Just curious, what P-bass would you recommend? I've been looking at them the past couple days now.
Any specific year? Style? Etc...
Any specific year? Style? Etc...
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GAS free guide to Bass purchasing
- Thread starter AngelCrusher
- Start date
- Jun 30, 2010
- 49,603
- 222,066
- Disclosures
- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
You are correct on two levels; when you open your case and they 'see' a P-bass - they already 'hear' it in the mix based on knowing from experience exactly how to deal with the bass part of their job. The 2nd (major) hurtle cleared - the first will be your positive/can do attitude upon meeting them.
Im nobody special. I just worked my butt off and did some stuff. Just sharing what I learned along the way. It was a long journey.
I actually prefer passive Laklands because they give me artist discount and sit in the mix as well as Fenders. If I was just starting out, to be ultra safe I'd stay with Fenders and suggest you go look for a used one that you fall in love with. You are in the mecca for finding a used P bass. Just take your time and shop around (preferably in person). The right bass just finds you in my experience.
I'm partial to round wounds honestly, since they are going to work on so many things. But the strings can help identify your sound on an instrument, so go with what works for you. My sound has always been pretty aggressive and had some top to it (from digging in just enough), so I tame that with the tone knob.
Strings are overlooked when it comes to gear sometimes. They can be a huge factor in defining your sound.
When it comes to strings that are appreciated by engineers, it matters the genre. If it is heavier rock n roll they usually appreciate new ones
I did a lot of studio work during the classic/arena rock era in the 1980s. Less now, but I have the luxury to pick and choose. At this point in my life, when I choose a bass for a tune, it is a function of pickups, neck, and strings. As with most, I typically consider a Fender Am Std P w flats or a Fender Am Std J w rounds. However, I do have two Ps and two Js, one of each w flats and wounds. All of the rest of my basses are set up with strings that give me another sound in my arsensenal. My last session had one hillareous moment: the engineer told me that one track was just way too clean. I assumed he didn't like my playing, that he thought it was either thinking sterile or that I mailed it in. I was embarrassed. He told me that it was the sound he didn't like as he envisioned something different and much "dirtier". So, I grabbed a cheap bass with crappy pickups that I own for historic reasons. I played the track and it worked perfectly. Exactly what he wanted. Funny.
Well if your ever in my "mecca" (lol!) hit me up. I'll buy ya a beer or coffee. Wouldn't mind picking your brain some more.
My Fender Mustang is verrrry P-Bass like. I've played gigs with it, and recorded with it. It behaves just like a P-Bass.
Have you ever witnessed any prejudice against short scale basses?
EDIT: I'm a nobody. I play about 10 gig a years, I record in another nobody's basement.
Have you ever witnessed any prejudice against short scale basses?
EDIT: I'm a nobody. I play about 10 gig a years, I record in another nobody's basement.
I agree and disagree with OP - though having zero experience in either studio or touring work, I realize my opinion doesn't have much weight. Its just my opinion.
That said, I fully agree with the spirit of the OP. You just need one bass (ok, and probably a backup "just in case"). The P bass design is very simple but also very capable and lots of very famous bassists are known for playing their one P bass.
Where I disagree is that someone might prefer a Jazz neck. Or a Warwick. Or a Ric, or Stingray. I wouldn't buy all these but I would try them out and see which bass fit the player and then that could be their only bass.
The P bass might be a good starting point because its pretty straight forward yet has lots of tones in there - but someone else may prefer to spend their first 5 years on a Jazz.
I'm very guilty of buying gear to replace putting in the time to actually get good. Ending up as a mediocre bassist with an impressive collection of gear really doesn't impress anyone if you can't really play it. Then again, quality gear can sound really nice and encourage you to play more. Its a balancing act.
That said, I fully agree with the spirit of the OP. You just need one bass (ok, and probably a backup "just in case"). The P bass design is very simple but also very capable and lots of very famous bassists are known for playing their one P bass.
Where I disagree is that someone might prefer a Jazz neck. Or a Warwick. Or a Ric, or Stingray. I wouldn't buy all these but I would try them out and see which bass fit the player and then that could be their only bass.
The P bass might be a good starting point because its pretty straight forward yet has lots of tones in there - but someone else may prefer to spend their first 5 years on a Jazz.
I'm very guilty of buying gear to replace putting in the time to actually get good. Ending up as a mediocre bassist with an impressive collection of gear really doesn't impress anyone if you can't really play it. Then again, quality gear can sound really nice and encourage you to play more. Its a balancing act.
wintremute
mediocrity at its finest
- Oct 16, 2014
- 6,942
- 29,551
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- Endorsing Artist: Langstrom Carrot Farms
Will do. May have a friend moving there soon, so if that happens I will be there more.
I don't see anything wrong with using a Jazz bass, in fact it is my bass of choice to be honest.
The reason I list the P as the rock solid choice is because it ensure you the highest chance of winning the most gigs.
The other point is that it is far more important to log hours on one instrument as opposed to buying and learning new gear. I know guys who own multiple instruments and still do not know the intricacies of each one.
So if you want to give yourself the highest % of success, go with a P bass. Not trying to start a gear war or anything like that.
I don't necessarily agree with the rest of your ideas, but this is defiantly something I can get behind. I was guilty of this.
I have now stopped buying and selling and have been playing the same bass for almost 3 years. That's not my entire life, but it's a start.
Like I said, this thread was made with a narrow focus for up and coming players who are looking to go pro. I dont expect folks who do the weekend warrior thing to like it or buy into it. It's not for that type of player.
If you have the cash to drop on Roscoes and like playing them, by all means do it. Boutique basses are awesome, I just could never justify the price as a young player, plus I didn't feel I deserved one yet.
