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BASS GUITARS

(effects/accessories at bottom of page)

2008 G&L Tribute JB-2 Bass, (front bridge), (headstock), (back), (gigbag/strap). If you’re a fan of the classic Fender Jazz bass tone, here’s a very good quality G&L Tribute for a nice price. It’s called the JB-2 in reference to the Jazz Bass it’s based upon. The similarities are certainly there: dual single coil Alnico pickups, same alder body with offset waist, 22-fret maple neck with nickel jumbo frets and good quality vintage open-back tuners. There are also some enhancements from the original Jazz including 6-screw neck attachment and Leo Fender-designed G&L Saddle-Lock bridge. This bridge is tone enhancing, much like a Leo Quan, is fully adjustable, and will last much longer than a vintage Jazz bridge and saddles. This bass sounds very good and plays fantastic with a new set of flatwound strings for the vintage tone and low string noise. A new one will set you back $449 without a case or gigbag. Get this one for just $315 with a quality G&L gigbag.

2006 Fender Mark Hoppus Bass - Surf Green, (front), (back), (headstock), (DiMarzio Straplocks), (case).   Signature bass for the low-slinging bassman from Blink 182, Mark Hoppus.   His signature bass is basically a marriage of a Jazz body with a Precision neck.  Features include top-notch pickups with a set of Duncan Basslines Quarter-Pounders, Alder body with Surf Green or Olympic White finish, stripped down controls with simply a volume control, signature neckplate, and 3-ply white pearl pickguard.  Excellent player and these Duncan Basslines are some of the best bass pickups made so it sounds as nice as it plays.  Also features a cool bridge that works as a top loader or string-thru-body.  It's in beautiful shape and has an excellent setup.  One modification has been done: DiMarzio straplock system has been installed (strap included).  This model sells new for $799 with gigbag but save big time in this beauty, with hardshell case, for $569(SOLD-Will D 5/7/20). 

1965 Gibson EB-0, (front), (headstock), (neck/fretboard), (back), (checking and pickup), (cavity), (case). Desirable mid-60's era EB-0 in all original condition. 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 in his Cream days played one and he showed what a mahogany bass could sound like. This bass is 100% original with no touch-ups or overspray on the finish, all original solder joints, and pots both dated to mid-'65, which agrees with the serial number. It has the complete original bridge, including string mute. Please note that the bridge can be lowered if the mute is removed but it's still a decent player in stock condition. Other than finish checking this bass is in remarkably nice shape and hasn't seen a lot of playing time. The only real wear is a spot on the back where the finish is missing, but frets are perfect so I'm guessing it's seen little playing time. Heritage Cherry frequently fades to brown or a weak red but this finish is as strong as you'll find. Pickguard (pic) is missing a small corner and is cracked on another (we can fix for free). It has a nice set up and like the SG, the kind of tone that is sweeter by virtue of 50 year old wood. At $1399 it's a great price for a '65 in this condition and around the same price as a recent reissue. 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 semi-hard case with plush red lining, with one hasp missing but otherwise in nice shape.

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 was a limited edition model, with only 25 made per month in each color so there are scant few on the used market. The run for quilted natural finish is long passed and it's usually the most desirable finish. This is an excellent quality Korean model, offering the best bang for the buck you can get. It has barely been played and offered in perfect condition. Quite possibly the best looking acoustic bass I've ever seen and a good value in a full body acoustic/electric 5-string at $439. Add a nice Tolex/wood hardshell for $499.

B.C. Rich Heritage Classic Mockingbird 4, (front), (back), (headstock)

Top of the line NJ model with all the high end features. The Heritage Classic is more than its killer looks, it's a great playing bass with a quality preamp to dial in a wide array of great tones. This is a true neck-thru bass with hard rock maple neck, nato body wings, AAA quilted maple top, ebony fretboard with white binding, traditional Rich headstock - also with quilted maple veneer, 34" scale, 24 jumbo frets, "Cloud" fretboard inlays, deluxe bridge, and dual BC Rich P-style pickups. Electronics suite includes active EQ for greater clarity and punch comprised of a master volume, treble boost/cut, bass boost/cut, and blend control Other than an extra strap pin hole (shown in pic of back), this bass is in beautiful condition. The set up is superb and I was impressed with the variety of tones available through a pair of P pickups. With a list price of $1100, these are running $699 new. This used one is an excellent value in a quality neck-thru at just $450.

