15 basses - Sound test and comparison (mostly Jazz Bass)

[jay loren]

I find it difficult to come to any conclusions.
IMO, the choice of strings and their age makes a huge difference in sound.

 

[watspan]

it would be interesting to post as a "blind" sample to see if peoples responses change

 

[Tom Howland]

I love the 1962- Magic.
The 1972 has a nice 70's tone.
Also the 60 reissue was very respectable.
But the big surprise was the Roadworn, it held it own with the big boys. Nice bass for the money.

 

[Miki Santamaria]

I find it difficult to come to any conclusions.
IMO, the choice of strings and their age makes a huge difference in sound.

Yeah you're right, some people don't really care about strings but, man, there's a huge difference sound wise when they're used or new. HUGE.

 

[jay loren]

Yeah you're right, some people don't really care about strings but, man, there's a huge difference sound wise when they're used or new. HUGE.

I do agree with you, Miki, that the bottom line is really the feel. I haven't yet played a jazz that I couldn't get a sound out of that I like. But the feel makes all the difference.

 

[vstrings]

Miki,
I find your comparison work absolutely extraordinary!
Thank you for sharing this - so helpful for those who have not got access to many different instruments.

I really hope to meet you in London for a bass chat sometime!

Hasta luego,
Renato

 

[Miki Santamaria]

Post updated! I've added one more bass, a Pensa Custom Jazz Bass that I borrowed from a friend

- Pensa Custom Jazz Bass:
Ash body, maple neck, birdseye maple fretboard, Pensa pickups and preamp. Value: 3500$ (new).
https://soundcloud.com/mikisantamaria/pensa-custom-neck-pickup
https://soundcloud.com/mikisantamaria/pensa-custom-bridge-pickup
https://soundcloud.com/mikisantamaria/pensa-custom-slap

 

[WoodyG3]

FYI, Bridge and neck samples for the Pensa Custom aren't working for me.

THANKS for taking the time to do this. Is is very interesting. While I agree that the Jazz Basses sound similar, it's also not hard to pick a few favorites out of this group.

 

[bkbirge]

Sweet comparison. I listened to them all. Loved the Yamaha for everything, it has that pure funk sound. My 2nd fav was the '62, I'd have liked to hear it with the phase fixed but the solo'd pups sound great. 3rd I liked the MM, it had a much different character but I can see it working well with my style. Great playing on all the demos. The Pensa sounded like it had a blanket over it, way different than everything else, didn't care for it too much. And the Pedulla I liked but it sounded 'cheap' in a good way, like a trash bass that's made for fonkin' down and dirty. I kind of expected a cleaner sound on that one but it's got mojo for sure.

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

This thread defines well the different concept we have for "this bass sound awsome" and "awsome tone" we find in many talkbass answers

 

[Miki Santamaria]

This thread defines well the different concept we have for "this bass sound awsome" and "awsome tone" we find in many talkbass answers

Hahah you're right!

Saludos!!!

 

[xroads]

This thread defines well the different concept we have for "this bass sound awsome" and "awsome tone" we find in many talkbass answers

Agreed - there is no 'best' bass sound, people just choose their favorites. IMHO, the best bass sound is the one that fits the music/song you are playing.

 

[DWBass]

77, 76, killer finger & slap tone. I also like the Stingray finger & slap tone. The rest sounded horrendous to me! But that's just through a soundcard. Real life amplification I'm sure would have sounded different.

 

[georgiagoodie]

'Did not listen to the "slap" samples....

'62 KILLS in both neck and bridge. MAGIC!
'72 is next....will have to try those C.S. pups in one of my Jazzes...

GREAT POST!

 

[rockjazzbass]

it would be interesting to post as a "blind" sample to see if peoples responses change

..that would be so hilarious lol
Thanks for the samples Miki, its been so illustrative

 

[WretchedExcess]

Thanks for the samples. I have the same problem that's been mentioned with lo-fi computer speakers, so I'm going to play the clips through an SVT when I get home. That ought to help me to get a better grasp on the real differences in tone.

 

[DarnellBass]

Thought I'd resurrect the thread. The Pensa and 62' jazz is my fav.

 

[Rib 13]

Of all the Jazz basses, I liked the Pensa and 77 the best.....while the SX wasn't my favorite, I liked it better than some of the others.....this was fun, thanks