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Can I have "pro" for less than a grand?

N

Nivlem

Nov 9, 2009
34
0
#1
OK a bit tongue in cheek here, but kind of serious too... :)

I currenly have an Epi Viola (not bad, using it as practice bass at the moment), and a parts "P" in the works that I plan to string with flats.

So, I'm looking for a bass under a grand (if possible) that can do the more "modern" sounds:

  • good for slap/pop
  • the typical bridge pickup sound
  • maybe a bit of neck pickup growl too?

What I'm looking for, most of all, is something "pro". I mean, a bass that will not get me laughed off a recording session or an audition. Know what I mean?

Other requirements:

  • 5 strings -- that's a must for a "pro" instrument these days, right?
  • 24 frets is better
  • Active or passive, I don't really care. I guess active would be nice to complement to my 2 other axes. I just want it to sound good, modern and as noise-free as possible.

New, I guess I could go for some type of Carvin or maybe a Warmoth build... but then, try to explain Warmoth to a non-bass/guitar player... Maybe a used Fender?

I'm not in a hurry to buy, and I'm open to buy used too. Any recommendations on which brands/models to stalk on TB ads, Craigslist or Ebay are welcome.

Thanks in advance!
 
#3
Different brands will be respected (or dissed) in different contexts, regardless of their quality. There are some circumstances where only a Fender P or J will be taken seriously. Others where only a pointy black 6-string ESP will do. :) Some people are hip to Sadowskys, others are hip to 80's JV Squiers, and others will stare blankly at either of those and ask you when you're buying a "real Fender".

As to the money, absolutely yes you can get "pro" for under a grand. Just cruise the TB classifieds, they are littered with insanely good deals on high-quality basses.
 
#4
There is a Bongo 6 HH going around in my local craigslist for about 875. I can hook you up with the guy if you want it, and I think he might even be a TB'er here. He's also got a Fender American Jazz Standard with Nordstrands for 825. If I'm somehow illegally hocking his products here, I'm sorry and will edit my post as needed.
 
#5
Nivlem said:
OK a bit tongue in cheek here, but kind of serious too... :)

I currenly have an Epi Viola (not bad, using it as practice bass at the moment), and a parts "P" in the works that I plan to string with flats.

So, I'm looking for a bass under a grand (if possible) that can do the more "modern" sounds:

  • good for slap/pop
  • the typical bridge pickup sound
  • maybe a bit of neck pickup growl too?

What I'm looking for, most of all, is something "pro". I mean, a bass that will not get me laughed off a recording session or an audition. Know what I mean?

Other requirements:

  • 5 strings -- that's a must for a "pro" instrument these days, right?
    [*]24 frets is better
  • Active or passive, I don't really care. I guess active would be nice to complement to my 2 other axes. I just want it to sound good, modern and as noise-free as possible.

New, I guess I could go for some type of Carvin or maybe a Warmoth build... but then, try to explain Warmoth to a non-bass/guitar player... Maybe a used Fender?

I'm not in a hurry to buy, and I'm open to buy used too. Any recommendations on which brands/models to stalk on TB ads, Craigslist or Ebay are welcome.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

5 strings aren't a requirement for pro basses. I certainly like them, but you can find a plethora of models that are 4 bangers. Also, 24 frets MAY be better, but so might 20 or 21. I personally never use the higher frets, but I buy 24 fret basses because they tend to lend to a deeper cutaway, which in turn gives better balance and decreased weight in my opinion. But I definitely recommend you to try certain models, as each bass is going to be different, even if the finish is the only thing that sets them apart.
 
#6
It's not hard to find a used USA G&L L2500 for $750-900 in near new shape that meets every requirement you laid out--pro quality, good studio instrument, active, passive, 5-string. People who know what a G&L is respect them as excellent instruments.

And if you don't need 5 strings, you can get a USA G&L L2000, ASAT, L1500, JB-2 or SB-2 for less than the L2500 and any of them will also do what you need, though the JB-2 and SB-2 are passive only.
 
#7
I find 5 strings not as fun for slapping as 4 strings but it's manageable unless you got bear paw sized hands.

personally I'd go for a used EBMM SR5.
the fit and finish on EBMMs is the best I've personally seen (though I havent tried one from more recent years), it does the modern thing great, has a great slap tone (though it's a personal preference), can do the classic stingray bridge tone plus a single coil tone and a beefed up series mode and will not sound or look out of place in any kind of gig.
only con I can find is it doesn't have 24 frets which I personally don't really care for but seems to be of some importance for you.

for a session player I'd say a P with flats and an SR5 is a great combination that covers the majority of bass tones you'll be called for.
 
