Advantages of wide string spacing and long scale length?

[vindibona1]

i'm with this idea = we can get used to a lot of differences in 'feel' even though we may have preferences. ... if you don't know what you like, yet: you will! be patient! good luck!

I would agree with that. My main instrument over the years has been legit trumpet. I played in symphonies for 12 years a(as well as musical theater and concert band) and often we have to play different trumpets in rapid succession. What I learned from that is in practice you just line them up and alternate. After just a few days of practice you can go from one to the other and your body just adjusts automatically. I'm hoping that I'll experience the same thing with my Squier and BTB.

In 6 string acoustics probably my favorite is my 1972 Martin D35. While I prefer the narrower nut there and soft V neck, that didn't stop me from buying two Taylors with wider nuts and C shaped necks. It took some getting used to, but I'm definitely more facile (at that moment) on whichever I practice on.

I've been trying to get more practice time with the Ibanez and in some regard I like it better than the narrow neck of the Squier VM JBass. I'm noticing on the Squier now that the edge by the G string presses into my index finger by the 2nd knuckle and after extended play becomes sore. I don't get that so much with the Ibanez.

I had an interesting discovery this afternoon. In contemplating how to make the TBT more comfortable, I shortened the strap by one notch. It made a noticeable difference immediately. I have the same strap set for the original length so I was able to A/B the different playing heights in rapid succession and I was surprised at how much more facility I had with both hands and a small gain in comfort. I've always been super sensitive to the most minor changes [you don't want to be with me when I fit my ski boots ... like the princess and the pea]. No different with my hands. Been fighting some arthritis, but playing 6 string acoustic loosens my hands, so at least the curse has a blessing.

 

[Eilif]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply.I agree with everything. The problem is I'm too new to serious bass playing to really know what I "love". I know that I don't find anything particularly annoying or significantly horribly more difficult- though it requires a longer reach. I'm finding that finite setup is critical for my comfort. Just yesterday I felt I was working a bit too hard so lowered the relief a bit and that made it easier and faster. I'm wondering if the strings aren't contributing to some discomfort because my fingers are laying on the BTB differently than the Squier? I just put DR Pure Blues strings on it, but wondering if a tape wound like the La Bella set might bring a better level of comfort to help ease me into a bigger bass?

I have 8 days left to return it for a full refund. But I don't know that I'll even find a bass of this quality for what I paid (which was 2x the budget that I originally set for myself). I *think* I could love it in time. I'll see how I do with it tonight.

You're welcome.
I'd focus a bit on the longer reach aspect, to what degree does that affect your enjoyment of the instrument?

It's refreshing to hear you be so candid as to not knowing "What I love". However ask yourself this...
Do I prefer the feel of the squire or the feel of the BTB?

If the answer Squire, I'd return the BTB and look for a similarly equipped Ibanez Soundgear. I know you feel like you found an impossibly good deal, but I assure you there are other deals to be had. There are tons of great Soundgears out there, often for really bargain prices. You can find most of the same features (woods, pickups, preamps, build quality etc) on a Soundgear as a BTB but the Soundgear will have a reach, neck and spacing that are likely more comfortable and familiar to you.

On the other hand, if you got a truely amazing deal such that you could flip it if it doesn't work out, there's nothing wrong with keeping it longer. My suspicion however, is that you're just someone who prefers a slimmer, narrower instrument and there's nothing wrong with that. There's so many basses out there, there's no need to train yourself to adapt to one that feels more difficult. Go with the instrument that feels the closest thing to effortless.

 

[vindibona1]

You're welcome.
I'd focus a bit on the longer reach aspect, to what degree does that affect your enjoyment of the instrument?

Not sure yet. I may know better tonight as I'll have a 2 hour gig to try it out where there isn't so much pressure but the 2 hours of continuous play may tell me a lot.

It's refreshing to hear you be so candid as to not knowing "What I love". However ask yourself this...
Do I prefer the feel of the squire or the feel of the BTB?

I'm not sure if I "love" either... or I'm equipped experientially enough to know. I "like" them both, but differently. I'm a little hampered because I don't yet own a bass amp and have been cheating (rather successfully, actually) with a 75w/12" guitar amp in a condo with crabby neighbors (I got written up for stereo noise- before I even moved in... with no stereo!).

On the other hand, if you got a truely amazing deal such that you could flip it if it doesn't work out, there's nothing wrong with keeping it longer. My suspicion however, is that you're just someone who prefers a slimmer, narrower instrument and there's nothing wrong with that. There's so many basses out there, there's no need to train yourself to adapt to one that feels more difficult. Go with the instrument that feels the closest thing to effortless.

