Zampa Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 (edited) Evening.. I currently have an Ibanez SR300 and I fancy treating myself to a new guitar, a Tanglewood TE4 Alpha has caught my eye as its around my budget. I don't have much of a clue about specs to be honest, other than preferring, Jazz bass (for the thinner neck) passive pick ups, a nice smooth deep sound, long scale and something comfortable. Firstly, is the Tanglewood a worthy upgrade? Secondly, any other recommendations around the 300 pound mark?...new or used I want to buy from a shop because I want to put the Ibanez in as part/x, I cant be doing with poncing about trying to sell stuff on ebay/gum tree etc Also, Fender Squiers have been suggested? I'm only a casual player/learner who just loves to discovers new stuff and improve as best as I can..the days of dreaming about playing live are long gone! 🙁 Thanks Edited August 15, 2020 by Zampa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hooky_lowdown Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 I'd say the Tanglewood is a step backwards to the SR300. I'd look at the Yamaha BB234, and excellent passive bass. 😃 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted August 15, 2020 Share Posted August 15, 2020 Your present Ibanez is a fine bass; there's not much better in that price bracket. Why do you want another in its place..? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodwind Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 (edited) SR300 are great basses. I reckon your best bet would be to Invest in a good set up and try some new strings on your Ibanez. I had a very early 2000's Ibanez SR500 and it was fantastically sensitive to the strings I put on it. Feeling and sounding awful with nickel 45-105s, bland with stainless Elites 40-100, better with stainless elites 35-95 and absolutely incredible with Thomastik jazz flats. £300 would get you something different, but not necessarily "better". If your heart is set on a new bass Second hand would definitely be the way to go, but sadly options will be limited at shops and trade in on your bass wouldn't be a huge sum. Edited August 16, 2020 by Woodwind 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk_lefty Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 2 hours ago, Woodwind said: SR300 are great basses. I reckon your best bet would be to Invest in a good set up and try some new strings on your Ibanez. I had a very early 2000's Ibanez SR500 and it was fantastically sensitive to the strings I put on it. Feeling and sounding awful with nickel 45-105s, bland with stainless Elites 40-100, better with stainless elites 35-95 and absolutely incredible with Thomastik jazz flats. £300 would get you something different, but not necessarily "better". If your heart is set on a new bass Second hand would definitely be the way to go, but sadly options will be limited at shops and trade in on your bass wouldn't be a huge sum. Top advice there. A set up can make a massive difference. I think I'd been playing for about ten years before I'd even heard of a set up but once you've had a good set up you'll never go back. Think of it as having a service on your car, the way it drives and sounds much smoother after all the filters and fluids are changed. Changing strings can completely change the character of your bass too, but don't just think if the sound think of the feel, it's a very personal thing so be prepared to experiment. People on here sometimes sell second hand strings after trying them out for a few mins so could be easy to try a few sets. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Another vote for Ibanez over Tanglewood. Also, you will get a very poor return on your Ibanez as p/x. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jezzaboy Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Keep the Ibanez, it`s one of the best basses in it`s price range. Tanglewood are not know for great basses. Apart from that you will be lucky to get around £80 for the Ibby. Shops will only give you half of what they can sell the bass for. I know you say you don`t want the hassle of selling but depending on condition, you could get £130 ish. Another shout for Yamaha BB, at the price point you are looking at, it is a very strong contender. Buy one s/hand from here and you won`t go wrong. Or buy a new BB 234 from the shops. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricksterphil Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 (edited) I've never owned or played an Ibanez but I'm inclined to agree that the Tanglewood would be a sideways/downward step. The Sire v7 jazz is a nice bass for around £300 used. Edited August 16, 2020 by ricksterphil 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedontcarebear Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 I've gigged with am sr300 before and they are the best cheaper basses, they can play really nice, sound is okay! I'd save a bit more if you want another bass, maybe for a Sire? Or mex Fender if you would like a jazz? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barking Spiders Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 + another viz Tanglewood comments. I swear by Cort. They make high quality sub £500 basses under their own brand as well as under the Ibanez, Squier, G & L Schecter, Sterling SUB names. As the 'Cort' name doesn't have the cachet of famous brands you get a lot more bang for your buck. I've got a GB 74 'J' type, a B4FL fretless and more recently an Action DLX AS which I got for £329. check out the spec here https://www.musiccentre.co.uk/product/cort-action-deluxe-dlx-as-open-pore-natural 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricksterphil Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 The Cort Jeff Berlin Rithimic is reputed to be a banger for a relatively small amount of beer tokens https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223981449341 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricksterphil Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 And on that subject 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bleat Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 (edited) As you don't say you are looking to "upgrade" regards electronics, types of wood, sound quality brand name etc, then I guess you are just after something that appeals visually and might just feel a bit different and maybe more inspiring in your hands. I would say if you can, try out the Tanglewood Alpha then do so as it may just be the right instrument for you regardless of cost, brand etc. Personally I think they make really decent basses, the Alpha has a nice shape to it, and certainly the old Warrior basses they made are of very good quality. I've had loads of basses and I would much rather have a lesser known brand that just feels and looks great and makes me happy than just going for something that just has the name behind it but doesn't really make me want to pick it up. Edited August 16, 2020 by Bleat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zampa Posted August 16, 2020 Author Share Posted August 16, 2020 Many thanks for all the comments, thats given me a lot more to think about.👍 I initially brought the Ibanez because of its famed thin neck, I had an acoustic guitar years ago with quite a wide neck that my big hands struggled with, with that in mind, I got it into my head that I 'had' to get a bass with a thin neck...overlooking the thinner the neck, the closer the strings....I also watched a lot of YT clips, everyone seemed to have 6 inch long fingers that they could spread over 6 frets! Regarding set ups, I have a fender rumble amp..and a big muff peddle, which doesn't seem to do anything but boost the sound...I use flat wound strings as I played with a grip of death originally..they avoided that 'wang' sound. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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