DeArmond Ashbory Fretless Bass, (front), (headstock), (back)

Don't let looks fool you, this is one serious sounding bass. Although it might look like a toy with it's small body, 18" scale length, and rubber silicone strings, the tone sounds closer to an upright than most full size electric basses. Some of you will remember the Guild Ashbory from '86-'88 and when DeArmond resurrected the Guild electric line in '99 it marked the return of the Ashbory. The octave range is the same as a regular bass so it's easy to learn; just dial in your tone via the active preamp with bass and treble cut/boost, and volume control, maybe dust the strings with a bit of baby powder, and you're flying over the fretboard with some of the sweetest fretless tones you've heard. Its solid one-piece Agathis body and neck is just thirty inches long, and weighs in at only two pounds. Its small size allows for easy portability, and makes it comfortable enough to wear over another instrument. It has a fretless, silk-screen fingerboard pattern with fret markers and "dot" inlays, and features a unique headstock design fitted with custom designed tuners. For more info on everything Ashbory check out largesound.com, the best site on the web for this unique and wonderful bass. DeArmonds from this era were made in Korea and the quality is as high as any import made during that time. If you want to try something truly different, try this $279(SOLD-4/11/19) includes gigbag.

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.

1983 Fender Precision Gold Elite I, (front/back), (electronics), (headstock), (hardware), (case)

I get in plenty of Elite Strats and Teles, but the P-Bass Elite is an even more rare model, produced only in '83 and early '84, and a model that stood as the Cadillac of Fender's bass line. The bass line consisted of the Elite I and II, with the latter having two sets of P pickups; the Gold Elite I and II, with gold hardware; and the Walnut Elite II, with a solid Walnut body, offered only as a II model with gold hardware Body on this one finished in Natural Ash. Like the 6-string models, the Elite's featured new active electronics and new Schaller hardware including deluxe tuners, fine-tune bridge, and locking strap pins, as well as a new bi-flex truss rod. Other differences between the Elite and the Standard models include wider spacing between the control knobs and side-mounted output jack. The pickups single coils wired to be noise canceling, providing the fat P-bass tone, but with less hum and interference, wired to an active preamp with new tone circuitry powered by a 9V battery, easily accessible via its own cavity on the back. In addition to the volume control, the Elite uses a TBX pot, which acts as a normal (roll-off) tone pot from the center detent turning backwards, or a treble/mid boost turning forward from the detent. You've never heard a brighter sounding P-bass with the TBX engaged, while retaining all the fat bottom end you want in a P. The battery access screws use brass inserts to prevent wood stripping. A mini 2-way was installed as a kill switch to turn off the circuit and improve battery life, and knobs, which I believe should be the F-caps with ribbed plastic sides, are replaced with standard gold Fender P-bass knobs Otherwise, appears to be all original other than one of the saddle intonation screws. This bass hasn't seen much use and is in very clean shape, especially for nearly 30 years, with minimal scratches or gold wear. Frets are in great shape and it has a great setup. The neck profile is shallow, with very small shoulders. One issue I need to mention: One of the saddle adjustment screws (D string) is broken as shown here. Somebody probably makes the same thread and length but might be hard to find in gold/brass. Good news is due to the design of the bridge the saddle seems to hold fast without the screw. The case is in good shape except for the top of the center latch is missing, but the two end latches hold it just fine. Case is the blue-lined tolex that I believe were used on Fenders destined for Canada back in the day so it might be original. Some of these are excessively heavy and at 10 lbs. on the nose, this one's medium weight for an Elite. All in all, a very lovely bass that should appeal to most P-bass fans, plus players looking for a Precision with more than one tone $1099.

1999 Fender Standard Jazz V Bass Fretless, (front), (back), (headstock),

Killer player with the classic mid-range Jazz honk plus the growl of a fretless. This one started out life as a fretted bass but was pro-modded to fretless. My customer's luthier removed the frets, filled in the fret slots, and planed down the fretboard. Features contoured alder body, modern C-shaped maple neck with rosewood fretboard and dot inays, 20 medium-jumbo frets, 9.5" radius, and comfortably wide 1 27/32” nut width. Electronics are dual Jazz single coil pickups which are wired as a humbuckers with both pickups engaged, controlled by Vol-Vol-Tone Body is a high gloss, finished in Electric Blue. Overall very clean shape other than a small paint chip (pic) that we can touch up if desired. This model sold years ago for $699 but this nice used one is just $450(SOLD-12/6/19) with Fender gig bag.

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 (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.

