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BC rich Beast Bass

#3
Hey. There are a lot of people who like BC Rich...let me just say that my friend has had a BC Rich Beast as his main bass for the past 8 years. He really likes the dual P configuration, but the pointy horns get chipped EVERYWHERE. It's also very uncomfortable to sit and play, as there is no contour to balance on your leg. Plus, honestly, dual P sounds cool, but not the BC Rich dual P.

You would be much better served in my opinion to pick up a P Bass Special or Deluxe depending on your budget. If you HAVE to have that metal look (which I think P basses have anyway), I'd go for an ESP F404 and drop some Nordstrands in it, or even an Ibanez Iceman.

That's my $0.02, but that's not counting impending inflation. :)
 
#4
I have an NJ... i like it very much.

dont let anyone tell you that they're "one trick ponys" or the such. they can play anything you want , and the tone is many times more versatile than a p-bass (dual p pups).

now as far as the NJ v NT, I believe that the NT took over the spot of the NJ in their lineup a few years ago. they're the same quality, but the NT is neck through, whereas the NJ is bolt on.

but if they're competitively priced, I'd probably go with the NT.

oh, and yes the points do chip... major chips can really make you sad, but the smaller ones just add character
 
#5
For sure it's versatile. You know what actually? My gripe with them is that they sound "clanky" sometimes. Dual P w/ flats might sound amazing. I play in a hard rock band and I used a P w/ flats and 15" speakers for a while (moving to J w/ flats soon) which is the exact opposite of what most people "think" rock should be played on... J w/ rounds through a wall of 10s... and I got compliments all the time about my tone, and even my playing, haha.
 
#7
Depending on price, I would take the NT. Pointy guitars do chip, I know, I own a few! Also around that price range check out the Heritage Classic Mockingbird or Eagle NT. The NJ/NT series are good value in the ~$500 range.

Bamba22 - That is an uneducated comment. Try a handmade BC Rich, not the crap they sell at GC (which btw is no worse than any of the other crap in it's price range). Handmade BC rich's are first rate boutique instruments. Tell me, does this look like crap?

quilty_goodness3.jpg


Maybe you don't like the body shape, that's fine, but solid quilt wings dual "P" and semi active electronics make this bass able to cop a variety of tones.
 
#8
mournblade said:
Maybe you don't like the body shape, that's fine, but solid quilt wings dual "P" and semi active electronics make this bass able to cop a variety of tones.
Click to expand...

I think the shape looks alright, but I've always thought of them (much like Gibson) that they're a brand for guitarists. Pointy or not, the shapes tend to work on their guitars for the most part better than on bass.
 
#9
LOL, the Mockingbird and Wave were both designed as basses first! But again, too each their own. I only take exception when I hear ignorant comments like "they are crap". Most people who say that have never played one, or have only played low end models. Personally, I like the shapes, they add a little visual pizzaz over the standard p/j look (not that those are bad, I have a hankering for G&L SB2 or a P Bass Deluxe OR A Jazz 24)
 
#11
mournblade said:
LOL, the Mockingbird and Wave were both designed as basses first! But again, too each their own.
Click to expand...

Hmph, interesting. I always assumed the other way around because the guitars just tend to "work" better IMHO. I used to own a Mockingbird SL guitar and a 12/6 doubleneck guitar. If I were still a guitarist, I would easily consider a Mockingbird with all of the trimmings.

I think they were and still are a good company, but like many companies, they're defined by their budget models. I think their building abilities are good, although I think there are many luthier tricks they could utilize if they wanted to tap into the uber ergonomic and somewhat high tech department.
 
#12
Don't Let anyone discourage you. Stick with the NJ series or the high end series. But that's how most companies are.. the low end series aren't that great. Plus they are damn good looking basses. Wish they made a 5 string NJ beast.
 
#14
the neck through will give a deeper bassier sound but if it warps or you scratch the paint its way more expensive to fix. ive found the bolt ons are snappier and the neck throughs growl more. i personally like the bolt ons better but its because of preference rather that quality.
 
#17
Theyre both excellent imo however Id pick the neck thru for darker tone. Normally neck thru would be brighter due to the extra maple in body. But as I remember the NJ series didnt use mahogany like the NT series does. Had a brighter body wood.

BTW I had a beast bass back when they had chesswood body. Excellent crunchy sound with plenty of low end and top available.Did have to raise the bass control a tad for that darkness though. Anyway, the top front horn can tend to poke you in the body some. And the size especially in its case made for some hassles in transport. Getting the thing to fit in rear passenger comp of car was hard, case and all is so long.
 

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