Best bass for slap?

[threshar]

I dunno about that.. my mexi-jazz always sounded terrible for slap.
and fretted tends to sound a lot better than fretless for slap (That's not to say you can't sound good slapping fretless - I just think fretted slap sounds better. More "funk attack snap" as Larry Graham puts it.

 

[quallabone]

Okay, it's time to stop the madness.
Just about any bass (except maybe a Hofner Beatle Bass) will sound good slapped, if you're willing to work at it... proper technique, proper strings, proper amp settings, etc.
All this navel-gazing is driving me up the wall!

Don't worry about it. It's just another one of those 4 year old threads where people don't read the title and just post the name of their own bass.

 

[dougjwray]

Fretted tends to sound a lot better than fretless for slap (That's not to say you can't sound good slapping fretless - I just think fretted slap sounds better. More "funk attack snap" as Larry Graham puts it.

Good point.

 

[dougjwray]

Don't worry about it. It's just another one of those 4 year old threads where people don't read the title and just post the name of their own bass.

Thanks.
Yeah... it's only a matter of time before someone asks which variety of $3000 bass is best for playing in the key of F# minor, with a pick, on a rainy day, in a leap year, in the Southern Hemisphere.

 

[Greg Jones]

Thanks.
Yeah... it's only a matter of time before someone asks which variety of $3000 bass is best for playing in the key of F# minor, with a pick, on a rainy day, in a leap year, in the Southern Hemisphere.

I could tell you the answer. Well, I actually can't. It's an old, guarded family secret!

 

[d8g3jdh]

Thanks.
Yeah... it's only a matter of time before someone asks which variety of $3000 bass is best for playing in the key of F# minor, with a pick, on a rainy day, in a leap year, in the Southern Hemisphere.

um...

Fodera?

Duh.

 

[Gastambide]

Let's not forget the STRINGS!!! In addition to a low action, lighter string gauges are a must. I currently have DR Hi-Beams (steel 40,60,80,100) on my Spector Euro 4, and this bass just begs to be slapped like the filthy little tart that it is! (I love the thing, after having it professionally set up and some minor fret dressing.)

 

[T-rent]

I have always loved the sound (and feel) of slappin a Stingray, the humbucker just gives that punch that is great for slap... this was until I played a Modulus Flea! OMG! It just demands a spanking ! They are bassically like a Stingray on steroids!

 

[Margus Alviste]

Hey, don't forget US MTD! I have two MTD535s and they are killer slappers. Especially the one with Maple/Rosewood neck and Ash body.

 

[jazzy grille]

MTD

That is all.

 

[30hrz]

Personal vote would be MM SR. I just love that slapped tone.

Having said that I'm planning picking up a Fender Jaguar and seeing what that sounds like.

Side note. I think the Fender Zone would also be a very good guitar for slappin, tone and all. But then for $250 less you could get a Stingray so...

 

[towsonbassist]

Either 1977 MM Sting Ray (I played one a couple times, beautiful things), A ritter bass (not sure which one, but my friend's dad had one, and His dad wanted to jam (my friend plays drums, his dad plays bass and guitar) and I said "I dont have my bass", so his dad pulls out a mint condition Ritter. Or a Specter Euro 4 stringer

 

[ashiin]

Gotta hand it over to Musicman. Stingrays/Bongos slap like heaven

 

[BassAgent]

Definitely a 70's Jazz.

 

[dusan]

fender precision,yamaha rbx and trb's 4

 

[Coelho]

Thanks.
Yeah... it's only a matter of time before someone asks which variety of $3000 bass is best for playing in the key of F# minor, with a pick, on a rainy day, in a leap year, in the Southern Hemisphere.

LOL

loved this one!

Anyway, the answer would be a 2004 Sadowsky, fiesta red, alder body / rosewood fingerboard with a modified tortoise pickguard.

 

[threshar]

Not sure if this one has come up before, but the fender marcus miller jazz is crazy nice for slap (although I had to remove that pup cover, it was in the worst position for me for fingerstyle). I mean, who would have thunk miller'd have a great bass for slap

 

[mat gregory]

My mates got a Sandberg California 5 string which is the best sounding slap bass Ive heard. Great stuff!

My Sterling sounds pretty good slapped.

Ive also tried JayDee basses which are ace to slap. I'll be in john's shop this week, hopefully i can get my hands on another then lol

M

 

[ursus]

Any Fbass with ash body and maple board. WOW

 

[alexofc69]

MTD - I love my MTD Saratoga 5. Perfect for Slap. My MIM Fender Jazz 5 custom that is setup perfectly as well. I have a Schecter Custom 5 that is excellent (although neck is a little narrow for me). These all have rosewood fretboards. My next bass is going to be a new MTD Z5 with a maple fretboard.
It also depends on technique,style and then your amplification.