Guys! I need advice on my next purchase!

[TheIndieKid]

Do you like the Double Four? That's a pretty high quality practice amp you've got there...

One of the great things about conventional pickups over the lightwave is that they are pretty interchangeable with differently voiced variants and styles of pickups from other brands. The light wave system may be great technology but it has not been adopted into the mainstream popularity..there are reasons for this and I don't know enough to go against it tbh..

IMO get yourself a nice bass that speaks to you..lightwave or not..maybe something with greater versatility than the mustang as you say this is a weakness..PJB makes incredible quality gear that is easy to make sound good. Unless your band is going to be crazy loud the PJB coupled with a D.I into P.A (again depending on the gig...could work in the beginning.

Biggest advice is to try to buy quality secondhand gear to mitigate the shock of the devaluation of your gear..facebook and gumtree are the go music store catalouges should only be reference points IMO

Good luck with it all mate...Honestly most of us have been where you are I sure have spent huge $$$ on gear over the years and have lost lots too lol...as long as you find happiness and joy then it is all cool!!

I do indeed. I just felt I jumped on the transparency wagon with a bass that’s pretty lo-fi, considering the strings I have on it. The pickup is an Aero though, which I upgraded over the Seymour Duncan one that came stock. Aeros are very wide frequency apparently.

Also, the unfortunate thing is the Double Four doesn’t have a DI.

Thanks for the reply though and the advice!

You can try the Army surplus store...

I never even noticed that until you said need someone with a camfoluage coloured bass or amp to post a pic in here now

OK, cool, but what specific problem does this solve for you? What are you expecting to be able to do with the Lightwave bass that you can't currently do with your Mustang?

In general I find I make better decisions when I start with the problem I'm trying to solve and then figure out what tool would best solve it, rather than finding a cool tool and then trying to figure out what I would use it for.

Well I just feel the Lightwave would be more versatile. It’s long scale so it has more harmonic content, as well as fretless and it would have the TI’s on it, which are also generally more versatile than the LaBella’s due to the complex mids and less thump. Some say they sound like a roundwound without the zing. I get what you’re saying though. Also the Mustang has 19 frets, the Lightwave has 24, so for some covers, there’s the amount needed that I just can’t get on my Mustang at the minute.

How well do you play, and what are your realistic playing/gigging plans and timeframe? What is your realistic budget? Realistic...


Sounds like you have a big ol' case of GAS.

I don’t know how well I play to be honest. I mean, over the past few weeks, we’ve been working through on the fly improvisation at band jam, and my bass tutor said that although I need to sit back a bit and play more basic because the guitarists are younger and less confident than me, I lock in really well with the drummer and my bass tone naturally allows me to sit in the mix quite well. Gigging plans...well I’d love to play professionally, but that’s a long way off yet. I’m guessing near plans are that I’d like to play in a band doing covers and possibly original content. Budget wise..it’s a mystery. I have a major birthday coming up, so it all depends on how much I receive then...

The nice thing about the combo you have is that it is a blank canvas,it's a great practice amp because you hear all the nuances of your playing, it also a great base for a gig rig because you can add a pjb powered extension. Not every gig needs a crunchy tube sound especially if you plan to gig and wind up doing covers or theatre work, but for the gigs that do require it, and if you are playing in a band that has more creative freedom then best bet it to add a character preamp pedal, like a sans amp vt, a tone hammer or dark glass pedal

Very true. I just felt maybe it was too small and an impulse buy. However, someone told me I could mic it in a live situation. In terms of a character pedal, what would anyone advise? Anything that really cops the edge of breakup tube sound?

 

[buldog5151bass]

I think you are too focused on buying. I gigged one bass, a used Fender, for 20 years, and another 12 years later, it's still being played regularly. Consider waiting - your teacher seems to feel you are doing well with what you have.

 

[Spidey2112]

I do indeed. I just felt I jumped on the transparency wagon with a bass that’s pretty lo-fi, considering the strings I have on it. The pickup is an Aero though, which I upgraded over the Seymour Duncan one that cam stock. Aeros are very wide frequency apparently.

Also, the unfortunate thing is the Double Four doesn’t have a DI.

Thanks for the reply though and the advice!

I never even noticed that until you said need someone with a camfoluage coloured bass or amp to post a pic in here now

Well I just feel the Lightwave would be more versatile. It’s long scale so it has more harmonic content, as well as fretless and it would have the TI’s on it, which are also generally more versatile than the LaBella’s due to the complex mids and less thump. Some say they sound like a roundwound without the zing. I get what you’re saying though. Also the Mustang has 19 frets, the Lightwave has 24, so for some covers, there’s the amount needed that I just can’t get on my Mustang at the minute.

