Thought I'd ask bassists for advice...

[yanick]

Hello dear bassists friends,

first post here and not my first language so please bear with me...

I'm a guitar player/songwriter/producer playing mostly alt country, 70's rock 'n roll, reggae and funk... Althought I've done a few pro recording sessions as a bassist in the past using great equipment (borrowed or rented) I'm looking for a way to improve my home studio setup for really really cheap (my gf is pregnant with our first child and spending money on gear is NOT a popular subject around here, if you know what I mean...)

Since Im really a guitar player I have spent my money on great guitar gear in the past but my "bass" gear kinda suck therefore I cant get a satisfying sound at home...

As it is, my "bass" rig for recording quick demos at home is a "New-York Pro" (it's a p-bass imitation probably as good or bad as a "made in mexico/china fender/squier") plugged straight into M-Box then Ik multimedia SVT Uno as a plugin its allright but i have to spent a lot of time with EQ and comp to make it sound barelly accceptable...

Im looking for a good clean straightforward classic usable bass sound for as little money as possible using what I have as a starting point in other words if you're going to suggest "get a vintage Fender with a '70's svt" you missed the point 'cause If I could afford it, thats what I'd get...

With "best bang for the buck" in mind, Here are a few options Im considering:

A)Investing on better pickups and electronics but is it worth it? Will that make an entry level bass a "decent" bass, if so considering the styles mentionned earlier what pickups would you recommend?

B)Investing on a good DI box (like sansamp or MXR)

D)Get a better bass plugged straight into M-BOX

E)I have read GREAT GREAT things on this forum about Sansamp VT bass, will investing on better pickups and buying the Sansamp VT bass get me there?

I know I know Im asking for something almost impossible (great recording tone for almost no money) but I'm sure real bassist opinions and or ideas can help me get closer...

[scottbass]

You're on the right track. The first question to ask is: does the bass you have play well? If it does - no ungodly fret buzz, stays in tune, action is set decent and it's relatively easy to play, then for sure a pickup/preamp will give you your most bang for the buck. If it were me, I would start with the Sansamp and see how far that takes you as far as getting the sound you want.

If it's still lacking, you might then consider a new pickup. It sounds like you are going for a vintage P bass sound, so the right pickup would be - what else - a vintage P bass pickup. You can buy a real Fender "Original 62 P Bass Pickup" brand new for $75. Other people will recommend DiMarzio, or EMG, or Seymour Duncan (my favorite), or any number of other pickups. But if you want a genuine vintage 70's rock sound, just get the Fender pickup.

But as I said, definitely try the Sansamp first. It might give you enough tone shaping to get you where you want to be.

All usual disclaimers - IMHO, IME, YMMV, etc.

Good luck!