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A good second bass recommendation...

T

TySlapsBass01

Guest
Sep 29, 2024
74
73
57
singapore
#1
Hey you guys! I have been playing bass for almost two years now...and that got me thinking:"Maybe I should get a second bass!" Because, playing Primus or any slap bass song on a hofner is not the most comfortable or the best...I have set my eyes upon a Harley benton pj-74 VW for some time now as I thought it looked a lot like a Jazz Bass that Les claypool used when he played an Electrifying version of Tommy the cat with Buckethead. But then earlier this week on a saturday, I went to a shopping complex that maybe has the most music shops in Singapore, and just rocked out primus riffs on any bass I could fine. But then, out of curiosity, I chanced upon a Yamaha TRBX 174. Despite it being a beginner bass, It felt good and, I managed to discover a way to mimic Les's tone on a PJ bass(which I will share in another thread). I instantly fell in love but now In a dilemna of which bass to choose. I'll try to let you guys decide which too get, but, if you have other recommendations, i'll check'em out! for now, my budget is $200 to $400 and above.

The new guy,
TySlapsBass
 
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#3
I would get the Yamaha if you picked it up and "Despite it being a beginner bass, It felt good". I think you answered your own question. If it feels good, sounds good, it's good. Price tag shouldn't matter IMO. My fav bass to play with my band is an ATK 300 that cost me like $250 used almost 20 years ago. Unless you have the money to get a Carl Thompson, I'd say go for what feels good and right to you.

Have you ever played the Harley PJ-74? If not, I'g go with the one you know and put your hands.
 
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#4
What @gregmon79 said. I've been playing long enough to know what kind of neck I like. I do my research before buying something online to make sure I'll be able to live with it, and have been pretty lucky. If that's not you, then absolutely only go with what you've had your hands on. If not, make sure there's a generous return policy.

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#7
TySlapsBass01 said:
Hey you guys! I have been playing bass for almost two years now...and that got me thinking:"Maybe I should get a second bass!" Because, playing Primus or any slap bass song on a hofner is not the most comfortable or the best...I have set my eyes upon a Harley benton pj-74 VW for some time now as I thought it looked a lot like a Jazz Bass that Les claypool used when he played an Electrifying version of Tommy the cat with Buckethead. But then earlier this week on a saturday, I went to a shopping complex that maybe has the most music shops in Singapore, and just rocked out primus riffs on any bass I could fine. But then, out of curiosity, I chanced upon a Yamaha TRBX 174. Despite it being a beginner bass, It felt good and, I managed to discover a way to mimic Les's tone on a PJ bass(which I will share in another thread). I instantly fell in love but now In a dilemna of which bass to choose. I'll try to let you guys decide which too get, but, if you have other recommendations, i'll check'em out! for now, my budget is $200 to $400 and above.

The new guy,
TySlapsBass
Click to expand...
When buying an instrument, other than checking out if the bass is in good condition, don't buy with your eyes. Make your choice using your ears and how it matches up to your anatomy, as in is it comfortable to play. Best wishes.
 
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#13
You did the hands on research. You found one that feels good and does the job you asked. Nothing else really matters. I did two gigs yesterday with a Squier Sonic P and a Sterling Ray 2 ("Intro" Series). Both were absolutely a blast to play! You do you. If anyone tells you you should be playing something else then they can buy it for you!

BBB
 
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#15
Stinga1990 said:
I have one of those in the mango top natural finish. Very substantial feel for what it is and great tone. Decent fret work too, got good action and relief on mine. Makes many other beginner priced basses feel like toys. Fills the obligatory passive 4 string niche perfectly for me.
Click to expand...
I just had a look on Yamaha's site at that. I didn't realize they did an 'exotic wood' version. Gorgeous! If I needed a back up I would be very, very tempted. Actually, at that price, I'm tempted anyway! :whistle:
 
#17
If the Yamaha feels good, sounds good, and it certainly looks good, I wouldn't hesitate to snap it up! And if it's the lower end of your budget - so much the better! I've had a few Yamahas over the years and have always been pleased with them. Harley Benton do some great instruments for sure - I've a couple of those too! :D - but you won't be able to play one before you've bought it.
Long story short - get the Yamaha! Good luck. :thumbsup:
 
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#18
Wyrdlow said:
If the Yamaha feels good, sounds good, and it certainly looks good, I wouldn't hesitate to snap it up! And if it's the lower end of your budget - so much the better! I've had a few Yamahas over the years and have always been pleased with them. Harley Benton do some great instruments for sure - I've a couple of those too! :D - but you won't be able to play one before you've bought it.
Long story short - get the Yamaha! Good luck. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Buying online can be a crap shoot.
 
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#19
Ampslut said:
Buying online can be a crap shoot.
Click to expand...
Absolutely! I'm happy to say I've been very fortunate in that regard. In the last ten years my nearest big town has gone from five music shops to zero, so unless I have the time and inclination to make a day of it and travel further afield it's become my usual method, sadly. :(
Thomann - who supply Harley Bentons - have a very good returns system though. So I'm told, anyway - I've been very pleased with my purchases from them. 😁
 
#20
TySlapsBass01 said:
Hey you guys! I have been playing bass for almost two years now...and that got me thinking:"Maybe I should get a second bass!" Because, playing Primus or any slap bass song on a hofner is not the most comfortable or the best...I have set my eyes upon a Harley benton pj-74 VW for some time now as I thought it looked a lot like a Jazz Bass that Les claypool used when he played an Electrifying version of Tommy the cat with Buckethead. But then earlier this week on a saturday, I went to a shopping complex that maybe has the most music shops in Singapore, and just rocked out primus riffs on any bass I could fine. But then, out of curiosity, I chanced upon a Yamaha TRBX 174. Despite it being a beginner bass, It felt good and, I managed to discover a way to mimic Les's tone on a PJ bass(which I will share in another thread). I instantly fell in love but now In a dilemna of which bass to choose. I'll try to let you guys decide which too get, but, if you have other recommendations, i'll check'em out! for now, my budget is $200 to $400 and above.

The new guy,
TySlapsBass
Click to expand...
Sounds like you found it with the TBRX 174
 
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