I don’t know how well I play to be honest. I mean, over the past few weeks, we’ve been working through on the fly improvisation at band jam, and my bass tutor said that although I need to sit back a bit and play more basic because the guitarists are younger and less confident than me, I lock in really well with the drummer and my bass tone naturally allows me to sit in the mix quite well. Gigging plans...well I’d love to play professionally, but that’s a long way off yet. I’m guessing near plans are that I’d like to play in a band doing covers and possibly original content. Budget wise..it’s a mystery. I have a major birthday coming up, so it all depends on how much I receive then...



Very true. I just felt maybe it was too small and an impulse buy. However, someone told me I could mic it in a live situation. In terms of a character pedal, what would anyone advise? Anything that really cops the edge of breakup tube sound?

This is why we're all connected... just saw a guy posting his rig, yesterday... camo jacket, and all...

Where are you, @andruca?

 

[bfields]

Well I just feel the Lightwave would be more versatile. It’s long scale so it has more harmonic content, as well as fretless and it would have the TI’s on it, which are also generally more versatile than the LaBella’s due to the complex mids and less thump. Some say they sound like a roundwound without the zing.

Do *you* hear that difference? What do you hear a need for in the music you're working on right now?

I get what you’re saying though. Also the Mustang has 19 frets, the Lightwave has 24, so for some covers, there’s the amount needed that I just can’t get on my Mustang at the minute.

Do you have a specific cover you've run into that's hit that limitation? Also note if all you need is 24 frets, there are fine 24-fret basses starting at US $200 new/$100 used.

There's not necessarily anything wrong with trying something out just out of curiosity, but it sounds like your gear budget is limited. And in your position I think I'd wait and save any windfall for something you need. Which might turn out to be a different kind of bass, or might turn out to be some mic stands or a mixer or something else you don't expect.

 

[T_Bone_TL]

Your next purchase? A blindfold.

Expensive gear makes you poor and someone else rich, more so if it's overpriced expensive gear. Practice makes you a better bass player, no matter how much or how little your bass and/or rig cost. Spending tons of money before you have even played a single gig is nuts unless you have a lot of money and nothing to do with it.

 

[TheIndieKid]

Do *you* hear that difference? What do you hear a need for in the music you're working on right now?



Do you have a specific cover you've run into that's hit that limitation? Also note if all you need is 24 frets, there are fine 24-fret basses starting at US $200 new/$100 used.

There's not necessarily anything wrong with trying something out just out of curiosity, but it sounds like your gear budget is limited. And in your position I think I'd wait and save any windfall for something you need. Which might turn out to be a different kind of bass, or might turn out to be some mic stands or a mixer or something else you don't expect.

Quite a few covers I’ve tried to play, I haven’t because of certain parts that are played on the higher register of a 24-fret bass. Very true about the $200 basses with 24 frets. I just felt that my playing has come on a lot since I bought my Mustang, so I wanted to upgrade again.

The other option maybe is a Cort A4 Artisan Ultra or a Fender 62 MIJ Jazz? They’re around the £1000 mark. Just ideas for alternatives, but most of you oppose the idea of a new bass, and ultimately, you are swinging my decision. I just feel there’s something lacking in versatility with my Mustang.

 

[Liam Wald]

I would get a Mesa D-800 and a Subway cab. Then you can add another cab when the time comes that you need it and you are set.

 

[AcridSaint]

Quite a few covers I’ve tried to play, I haven’t because of certain parts that are played on the higher register of a 24-fret bass. Very true about the $200 basses with 24 frets. I just felt that my playing has come on a lot since I bought my Mustang, so I wanted to upgrade again.

The other option maybe is a Cort A4 Artisan Ultra or a Fender 62 MIJ Jazz? They’re around the £1000 mark. Just ideas for alternatives, but most of you oppose the idea of a new bass, and ultimately, you are swinging my decision. I just feel there’s something lacking in versatility with my Mustang.

If you like Cort, the Jeff Berlin signature bass is right at $999 here, new, so I can't imagine it being 1000 pounds across the pond. And if you are willing to go used, you can get a lot more bass for your grand.

 

[el murdoque]

Just a quick question about this lightwave pickup system:
I get it that an optical sensor detects the vibration of the string.
A magnetic pickup generates an electric signal because the metal string moves within its field, pushing the electrons in the coil to create a current.

