compare these... opinions please!

[engage757]

Ok, guys so I have just been propostitioned to play for a band in the hard rock genre. signed on Tooth and Nail records. I have decided that I would like to pick a new bass for the gig and these are my top choices now, opinions would be great!

Musicman Stingray 4

or

G & L L2000

or

G & L Climax


tuning will be a drop C variant the majority of the time, run through two Ampeg SVT 400Ts into two AMpeg SVT610 cabs. Depending on the bass, it will have probably an Alesis 36/30 compressor, Possibly a BBE sonic maximizer and/or a Sansamp preamp. any thoughts/ ideas? I am open to any suggestions! playing will be varied between fingerstyle and a pick. thanks!

 

[two fingers]

If it were me, it would have to be the Ray.

 

[DudeWheresMy182]

another vote for the 'Ray!

 

[engage757]

I have heard the climax is insanely aggressive though, and blows the ray away! anyone know about this bass?

 

[bassmanbigs]

If it was between just those basses... Ray. But if I can offer my opinion I would say Lakland 44-02. It can tonally match all of those basses. Feels and plays amazing, best bass I've played.

 

[GBassNorth]

Ray all the Way!

 

[Gearhead17]

I don't find the G&L basses built too well for the price they are (I have only played that 2500 series bass). The Stingray is going to sound like a stingray - sounds weird, but there is not a lot of thick midrange to the tone of a Ray. You get thunderous lows, clear and clanky highs, and twangy midrange. For me, I need a thick midrange and I cannot stand twangy mids. I am primarily a finger style player and it fits my thoughts on tone. The Ray will have a cutting and menacing pick tone for sure.

You really need to play these basses in person - go on Musiciansfriend.com and order a bass: 45 days to try it out and you are only out the money it takes to ship it back. ($40-70 depending on your location). Take a road trip and find something you like. Since you are going to be in Drop C tuning, I suggest you look into a 35" scale. That added inch gives you more string tension and holds the drop tuning better than a 34" scale. 34" scales (besides Ken Smith basses) generally offer a floppier string feel the higher the gauge. There are exceptions though and some players like the floppier string feel - I certainly don't.

As for your rig, I would take the BBE and possibly the Sansamp out of the equation. The Sansamp is going to suck your mids out and the BBE will do the same. The added clarity of low end and high end from the BBE gets lost in the band mix once the guitars start playing. The compressor can be extremely helpful though.

 

[Thunderitter]

Personally, I wouldn't take a 4 (105-110) past drop D so, if your playing drop C, why not a G&L L2500 or Stingray 5?

Either would give you much greater fingering flexibility.

Personally I'd go with a 5 string Warwick Streamer.

 

[engage757]

hmm... would love a lakland! but cost? not so much at this present moment... I play Warwick thumbs now, among others, but Thumbs are my first three. I am not such a huge fan of five-strings... this band's old bass player played a ray, but I dunno. i have played all but the climax, and this climax is ridiculously cheap. agreed with gearhead that the stingray is too twangy in the mids for me in this current band. I have an mtd heir 5 string that will probably go in the rack somewhere, but still no idea...

 

[KaizerWilhelm]

RAY!

 

[Flatty Banks]

Ray.

 

[blendermassacre]

I just started playing in a heavier band, and I'm really dying for a ray. I never thought that I would like it (I'm a p bass man by nature) but after a few practices, I get what the hype is (especially playing with a full band).

 

[engage757]

I have only played a stingray a couple times, and I really don't know how they compare to a p-bass. it has been a while for sure since I have played one. what makes is the best bass for heavier rock in everyone's opinion in general?

 

[engage757]

or, what is everyone's favorite bass for hard rock? band is set-up very well as it is, with guitarists using 5150s and mesa stillettos on madison cabs. needs to be a growly bass! so, what would you guys use if you could pick any bass for a band that sounds similar to maybe Deftones, Evan's Blue, etc...? this could be rather fun!

 

[smcd]

I don't find the G&L basses built too well for the price they are (I have only played that 2500 series bass).

US-built G&L's are superbly built basses. Maybe the best in their price range. On par with any MM bass (which are also superbly built).

 

[MisterMagician]

With that type of band, you will need to realize two things:
1) You will never be heard in the mix. Ever.

and

2) Your haircut is more important than your rig.


That is all.



Now to answer your question. A 4-string Stingray fits the look of that type of music nicely. And yes, you can easily downtune it to drop C without warping the neck or having loose strings, all you need is a proper set up and the gauge of strings.

 

[engage757]

LLINK, I have played for several rock/metal/bands over the period of say ten years? and I think if your band is worth their sauce they should be to mix themselves. you may be right about the haircut though. And I am not really looking for the "look" of a guitar.

smcd, which G & L do you play? or have you played?

 

[your idol]

ray

 

[MisterMagician]

LLINK, I have played for several rock/metal/bands over the period of say ten years? and I think if your band is worth their sauce they should be to mix themselves. you may be right about the haircut though. And I am not really looking for the "look" of a guitar.

smcd, which G & L do you play? or have you played?

I was referring to the fact that you will probably be mixed lower on your albums than Jason Newsted was on AJfA.

And don't worry about the haircut thing. More and more musicians are going for the "unkempt stoner" look.

 

[engage757]

HA! probably very accurate, the bass on their current album is more of a low-end drone. But it is not so-bad, Travis Wyrick just produced their previous album and that guy is amazing! any other thoughts on a bass guys? I know there must be some out there I haven't thought of!