FLASH Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) Hi Just wondered if anyone could advise me on the quality of Jim Deacon basses. I am looking for a back up bass guitar as I currently only own 1 bass (I know the shock/ shame of it). The only bass I currently own is a very basic Tanglewood Rebel 4 (bought new as beginner package 2 years ago). Money is tight and I am getting some money together to buy an Ibanez or Aria second hand on Ebay (£100-£150) but in the mean time I need a back up as I play gigs (1 a month) with just the 1 bass so if the Tanglewood breaks down then I am stuffed. Seen a Jim Deacon bass for sale locally and looks in good order for £50 but I do not know anything about the make and just wanted some advice about whether it is worth buying it. Also wondered if anyone has any advice regarding the future second hand purchased of an Ibanez or Aria bass. Being a shorty I have reasonable small hands and arms so I want a bass with a relatively narrow neck and I have tried a couple of Ibanez basses and 1 Aria and liked the feel of them. Any help welcome Thanks Derek Edited January 18, 2012 by FLASH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Hi Derek, They are good starting points for projects. Typically the pickups won't be amazing and sometimes the setups can be woeful, but they are a cheap way into bass ownership and with a few modifications they can be perfectly serviceable. For £50, I'd suggest you can't go far wrong. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmmettC Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I think you should just keep an eye on your tanglewood, make sure it's all working well and keep the £50 to put towards an aria or ibanez. You can pick up some lovely basses for under £200 in the for sale section, and £50 is a big chunk to put towards that. I have an Aria pro2 integra, and it is lovely to play, I replaced the P pickup, and disconnected the J, and now it sounds great too. I don't know much about Ibanez, but someone will be along soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLASH Posted January 18, 2012 Author Share Posted January 18, 2012 EmmettC thanks for the advice. A friend has an Aria Pro II that sounds great so definately an option for me. Ibanez basses have a thin neck which appeals to me due to small hands. I think its a sensible decision to hold onto the £50 and save up an upgrade rather than spend it on a backup Jim Deacon. I am attached to the Tanglewood as its my first bass and I like the sound but after 2 years (& 20 gigs) I know its time to step up another level. Also time to get some bass lessons to help me progress!!! Thanks Moos3h for your comments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) Ibanez make really good basses, in fact one of them is travelling up the m6 with my name on it as we speak. If you have small hands, the neck is ideal and as most of them have an active circut in them, they give you more tonal options. I have owned several Ibbys in the past and they have all been good value for money. Have a look at the Yamaha BB414 (if I remember right). They generally go for around 200 quid on here and they are really tasty, have a narrow neck and a set of P/J pickups. Never heard a bad word about them on here. Re the Jim Decon. I think they are made by the same guys who make the SX range of basses and any I saw for the money they were asking were ok. Jez Edited January 18, 2012 by jezzaboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merello Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Ibanez's are usually really good. You'll maybe find they are better than the Tanglewood. Seen a few Yamaha 414's go for £150-160 if you are lucky and they are the bee's knees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redstriper Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Nothing wrong with owning only one bass and the Rebels are good instruments IME. Save your money, play the Rebel as much as possible and really get to know it inside out. Meantime play as many other basses you can whenever you get the chance before deciding on your next purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Played for years, never needed a back up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocco Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Having just bought one I can definitely recommend an Ibanez Blazer. Like a P, only better in every possible way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLASH Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Hi guys Thanks for all the replies and advice. Decided at present to stick with the Tanglewood and save my money. I will continue to try and find the right bass for me but instead of getting a backup I intend to find an upgrade from the tanglewood. Once again thanks for all the advice. Flash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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