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Good Punk Bass?

Isn't it the phylosophy of Punk that anything is valid?
Then, any bass is fine.
Even no bass. I know one guy that one rehearsing-day he forgot his bass at home and showed on rehearsal without instrument. He just grabbed a microphone and sung the bass lines during rehearsal. The lead singer was a good friend of mine and told me this story. He was very upset, because they were not trying to be punk band, but a blues-hard rock one. But the lesson we all can learn from this story is that when it comes to punk, even no bass is a good punk bass. The only important thing is your attitude. XD
 
I'm in the market for a good punk bass. My budget is $850 and under. Any ideas?

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Isn't it the phylosophy of Punk that anything is valid?

I'm kinda old, old enough to remember "real punk" but only when the Orange County bands were ascendant... Punk was, at it's core, about run what ya brung and not worry what was the "right" answer, fashion took over more and more by the time I was paying attention but still.. Best bass for "punk" is really whatever the hell you own.

If you're trying to look punk, the rattiest thing you can gin up.
If you're trying sound like a punk-inspired band, then spend the money on P bass for older stuff or a Musicman for the new school sound.

But if you're honestly punk rock, keeping it to the DIY vibe, then it doesn't matter at all. Plug in, turn on, and make noise.
 
If you want a true "punk" tone, its mostly in the hands. Not the bass itself.

For recommendation on $850 bass? Used American Standard P or something with a smooth neck. The key is to have a setup that allows you to play fast, hard, and comfortably.

My current "punk" setup: American Std P parts bass, 1/4lber pickup, nickel round wounds. Amp varies but I always prefer a slightly broken-up tube tone over anything else....
 
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P if your going for a more classic punk sound. For something more aggressive, hardcore/punk, dont overlook a J bass- check out the new Quicksand record, Sergio's tone is quite raucous

There's a new Quicksand album?

Their 7" releases were all the best things I'd ever bought back then, but the full length Slip didn't do it for me other than the older songs, and Manic Compressive isn't even on my radar.
 
Isn't this Sid Vicious on the 4th day he started playing bass?

He always kind of reminded me of a zit begging to be squeezed.

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I didn't say *he* was any good but that' the perfect punk bass.
Mind you Sid did epitomize punk sensibilities.
 
P if your going for a more classic punk sound. For something more aggressive, hardcore/punk, dont overlook a J bass- check out the new Quicksand record, Sergio's tone is quite raucous

Sergio's tone on Slip is classic, and he's pretty much always played Jazz basses for sure. I've also seen him play Jaquar basses with Quicksand and the Deftones in recent years, but never seen him playa Precision. He's even said he prefers a more trebly tone. Can't argue with that because he's always sounded incredible.
 
There's a new Quicksand album?

Their 7" releases were all the best things I'd ever bought back then, but the full length Slip didn't do it for me other than the older songs, and Manic Compressive isn't even on my radar.

The new record is just them as a three piece. Tom Cappone wasn't part of that recording, and was on the road for a little while for the new record but had some personal issues and left the tour. Can't believe you dont like Slip. never met a Quicksand fan that didn't like that record. It's pretty much what defined that sound. Sure, the Revelation 7" is good, but a bit amateur sounding compared to Slip, which sounded much better and with proper production. It's one of my favorite records ever.
 

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