Yeah the Woodlines are a great example of basses in the $1k-$2k price range that are really nice. Can’t go wrong with MIJ instruments these days.
Deviser has several lines of instruments and Bacchus is actually their midrange tier, with Momose their higher end. The two lines kind of bleed in to each other in the middle. All their MIJ are truly great.
Dont worry man, when I first started, I also wanted, exactly what I wanted as my next bass! its alright, i’ve been more about how a bass looks over how it sounds. if it does it for you, then it does! there are lots of budget neck-through options, like J&D guitars, Used aria pros, Used Schecters, and more!
I can vouch for that. Love my Bacchus
Best bang for the bucks under $2k is Schecter. They have the know how. Anything else mainstream would be a lot more.
“Most” Neck through will be heavier, well because it’s a neck through. The Charls Berthoud is an absolute steal at $1400.
It’s hard because you still don’t know what you don’t know. If money is no object then get whatever your heart desire then do it again in 6 months.
What State are you? If you are in SoCal I can arrange some Show and Tell.
@russ.hewitt.jr Here’s some fun coffee break homework for you. This is a fantastic used bass shop located in Japan but written in English. A massive selection of basses of all types, finishes and price points. I’ve sorted it low to high price.
For that kind of money, you could do a lot worse than looking at something like a second hand Dingwall. It would be at the top end of your numbers range, but (IMHO) worth every penny. You can get them in a natural wood finish - for example a Combustion.
Regarding neck through, many high end basses are not actually neck through. I’ve played both neck through, “set neck” and bolt on. Other than aesthetics and maybe the feel of top fret access, in reality, there isn’t really that much difference. Admittedly, I don’t spend an awful lot of time up past the 15th / 16th / 17th fret… One of the most disappointing basses I owned was a visually beautiful neck through Spector. But it was heavy and I hated how it felt to play, so I sold it. In contrast, I have a 90s Hohner “B bass”. It’s a neck through, a reasonable weight and is a delight to play. But the basses I’m most happy with, the basses I pick up and play all the time, are my bolt on Dingwalls and my recently purchased Stirling Ray34 (also a bolt on).
Of course, we’re all different. That said, you’ve said on a number of occasions that you “haven’t had anything to compare it to.” I really would recommend finding a way to go and play as many other basses as possible before dropping $1,000 to $2,000 on one, especially a new one that you’ll never get your money back on, if you don’t actually like it.
There are so many good options in this price range. There’s also the MIJ Yamaha BB’s, Ibanez SR Premiums, ESP Edwards and E-II, Fujigen, on and on
My advice to you @russ.hewitt.jr is to take it slow. If you want to expand right now then, get a used Schecter neck through for like $400, if you have the urge to upgrade you can do so install the EMP pickups and call it a day. Hunt for your next bass in a few months may be spend another $500 on a good used Yamaha BB734A before you know it you’ll be well verse on basses and what’s available on the market.
There are plenty of time to Acquire. I swear, everytime I got, wait ordered a new bass I said to myself this is the last one, but as soon as I clicked “place the order” I kept on browsing. It’s just the way it is.
If I’m spending your money and building up the experience then I’d first pick up that Stupid Deal of the day on Musician’s friend the Pete Wentz Sterling for $400 you have about an hour and a half to buy it. That’s an awesome deal on $800 bass
/\ this
My Ray 34 arrived today, and man, talk about a solid build! So pleased! The universe was telling me three Kilotons ago to look elsewhere, and the fourth Kiloton even shipped in a Sterling box! 
That’s blown my skirt right up! Imagine if that was a lefty……….
Your skirt? Or lefty, 
If you have the time I highly recommend the experience. Put your wildest ideas on paper and go.
I’m a big Ramp user and I wanted the Xtender pickup I asked for the custom ramp, and he delivered. I also ask for no screw back plate, he made it a compress fit. I wanted 3x1 and yes it’s there too.
Wow. That is gorgeous.
i would be much more likely to make fun of you if you didn’t get it. seriously, as long as it isn’t breaking your wallet, then have fun. who do you know that deserves it more, nobody that’s who. and btw it’s not like you couldn’t ever sell it.
Anything that glows in the dark has my vote 
Well…..
Hey, now! 
Like to me….. please
My skirt
My friends in Tokyo are investigating the possibility of T.S Factory building me a bass. I have a milestone birthday next August, so I’d like to get my paws on a special bass. They don’t usually make custom instruments for individuals; I’ve actually heard that he’s turned famous musicians away, so I probably have no chance but I can dream.
A lot of truth in this one! It’s a legit risk, and a “trap” I walked into myself.
Two years into my bass playing, I had the means to get a bass made by a young luthier, spec’d after my requirements (in discussions with the luthier). It’s an amazingly beautiful instrument and super-well made, and - to this day - it’s the most expensive bass I own… it just never became that dream bass that got picked up each day and every day, for all kinds of music. And, so, it just stood in the stand for most of the time.
Until earlier this year, where it finally all clicked - and that is where the experience part comes in. I finally found the types of strings to put on this bass - that bring out the best of the bass’s natural sound and support how I think it should be played!
Point is, I couldn’t appreciate the instrument with my limited experience (and this caused disappointment and frustration), and only now (after roughly 8 years of playing) do I feel more adequate to relating to this bass.
Beautiful bass. I love the grain pattern!