How is this done with an optical sensor?

 

[johnson79]

Just a quick question about this lightwave pickup system:
I get it that an optical sensor detects the vibration of the string.
A magnetic pickup generates an electric signal because the metal string moves within its field, pushing the electrons in the coil to create a current.

How is this done with an optical sensor?

It views the vibration of the string and converts to a signal. It's a pretty interesting concept, and from what I've heard, these basses sound very good. Take a look at the link.

LightWave Optical Pickup System - Willcox Guitars

 

[Pbassmanca]

A lot of sound advice in this thread! The GAS lets you know what you want, but patience and research will tell you what you need. I like the advice of @AcridSaint who suggested a Phil Jones powered extension cabinet to add to your double 4. If you think you might be doing some live shows soon, then there's no harm and getting yourself setup with a combo amp that will allow you to comfortably play a small to medium-sized room with or without PA support. Far be it from me to ever dissuade anyone from buying a Mesa Walkabout combo. I've only ever played their 12" WA Scout combo but the ones I've played sounded amazing with a huge sound and you can't beat that WA preamp for tasty tone. I think that if it were me I would definitely consider buying the 15-inch Scout combo, but I would check to see if it's the 4-ohm version or the 8 ohm version. I think the 300 watt 4 ohm Scout combo with 15" driver and 10" passive radiator would cover most if not all of your gigging needs, (in fact I wouldn't be surprised if it would cover a lot of anyone's gigging needs ) The thing is though, for £1700 you could get a heck of a lot more speakers and watts in a good quality brand name so it's up to you how you want to spend your money. I would look for a better price on the Scout combo, and I'd be hesitant to buy the 8 ohm version as you might find it doesn't get loud enough on its own for some room's. Have you checked out Barefaced Bass cabinets, produced by the venerable @alexclaber in Brighton, UK? I highly recommend based on information I've gleaned from TalkBass that you check out Barefaced cabs. Not only are they produced in your home country, but they might possibly be some of the highest, if not the highest quality bass cabs being produced in the world today. Plus they have a free one month trial policy. With your budget maybe you could pick up a used Walkabout amp and a Barefaced "Super Midget" or "Super Compact" cab and have an amazing rig that would sound like a million bucks. Anyhow, I digress. Good luck with your gear search and keep thumping bro! Here's a link to Barefaced Bass.
Barefaced Bass - Ultra lightweight high power bass guitar speaker cabinets
P.S. I forgot to mention if you like the Mesa sound, their Subway Series cabinets and amplifiers are reasonably priced, lightweight, sound fantastic and are very high quality as well!

 

[TheIndieKid]

It views the vibration of the string and converts to a signal. It's a pretty interesting concept, and from what I've heard, these basses sound very good. Take a look at the link.

LightWave Optical Pickup System - Willcox Guitars

Yes. Apparently very transparent, to the point that you hear the sound of the string and not the pickup, much like an upright bass. They’re also very quiet too, because light doesn’t attract any electromagnetic interference. @kirkdickinson shouod be able to educate you more. He’s the man to go to.

 

[foolforthecity]

Indie, I'm just guessing but it sounds like you are somewhat new to playing bass, at least by my timeline standards... and MAN I just can't get over the idea of coughing up that much bread for gear at this point in your musical career. Spend time, not money, at this point. A whole bunch of high-end gear will not replace a whole bunch of shedding. Bear down hard on fret board time and you will ultimately find your way to the right gear for the right time. I could be wrong, but man I wish I had all that money I wasted early on in my younger days, that's all I'm saying

 

[41hzWizard]

Hello guys,

I’ll give you a bit of backstory first. This idea toying with my brain is probably a result of Aspergers Syndrome I have, and me being a very impulsive buyer who has to be told no to see common sense when purchasing things. Of course, when it comes to bass gear and the ever lasting quest for tone , it’s not a good position to be in.

The thing I see here aside from the equipment is this first paragraph, and is what I take away from what you have written. As the parent of a grown child with Apergers Syndrome, and on the board of directors for a Aspergers network non profit, this is the paragraph that I will address. Having Aspergers Syndrome, or High Functioning Autism, and being a very impulsive buyer, can be a VERY difficult thing to live with. My Aspergers son is also very impulsive, and I am constantly having to talk to him about what it is he really wants to buy, and why he wants to buy it. Is this a need? Is it a want? Is this something he really has to have? I will ask you that same thing now. Why do you want to make this purchase now? Is it because of things you have been reading? Something you have been listening to? Something someone has told you? Or is it all of the above and would be really cool to have? Do you need it? In other words are you replacing something that is broken? Or do you just want it? If the answer is, it would be really cool or I just want it, I would tell my son that's not a good enough reason. The 19 to 24 frets wouldn't cut it either. How many times do you really need to go that high. Have your arguments ready, but I know it's not that critical so I would tell him not to bother with them. As for the technology, I admit I know nothing about Lightwave, but will pass along something my first instructor said to me, who was professional guitar/bass player, recording studio owner, and world class recording producer with over 40 years recording experience. I started playing with a used $100 Chinese built cheap bass. When it was time to get something better I went in search and found a good deal on used Rickenbacker. He said that the Rick was a great bass, but it has a very unique sound and if I was going to gig and play with other people I should stay with the tried and true, a Jazz or P-Bass. Everyone gigging and recording knows what they sound like, and there is nothing being played that can't be played with either bass. I now take lessons from a bass player who is professional player, tours the world, and has played on over a 1000 recordings, he echos the same thoughts. I will ask you the same thing I would ask my son, why do you have to have this technology? You better have a fantastic argument lined up, because if you aren't a touring player or recording artist, it isn't going to hold water with me. As for the amp, same questions apply here as above. Tubes are really great sounding, as are a lot of others, but do you need a tube amp? The simple answer is no. Do you want a tube amp? The simple answer is yes. Want vs. Need. Many people here will tell you that need mega watts, do you really? IMO not so much. As I am the father of a Aspergers child I tend to go on forever trying to make sure he understands what I am attempting to get across, but in trying to not do that here, and TRYING to keep this not so long, I will end here. In my opinion, I think that you are going on impulse; WANT not need. Slow down. Talk to someone who is NOT a bass player. Take your money and put it away. THINK about it for several weeks. Ask yourself if you really need this or just WANT this. Remember asking people here if you should buy something isn't always the best place to ask. I would tell my son not to buy, he would grumble, mutter and walk away upset with me. Then at some point in the future he would come back and say "You were right dad, thanks." Good luck with your decision.

 

[WardEarth]

Don't be sold on a combo. Too many small lightweight class D amps out there that are just as easy to transport. Then you can match it with a nice cabinet. Maybe something neo for weight. Buy used.

As far as needing 24 frets to play a certain part of a song, I say you should be able to transpose and make it sounds pretty close. No cover needs to be exactly the same. Most ppl won't hear the difference, and even if you can, you should be ok with it.
As for going fretless. Have you played a fretless? It is very different, sounds different, and most songs don't use a fretless.

I recommend a decent class D amp and a very nice cabinet. Nothing like playing out of a great rig. And going tube is overrated and usually much more weight.

 

[TheIndieKid]

Indie, I'm just guessing but it sounds like you are somewhat new to playing bass, at least by my timeline standards... and MAN I just can't get over the idea of coughing up that much bread for gear at this point in your musical career. Spend time, not money, at this point. A whole bunch of high-end gear will not replace a whole bunch of shedding. Bear down hard on fret board time and you will ultimately find your way to the right gear for the right time. I could be wrong, but man I wish I had all that money I wasted early on in my younger days, that's all I'm saying

You are right. It is a lot and tying with my answer to the next point...

