TLDR - Not sure what I have and what I should keep or flip?
Old guy here making another run at learning the bass. I started in 2015. I bought a washburn off of Craigslist and then decided I didn’t really like it so I sold it for what I paid for it. I then found at a pawn shop for $125, a like new LTD ESP B-50 2003 model, Black on Black, totally passive unlike the newer ones. I tried different strings including D’addario XL Nickle, DR Black Beauties, and settled on D’Addario Chrome Flats which I like and don’t feel that I need to change. I have learned how to do my own setups and really my only complaint with the instrument is that it is a little heavy at almost 10 lbs. I do know that is midrange.
My practice amp is a Orange Crush Bass 25 that I got LNIB from Facebook Market for $100. It’s a little small but so is the house so my lady is happy with that. It has a tuner, bass, mid sweep, and treble. It sounds good and can get loud but not shaking. I have a lllloooonnnngggg way to go before I start gigging, if ever. I do also have a Tech 21 Sansamp that I found at a garage sale and Zoom B1XOn that gives me my drums and other sounds.
I have not really been wanting a new bass but last week on Craigslist I spotted a Schecter Stiletto Stealth 4 for $80 as it was not outputting any sound. It still had the protective plastic on the pickguard and has no scraps, dents, scratches. I had just seen these on sale for $549 so I grabbed it thinking that I could fix whatever. Turns out the pre-amp was bad so I replaced it with an Audere Classic 4-band V/V/Mids/BasTre. I shielded the cavities and this thing is dead quiet. I’m into it for about $240. Serial Number makes it a 2017 build. It is setup well. It had a new set of D’Addario round wounds on it, I tried the Black Beauties (too floppy again!) and then the XL Nickels which I left on.
From a sonic standpoint, the precision pickups sound very similar. The Stealth with the pre-amp is hotter and maybe a little more detail. The bridge pickups are just different but I can’t say one is better than the other. With everything flat, I would say the Stealth is has a little more twang. From a control standpoint the Stealth is very responsive to the mids and bass, treble does almost nothing with this bass and my 8" amp (Audere FAQ confirms). The B-50 is VVT and is pretty straightforward. Sustain on both instruments is fantastic. I can get different tones from each one, not that I know what to do with that tone!
Physically, the Stealth is about 1 lb lighter and slightly thinner. Tuners feel the same. Bridge is nicer on the Stealth. Fretboards are both rosewood. Radius is slight flatter on the Stealth (15" vs 12" it think). Fretwork is excellent on both with zero sprout, etc. Necks are straight and thin on both and truss rods work and are adjustable. Both intonate and saddles look fine. Saddle adjustment screws on the B-50 are a little high and sharp and have bit me. I have the action pretty low on each with no buzz. Both are pretty classy looking but can also be MAP (metal as phuck!) i guess.
Here is my dilemma. I now have two black on black, 4-string, 34" guitars. One P/J passive with flats, , one P/MM active with rounds. Sonically to my ear, they are more similar than different. I won’t say I’m disappointed in the Stealth but guess I did expect more from an upgraded midrange instrument vs. what I always believed was an entry level starter bass.
I’m only into my gear for $6-700 but I think I could be covered for a long time. I don’t have GAS but I do like to tinker and I have learned a LOT with these instruments. People say you will always regret selling your first bass. The Schecter seems like something to keep since it was such a good deal. Should I keep both or sell one and maybe try and get a 100 watt amp, or some lessons(1)? I don’t think I can lose any money here but I also don’t need to make anything either.
Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated.