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A good bass or not?


tim0123

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I've been looking to get a good quality bass for an extremely tight budget. I came across a Schecter Stilleto deluxe 5-sting bass for $400 on music123.com

 

This sounds like a great deal considering everything that this bass has, but I want some feedback because I'm wondering if this is a good bass or not.

 

I've been playing bass for almost 7 years, im in a death metal band, and i'm looking for a 5 string thats a step-up from my 15-year-old ibanez that i still have, but i have a budget of $450 or less.

thanks

Tim the bass player from Las Vegas, Nevada
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I was in a GC checking out combos a couple of weeks back and used both Schecter and Spector 5-strings as test instruments. I wouldn't buy either one, exception being one of the Spectors built in Czechoslovakia - a buddy owns one of these and it rivals some of the US models in quality.

 

You might want to save up a few hundred more which would open you up to better alternatives, like a Lakland, Fender or MusicMan. Waiting isn't fun, but you'll be glad you waited to buy a better bass for your money.

:wave:

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Originally posted by Dr. Taz:

You might want to check out the reviews here:

 

http://www.harmony-central.com/Bass/Data4/Schecter/Stiletto_Deluxe_4-1.html

 

Obviously, that's for the 4 string, but it should apply to the 5 as well.

Doc, I took you up on that, and the funniest thing is that the ad next to the first review for the Schecter Stiletto 4 is an ad with pics of a beautifully-quilted Spector 5-string (which may or may not be an import). Not to miss your point (I am reading the reviews) but should I drag out the old "one picture is worth..." quote?

:D

Truth is I wouldn't assume a 4-string builder would necessarily know how to build a decent 5. That's the subject of debate among many luthiers (string scale, tension, fanned frets, p/up design) and although I respect their work I wouldn't translate their dillegence in evaluating the work of overseas factories producing low-cost alternatives. I did play them (I think the Schecter was a Stiletto 5 but I'm not certain) and I found them wanting in tone and neck finishing (frets sticking out past the fingerboard). Perhaps the HC people aren't as picky as I am, but they're entitled to their opinions.

 

Actually, after seeing gb's ESP-5 I would say that's another alternative as I've played a few and got good feedback on them from other NYC area players.

 

(yeah, that Spector quilted-top neck-through 5 looks quite nice next to the Schecter reviews. I wonder if that's an import?) :D

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BUMP! Time for a second helping of crow meat. :D

On the "official holiday" (Monday) I cruised into GC a little after 10am (hopefully to miss the next generation of shredders and the usual "helpful" sales people) and was surprised to see a few nice Schecters there, mostly of the Stiletto brand. Sat down with three of the 5s (two neck-throughs and one bolt-on) and was pleasantly surprised to see they were set up and played quite well. I think the price range was around $449-$549 but they were better instruments than I thought they were. Even the bolt on surprised me as the heel was sculpted and the bolts recessed to allow easier access into "dweedle-dweedle" territory. EMG-Hz passives on all 3 and a capable 4-control preamp section that even a guitarist could figure out.

 

Then I stopped off at another GC and discovered the "Schecter" I thought I played the other week was actually another Spector.

:o So I publicly apologize to the nice folks here and at Schecter for miscategorizing their basses as inferior product. I should've known better as at times I've lusted after their "Tribal" basses.

 

Hmm, crow doesn't taste so bad. Wonder if I should cook it first?

:D

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I bought a Yamaha Nathan East, as my first "5". I replaced the p/u's with Bartolini's. and, I've had a decent $600 bass. After playing at least a dozen 5-strings...I'm still dreaming of a MM SR-5!!!!!!!! I can get a crisp/bright/funky/Flea bridge tone or a warm woody sound for acoustic stuff. I wouldn't waste my money on a Schecter.

good luck

Vince

 

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." ~ Pablo Picasso

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well, i dont know, i think the schecters look good, im not quite sure about the ESP though. to me they both look the same other than the fact that they're made out of a different kind of wood
Tim the bass player from Las Vegas, Nevada
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I used to own a Stiletto Elite 5, and I think several Lowdowners own the same. It was a perfectly serviceable, if a bit generic bass. It's a little heavier and neck-divey than I like but nothing like my warwick Thumb 5.

 

I think it would be a great bass for death metal. Be sure to get a setup...that bridge is murder to get just right.

"For instance" is not proof.

 

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If you like it, it's a good bass for you.

 

I liked the $120 bass we gave away at a show a while ago. It was a solid player that sounded good. It was a Dean "Edge" 4 string with a single pickup if anyone is interested in checking one out.

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A couple years ago I picked up a transparent darkburst Dean Edge Six whatever in a music store. It looked great and played better than some axes that cost a lot more. Of course the setup was good, but so were the others.
.
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