Why it's best: The new generation of Thunderbird is quite a departure from its predecessors. The traditional mahogany neck has been replaced with a 7-piece maple/walnut neck, though it still runs through the length of the mahogany body. Epiphone has added a 3-band active EQ and a pair of s...read full review
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Sweetwater $599.00
zZounds $599.00
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Why it's a best pick: The semi-hollow SpectorCore5 is a departure from the rest of the Spector line and a rarity among 5-string basses, especially in this price range. The EMG humbucker is complemented by a Fishman PowerBridge, allowing the player pure acoustic and electric tones that can be used... read full review
See it at:Amazon.com $699.00
Why it's a best pick: Godin’s reputation for building solid, reliable, economical instruments continues with the Freeway 5 Active. The body is mahogany, the neck is maple, the pickups are active, the sound is great. Nothing too fancy, but still well above average.... read full review
See it at:Amazon.com $869.00
Why it's a best pick: Hard to believe that one of the best acoustic bass guitars on the market sells for so little, but Boulder Creek has managed to do it. The BR3 has a solid spruce top and a solid mahogany back, with a revolutionary bracing system that consists of two aluminum bars suspended un... read full review
Why it's a best pick: Italia’s take on the long-defunct Ampeg AUB improves on the original with a 22-fret neck, a sturdy chambered korina body, a Wilkinson bridge for improved sustain, and a pair of Wilkinson vintage-style Jazz Bass pickups. Though similar in tone to a Fender, the Imola has... read full review
