Chris2112

Got a mobile number? A landline? Checked them out? Checked out the address? Facebooked the bloke? etc etc... Number one rule is that if anything feels dodgy or off putting at any point, walk away. There will be other basses.

I can't Believe they listed a Rickenbacker as the #1 choice. Aside from having a relatively fast neck I couldn't find much remarkable about them. It's just lazy journalism, especially when there are so many amazing basses around. Especially since I'm planning on buying another bass now!

[quote name='paul_5' post='1178588' date='Mar 27 2011, 06:55 PM']I only want one choice, this: [attachment=75900:Rainbowpics.jpg] Mmmmmmm.[/quote] Better go and find Les Claypool then!

In no particular oder... 1) a 1980's Status S2 with the proper graphite "paddle" through neck, because it's the ultimate iteration of what status have wanted to do outside of the Stealth bass. The Stealth is probably their best instrument but these old skool S2's have that classic 80's vibe. I can only imagine how futuristic they must have seemed at the time! 2) a Kubicki Ex Factor - The ultimate 1980's bass, a design so good it still feels ahead of it's time. Blending incredible looks, sound and feel they are about as good as basses get! The construction and innovation of these basses is enough to make them interesting, the fact they sound so incredible is what makes them unmissable. 3) A thru-neck ACG. My Harlot singlecut really changed the way I think about basses. The electronics are a real talking point as they so damn good. You've got that Wal-esque filter sound in a highly tweakable but far more useable package than you get in say, an Alembic. Alan's woodworking skills are also incredible, he is a true visionary of luthiery. I often say that ACG are the best basses being made in the UK today although I would be surprised if anyone can match them. Especially at the price point! 4) a Fodera - the birth of the "super studio" boutique bass began with Fodera and Ken Smith in the 80's, IMO. I've always prefered Fodera. You must play a Fodera to get a feel for this ideal of bass. There are many instruments that sound and feel as good or better, but none command the brand cache and mystique of Fodera, not even Alembic. 5) Warwick Thumb - the quintessential Warwick bass. Not a contender for a good boutique bass, but still a unique product. And it is because Warwick are so big, and have made such a brave move with this bass that I must recommend it. Yes, a Spector might be better but nothing Spector do is quite as outlandish and yet so useable as the Thumb. They are real love/hate basses, which furthers my reasoning for why you should play one. I had one and loved it.

My Kubicki and my ACG Harlot singlecut both have ebony fretboards. Yes, as far as wood goes it's definitely my favourite fretboard material!

Yes, this has been a factor for me. Particularly with Stuart Hamm, I was so into Stuart Hamm when I was 16 and I bought my first Ex Factor bass. Mainly I wanted to stand in front of the mirror gazing at the bass pretending I was Stuart Hamm, but I also had a feeling that the bass would just fit me like a glove when I got hold of it! And lo and behold, it did. It was fantastic. I currently have a red one like the one from the back of the Kings of Sleep album: Another thing I had always wanted was Geddy Lee's Wal sound. I wasn't prepared to spend Wal money though, but I was very happy to discover ACG basses. One purchase of a Harlot Singlecut later and I could recreate an authentic Wal sound with ease, as well as a hell of a lot more. What a wonderful bass.