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BASSES:

  1. 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.  
  2. 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. 
  3. 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.  
  4. 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). 
  5. 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.
  6. 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.  
  7. 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. 
  8. 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. 
  9. 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.  
  10. 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.  
  11. 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.)
  12. 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.  
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. 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.  
  16. 2007 Gibson Les Paul Money Bass Satin Flametop - #348, (front/back), As above, same deal; $999 w/case.   
  17. 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.
  18. 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. 
  19. 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.
  20. 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.  
  21. 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.  
  22. 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.  
  23. 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.  
  24. 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. 
  25. 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.  
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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. 
  29. 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. 
  30. 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.  
  31. 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.  
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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.  
  35. 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.  
  36. 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.
  37. 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.  
  38. 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.  
  39. 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.  
  40. 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.  
  41. 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. 
  42. 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.  
  43. 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.  
  44. 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. 
  45. 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). 
  46. 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.  
  47. 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.  
  48. 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.