#9
A bass doesn't make someone a "pro" - the player does.

That said, a grand will buy a huge variety of basses. You might look (like mentioned above) at the Laklands, G&L's, or even think about maybe getting a J Bass and adding a active preamp setup.
 
#10
G&L USA
Peavey USA

Either can be had for under $1000 easily...sometimes half that. I paid $350 for my Peavey Millennium USA and it's just as much 'pro' as the $2500 Spector, Laklands, or Zons that I had before it. In fact, it's a much better bass for ME than any of those.
 
#12
JohnnyB53 said:
It's not hard to find a used USA G&L L2500 for $750-900 in near new shape that meets every requirement you laid out--pro quality, good studio instrument, active, passive, 5-string. People who know what a G&L is respect them as excellent instruments.

And if you don't need 5 strings, you can get a USA G&L L2000, ASAT, L1500, JB-2 or SB-2 for less than the L2000 and any of them will also do what you need, though the JB-2 and SB-2 are passive only.
Click to expand...

+1 except I went further and got the Tributes (a used L2500 and brand new L2000). Does everything you listed.
 
#13
snyderz said:
I know you said 'tongue in cheek', but the player is the pro, the bass is the tool. The only thing that will get you laughed out of a recording session is if you suck. I won't even comment on a 4 string not being a pro bass. :rollno:
Click to expand...

+1

show up to any audition or recording session with "pro gear" (if there is really even such a thing) and not bring any chops or talent with you, and the experience will have you looking for the nearest woodshed.
 
#15
Just go and buy what feels right, if other players laugh at you for what you play it's not worth your time to play with them anyways. As long as the bass fills your needs it's perfect, don't just go with a fender like every other Jaco wanna-be because it's "pro"

My controversial 2 cents :)
 
#17
I don't get it why you guys are so hard on him.
the OP asked for a pro grade bass which for me means a bass that a professional bassist (i.e. someone who plays bass as a profession) would choose which for me means a bass that has good fit and finish, holds a setup, holds a tuning and has a sound which fits a wide variety of genres or a variety of sounds which makes it versatile.

as someone who plays 4 strings exclusively (came back from 5 about 4 years ago) I don't feel like he was patronizing 4 string basses or their players and I do agree that a multi genre session player would need an extended range bass which is nowdays often called for in Hip Hop and Metal.
 
#19
air_leech said:
I don't get it why you guys are so hard on him.
the OP asked for a pro grade bass which for me means a bass that a professional bassist (i.e. someone who plays bass as a profession) would choose which for me means a bass that has good fit and finish, holds a setup, holds a tuning and has a sound which fits a wide variety of genres or a variety of sounds which makes it versatile.

as someone who plays 4 strings exclusively (came back from 5 about 4 years ago) I don't feel like he was patronizing 4 string basses or their players and I do agree that a multi genre session player would need an extended range bass which is nowdays often called for in Hip Hop and Metal.
Click to expand...

The things is, it is SOOOO specialized and unique for each player that it's as if he's asking for what shoe size he should start wearing. He needs to go find what is right for HIM not what's right for someone else.
 
#20
Anything that remotely resembles a Fender will be perfectly fine.

I'd probably recommend a p/j or a h/s configuration for pickups because you're going to need a variety of tones like the pros.

5-string - yes. No pro will be respected with only a 4-string. In any case, you have a 4-string (or two), why not add a 5er into the collection and become more well-rounded?

24 frets = necessity. Anything less and you'll begin to question your manhood - not very pro-like. As previously said, 24-fret necks usually require a deeper cutaway, which is much more comfortable for upper fret access, even if you never use anything past the 20th.

Active = life-changing. All the pros use actives, and anyone who says otherwise is not a pro by any definition of the word. You haven't played a bass until you've played one with either active electronics, active pickups, or both. The tonal shaping is far greater, and the pickups can sound much more modern. Sometimes, for a more vintage sound, I prefer a passive pickup, but I almost always have active electronics because I love having a mid control. YMMV.

6-string basses can be elegant and classy, just like 4-(or less!!!)-string basses can be whacked out! Every single person that looks at your pass will pass judgement on you - even the pros get it. Go into a studio, if you aren't playing a Fender (not a look-a-like, a REAL FENDER), you don't belong there. Go play in a jazz fusion setting, and you'll be ridiculed for having frets and/or not having enough strings. Different strokes for different folks.

Get a bass that emulates the type of work you're trying to do as a pro.


EDIT: And ignore every comment about Carvin basses - they are very dull and lifeless. Gorgeous basses, great price, excellent craftsmanship, but until they offer the ability to put different pickups and preamps into their basses, I will not be purchasing from them.
 

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