Backup bass for happy Geddy owner.

Terry-MaQ · #1 02-20-2013, 10:28 AM

What's the craic, lads.
I'm heading on tour this summer, and I've been thinking of getting myself a good backup bass on the 2nd hand market. I can probably spend up to around £800.

It's for a really heavy alt-rock vibe, and the tuning is normally CGCF.
Active or passive, but preferably bolt-on.

Any and all suggestions welcome.

DiabolusInMusic · #2 02-20-2013, 10:43 AM

Are you opposed to another Geddy? If you love it so much why not get a beater version. You can easily find one with that budget.

Terry-MaQ · #3 02-20-2013, 11:01 AM

I had thought about that! I do love my Geddy, but I do lots of recording work and it would be sweet to have some extra (useful) sounds at my disposal.

phillybass101 · #4 02-20-2013, 12:54 PM

Used spector.

pringlw · #5 02-20-2013, 01:21 PM

Personally for what you're doing I'd get a HS or HH Musicman Sterling (not to be confused with Sterling by Musicman).

EBMM Sterling has a nice thin neck like your Geddy and is the most aggressive sounding bass I've ever heard. Slap some rotosounds on it and it's like a rabid dog. You could get a nice second hand one for that much.

lug · #6 02-21-2013, 07:36 AM

Original MIJ Jaguar.

Snakeman1066 · #7 02-21-2013, 07:40 AM

If it were me I would snag a P bass special......

Jazz neck and p/j configuration....

bassgod0dmw · #8 02-21-2013, 07:42 AM

How about a P bass to go with the J?

Terry-MaQ · #9 02-23-2013, 12:20 PM

Is the Sterling really aggressive?? That's just what I'm after.
The previous bassist in the band had a Spector, but he never gigged much over his P-basses...

Thanks for the suggestions.

unclebass · #10 02-23-2013, 01:43 PM

Check out Blacktop Jazz Bass. Configured with dual precision pickups in jazz bass body. Sounds like jazz with both pickups on full, like precision with either neck or bridge pickup on. If you aren't above owning a Squier, their standard jazz bass(discontinued) has a neck that seems to be as slim as the Geddy Lee. Would just need upgrade to electronics to give it a beefier sound. It was even available in black with white pickguard, only with rosewood fretboard.

pringlw · #11 02-23-2013, 08:04 PM

A Sterling HS is the most aggressive bass I've ever heard or had - and frankly I've owned just about every major bass at one time or another. Honestly i havent heard anything thats even really close - the thing's a beast.

The key though is to get an HS (meaning - two pickups, one humbucker and one single coil). You won't get the same effect from the more basic single hum model.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry-MaQ

Is the Sterling really aggressive?? That's just what I'm after.
The previous bassist in the band had a Spector, but he never gigged much over his P-basses...

Thanks for the suggestions.

39-Bassist · #12 02-23-2013, 08:13 PM

+2 on the P bass special. LOVE the tones with the PJ setup...VERY diverse.

**Bassless Fret** · #13 02-23-2013, 08:17 PM

As a Geddy owner, if you're looking for a beater/backup and really like you're current bass, why not look into a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz or Jaguar? Definitely budget friendly, and both have a fantastic sound. The Jaguars have a nice P/J Duncan designed pickup combo that sound wonderful and allows for a lot of versatility. And you can never go wrong with the lovely sounds of a Jazz. haha. Just thought I'd throw that out there as an owner of a VM Jazz myself. Heck, since they are so affordable, you can get one of each and still have some cash leftover to spare.

Love the Geddy bass, though!