I've never really played bass much before and am looking to get something fairly decent to learn on.
I guess I should keep things simple (and keep the neck similar in width to my 6 string guitars) and go for a 4 string, but that's really my only requirement I think, other than the budget is £500 absolute maximum, ideally more like £400.
I want something fairly decent that will play and sound well, and not leave me wanting to upgrade in a year.
I've been looking at a used Lakland Skyline 44-01.
Any other suggestions/advice?
Robot Lords of Tokyo, SMILE TASTE KITTENS!
Comments
18mths later and I needed to upgrade and looked at the Squier Classic Vibes, the Fender Moderns and MIMs but by chance, a mate found me a Jazz bass style bass that's fab and it's an Overwater by Tanglewood. These are £400 basses but can probably be picked up for much less- mine was £155 and there's one on Bass Chat for £240. Solidly built with great tones from both the P & J pickups.
Worth a look although the Laklands are nice
I've played and owned quite a few top-end basses over the years and I can confirm that these ATKs punch well above their weight.
You're welcome
Warwick basses seem to be a bit out of fashion at the moment and can go quite cheaply, too.
One thing I would say though is that bass necks vary a lot more than guitar necks do. It would be worth your while to go to a shop and try a few - jazz, precision, for sure and whatever else takes your fancy. I'm not very fussy when it comes to guitar necks but some basses I find almost unplayable.
Great build quality and a modern classic imo
The same kind of switching is on the G&L tribute L-2000 as well. Wonderfully versatile basses those.
Warwick are seriously untrendy at the moment so resale is ludicrous. Fantastic if you're a buyer though. They don't do it for me aesthetically but I bet that's an incredible instrument.