Speak Bass to me

Frankiestylee

Recently I've been thinking of getting a double bass, but realistically I have to forget that pipe dream for the mo and upgrade my bass as I'm somehow playing such an instrument in a band.

So... I know nothing at all about bass guitars, I currently play a spectrum rip-off of a fender p-bass. I reckon I could spend at most €700.

I've spent an hour or so browsing Thomann and I'm a tad confused between the differance between a p-bass and a j-bass. I take it it's precision and jazz, but whats the differance when it comes to playing?

I don't really know how to describe the music I play in bass terms, I think some new recordings are up at www.myspace.com/newamusement , but all I know is it's definitly not slap bass.

I've played a Warwick bass and found it lovely (the lovely modtastic "John" on here being the owner), but I've also been looking at those musicman basses, though they're crazy expensive as far as I can see, I tend to respect Yamaha for having quality guitars at not too high prices, and, well, I'm kinda used to playing a p-bass style bass so I wouldn't exclude that. The fender Aerodyne has kinda perked my interest.

I don't need any major bells or whistles, just 4 strings, active pick-ups confuse me so they're not a must have in my eyes.

So any advice would be great, even a few choice basses to go and try for the feel of them.

Dord

Frankiestylee wrote:

Recently I've been thinking of getting a double bass, but realistically I have to forget that pipe dream for the mo and upgrade my bass as I'm somehow playing such an instrument in a band.

So... I know nothing at all about bass guitars, I currently play a spectrum rip-off of a fender p-bass. I reckon I could spend at most €700.

I've spent an hour or so browsing Thomann and I'm a tad confused between the differance between a p-bass and a j-bass. I take it it's precision and jazz, but whats the differance when it comes to playing?

The Precision bass tends to have more of a "Thump" sound whereas the Jazz bass tends to be brighter and has been described as having a "Growl" sound.

Other differences in the basses are that, the P-bass has one split coil pickup which cancels out the hum. The neck is also thicker in width and usually depth.

The J-bass uses two single coil pickups which cancel out the hum when both are on. Granted you arent going to get tonnes of hum, but it may be noticeable. The beauty of the J-bass is the infamous "sweet spot", this is gotten by adjusting the mix of both pickups. The Jazz bass also has a slimmer neck, perfect for smaller hands.

If you can't make a decision between these two may I recommend a bass with a Precision and a Jazz pickup. Normally the Jazz is in the bridge position and the Precision in the neck position. The best of both worlds.

I don't really know how to describe the music I play in bass terms, I think some new recordings are up at www.myspace.com/newamusement , but all I know is it's definitly not slap bass.

Unfortunately I can't listen to the music here, but if I get a chance later I'll let you know if I have any further recommendations as far as basses go.

I've played a Warwick bass and found it lovely (the lovely modtastic "John" on here being the owner), but I've also been looking at those musicman basses, though they're crazy expensive as far as I can see, I tend to respect Yamaha for having quality guitars at not too high prices, and, well, I'm kinda used to playing a p-bass style bass so I wouldn't exclude that. The fender Aerodyne has kinda perked my interest.

All these basses are nice in their own way. Some very different basses you've named there. It seems you keep drawing to Fender designs, (Musicman, Precision, Jazz). Have you had a look at G&L, these are Leo Fenders last designs and undoubtedly his best. You may not be able to afford a brand new G&L but have a look at the G&L tributes. They're a sub-brand but not in the Squier-Fender sense. The tributes have been receiving rave reviews from lots of bassists. Very solid bass with nice tone shaping options, the L series is probably the nicest of these.

Musician Inc carries the G&L range, as does Goodwins (although no basses?) Musician have a fully fledged G&L L-2500, thats a 5 stringer. Probably out of your range but it'd give you an idea of what the L series look like.

I don't need any major bells or whistles, just 4 strings, active pick-ups confuse me so they're not a must have in my eyes.

So any advice would be great, even a few choice basses to go and try for the feel of them.
Ok, here's a few recommendations....

Fender Precision Special (precision and jazz pickups)
Fender Jazz bass
Fender Precision bass
G&L Tribute L-2000

Have a look at the Yamaha's you suggested also.

JacoStanley

Secondhand everytime unless you've got you're eye on something in particular. You could pick up a cool Fender American Jazz for around €700 if you look around. Try basstalk. Always people selling stuff there and you're bound to get a great deal. Or the buyandsell if you'd like to have a try before you buy.

Frankiestylee wrote:

Recently I've been thinking of getting a double bass, but realistically I have to forget that pipe dream for the mo and upgrade my bass as I'm somehow playing such an instrument in a band.

So... I know nothing at all about bass guitars, I currently play a spectrum rip-off of a fender p-bass. I reckon I could spend at most €700.

