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Bass Shapes

#41
If your worrying about such a thing, stop playing bass and take up some other hobby. Really, everything from really weird looking boutique exotics to wildest BC Rich & Monson, and ultra conservative (fender) have been played in rock and pop music and allmost every other genre.
 
#42
Here are the basses:
ESPLTDEX-104001.jpg


Thats the EX
2nd choce:
47107_l.jpg


3rd choce: the thunderbird
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Any opinions on these basses? for mostly rock, punk etc...

Are they too pointy?

Btw thanks for all your comments.
 
#47
LuckySeven77 said:
Hey Guys, I'm getting a new bass soon, and was wondering about the shapes thing. Like some people say that Explorer, or V-Basses are only for like metal and like different shapes are only for certain genre, so My question is: can one use a maybe... a Z shaped bass to play stuff like pop, funk or maybe rock and not get laughed at, or should one stick to the "specific genres" of the bass? I'm getting my first Bass soon and would really appreciate comments. Thanks!
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There are some shapes that are classic and can be accepted pretty much everywhere. They tend to have a more classical style of design and more symmetry. Here are two basses with body designs that predate 1960, and are still overwhelmingly popular and occur in most every genre: the Fender Precision Bass and the Rickenbacker 4000 Series Bass. Truly classic designs and if you're wanting to look good on stage neither will fail you. The P Bass is overwhelmingly familiar, and the Ric has an intrinsic appeal. The only people I've heard complain about the looks of either one are whiny bass players. The Ric is a bit unique in that the cresting wave motif in the body is repeated in the headstock.

A design that came later, but is also hard to beat looks-wise: the MusicMan Stingray. Again, it has a certain symmetry especially as far as the body goes. Like the Ric and the P Bass its upper horns catch the eye but aren't distracting.
 
#48
Low-Bottom-E said:
As others have mentioned the so called, conservative Fender, is fool-proof safe and will be a sound investment in terms of tone,quality and resale value.Nonetheless, a design I'm particularly fond of and many find ugly or worse, is the original Danelectro Longhorn.I own a Jerry Jones version, which is a higher end, boutique copy, with better quality material/workmanship.In terms of playability, this bass is stupid light and easy to play,(it's a short scale,small body,incredible upper fret access/ALL 24! & LIGHT in weight).It also boasts a distinctive ,punchy tone,with a surprisingly funky, low end.For recent guitar converts, this instrument comes highly recommended...some can't get past it's aesthetics?
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Great call man! I'm actually thinking about picking up a Danelectro Longhorn reissue down the road.... I love the unique look, price, history and all the pros you mentioned earlier!

Anyways, to the OP, since its your first bass pick what is in a good price range for yourself, who knows you might end up hating bass!!! (Say it can't be so!!) Also play around with different models at your local stores, see what one you like the best!

Another heads up on "thunderbird" models, are they spose to have alot of neck dive??
 

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