I found out that I have several more days to work with the BTB and have a line on a Yamaha TRBX 605 that I could probably pick up by Tuesday with a 30 day return... But only want to do that dance if they're close in quality. In the SR series I think I'd have to go with a SR875 to get the same quality as the BTB and I'd be looking at considerably more money, even used. I dunno... Could I fall in love with the BTB over time? Perhaps. Probably learn to like the feel as much as I like my Taylors while still preferring the feel of my Martin. Thank you SO much for your help.

 

[Barticus]

Not sure yet. I may know better tonight as I'll have a 2 hour gig to try it out where there isn't so much pressure but the 2 hours of continuous play may tell me a lot.



I'm not sure if I "love" either... or I'm equipped experientially enough to know. I "like" them both, but differently. I'm a little hampered because I don't yet own a bass amp and have been cheating (rather successfully, actually) with a 75w/12" guitar amp in a condo with crabby neighbors (I got written up for stereo noise- before I even moved in... with no stereo!).



I found out that I have several more days to work with the BTB and have a line on a Yamaha TRBX 605 that I could probably pick up by Tuesday with a 30 day return... But only want to do that dance if they're close in quality. In the SR series I think I'd have to go with a SR875 to get the same quality as the BTB and I'd be looking at considerably more money, even used. I dunno... Could I fall in love with the BTB over time? Perhaps. Probably learn to like the feel as much as I like my Taylors while still preferring the feel of my Martin. Thank you SO much for your help.

The Ibanez SR875 - Blue Reef Gradation looks pretty sweet...

 

[vindibona1]

The Ibanez SR875 - Blue Reef Gradation looks pretty sweet...

I think you're right. I played a SR505 mahogany last night and it played quite well. Sadly it was at GC and beat to s***. The 875 would be the SR that I would want but is much more money than I paid for the BTB- almost twice as much. I can get a new Yammie 605 for about the same price. So I'm going to get it for comparison. The BTB is starting to grow on me in spite of being a small canoe paddle.

Last night the GC was on the way to my gig so I stopped in, basically to test amps and got to play a few basses. I had my BTB with me and I got to hear it through a few different amps with varying results. What surprised me was that while having similar specs I HATED the way the American Elite 5 string felt in my hands. Like my BTB so much better. But I also discovered that the Rumbles aren't quite what I'm looking for and while I like the Mark Bass amps a lot, I suspect I'll end up with a TC Electronic BG-250 in a smaller speaker configuration.

 

[Barticus]

I think you're right. I played a SR505 mahogany last night and it played quite well. Sadly it was at GC and beat to s***. The 875 would be the SR that I would want but is much more money than I paid for the BTB- almost twice as much. I can get a new Yammie 605 for about the same price. So I'm going to get it for comparison. The BTB is starting to grow on me in spite of being a small canoe paddle.

Last night the GC was on the way to my gig so I stopped in, basically to test amps and got to play a few basses. I had my BTB with me and I got to hear it through a few different amps with varying results. What surprised me was that while having similar specs I HATED the way the American Elite 5 string felt in my hands. Like my BTB so much better. But I also discovered that the Rumbles aren't quite what I'm looking for and while I like the Mark Bass amps a lot, I suspect I'll end up with a TC Electronic BG-250 in a smaller speaker configuration.

I know what you mean about GC used, I got a smokin deal on a SR that was a little beat up, but I like that blue so I got it for cheap and did a little upgrade on it.

Opinions on Ibanez SR1406te electronic upgrade dilemma

 

[vindibona1]

I know what you mean about GC used, I got a smokin deal on a SR that was a little beat up, but I like that blue so I got it for cheap and did a little upgrade on it.

Opinions on Ibanez SR1406te electronic upgrade dilemma

The SR505 was nice, but it wouldn't be what I'm looking for. A little too unsubstantial, though easy to play. I would bet that this store wouldn't discount it enough to even meet what I paid for the BTB in near mint condition. I've decided to try a Yamaha TRBX 605FM and compare that one with the BTB. I don't seem to mind the 19mm string spacing. The wide nut makes the reach a bit of a stretch but completely playable. The BTB has grown on me but isn't the easiest bass to play. It's been helpful to make the relief really low and the strings as low as I can get them without buzzing. When I go back to the Squier I'm finding some things on the Squier that I hadn't noticed before. Perhaps the BTB is making my technique more "bass-proper" where my left hand can cheat with the narrow neck of the Squier VM.