I've spent an hour or so browsing Thomann and I'm a tad confused between the differance between a p-bass and a j-bass. I take it it's precision and jazz, but whats the differance when it comes to playing?

I don't really know how to describe the music I play in bass terms, I think some new recordings are up at www.myspace.com/newamusement , but all I know is it's definitly not slap bass.

I've played a Warwick bass and found it lovely (the lovely modtastic "John" on here being the owner), but I've also been looking at those musicman basses, though they're crazy expensive as far as I can see, I tend to respect Yamaha for having quality guitars at not too high prices, and, well, I'm kinda used to playing a p-bass style bass so I wouldn't exclude that. The fender Aerodyne has kinda perked my interest.

I don't need any major bells or whistles, just 4 strings, active pick-ups confuse me so they're not a must have in my eyes.

So any advice would be great, even a few choice basses to go and try for the feel of them.

egan007

Ba doom b doom b doom b doom b - doom doom doom

Da do Da do Da do Da do do - do do do

Dinky Dinky Dinky Dinky - Dink Dink Dink

Doodle oodle oodle oodle - do do do
Bamp!

Dord

har de har har... :rolleyes:

Frankiestylee

egan007 wrote:

Ba doom b doom b doom b doom b - doom doom doom

Da do Da do Da do Da do do - do do do

Dinky Dinky Dinky Dinky - Dink Dink Dink

Doodle oodle oodle oodle - do do do
Bamp!

Oh, that sounds like a new killer bassline to me! Nice. Yoink!

G&L eh? Haven't heard of it before but I'll definitly give them a look.

Someone recommended a Fender Aerodyne, I forget the exact reason but I think it's cause they have jazz and precision pickups... are they any use as basses go?

If I saw a nice second hand bass I'd go for it alright, but I'm a tad reluctant as I don't really know whats what, if it was a guitar I'd have a better idea on whether it's a good buy or not.

judas101

aerodynes are sweet.

best of both world's because of the P/J pickup combo.

was gassing over one for ages but resisted.

not forgetting they look the business they're reasonably priced too!

Doctor J

€700 is Bacchus territory. Get yerself to the u-box. There can be no other choice.

Rigsby

Frankiestylee wrote:

G&L eh? Haven't heard of it before but I'll definitly give them a look.

I have a G&L L2000 Tribute. Dont let the word "Tribute "put you off. These have the same pick ups and electronics as the G & L's. They are a VERY versatile sounding bass. Definitly worth a look.

Their site is : www.glguitars.com

unclebill98

Ah no.....you gave up on the Double Bass Dream!!! Ah well,

I play a MusicMan Sting Ray. Great bass, very road worthy and you can cover every style. I was looking for a backup bass just incase. Cause my line of work does not let up for 10 min change a string!!

I've played the MusicMan Sub basses, very good sound and feel to it. I am not a major fan of P Bass by fender but the Jazz are great.

Yamaha, Warwick and the others have there days...

I really have to agree with Rigsby. I played the top range G&L and they are amazing basses, maybe a little to much switches and knobs but each to there own, I do like the growl out of it.......But......I played the Tribute model..... F me thats a very nice peice of gear.

So to stay within you budget the g&l is defo worth looking at, but for that a-b referance play the MusicMan Sub. Musican Inc have them and there set up very nice. The Subs are in MusicMaker, but they do not seem to care much for getting the setup right and they dont feel great...shame really.

Lets know how you get on.

unclebill98

Just incase you still really want that D-Bass sound

http://www.thomann.de/ie/ns_design_wav4_bass.htm

Frankiestylee

Doctor J wrote:

€700 is Bacchus territory. Get yerself to the u-box. There can be no other choice.

Tell me more this magical bass of which you speak?


Where can you check out G&L guitar prices online? Thomann don't seem to have any and I don't really know where else is decent and would have them.
The G&Ls do look rather nice, a re-gigging of the fender design by the band himself I take it? Strangely they don't seem to sell any basses on their online store, only parts.

Rigsby

Frankiestylee wrote:

Where can you check out G&L guitar prices online?

Keep an eye on E-Bay. I saw one for sale recently on
www.buyandsell.ie I think it was in Wexford. Take a look, could still be there.

BTW you can a fairly warm mellow tone by fitting flat strings.

Frankiestylee

Went for an Aerodyne in the end... so glad I did, just got it and it's amazing! Dun dun dun... it must be love, love , love DUN DUNNNN

Parsley

Doesn't exist without pics man!

Frankiestylee

I'm waiting for the lighting to get just right

John

Ban him! He witholdeth the pics!

Dord

I won't believe it til I see the pics....There is no Aerodyne!!!

Frankiestylee

fuchs sake... I'll get me bleedin' camera and assorted models...