Bass you can't bond with

[dbsfgyd1]

Fenders.
They always lack something to my ear.

Just a quick question. Is that when you play one, or listening others playing them, like on recordings and even live performances?

The reason I ask is every bass I’ve owned tone wise I thought sounded better with somebody else playing it. I’m curious to find out if I’m nuts or not. Thanks.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Any Warwick bass. I love the tone but they are just not ergonomic for me. Ive had an FNA, Thumb, and a Streamer. Of course I haven't owned a corvette, so maybe I beat my head against the wall one more time.

Also, anything with a graphite neck. after a while that compressed kind of tone starts to grate on me. Ive had a Modulus Q5, Zon sonus custom, Gould. After a while I always found myself wanting something that was edgy, dirtier, not so perfect.

RE: Corvette

You may want to play one first, especially their 5 string. It’s also around 11lbs, so it’s a long night at the dance. I don’t have huge hands but they are bigger than average and I have no issues with the neck. String spacing on the 5 is a little tight for my taste but livable. Bopping back and forth with a 4 string might give you some issues. That all said, monster voice.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Some Jazz's are great and others are hard to bond with -- i.e. dead spots, no bottom, weak response on one string, lack of presence in the mix, overall weak output, etc. You don't know until find the right strings (that too can vary depending on which Jazz you have), set it up properly, and try it out in a band setting. I wish there was greater consistency with them and it's somewhat of a mystery why to me why it's that way so often.

I once read somewhere that reggae players in the 70's got good sounds out of them by using flats, turning the the treble pickup off, and running the neck pickup with the tone up. I'll have to try that on mine sometime.

RE: Fender Jazz

If the tone is up all the way, set the volume on the neck pick up at about 80% open or it will be a tad clunky. See what you think.

 

[GreyBeard]

This will get me kicked out of the Sire bass club. I just sold my Sire V7-5 because I just couldn't bond with it. I wanted to love this bass and it has a lot going for it. But, my hands just can not bond with this neck shape. So I sold it. Sorry Sire club

 

[Algo]

Just a quick question. Is that when you play one, or listening others playing them, like on recordings and even live performances?

The reason I ask is every bass I’ve owned tone wise I thought sounded better with somebody else playing it. I’m curious to find out if I’m nuts or not. Thanks.

Playing them myself

 

[Bassworship1]

I've never been able too bond with 5 string Fenders such as the Deluxe series or Elite Series. I've went several times to try them wanting to buy one and they just seem off to me. Very nice looking and build is good but I've never felt like it was a bass for me.

 

[Gabbs]

My 2013 American P. It's stupid light, like just over 8 pounds. Balances really nicely with the Res-o-lite tuners. Sounds amazing.

I just can't get my hand around the neck. Makes me writhe in pain after a set. I hate that I'm gonna have to sell it.

 

[TomB]

Ricks for me. Love the neck, dig the sound for some things, but playing one on stage? ...impossible for me. I can't even last a set.

 

[mattbass6945]

Ricks for me. Love the neck, dig the sound for some things, but playing one on stage? ...impossible for me. I can't even last a set.

Rough edging on the binding? Contour? Weight? I've never played a Ric, but I have been curious. I've heard it's a love it or hate it thing.

 

[TomB]

The edge on the binding - it wasn't even rough. The way it hung the bass just cut a hole in my right arm. Also, the balance felt off to me. I can't remember more, except that another player came in with an inexpensive Jazz before the 2nd set and I begged him to let me use it. He must have thought I was nuts, but he consented. Ahhhh....

 

[mattbass6945]

I seem to like the stuff no one else does. Maybe I need to try a Ric. Lol

 

[TH63]

I think Jazz basses are gorgeous, but I just can't find one that feels right in my hands. It's usually the neck or pickups that just don't work for me. Other times I can't quite put my finger on it.

Just curious if others suffer from the same affliction. Are there any basses put there you love the look and sound of, but can't find the one?

Smallmouth. I really prefer largemouth. And thunderbirds are a bit uncomfortable but sound awesome.

 

[mesaplayer83]

I seem to like the stuff no one else does. Maybe I need to try a Ric. Lol

I think every serious bassist owes it to themselves to try a Ric at sometime - they're typically very well made instruments, and are iconic for good reason... They don't work for me, personally - but I don't regret having owned one...As long as you buy used, they hold their value well - so you shouldn't lose any money if you decide to flip it... I actually made a nice profit on the 4001 I once owned...

Edited to add a couple pics I dug up:

 

[mattbass6945]

They seem to hold their value. I guess that's good if you already own one or you're selling .lol

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Smallmouth. I really prefer largemouth. And thunderbirds are a bit uncomfortable but sound awesome.

I seem to like the stuff no one else does. Maybe I need to try a Ric. Lol

Back in the 70’s I bought myself a brand new Ric 4001 loved it until I played a 1962 Fender Precision. I couldn’t get rid of my Ric fast enough. Try a Geddy Lee Jazz they can be some of the best Jazz basses I’ve played. For a great price. 54 years playing bass and 700 instruments.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

 

[mattbass6945]

Beautiful Jazz!

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Beautiful Jazz!

Thanks 2012/13 MIM GOTTA SAY. SAHWEET.

 

[Spidey2112]

Back in the 70’s I bought myself a brand new Ric 4001 loved it until I played a 1962 Fender Precision. I couldn’t get rid of my Ric fast enough. Try a Geddy Lee Jazz they can be some of the best Jazz basses I’ve played. For a great price. 54 years playing bass and 700 instruments.

3 of my favorites... probably never play a real '62, but I got the other two covered... 700? Total awesomeness, @EatS1stBassist! Hope you're well, my friend!

 

[JGbassman]

Any Gibson basses. I just love the look of Thunderbirds and SG basses, but I can't get a good tone out of them to save my life, and I can't stand the feel of the necks. Normally if I play a bass long enough I will adapt, but I just can't seem to with them. It's a pity, I love the look of the T bird basses.