Good slap bass

[peetmoloko]

Hey gang - I'm looking to purchase a bass primarily for slap and pop. I've been playing for years and gig out regularly but the only basses in my stable are Rics. Any suggestions outside of the Fender/Squier realm? Was thinking Alembic, but I'd like to find something for less. Vintage oddballs encouraged. Thanks

 

[Killing Floor]

Jazz bass
Stingray

 

[James Hart]

Before the internet was around to tell me it doesn't work, I learned to slap on a Ric... thought it sounded killer too.

 

[FRoss6788]

Any solid body bass.

 

[peetmoloko]

Before the internet was around to tell me it doesn't work, I learned to slap on a Ric... thought it sounded killer too.

Yeah - personally it's just never felt comfortable to me. I learned slap on a steinberger and played fenders for many years. Maybe I just got used to having a little more room

 

[peetmoloko]

Any solid body bass.

Great thanks

 

[bass12]

Did you have a price range in mind?

 

[peetmoloko]

Did you have a price range in mind?

I'd like to keep it less than 2k or around there

 

[FRoss6788]

Great thanks

I apologize if that came across as snarky, that was not my intent. It was simply that I don't think there are any rules, play what you like and what's comfortable.

Actually, I'd look towards US Guild Pilots, fantastic value and excellent basses that would fit what you're looking for, and they are a little oddball, and you'll have money left over.

 

[BGroovy]

In that range used the world is your oyster.

Modulus
Pedulla
Boutique Jazz
Stingray

 

[James Hart]

Yeah - personally it's just never felt comfortable to me. I learned slap on a steinberger and played fenders for many years. Maybe I just got used to having a little more room

I slap now on a 7 string with 28 frets... right over the 21-22 fret area. Guess I got use to keeping it in tight.

You cannot go wrong with a Stingray! @FRoss6788 is on the money with an old USA Pilot too. I think I saw a nice red one on Reverb the other night for decent money.

 

[wysiwyg248]

Stingray and/or Fender Marcus Miller CIJ.

 

[MattZilla]

Wal, StingRay, Modulus Flea, Thumb (or really any Warwick) are the first obvious ones. There’s probably a couple Peaveys that are good slappers, Cirrus is likely the top rec. from the Peavey Gang.

but… one of the more famous slappers is Les Claypool. I did not buy an Epi EB3 to slap on, but solo that bridge pickup, hit the Ultra Hi & crank the Bass knob on your amp over to 2:30-4:00 and holy Frizzle Fry, you’ll be Sailing The Seas Of Cheese immediately.

I have had my ears infected by the Dingwall bug. If you can find one in your budget, I see no reason to fiddle with lesser basses.

 

[peetmoloko]

I'll check out the Pilot - I've never heard of them. I've been out of the buying market for a long time and figured with internet where it is now there had to be some things I've never heard of.

Had forgotten about Modulus - I'll look into those too.

As far as the Jazz goes, I've always loved them. Very comfortable. I just have a major hang up about the Fender/Squier company, and imitations have always struck me as, well, imitations.

 

[FRoss6788]

but… one of the more famous slappers is Les Claypool. I did not buy an Epi EB3 to slap on, but solo that bridge pickup, hit the Ultra Hi & crank the Bass knob on your amp over to 2:30-4:00 and holy Frizzle Fry, you’ll be Sailing The Seas Of Cheese immediately.

Exactly.

Sometimes you find greatness in the most unlikely of places. You never know.

 

[FRoss6788]

I'll check out the Pilot - I've never heard of them. I've been out of the buying market for a long time and figured with internet where it is now there had to be some things I've never heard of.

Had forgotten about Modulus - I'll look into those too.

As far as the Jazz goes, I've always loved them. Very comfortable. I just have a major hang up about the Fender/Squier company, and imitations have always struck me as, well, imitations.

There's a Pilot club here on TB that'll be super helpful with any questions. The basses were around from the early 80' to the mid 90's.

 

[sethlow3]

Jazz bass
Stingray

Pretty much…and you’ll save oodles if you want something affordable. They’re tons of options.

 

[BGroovy]

Wal, StingRay, Modulus Flea, Thumb (or really any Warwick) are the first obvious ones. There’s probably a couple Peaveys that are good slappers, Cirrus is likely the top rec. from the Peavey Gang.

but… one of the more famous slappers is Les Claypool. I did not buy an Epi EB3 to slap on, but solo that bridge pickup, hit the Ultra Hi & crank the Bass knob on your amp over to 2:30-4:00 and holy Frizzle Fry, you’ll be Sailing The Seas Of Cheese immediately.

I have had my ears infected by the Dingwall bug. If you can find one in your budget, I see no reason to fiddle with lesser basses.

Good call on Warwick, and the german ones can be had for a steal if you look around.

 

[Tim Skaggs]

Stingray, and you can go with a Sterling by Musicman Stingray for about $350 for a 4 string.

A used made in USA Peavey Foundation would make a great slap bass also.

 

[GroovinOnFunk]

The list of basses that sound good slapped at $2k price range is much bigger than the list of basses that don't.