Interesting thread. I've been playing for six years now, and for the last 5 I've been exclusively using the bass in my profile picture- it's homebuilt and nothing like a P bass. I know it well and from now to forever it'll be my #1, but maybe a P isn't such a bad idea.
But- do you think it's worth buying a P if I'm really comfortable on my bass? I'm left handed, and the only lefty P bass that Fender currently makes is the American Standard, at $1300, with no options. As a college student and weekend player who has aspirations of being a professional, I'm not financially able to drop that kind of coin on a bass. Is there a "cutoff" of sorts where it's expected that there's a P bass around?
But- do you think it's worth buying a P if I'm really comfortable on my bass? I'm left handed, and the only lefty P bass that Fender currently makes is the American Standard, at $1300, with no options. As a college student and weekend player who has aspirations of being a professional, I'm not financially able to drop that kind of coin on a bass. Is there a "cutoff" of sorts where it's expected that there's a P bass around?
Let me just echo what the OP said. (FWIW, I've been there.) For those looking to make a living as a studio bass player, you will do well for yourself if the first thing you pull out while trying to establish yourself as a studio bass player is a Fender P-bass. I would recommend an Am Std with flatwounds. Mostly because it is a P and says "Fender", meaning it is recognizable to everyone in the studio, as well as not being an active bass, which means that the engineer has no excuse for not making both of you look good.
Remember, like it or not, perception begets reality. If you present yourself as a working pro, then you will be taken seriously. Once you are established, you will be given the benefit of providing input as to what might sound best. At least that is my experience. Currently, I almost never use a P bass, but that was then and this is now (perhaps I am reaping rewards of hard work over the years). But until then, IMHO, give them what they want. Get in, get out. Be efficient and easy to work with.
For those who are not working from the start to establish temselves as a studio player, grab what you like. Have a good time. Enjoy the bass for life. Clubs, weddings, private parties, etc - you can play and enjoy for life. Its great! But, this thread was not created with for those sorts of pursuits.
Anyway, just my 2 cents.
Remember, like it or not, perception begets reality. If you present yourself as a working pro, then you will be taken seriously. Once you are established, you will be given the benefit of providing input as to what might sound best. At least that is my experience. Currently, I almost never use a P bass, but that was then and this is now (perhaps I am reaping rewards of hard work over the years). But until then, IMHO, give them what they want. Get in, get out. Be efficient and easy to work with.
For those who are not working from the start to establish temselves as a studio player, grab what you like. Have a good time. Enjoy the bass for life. Clubs, weddings, private parties, etc - you can play and enjoy for life. Its great! But, this thread was not created with for those sorts of pursuits.
Anyway, just my 2 cents.
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[Tail between legs]
I took up bass with a vengeance later in life, 40 years after initially deciding to become a bass player. Three years in now. Great teacher helping me along, practicing daily, playing weekly at church, bassist for a blues band that gigs on occasion. I am committed to putting in the 10,000 hours needed to become an expert. By then I'll be way too old to make any money at it, and thankfully my finances are secure due to my day job, so for me it is definitely an avocation rather than a vocation.
I decided early on to try a whole bunch of basses, mostly Fenderish, to ensure that I could pick up any instrument and make competent sounds. TB facilitates this due to the constant parade of compelling deals and GAS-inducing pics. I have bought a bunch and sold a few. However. AngelCrusher has eloquently stated the case for the opposite approach. One main squeeze, or perhaps a P and a J, and maybe a Dano.
Therefore, I am starting immediately the painful process of deciding which will be my principal Jazz and Precision. I may keep a few collectibles around, and definitely a vintage Dano, but my outsized menagerie needs to slim way down so I can focus on learning the intricacies of my instrument. Thanks AngelCrusher. You got through to me better than the War Department could.
If you want to short the stock of bass manufacturers, now might be a good time.
BTW the winning Jazz is a Bluesman Vintage that just arrived. Just blows everything else out of the water. And I do have a killer Atkinson P and a great Fender American Standard P that I got in a trade. Maybe I'm done! Except for the selling part.
I took up bass with a vengeance later in life, 40 years after initially deciding to become a bass player. Three years in now. Great teacher helping me along, practicing daily, playing weekly at church, bassist for a blues band that gigs on occasion. I am committed to putting in the 10,000 hours needed to become an expert. By then I'll be way too old to make any money at it, and thankfully my finances are secure due to my day job, so for me it is definitely an avocation rather than a vocation.
I decided early on to try a whole bunch of basses, mostly Fenderish, to ensure that I could pick up any instrument and make competent sounds. TB facilitates this due to the constant parade of compelling deals and GAS-inducing pics. I have bought a bunch and sold a few. However. AngelCrusher has eloquently stated the case for the opposite approach. One main squeeze, or perhaps a P and a J, and maybe a Dano.
Therefore, I am starting immediately the painful process of deciding which will be my principal Jazz and Precision. I may keep a few collectibles around, and definitely a vintage Dano, but my outsized menagerie needs to slim way down so I can focus on learning the intricacies of my instrument. Thanks AngelCrusher. You got through to me better than the War Department could.
If you want to short the stock of bass manufacturers, now might be a good time.
BTW the winning Jazz is a Bluesman Vintage that just arrived. Just blows everything else out of the water. And I do have a killer Atkinson P and a great Fender American Standard P that I got in a trade. Maybe I'm done! Except for the selling part.
The amp for me was always personal choice. Once you get in a signed band you will get amps for free. I personally used Mesa Boogie because I liked their artist rep a lot. Some SVT guys were switching to Ashdowns. When I was up and coming I used what I could afford. That was Hartke and then Gallien Kruger 800RB.
My tone was more defined by DIs. I used Tech 21 DIs when I started and mainly used the amp as a stage monitor.
