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Help me choose a new bass...

M

Morgan Colgrave

Jun 19, 2019
28
19
#1
My main bass is a USA EBMM Sterling single bridge Humbucker model.

Looking to get another bass to give me an alternative sound for recording. Having a hard time choosing which one, (COVID) ruling out any hands on playing. Just wondering what others would grab as an alternative to the Music Man.

maybe a Fender P or a J?
 
#2
Morgan Colgrave said:
My main bass is a USA EBMM Sterling single bridge Humbucker model.

Looking to get another bass to give me an alternative sound for recording. Having a hard time choosing which one, (COVID) ruling out any hands on playing. Just wondering what others would grab as an alternative to the Music Man.

maybe a Fender P or a J?
Click to expand...
The phrasing makes me think you already have more than 1 bass. What is in your stable currently? And what music do you play? This would help us formulate a reasonable response before the "P! No, J!" debates start flooding in.

That being said, ya can't really go wrong with either one.

I'm a P kinda guy, so I'm biased. Naturally, I'm gonna say get a P.

Get a P.
 
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#4
OK. Well, then. I'll get the ball rolling.

Ya can't go wrong with a P. Preferably short scale. Love that tubby fundamental thump! Ye olde skoole thump is where it's at.
bass coll Ps in a pod.jpg
 
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#6
What’s the budget? Are you sensitive to neck profiles?

Personally I love a P bass and think it’s a great all around bass, and especially great for recording. (Plus it’s the correct “talkbass” answer ;) ) A PJ bass might be nice, it’ll give you the P pickup, plus a splash of J flavor.

I’ll throw a P bass special into the mix. 1.5” nut (like your sterling) active/Passive preamp. Quite versatile, and very comfortable:
Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special - 3-Color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard
 
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#11
Without a budget stated you're not going to get helpful recommendations.

Something to complement a EBMM Sterling? And you'd like to focus on an alternative sound for recording? Get an Alembic Series. Probably couldn't do any better, given your stated criteria. Your unstated criteria - budget - might lead to a different recommendation.
 
#12
I love how everyone starts off with 'Get a P' without asking any other questions...

-What kind of music do you play?
-What kind of sound do you hear on other recordings that you like?
-Budget? (Which was asked a few times)
-Why did you sell the Spector?

A shorty P with old school thump may not sit well in an Otep cover band. More info is needed.
 
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#15
OP here. Sorry about missing some key info. I’ve been mulling it over and have come to these conclusions.

1. I’d like a P/J.
2. I’d like a more Jazz width neck
3.I’d prefer a USA made instrument
4. I’d prefer passive
(not 100% set on 3/4 as it’s hard to find something to suit this setup).

my budget new is around the Fender USA Performer series (I’m in Aus).

Used is an option, but new is preferable.
Music style is basically everything apart from the heaviest of metal.
 
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#16
CallMeAl said:
What’s the budget? Are you sensitive to neck profiles?

Personally I love a P bass and think it’s a great all around bass, and especially great for recording. (Plus it’s the correct “talkbass” answer ;) ) A PJ bass might be nice, it’ll give you the P pickup, plus a splash of J flavor.

I’ll throw a P bass special into the mix. 1.5” nut (like your sterling) active/Passive preamp. Quite versatile, and very comfortable:
Fender Deluxe Active Precision Bass Special - 3-Color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard
Click to expand...

yep I’ve been eyeing this one off. Looks nearly ideal to the specs I want.
 
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#17
AudioTaper said:
I love how everyone starts off with 'Get a P' without asking any other questions...

-What kind of music do you play?
-What kind of sound do you hear on other recordings that you like?
-Budget? (Which was asked a few times)
-Why did you sell the Spector?

A shorty P with old school thump may not sit well in an Otep cover band. More info is needed.
Click to expand...

thanks for your input. The Spector neck (24 frets felt a bit large) plus it was a handful being like 42mm at the nut.

Also (quite fickle) I didn’t really like the colour. It was a nice sounding bass though. Budget is at the Fender USA Performer Mark (I hope that translates across currencies!)
 
#18
A big fan of the J neck P bass myself. I looked at a lot but ended up building a parts bass; J neck but plain old P body (no PJ)

I love the necks on those Fender active P bass special, and they’re pretty versatile. But IIRC there’s no tone control in passive mode so might be a hang up for you (it would be for me!) and not US made...

There’s a special edition Passive p bass special, Mexican made, but IDK if that’s available for you. I think it’s a guitar center exclusive...
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fender-special-edition-deluxe-pj-bass/h96715000001000

G&L SB2T seems to fit the bill, but maybe a little over budget (~$400 USD more than the American performer)
G&L USA SB-2T 4-String Electric Bass, Maple Fingerboard, Hard Case - Natural

Or you could build a parts bass, Am performer P body and a Jazz neck

good luck!
 

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