Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the distinctive appeal of the Travis Bean TB2000, a bass guitar that stands out for its aluminum neck, a signature feature that has captivated musicians since its inception. This unique construction not only provides exceptional sustain but also enhances the instrument's tonal clarity, offering bassists a sound that is both rich and precise. Originally designed in the 1970s, the TB2000 remains a sought-after piece for those seeking a blend of vintage allure and modern performance.

The TB2000's body is crafted with quality materials, ensuring durability and a resonant sound. Its minimalist design and humbucking pickups deliver a powerful, articulate bass tone that is ideal for a variety of musical genres. Whether you're laying down a solid groove in a rock band or exploring the depths of jazz, this bass guitar offers the versatility and reliability you need.

For those who appreciate the aesthetics as much as the sound, the TB2000's sleek finish and iconic shape make it a visually striking instrument. Each detail, from the precision-crafted tuners to the smooth fretboard, reflects the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every Travis Bean instrument.

Key Features:

  • Aluminum neck for enhanced sustain and tonal clarity
  • Solid body construction for durability and resonance
  • Humbucking pickups for powerful, articulate sound
  • Precision-crafted tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • Iconic design with a sleek finish and minimalist aesthetics
  • Versatile sound suitable for multiple music genres

Product specs

Brand Travis Bean
Model TB2000
Finish Natural
Year 1970s
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Color Family Brown, Natural
Fretboard Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Travis Bean TB2000 bass?

The Travis Bean TB2000 features a unique aluminum neck that provides a smooth and fast playing experience, with a slim profile that is comfortable for most players.

What kind of tones can I expect from the passive pickups on the Travis Bean TB2000?

The passive pickups on the Travis Bean TB2000 deliver a clear and articulate tone, suitable for a wide range of genres, with a natural warmth that complements its vintage design.

Is the Travis Bean TB2000 suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Travis Bean TB2000 is more suitable for advanced players due to its unique construction and historical significance, which may appeal more to collectors and experienced musicians seeking a distinctive sound.

How does the aluminum neck of the Travis Bean TB2000 affect its sound and playability?

The aluminum neck of the Travis Bean TB2000 contributes to its sustain and brightness, offering a distinctive tonal quality that sets it apart from traditional wooden neck basses.

What is the body shape of the Travis Bean TB2000, and how does it affect comfort?

The Travis Bean TB2000 features a double cutaway body shape, providing easy access to the upper frets and ensuring comfortable playability across its 20 frets.

THE ZERO FRET

THE ZERO FRET

Shellac - A Minute - Travis Bean TB2000 / Traynor TS-50B Bass Cover Version

Video thumbnail for Shellac - A Minute - Travis Bean TB2000 / Traynor TS-50B Bass Cover Version by THE ZERO FRET

Shellac - A Minute - Travis Bean TB2000 / Traynor TS-50B Bass Cover Version

THE ZERO FRET

THE ZERO FRET

Video thumbnail for Travis Bean 1970s TB-1000A & 1975 TB-2000 | CME Vintage Demo by Chicago Music Exchange

Travis Bean 1970s TB-1000A & 1975 TB-2000 | CME Vintage Demo

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Shellac - Song Against Itself - Travis Bean TB2000 Bass Cover by THE ZERO FRET

Shellac - Song Against Itself - Travis Bean TB2000 Bass Cover

THE ZERO FRET

THE ZERO FRET

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Travis Bean TB2000.

Build quality

  • The aluminum neck provides incredible straightness and low action without needing a truss rod, though it can get cold during use.

    Source
  • The first completed front loader model had a natural Koa body, while subsequent models like the second were finished in black with serial numbers starting from 211.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Travis Bean TB2000 delivers unique lows and a distinctive tone, surpassing the sound of a Modulus TBX.

    Source
  • The front loader design of the TB2000 features the neck exposed in the front rather than the back, with only 7 bodies originally made for this concept.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note that the bass gets a lot of attention during gigs due to its rarity and historical use by musicians like Bill Wyman.

    Source
  • It's been noted that the TB2000 is noticeably heavy but remains comfortable to play, providing a unique balance of weight and playability.

    Source
  • EGC utilized a mix of educated guesses and reverse engineering to complete the initial front loader model, as the original design was incomplete.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts of Travis Bean basses often delve into the historical and technical aspects, highlighting a dedicated community of collectors and players.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Electrical Guitar Company (EGC) basses are recommended over vintage Kramers due to superior build quality, with the aluminum neck running from headstock to bridge.

    Source
  • Unlike Travis Bean, Kramers have partially aluminum necks with wood fillers and an unconventional bolt-on system, affecting sound and playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Aluminum bolt-on necks for Fenders offer benefits like boosted mid-range, attack, and stainless frets, delivering a similar experience to full-aluminum necks for under $1,000.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The scarcity of the front loader models, with only 7 made, contributes to their uniqueness and potential value in the market.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keith Richards uses Travis Bean TB2000

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Richards can be seen playing a Travis Bean TB2000 bass in this photo.

See how Bill Wyman uses Travis Bean TB2000

Bill Wyman

Bassist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Getty Images

Bill Wyman had several custom short-scale Travis Bean TB2000 bass guitars made for him, as shown in a Getty Images photo of The Rolling Stones.

See how Dominic Aitchison uses Travis Bean TB2000

Dominic Aitchison

Bassist

Mogwai

...
Verified via Google

Dominic Aitchison began using the Travis Bean TB2000 bass guitar during the "Rave Tapes" era, as evidenced by a photo available through Google Images.

See how Mick Karn uses Travis Bean TB2000

Mick Karn

Bassist

Japan

...
Verified via Lifeintokyo

Mick Karn is noted for using the Travis Bean TB2000 bass guitar, as detailed in the "Who Plays What" article on Life in Tokyo.

See how Donald Dunn uses Travis Bean TB2000

Donald Dunn

Bassist

The Blues Brothers

...
Verified via Duck Dunn Remembered

Donald Dunn owned a Travis Bean TB2000 bass guitar, which was a gift from Steve Cropper. This information is confirmed by the source "Duck Dunn Remembered".

See how Bob Wenston uses Travis Bean TB2000

Bob Wenston

Bassist, Music Producer

Shellac

...
Verified via Archive

Bob Weston of Shellac uses a Travis Bean TB2000 bass, as detailed in his rig on GuitarGeek.

See how Alan Lancaster uses Travis Bean TB2000

Alan Lancaster

Bassist

Status Quo

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Live Aid 1985 performance of "Don’t Waste My Time," Alan Lancaster can be seen playing a Travis Bean TB2000 bass. During his time with Status Quo and later with The Bombers, Lancaster frequently used this bass alongside a Kramer.

See how Kevin Judd uses Travis Bean TB2000

Kevin Judd

Bassist

Ultra Q

...
Verified via YouTube

Kevin Judd used this bass back in early Danger! shows when he first joined the band and has more recently brought it back with Ultra Q shows, after using a Fender Bass VI for the band's first string of tours/shows.

Z

Zak Sally

Bassist

Low

...
Verified via Photo

In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Zak's rig includes a Travis Bean TB2000 bass.

Album Usage

The Travis Bean TB2000 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Travis Bean TB2000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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