What Bass to buy For Tap/Slap

[denhamlee1]

What would be a good bass to purchase if I am really wanting to play tap/slap? G&L? Lakland? PBass? Should I get a 5 string? How wide should the neck be? I'm looking at spending $700-$800. Any help would be appreciated.
Dennis

[chris.gotfunk]

Dennis,
You are going to get 300 reponses of opinions with that question. My suggestion is go to the music store and play the basses. If you know how to slap and tap, do it on all of the basses you are interested in and what ever sounds and feels good to you, go that way. Every bass can be slapped and tapped, it just all depends on what you like. Sorry I did not give you definite answer, but only you can decide what you like.
That said, if you can find a Lakland 44-02 or 55-02, that would be a good way to go. They are very versatile for sure. So, there is my opinionated answer.
Good luck!!!!!
peace,
Chris

[lowb1970]

Originally Posted by denhamlee1

What would be a good bass to purchase if I am really wanting to play tap/slap? G&L? Lakland? PBass? Should I get a 5 string? How wide should the neck be? Any help would be appreciated.
Dennis

I use the Sterling for it all and if I need another tone, I use the Stingray... I find the neck to be very versatile and lends itself to all styles easily. I know I like Music Man, but there are others out there that can say the same about Fender, Lakeland, Fodera...ect. It all comes down to your personal taste. No two are exactly alike and when you find the one that feels comfortable to you...that's the one you should buy. Sorry there isn't one simple answer to your question. I will say that with tapping and slap it is nice to have active electronics IMO. Again, there are those who will disagree and find the passive sound more pleasing. Play as many as you can and when you find the right one you'll know. Best wishes with your search.

[MarkTAW]

LOL, the "What bass to buy for Reggae" thread (in the "Basses" category) devolved into a "It doesn't matter what bass, it's all in the technique" v. "Then why buy expensive basses at all?" debate.

+1 music man (early Flea)

Jazz is also a good choice (Larry Graham). I have a frankenfender Jazz that would be great for slap - low action, crisp tone.

I'm sure Laklands are also great, they have a superb reputation.

My criteria is still "I have to fall in love with it in the store" - and brand is secondary.

[mothmonsterman]

GO to the store, play everything they have that's 100$-up to your price range.

I went in to buy a new warwick,.. came out with a 250$ squire VM jazz.
Like they guy above me you gotta fall in love with it to buy it.
you can tap, pop, slap, pick, pluck strum anything with strings.

[SLaPiNFuNK]

anything 24 frett...

the rest is up to the set up..

[southshoreconor]

Originally Posted by SLaPiNFuNK

the rest is up to the set up..

+1

low action with zero buzz. a very delicate balance, but will play like butter all day. personally i would go with a jazz bass, but i'm not a big slapper.

[Fender32]

Originally Posted by denhamlee1

What would be a good bass to purchase if I am really wanting to play tap/slap? G&L? Lakland? PBass? Should I get a 5 string? How wide should the neck be? I'm looking at spending $700-$800. Any help would be appreciated.
Dennis

A very obvious choice, which is not likely to raise many objections here (although may not be the "ultimate slap machine" ), would be a Fender Jazz (or Jazz Bass design), with a MAPLE fretboard. For slap, this is all some of the greats had and it was enough .

For tapping though , you might want more than four strings. If you're looking to get into that whole "multi-layered" approach to the bass as a solo melodic instrument, which can "accompany itself" by playing bass notes on the lower strings (think Jean Baudine ), even 5 strings might not be enough .

So, maybe you need two basses, afterall .

This post was no help, was it?

[chaosMK]

I've been happy with my Cirrus. It actually facilitated my tapping a great deal. Maybe because they are set up so well. This should probably be in the Basses forum.

[Kobaia]

ibanez btb

[Hella]

i love my fender precision lyte for slap

[stingray56funk]

Kubicki Ex-Factor or Steinberger QX series!

Just two of the 300 basses you are soon to hear about!