1997 Ibanez SR406 Soundgear 6-String Bass - Black, (front), (back), (headstock), (controls)

Excellent quality Korean 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 well and sounds fantastic. If you're thinking about moving up to a 6, you don't have to spend 4 paychecks to get a quality one. These ran around $900 new but this used one's in nice shape for its age and a bargain at just $399.

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.

Ovation CC-274 Celebrity Deluxe Acoustic-Electric Bass, (front), (epaulet sound hole), (headstock), (back), (preamp), (case)

Great looking, nice playing acoustic electric bass I was very impressed with the acoustic tone of this bass. It definitely has the volume to hold its own in an unplugged acoustic jam. The deep bowl design is very well suited for projecting the lower register, in a way that thinner flat-back instruments can't do. Nicely appointed, with 5-ply top purfling and assorted hardwood epaulet sound holes I've played recent Celebrity's from China, and they just don't compare to the quality of these earlier Korean models. The fit/finish is better and I'm certain most of these will still be in service 25 years from now. Features include: deep bowl body with rounded cutaway, spruce top, gloss natural finish, Adamas-style soundholes, nato neck joins body at 16th fret, 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays, 1-5/8" nut width, 34" scale, pinless walnut bridge, chrome sealed tuners, gold Ovation logo, 5-ply top purfling, factory preamp, lower bout output jack. It has a very simple preamp with just volume and 2-band EQ, but this bass doesn't need a lot of EQing to sound good. A separate door is provided for easy access to the 9V battery. Set up is very comfortable and unlike some acoustic basses, the low E string isn't floppy. Just a really nice bass for this price range. List price on this bass was $899, without case, which makes this a nice buy at $499 with a quality hardshell case.

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.

1981 Peavey T-40 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-40 parts.

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.

Bass Accessories

·ca.'84 Scholz SR&D Bass Rockman, (panel)

Shortly after release of the popular Rockman X-100, came the Bass Rockman, especially designed to meet the needs of bassists I used one of these in the mid-80's, both on stage and in the studio, and I'm quite a fan of their tone. They feature a quality analog chorus, 2 clean settings, distortion setting, Fat-Bright-Mid EQ settings, High Frequency Clip and Comp switches, Sustain level switch, Hi/Lo volume setting as well as a Gain dial on back, 1/8" stereo headphone/line out pair, and an Aux Input/Low Level Out 1/4" jack You can hook these up to a guitarists Rockman and get some great tones on a "silent" jam. Quiet enough for the studio and on stage adds fatness and a pretty good vintage bass distortion for your Cream songs. Works perfectly and $60 lower than it sold for back in the 80's at just $139. (Note: If you just need a nice headphone amp, I have the Rockman Bass Ace on my Effects page for $45)

·Line 6 Bass POD XT Pro, (pic2), (back)

Line 6's Bass POD revolutionized sound reproduction for bass many years ago with the introduction of the original "kidney bean" model. The Pro took it to the rack - the XT took it to USB for PC/Mac computer recording - plus loads more of everything you need Briefly, features include 28 amp models, 22 cab models, and more than 50 stompbox and studio effects, dedicated compressor and 6-band semi-parametric EQ. Versatile connections include 1/4" and XLR stereo outs, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O, effects loop, and analog re-amping in and out. Features biamp mode with selectable crossover and ability to mix direct signal with modeled output. Also 4 mic models, A.I.R. cab/speaker/mic emulation, MIDI, chromatic tuner, 64 channel memories, and USB digital I/O for Mac and PC recording Way too much to list here but if you want all the skinny, for complete specs, sound clips, forums, etc., click here for Line 6. These sell new for $699 ($979 List) but this one is brand new with a few hours use and "as new" in the original box with manual, USB, and cable, for just $399.

·EBS Multidrive, ( pic2)

EBS is one of the premier builder of effects for bass and the Multidrive is their overdrive-fuzz-distortion effect, with a circuit designed specifically for the lower frequencies of the bass range. It's a Class A pedal that produces tons of sustain, distortion, and tube-style effects. The mode switch selects flat, standard, or tube-simulation overdrive sounds while the Drive and Volume knobs control the amount of effect and output level. It use noiseless FET switching and is equally at home in the studio and on stage - and it's definitely built for road use Quality effect for the pro bassist for just $145.

·EBS UniChorus Analog Processor, (pic2)

EBS is one of the premier builder of effects for bass and the UniChorus is their chorus/flanger/modulation effect, with a circuit designed specifically for the lower frequencies of the bass range. It lets you switch between low-noise, studio-quality chorus, flanger, and pitch modulation effects. Premium analog circuitry gives the UniChorus a smoother, warmer, and fatter chorus/ flanger effect. It has Depth and Rate controls plus stereo output. It use noiseless FET switching and is equally at home in the studio and on stage - and it's definitely built for road use Quality effect for the pro bassist for just $145.

·Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus

Why a special pedal for bass chorus? If you've ever tried a guitar chorus you know why. When the entire signal is " effected", you lose all of your punch and low-end thickness The CEB-3 design ensures that your sound retains all the power and clarity of the original bass sound as the low filter lets lowest frequencies through unaffected Has controls for level, low filter, rate, and depth. New these are $90 but this one's perfect shape in the box for just $63.

·Digitech BP200 Bass Multi-Effect, (detail-effects)

For stage, studio, or practice tool, the BP200 has just about any effect you'll need to get the sound you want - plus a built-in drum machine for use as a practice tool. Description: 16 bass amp and stompbox models and a host of other effects (22 total) for creating your own signature sound. The built-in expression pedal can be assigned to control your choice of parameters in real time. Each effect includes up to 3 adjustable parameters giving you the flexibility to create the exact sound you are looking for. The 6 character alphanumeric display and 3-knob matrix based user interface provide simple, straight forward editing functions. The Rhythm Trainer is a great tool for polishing up your timing with your choice of different patterns, tempo, and adjustable volume level. A chromatic tuner lets you quickly check or tune your instrument to 1 of 4 different tuning references. Here's a brief demo that runs through a few cool patches (link) and here's a bunch of Harmony-Central reviews. Sells new for $149 but this one's in nice shape for just $79.

·Dunlop Bass Crybaby 105Q, (pic2)

The 105Q Bass Wah incorporates a new, proprietary potentiometer and custom EQ circuitry specifically designed for bass frequencies. It includes Dunlop's celebrated Q control, which provides full control over the pedal's intensity and sound modeling. With the Q control, you can select the exact wah tone desired, from bright and punchy to warm and subtle Also has an adjustable volume control, allowing you to tailor the level of the wah from almost silent to a significant increase, providing extra gain for wah-enhanced solos. Don't pay $120 when this one's in perfect shape in the box for just $85.

·Zoom B2 Bass Multi-Effects Pedal, (close-up), ( back)

A full-featured multi-effect unit packed into a small package. The B2 features Zoom's new ZFX3 processor loaded with 9 preamp/cabinet and 5 stomp box models that are very faithful to the original models. Features include 40 preset bass effects patches plus 40 more locations where you can store your own edited patches; 7 effect modules with 45 effect types; 32-bit processing, 96kHz sampling rate; 24-Bit A/D, D/A converters; and comes housed in a roadworthy metal chassis. It also has a built-in drum machine with 40 rhythm variations which is great for working on your chops, speeding up the tempo as you progress - plus a dead-on chromatic tuner. The specs on this are studio quality with virtually zero background hiss (120dB signal to noise ratio) and extreme dynamic range (120dB), With 45 different effects (you can use up to 7 per patch), you can choose from, for example, 3 types of synth sounds, a Harmonized Pitch Shifter, acoustic bass and fretless, 6-band graphic EQ or 2-band parametric EQ, the world's fastest patch change. Includes AC Adapter or can also operate around 7 hours on 4 AA alkaline batteries This unit scored an impressive 9.4 overall on Harmony-Central With a list of$164, you can find these as low as $89 but better still, this one's perfect in the box with power supply, manual, etc., and just $63.(HOLD-Scott M 8/14)

·Boss ME-50B Bass Guitar Multi-Effects, (close-up), ( back).

If you're looking for something more intricate than the Zoom B2, the ME-50B, current model from Boss, has it all and it's laid out much more like a bunch of stomp boxes with plenty of dedicated knobs for easy editing, plus an expression pedal. If you're like me, not a fan of LCD screens menus, and cursor buttons, with the ME-50 you just reach down and twist a knob! Effects are divided into six sections - Compressor/Limiter, Master, Filter/Tone, Drive/Synth, Delay/Modulation and Expression Pedal-giving bassists a range of unique and powerful BOSS tones. From there, ME-50B effects can be edited using 23 knobs and controlled via three built-in footswitches and an assignable expression pedal. It has some new stuff on it, like Octave-up effect plus wah, defretter, and the warmest overdrive sounds yet. You can also built loops and add kick drum patterns. For full specs, clips, etc., click here for Boss's site and here for Harmony-Central reviews There are a number of YouTube demo's; here's one to start with Sells new for $299 everywhere but this one's barely used and just $215. Includes manual and power supply.