Bass for a non Bass player

8_Ace

I'm looking for recommendations on what to look for in a bass for a novice. I play guitar and in the dim past had a squire precision. I'm happy to spend a few quid and know my stuff when it comes to guitars but need some guidance when it comes to basses.

I do know I want a 4 string (simple is as simple does) other than that I may as well be looking into a ditch.

I'd be playing a bit of everything except jazz and metal.

Any advice greatly accepted.

Ravelleman

About how much would you be looking to spend?

I don't think you can beat the versatility of the G&L L-2000, either in its Tribute or US versions.

8_Ace

Thanks for that Ravellman, I have a thing about G&L's, love them, I'd go 1000-1200, and more for the right instrument. Other suggestions would be appreciated too.

Celly Smunt

how much is a few quid?

Jackson used to do some very nice budget basses but i don't know if they do anymore,jackson c20 i think it was.Played like a dream.

8_Ace

Hi pmcmahon, see above for budget thanks for the post.

Celly Smunt

I that case I'd go for a G&L and slap some nice high output pickups in there.

8_Ace

Thanks for that. what about Warwicks ?

Rigsby

pmcmahon wrote: »

I that case I'd go for a G&L and slap some nice high output pickups in there.

Another vote for the G&L, but why would you want to change the PUPS ????

The L 2000 is renouned for it's high out put PUPS. They are one of the hottest there is, along with those on the G&L SB2, which is another option for the OP if he wants a precision type bass but not the wide neck ( the SB2 has a jazz neck).

Another recommendation would be a Tokai Hardpuncher. I think there are two available on "Adverts".

Ravelleman

I wouldn't buy a G&L and swap out the pickups. People do that a lot with their electrics - S-500s and ASATs in particular - but it's completely missing the point of G&L guitars. The basses are no different.

Rigsby

If you do decide to check out a G&L, AFAIK the only places in Dublin that stock them are "XMusic" (Tribs only), and sometimes "Someneck Guitars" has used USA G&L's.

auti

To balance things out a bit, I'm gonna recommend a Warwick $$ (Double buck) - ultra versatile bass with a sound all of it's own. The output from the two MM humbuckers is very hot and each humbucker can be tapped to function as a single coil, in series or in parallel.... tonnes of options in other words.

Warwick build quality is second to none and all of their high end basses carry a pretty specific low mid growly tone which helps you cut through the mix without having to do any mad EQing.

The G&Ls are also lovely instruments but for my taste the sound is just a bit generic, which can be very very useful, but the Warwicks have a little something extra all of their own and the $$s definitely have a distinct voice. You should at least give one a shot.

reniwren

Really is a list as long as your arm in that price range, form sandbergs to Yamaha's you really do need to go try a few and see what you like the feel of. Any bass can fit any style if played correctly.

Sorry for the off topic question but, Why are people suggesting overly high output pickups just curious,

Rigsby

reniwren wrote: »

.
Sorry for the off topic question but, Why are people suggesting overly high output pickups just curious,

Yes, the G&L L2000 happens to have high output PUPS, but my reason for suggesting the Tribute or USA G&L L2000 was not based on the PUPS alone, but on the over all quality, build, value for money, varied tonal options, and the fact that it beats most MIM (and even some MIA) Fenders hands down for the price.

Another reason was that IMO G&L basses are not very well known and therefore very underrated, so now the OP has more options to check out rather than the usual stock answer of a Fender.


You are correct, the OP needs to try out many basses. I assumed he was asking for opinions/recommendations on which ones to try.

reniwren

Oh dont get me wrong I know the original poster asked what models were recommended, Was just wondering why anyone would recommend changing any pickups to hotter ones, nothing worse than a dose of input clipping,

Might try taking a look at the for sale section in basschat.co.uk and get a few nice ideas, always a pretty decent varied selection,

I'll always recommend any ACG Bass example of something available now http://acguitars.co.uk/Available/23/ Alan has always looked after me great service and just the most amazing basses

punchdrunk

I'm going to suggest something a bit left field!



Fender Mustang bass!

I simply adore mine

Ravelleman

I've often thought that whenever I get around to buying a bass, I should seriously consider a Mustang bass. I find the short scale length appealing. Where did you get yours?

punchdrunk

Ravelleman wrote: »

I've often thought that whenever I get around to buying a bass, I should seriously consider a Mustang bass. I find the short scale length appealing. Where did you get yours?

got mine in Jimmy's, I love the scale lenght as I'm not the biggest dude in the world so it fits me well!

Rigsby

reniwren wrote: »

Was just wondering why anyone would recommend changing any pickups to hotter ones, nothing worse than a dose of input clipping,

I accept your point. Firstly, the PUPS play a major part in the G&L L2000's tone. Second, even if someone wanted to change them for a higher output PUP, I doubt if they could find one.

I dont experience any clipping problems with my L2000, and if I did, there is always the gain and/or volume knobs.

unclebill98

Tbh the last thing you should be doing is swapping pickups out of your bass. Generally unless your buying total crap it's not needed.

If your getting clipping the issue ain't the pic ups, it's more down to pushing it to much at some point of the chain.

slavetothegrind

Definitely go second hand, with that budget you should pick up a great bass
Would agree re pup changing, if you want to do that with a bass of that value you simply have the wrong bass!

Me I would be buying a music man

Rigsby

unclebill98 wrote: »

Tbh the last thing you should be doing is swapping pickups out of your bass. Generally unless your buying total crap it's not needed.

slavetothegrind wrote: »

Would agree re pup changing, if you want to do that with a bass of that value you simply have the wrong bass!

In fairness lads, the OP never mentioned changing PUPS. It just happened to be mentioned by someone else.