Going to buy a new bass.

[Sebm89]

Hallo Folks. I need some advice for picking out a new bass.
Up till now ive only been playing a squier VM fretless, and for the most parts im pretty happy with it. But ive been looking for something new. a Fretted


I know its something that get asked alot: how do i get "he´s" tone/sound." "whats does he use" etc. but i wanted to know what to look for if, im going for an "old jonas hellborg(ish)" sound (the electric stuff he did with Shawn Lane, especially From "time is the enemy").

Im sure there is alot more ppl who got that sound im, kind of looking for. because im not looking for "he´s" sound, just something in that ball park.
Like a tight, punchy, but still "blooming" low end, midrange thing. Sweet warm but not muddy. Sorry i suck at describing sound

So if im not going to check out a wal bass or something like that. What bass´ should i try, or what wood combo/pick ups should i look for. Something a mortal guy can afford.
I got like 2700d dollar as an absolute max, but i doesnt have to be in that price range.

Hope someone will be able to give me some advice.
THanks
Christoffer

 

[Jim Carr]

I'd get an active bass with a 3 band pre-amp alder body and rosewood fingerboard. Used Lakland 55-94 or a used Valenti?

 

[darkstorm]

Start with a wal bass to get his most known for type of sound imo. He also played high end acoustic bass, with lane. Not sure if that was the warwick acoustic he played with lane or not.

 

[MDBass]

Hellborg's signature Warwick has a chambered body and single bridge humbucker, and his signature DR's are wound in a pretty unique way too.

It's unlikely you'll be able to find a used Wal despite your ample budget, but I'd start by trying some basses with MM or J/MM pickup configurations (Lakland, Spector, Ernie Ball, Dingwall, etc.) until you can really identify the sound you're going for; you'll have some excellent options in the $1000-$2000 used range here on TB once you know what you're looking for