im looking for a 4 string bass that plays like my 5 string bass, really easy and fast. I dont like alot of tension because its harder to play and plays slow. and i want a bass that has the strings close to the fret board, but i can do that to any bass myself. So any suggestions? i was looking at a marcus miller fender bass, is that easy to play?
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easy playing bass?
- Thread starter dan1215
- Start date
"Easiness of play" is a completely personal thing, and depends on alot of things... what scale length you like, how heavy the strings are, thickness and width at the nut, string spacing at the bridge... etc. Just go out and play as many basses as you can, and take notes on the ones you like, and possibly measurements too, where possible. Eventually you may see a pattern, that the ones you like the most will have similar specs. Then you have a better idea of what's comfortable and what to look for.
- Oct 7, 2000
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- 38,939
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- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
Lots and lots of variables go into what you're asking for. Shorter scale basses have less string tension. You can look into a 30" or 32". Stay away from 35"s. I actually think your best bet is playing as many basses as possible and seeing what feels best for you. You might be comfortable with something that has the same string spacing as your 5, and/or you might be comfortable with something that has the same neck width or depth.
Also, what you're saying isn't fact, just what you're accustomed to. It doesn't take all that long to get used to different tensions and actions. I say this because I used to think so and now find speed is a lot more in the right hand than the left, and how hard or soft you're attacking the strings. Yeah, if the strings are an inch off the neck it's going to make a difference. But fractions of an inch don't matter as much as they seem to at first.
Last note. It's pretty much hit or miss I think with how low action can go on any particular make of bass - but I have to say in my experience, Warwicks can go stupid low on the action without any buzzes. At least any one I've ever owned. Sold my first Warwick for a MM though - as I found the action didn't matter as much as I thought.
Also, what you're saying isn't fact, just what you're accustomed to. It doesn't take all that long to get used to different tensions and actions. I say this because I used to think so and now find speed is a lot more in the right hand than the left, and how hard or soft you're attacking the strings. Yeah, if the strings are an inch off the neck it's going to make a difference. But fractions of an inch don't matter as much as they seem to at first.
Last note. It's pretty much hit or miss I think with how low action can go on any particular make of bass - but I have to say in my experience, Warwicks can go stupid low on the action without any buzzes. At least any one I've ever owned. Sold my first Warwick for a MM though - as I found the action didn't matter as much as I thought.
Right. I guarantee that you won't find more than 3 people on this board with "favorite basses" that don't play "easy" to them. Get Thee To A MegaLoGuitarCenterMart and try bass after bass and get an idea of what you like.
Besides the bass itself you will also be surprised what a professional setup can do. Also going from a heavy gauge to a medium gauge string can make a big difference.
