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Choosing a bass ( help )

Worshipbass12

Worshipbass12

Feb 23, 2013
1,597
929
Nw georgia
#1
Hey guys i'll try to keep this short. I tore 2 ligaments in my wrist which has made playing very painfull, i had to sell my am std pbass because it was just too painfull to play. I will be able to start playing again soon and need advice on which bass fits my needs the best. So here is my list of needs.
Active ( so i can play with a lighter touch and reduce stress on my hand )
5 string ( good range of octaves without having to move a lot )
Thin & narrow neck ( to reduce stress & fatigue )
Close string spacing ( reduce stress and fatigue again )
Good looks ( must be a good looking bass as i will play out a lot and also i play at church.)
My genres will be christian rock, southern rock, country
Thanks for any help you can give in narrowing down my choices
 
#5
Please let us know how you're able to spend. That will help with offering up some good options.

In my personal experience, short scale basses have lower string tension and the reach between notes is noticeably easier -- especially across the first 5-7 frets.

Depending on the severity of the issue you're dealing with, an ultrashort scale bass may be the best option. Also many more choices if you open up your search to four string instruments.

A final note, please follow your physical therapist's advice about exercises and when you can return to playing. If you try to rush your return, you could end up worse off than before the surgery. I speak from experience on this!
 
#7
you should be able to find a new Ibanez in that price range. They have a nice narrow neck. You may also want to look at Musicman. You might be able to find a used American Stingray or a new import. Stay away from Fender and Carvin. Their necks are too big.
 
#8
See if you can find a 30" scale bass. It will be much easier to play especially on the first few frets. I'd recommend a Mosrite but there are no 5-strings. Check out rondomusic.com for some short scale basses. They may have a 5-string model available. Don't let the low prices sway you, their instruments are generally very good quality.

Rick B.
 
#15
I play a Ubass at my church 90%of the time.its effortless to play and sounds unbelievable. They make a solid body 5 string but it costs about a grand. They have the same model in a kit for substantially less. Looks are deceiving with the basses. YouTube has a bunch of recordings that sound horrible with them, but trust me they really sound great!
 
#16
Get an ibanez sr 505 or 755 they fit all your criteria. I've played top of the line warwicks and I can say those ibanez basses are way better. They're inexpensive I think a new 505 is like $500-600 at musicians friend. I had a 505 for a few years at church and it sounded good in any type of song we did. From country hymns to gospel it sounded great. The only down side is it's not that great for slapping and popping.
 
#17
Well i play mostly finger style occasionally i use a pick if the song just doesn't sound right without it. Those roscoe basses are gorgeous but for some reason i can't open the pdf for the price list but they look expensive. Can anyone here comment on quality in ltd vs ibanez ?
 
#20
Well, what about a Jazz bass 5'er? 1-5/8" at the nut give you a very close string spacing. doesn't give you 24 frets, but that still might be fine. Pick them up anywhere pretty cheap. Newer one's have gone to the compound radius board so it is easier to play higher up and more natural feeling on the nut end.
 

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