Background: I've been playing bass (and guitar) for over three decades. I have owned several basses through the years. The one that has stuck with me since 1991, is a 1991 Ibanez Soundgear SR1500. The body is bubinga, and the neck bubinga and wenge. It has active EMG pickups and the action is super low - without any fret buzz. It was on sale for $900 when I bought it, that is equivalent to a $2000 bass today.
That is where my standards are at.
I'm not a gear snob. I have owned several <$175 basses and guitars that play and sound like a dream.
I picked up an Aubegne guitar a month or so ago and it was as nice to play as my Squire Affinity Strat... so I pulled the trigger on this Aubegne APB-300 Bass.
Wow!
OK, so I also build and tune guitars and basses. Out of the box and the strings tuned it played well. There was no fret buzz, intonation was in tune, frets were smooth edged and polished, and the tuning pegs have kept it in tune for over a week with it being played every day. After I gave it a little "once over" (which was pretty much me doing nothing to it), I used it instead of the Soundgear to record a track I'm working on.
Yup, you guessed it, I'm going to use that take instead of the one recorded with the SR1500.
Now, it is a $150 bass. There are a few things that remind you that it is. The volume range is great, but I have to keep the tone knob turned down 1/4 turn. If it is turned all the way up it gets really tinny. Between 1/4 and 3/4 is the sweet spot for tone. Too low and it gets a little muddy, too much and it gets a little too bright. Other than that the electronics are great. Jack hold the plug firmly, there are no clicks, buzzes, or static when adjusting the tone or volume. I would probably change the tone pot or capacitor so it stays in the center zone.
The other thing I would change is the bridge, or at least put a "thumb rest" above it. I rest my right hand on the upper front of the bridge a lot. The post that adjusts the low E string height sticks out of the string rest and is a little "pokey" on the side of my hand.
If I were to nit-pick, I would probably change the jack to a boat style jack, or move it to the edge like a Tele. That is just personal preference. Something about the cable sticking straight out of the pickguard bugs me. It works great as it is and I'll get over it....
In all this is a great bass. The sound is there, it is easy to play and well made. Is it a $2000 bass, nope, but if you want to learn, or have something to experiment with, or even use for recording... you could do al LOT worse.
Keep up the good work Aubegne, you're doing something right!
Aubegne APB-300 Full-Size 4 String Electric Bass Guitar Kit, Sunburst, Includes Gig Bag, Strap, Picks, Cable, Pick Necklace
5 | 2 ratings
Price: 149.99
Last update: 06-24-2024
About this item
[Rich Sound] The Aubegne APB-300 offers a unique deep tone with its vintage split single-coil pickup, delivering robust and nuanced sound for various music styles.
[Exceptional Playability] The specially designed neck of the APB-300, made of high-quality Canadian maple, makes playing more comfortable. Its broad fingerboard, made of environmentally friendly engineered wood, ensures precise finger placement and remains comfortable even during long sessions.
[Exquisite Craftsmanship] The body of the APB-300, made from quality basswood, is durable and can withstand long-term use. It's built to last, whether on stage or in the studio.
[Classic Design] The Aubegne APB-300 carries on the classic design of the Precision Bass. Its iconic body shape, along with high-quality finish, make the bass look as great as it sounds.
[Wide Applicability] Whether you're a beginner electric bass player or a music enthusiast just starting out, the Aubegne APB-300 is an ideal choice. The bundle includes a waterproof and thickened electric bass bag, a bass strap, a bass cable, a titanium necklace, and four celluloid picks, making it easy to start your musical journey.
[Exceptional Playability] The specially designed neck of the APB-300, made of high-quality Canadian maple, makes playing more comfortable. Its broad fingerboard, made of environmentally friendly engineered wood, ensures precise finger placement and remains comfortable even during long sessions.
[Exquisite Craftsmanship] The body of the APB-300, made from quality basswood, is durable and can withstand long-term use. It's built to last, whether on stage or in the studio.
[Classic Design] The Aubegne APB-300 carries on the classic design of the Precision Bass. Its iconic body shape, along with high-quality finish, make the bass look as great as it sounds.
[Wide Applicability] Whether you're a beginner electric bass player or a music enthusiast just starting out, the Aubegne APB-300 is an ideal choice. The bundle includes a waterproof and thickened electric bass bag, a bass strap, a bass cable, a titanium necklace, and four celluloid picks, making it easy to start your musical journey.
Product information
| Item Weight | 13.47 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 45.67 x 12.8 x 2.56 inches |
| ASIN | B0CHMTPCQ8 |
| Item model number | APB-300 |
| Customer Reviews |
5.0 5.0 out of 5 stars
2 ratings
5.0 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #14,327 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #33 in Electric Bass Guitars #256 in Guitars (Musical Instruments) |
| Date First Available | September 8, 2023 |
| Back Material | Basswood |
| Body Material | Basswood |
| Color Name | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Reconstituted Veneer |
| Guitar Pickup Configuration | Split Coil P Bass Pickups |
| String Material | Nickel Alloy |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Neck Material Type | Canadian Maple |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Size | 46 |
Top reviews from the United States
Scott
Bass.. how low can you go...
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
Karen P
Great for a beginner
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024
Karen P
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2024
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