobias 5, this one's a bolt-on Renegade
model. Thanks to Mike W. I now know that this is a Renegade and not a
"rare" 2-pickup Growler (pic here).
Features a 9V active system (cavity)
with a volume, pan pot, tone control that seems to boost all frequencies - plus
pulls up for slap control, and a switch to select single/double coil on the
quad-coil pickup. Light and resonant swamp ash body (bass only weighs 8
lbs) and a maple neck make this a bass that you can play effortlessly all
night. Contoured with comfort in mind, like the Basic 5 and this bass is a
joy to play. Not a mint bass with a few scratches and apparently previous
owner couldn't decide where to locate the back strap pin as there are 3 plugged
holes where strap pin had been located before. Still, for a bass
that cost $1500 new, with a rare 2-pickup configuration, a sweet Tobias for
$799. Includes gigbag.
- 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.
- 2002
Warwick Thumb Neck-Through,
(pic2), don't confuse with the new
line of bolt-on's, this is the higher end neck-thru, with a $3799 List.
Features active electronics with MEC J pickups, controlled by stacked pots with
push/pull, to yield a very wide variety of quality tones. This is the
cream of the crop for most bassists and features fine tone woods including
Bubinga body wings, with a 9-piece
Ovankol/Ebony neck - with hand-oiled finish throughout. Small body,
perfectly contoured to fit a player, this is one of the finest basses I've
personally played. For complete specs check out Warwick's
site. Includes Warwick gigbag,
tools, and manual. These sell at discount for over $3K but the smart money
always buys clean used and this fine example is 1/2 the street price of a new
one at just $1499(SOLD-Matt 6/2). (available as of 6/2/08 - available for pickup at MGR in
Maryland or, of course, we can ship).
- 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.
- Windsong Bass 4 Active,
(pic2), (pic3).
Although they're relatively unknown outside the area, Wingsongs are pretty
popular here in upstate NY, mainly due to their sole importer, Burnt Hills Music
being located in nearby Burnt Hills NY (link
to the Windsong collection). It is an excellent quality Korean
import with a very comfortable body that's reminiscent of a Guild Pilot and
comfortable to play seated and very well balanced when strapped on. The
body is solid Nato, with a dark Mahogany stain, neck is maple with some nice
figuring in it - with Rosewood fretboard, full 34" scale, and all gold
hardware. It features a very versatile electronics suite with the classic
P/J pickup configuration, controlled by an active
preamp system (battery located in control cavity) with Master Volume, Pan to
choose/blend the pickups, Bass boost/cut, and Treble boost/cut. Has a very
strong output and is a very quiet system. My only gripe is the battery
should have been easier to access but if you unplug the bass when you're not
using it, it should last for a year or more with normal use. My tech,
Martin, sets up guitars and basses for Burnt Hills and this bass actually
belonged to him, although it has seen virtually no playing time They don't
have this model on their site, but it's an upscale version of their WSSB-200 (link
here) which sells for $345 but doesn't have the active preamp or gold
hardware - I would expect this bass to sell for $100+ more with these
features. I consider it the best value I have in a Korean import with
active electronics at just $229. Note that I also have a Peavey case that
fits it well, for an extra $35 if desired.
- Yamaha
BBN5 Bass, excellent quality import bass and an inexpensive way for
bassists who are thinking of transitioning to a 5-string, $599 list on new
but this one’s in nice shape and only $275.