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BASS CRISIS!!!

In Absentia

In Absentia

Jul 5, 2008
306
0
#1
Ok, I have been trying to find the perfect bass for the style I play (post-Progressive Rock like Porcupine Tree, Pineapple Thief, etc.). I know that Colin from Porcupine Tree uses a Wal Mach bass on a lot of their early albums, and uses a Spector on the new stuff. I can't afford the Wal or the Spector new (I don't buy used; been screwed over WAY too many time for that), so I'm looking for something that approximates that sound. I'm thinking an EBMM Stingray 5 or a G&L L2500. However, I am open to opinions on the subject.

The bass amp I have is a Mesa Boogie Titan V12 through a Powerhouse 4x12.
 
#4
In Absentia said:
What makes you think the G&L is the right one? (disclaimer: I'm not saying it isn't the one; I'm just curious.)
Click to expand...

I think if it came down to it, the G&L would be a lot more versatile. They'll probably both be of similar build quality, so I really don't see that as being an issue.

The L2500 has a more versatile electronics package (dual pickups, active/passive electronics, more eq options, etc.)

And, should you decide to sell it, I think it will retain its' resale a little better, seeing as how there aren't a ton of them on the used market.

Just my opinion, mind you.

Good luck!
 
#5
6Steve6Harris6 said:
I think if it came down to it, the G&L would be a lot more versatile. They'll probably both be of similar build quality, so I really don't see that as being an issue.

The L2500 has a more versatile electronics package (dual pickups, active/passive electronics, more eq options, etc.)

And, should you decide to sell it, I think it will retain its' resale a little better, seeing as how there aren't a ton of them on the used market.

Just my opinion, mind you.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks, and you opinion is exactly what I'm looking for.
 
#8
Some of the Euro Spectors are about the same price as a Music Man or G&L, and offer a bit more of the grindy, cutting modern rock tone you are looking for. I've always like Spectors, and they have better playability than a MM (in my opinion), and are extremely well made. Put a Euro Spector (ReBop series or Euro series) on your list, too.
 
#9
Greyvagabond said:
Some of the Euro Spectors are about the same price as a Music Man or G&L, and offer a bit more of the grindy, cutting modern rock tone you are looking for. I've always like Spectors, and they have better playability than a MM (in my opinion), and are extremely well made. Put a Euro Spector (ReBop series or Euro series) on your list, too.
Click to expand...

I probably wouldn't play a ReBop, but I have looked @ the Euro series and I really like 'em. I think they are like $150 more than I have at the moment.
 
#10
In Absentia said:
Ok, I have been trying to find the perfect bass for the style I play (post-Progressive Rock like Porcupine Tree, Pineapple Thief, etc.). I know that Colin from Porcupine Tree uses a Wal Mach bass on a lot of their early albums, and uses a Spector on the new stuff. I can't afford the Wal or the Spector new (I don't buy used; been screwed over WAY too many time for that), so I'm looking for something that approximates that sound. I'm thinking an EBMM Stingray 5 or a G&L L2500. However, I am open to opinions on the subject.

The bass amp I have is a Mesa Boogie Titan V12 through a Powerhouse 4x12.
Click to expand...

You've been screwed over before on instruments? If you have alot of personal experience I'm probably not going to change your mind, but if you are only $150 short of the Spector you are eying, why not try shop around locally for a used one? For the most part what you play is what you get. There may be minor things about the instrument you don't realize in the first 15 minutes. But buying used will probably save you ~$300, and there's going to be nothing you miss on first inspection that a $150 set-up likely won't fix.

And besides, when you are buying higher quality used instruments it's far more likely that their original owners took better care of them then cheaper instruments. It would be a shame you missed out on the instrument you really wanted because of what likely amounts to a less than 10% price increase. Just a thought.
 
#11
DyerWolf said:
You've been screwed over before on instruments? If you have alot of personal experience I'm probably not going to change your mind, but if you are only $150 short of the Spector you are eying, why not try shop around locally for a used one? For the most part what you play is what you get. There may be minor things about the instrument you don't realize in the first 15 minutes. But buying used will probably save you ~$300, and there's going to be nothing you miss on first inspection that a $150 set-up likely won't fix.

And besides, when you are buying higher quality used instruments it's far more likely that their original owners took better care of them then cheaper instruments. It would be a shame you missed out on the instrument you really wanted because of what likely amounts to a less than 10% price increase. Just a thought.
Click to expand...


Don't confuse me with numbers :p

Nah, seriously, it is something to consider.
 
#12
6Steve6Harris6 said:
I think if it came down to it, the G&L would be a lot more versatile. They'll probably both be of similar build quality, so I really don't see that as being an issue.

The L2500 has a more versatile electronics package (dual pickups, active/passive electronics, more eq options, etc.)

And, should you decide to sell it, I think it will retain its' resale a little better, seeing as how there aren't a ton of them on the used market.

Just my opinion, mind you.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

What he said. I'm more of a Warwick guy myself, but I absolutely love my maple fretboard L-2000 because it covers so much other sonic gorund.
 
#13
In Absentia said:
Ok, I have been trying to find the perfect bass for the style I play (post-Progressive Rock like Porcupine Tree, Pineapple Thief, etc.). I know that Colin from Porcupine Tree uses a Wal Mach bass on a lot of their early albums, and uses a Spector on the new stuff. I can't afford the Wal or the Spector new (I don't buy used; been screwed over WAY too many time for that), so I'm looking for something that approximates that sound. I'm thinking an EBMM Stingray 5 or a G&L L2500. However, I am open to opinions on the subject.

The bass amp I have is a Mesa Boogie Titan V12 through a Powerhouse 4x12.
Click to expand...

Was he not using a Bongo on the Arriving Somewhere (or what's its name) DVD? G&L might be right up your alley. Maybe a Lakland?
 
#15
I just played a used Euro 4 XL this afternoon.

Very light, nice neck and sounded very nice.

The only thing I could find fault with is the inlays were a bit sloppily done, with bits of the epoxy over flowing to the board.

I think a little more attention could have been made to that detail for the price range.

MM
 
#16
I would go for a Warwick Corvette (Passive if you want)..if you can find one at a reasonable price, they are great for that kind of sound, and built very well.

if that isn't your cup of tea..i would choose the G&L as well, although most MM these days have dual pickup designs as well....

but definately check out the Warwick, i had one years ago, and it is the only piece of gear i truly regret selling.

hope that offers some insight.
 
#17
LDonnie said:
Was he not using a Bongo on the Arriving Somewhere (or what's its name) DVD? G&L might be right up your alley. Maybe a Lakland?
Click to expand...

Yeah, he was using a Stealth Black Bongo, but he only used those for that tour. Most of my favorite tracks of his were done with the Wal or the Spector.

I like the Laklands, but worry that they might be too "kind" for this type of music. To be fair, I haven't heard the new Laklands that are in the 55-02s.
 
#18
RickenBoogie said:
I got nothing in the way of another option, but wanted to say your rig is killer. I wanted a Boogie 412 for a long time, very nice set up. A ric would sound fantastic through your rig.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I've had to wait a long time without a rig to save up for this puppy. I'm absolutely thrilled with it.

A Rick would certainly sound nice through this thing. I've never been able to lay my hands on one though.
 
#19
I have a G&L Tribute L2500 and it works for everything. The longer I've had it, the more I love it and find new tones. Here's how I get the tones I'm looking for: neck/bridge/both pickup selection, series/parallel, passive/active/trebleboost, passive and active Eq'ing, raising/lowering pickups, volume tone change, and the incredible sensitivity to where you pluck. You might have to spend some time getting the sound you want.
 

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