The thing I see here aside from the equipment is this first paragraph, and is what I take away from what you have written. As the parent of a grown child with Apergers Syndrome, and on the board of directors for a Aspergers network non profit, this is the paragraph that I will address. Having Aspergers Syndrome, or High Functioning Autism, and being a very impulsive buyer, can be a VERY difficult thing to live with. My Aspergers son is also very impulsive, and I am constantly having to talk to him about what it is he really wants to buy, and why he wants to buy it. Is this a need? Is it a want? Is this something he really has to have? I will ask you that same thing now. Why do you want to make this purchase now? Is it because of things you have been reading? Something you have been listening to? Something someone has told you? Or is it all of the above and would be really cool to have? Do you need it? In other words are you replacing something that is broken? Or do you just want it? If the answer is, it would be really cool or I just want it, I would tell my son that's not a good enough reason. The 19 to 24 frets wouldn't cut it either. How many times do you really need to go that high. Have your arguments ready, but I know it's not that critical so I would tell him not to bother with them. As for the technology, I admit I know nothing about Lightwave, but will pass along something my first instructor said to me, who was professional guitar/bass player, recording studio owner, and world class recording producer with over 40 years recording experience. I started playing with a used $100 Chinese built cheap bass. When it was time to get something better I went in search and found a good deal on used Rickenbacker. He said that the Rick was a great bass, but it has a very unique sound and if I was going to gig and play with other people I should stay with the tried and true, a Jazz or P-Bass. Everyone gigging and recording knows what they sound like, and there is nothing being played that can't be played with either bass. I now take lessons from a bass player who is professional player, tours the world, and has played on over a 1000 recordings, he echos the same thoughts. I will ask you the same thing I would ask my son, why do you have to have this technology? You better have a fantastic argument lined up, because if you aren't a touring player or recording artist, it isn't going to hold water with me. As for the amp, same questions apply here as above. Tubes are really great sounding, as are a lot of others, but do you need a tube amp? The simple answer is no. Do you want a tube amp? The simple answer is yes. Want vs. Need. Many people here will tell you that need mega watts, do you really? IMO not so much. As I am the father of a Aspergers child I tend to go on forever trying to make sure he understands what I am attempting to get across, but in trying to not do that here, and TRYING to keep this not so long, I will end here. In my opinion, I think that you are going on impulse; WANT not need. Slow down. Talk to someone who is NOT a bass player. Take your money and put it away. THINK about it for several weeks. Ask yourself if you really need this or just WANT this. Remember asking people here if you should buy something isn't always the best place to ask. I would tell my son not to buy, he would grumble, mutter and walk away upset with me. Then at some point in the future he would come back and say "You were right dad, thanks." Good luck with your decision.

I really thank you for answering this in such a meaningful and understanding way. Forgive me if I’ve got the wrong end of the stick, so to speak, but it seems you think you may come across as patronising? I assure you, you have not and I deeply feel for your son, and you for having years of hard times, I imagine, dealing with such a condition as this. I mean, sure it’s not debilitating like many physical conditions, and there are many people way worse off. I count myself lucky, even amidst the other conditions I have. Having a child with Aspergers is a very hard task, and I definitely know I drag my grandmother up the wall at times. Kudos to you being the on the board of directors. It’s a great task to undertake.

Anyhow, I will admit it is rather a want than a need. I do A LOT of reading. If something peaks my curiosity and I see good reasoning behind it, I’m all for it. I read a lot on current issues and stuff, so it’s not just for bass gear And a lot of the time, I jump in blindly to things and have to be stopped. The idea that it’s almost ‘close to perfect’ in a world of non perfect instruments got me hooked. The way the optical instrument just kind of lets every nuance of the instrument play unrestricted (no magnetic pull-full note length, etc) made me kind of fascinated by it. I’ve been toying with the idea of things that have peaked my interest for months, and amongst that time had settled on the Lightwave.

However, thanks to you and all others on the thread, it’s really made me see that I should wait until there’s a NEED for a new instrument/amp. Thanks for dedicating the time to answering all the way through. I’ll probably have a moment where I’ll think “Hm, actually...should I buy it?” again, but I just have to look back at this thread and tell myself what common sense would say.

Seems a shame to end this thread with this to be honest. Pity it can’t be turned into something...I don’t know if it’s allowed under moderator rules, but I guess maybe we could all post what instruments we have. I’d like to see what you guys play anyway. Big derailment but hey ho

 

[WardEarth]

I have an all maple p bass I made and a warwick fortress, both 4 stringers. Genz benz shuttle 9.0 and a bergantino ae410 cab. A few pedals.
Berg makes great cabs.

 

[Stumbo]

1983 Ibanez Musician DS, 4 string, active/passive, 3 band eq., dead half-rounds. Whatever the backline is or I'll pull out the solid state '69 Acoustic 150b (6x10) or '70 Sunn 2000s (2x15).

 

[TheIndieKid]

I have an all maple p bass I made and a warwick fortress, both 4 stringers. Genz benz shuttle 9.0 and a bergantino ae410 cab. A few pedals.
Berg makes great cabs.

Maple body too? Isn’t that thing super heavy? I heard Bergantino are a great company and their B AMP is definitely something to behold.

 

[TheIndieKid]

1983 Ibanez Musician DS, 4 string, active/passive, 3 band eq., dead half-rounds. Whatever the backline is or I'll pull out the '69 Acoustic 150b or '70 Sunn 2000s.

Sunn gear. Always heard about them but never saw or heard them. Is the 2000 solid state or tube?