Choosing a bass "blindly"

[Andy Brown]

I used to buy used when I first started out (man, about 20 years ago... I'm getting old). I was happy just going through bass after bass.

During career time (not enough time to breathe back then) I put the bass down for awhile. When I realized the value of making time to relax, I got back into playing. I started thinking about the possibilities, then TB came into play. It's like an explosion of possibilities was opened up.

I started thinking about my ideal bass... ash / maple, then I did research on electronics (pickups / preamps), and decided to custom-order. I've never regretted it. It's very satisfying to see your thoughts and ideas come to fruition successfully.

The last bass I picked off the shelf was a Geddy Lee Jazz. Nice bass, but I ended up selling it.

 

[dunamis]

I used to buy used when I first started out (man, about 20 years ago... I'm getting old). I was happy just going through bass after bass.

During career time (not enough time to breathe back then) I put the bass down for awhile. When I realized the value of making time to relax, I got back into playing. I started thinking about the possibilities, then TB came into play. It's like an explosion of possibilities was opened up.

I started thinking about my ideal bass... ash / maple, then I did research on electronics (pickups / preamps), and decided to custom-order. I've never regretted it. It's very satisfying to see your thoughts and ideas come to fruition successfully.

The last bass I picked off the shelf was a Geddy Lee Jazz. Nice bass, but I ended up selling it.

My story is a lot your's AJ! I'm thankful for TB! I suspect my wife feels differently though!


Matt

 

[heath_the_great]

Heath,

Which model did you get? About how much do you think it weighs (maybe you actually weighed it-- I always weigh mine ).

Being a 32" scale guy, I always liked your Kubicki (esp, since it'd been the Stu's). How do find adjusting to the longer scale length?

Tahnks,

Matt

i got the v70j 5er..i havent weighed it yet, i shall shortly, id say around the 9lb mark....it took a little to get used to the extra 3" (thats what she said) but it happened, the b string is what took me the longest, but they're really great basses....the kubicki was good, and id get one again, i just prefer a jazz

 

[dunamis]

i got the v70j 5er..i havent weighed it yet, i shall shortly, id say around the 9lb mark....it took a little to get used to the extra 3" (thats what she said) but it happened, the b string is what took me the longest, but they're really great basses....the kubicki was good, and id get one again, i just prefer a jazz

Yeah, a jazz is tough to beat. Love the vintage vibe. The 70's look of the v70j is my favorite of the KSD line.

Another take on the classic jazz bass that has me really gas'n is the Dingwall Super J. ooooooh-- that hurts!

Thanks for the info.

 

[heath_the_great]

ever want to know anything ksd feel free to ask...im so tempted to get a 70's 4 string and have twins...but the fender marcus miller is sooooo tempting

 

[Dbassmon]

People have all ways of choosing an instrument. The more you know about wood, electronics and construction, the better able you will be to make choices about the type of bass you want to play.

Some guys sort of back into the decision...they play a bass, it sounds cool, it plays cool, that's the one! Other guys know about the sound characteristics of wood, and electronics and try an personalize the their axe in those ways. Anybody that has a custom bass built know all about these decisions.

BTW it doesn't stop there, which amplification, processing, cables, cabinets make a huge difference in the sound chain.

I would be willing to go out on a limb and say any body who gets a worldclass sound has spent a ton of time learning about these differences. I'm talking about the kind of great sound were can identify the playing in a couple of notes. Marcus, Jaco, Squire etc. Getting a great sound is rarely an accident. It takes the same dedication as it does to learn to play.