Help me pick a new bass

[stormmaster202]

I've removed the plastic pickup cover from both the 1977 Ric 4001 I used to own and the 1980 4003 I currently own. In the words of an unnamed wiseguy from Newark, N.J.: "If you encounter a barrier or a problem- eliminate it." Especially if it serves no purpose!

Does that make it easier to play?

 

[emoterply]

The jazz bass is more versatile but you already have one. The music man is awesome, somewhat limited sounds but great for funky grooves. I’ve never like ricks for some reason...go w mm!!!

 

[emoterply]

I have 10, and only gig with maybe 3 or 4 on a regular basis. All get played at least occasionally.

Now I don’t feel as bad with my seven basses that I can’t let go of!!!

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I fear an opinion will steer you towards a choice that would’t have been your own. The best advice I can think is to control the anxiety and do your best to try these instruments before you buy, so then you make an informed choice.

Best of luck!

+1! This is going to be your instrument, not ours.

Let your ears be your guide. Secondly, is it a useful voice for the music you play. Thirdly, don’t buy a fashion statement. Coolness wears off pretty quick when you have to play and listen to a sound you don’t like, and or don’t have much use for. And finally, be patient. Take your time

 

[SB300]

It's been said above in various words but you need to get something you will use and that is different than what your Jazz can do. Only you will know what that is. You have heard why others recommend a Ric or a MM or a G&L or a different Jazz or a P. It's fun to have 2 or 3 go-to's. I play mostly guitar and find that 2 of my 4 are my go-to's. They are both different yet great. Hard to choose somedays. I recommended a P in an earlier post because to me they are guaranteed to be useable. Best thing would be if you can borrow what's calling you and try them out with a band. Then you'll know.

 

[iunno]

A Ric will not do a poppy sound like a Jazz, its more of a clank. And if you don't like P basses, you probably won't like a Ric. Ps can get pretty close to Ric territory with the right pickup height and eq.

Personally I like Ps and Stingrays more than Jazzes, but try everything you can. Even the same type of bass can feel different individually. Try everything you can until something jumps at you.

 

[Davbassdude]

Does that make it easier to play?

Yes. I also removed the ashtray pickup cover from my 1974/75 Fender Jazz bass for the same reason. I like to have the option to (finger) pick where I like and need for the song. I have found that pickup covers limit those options.

 

[Malak the Mad]

@stormmaster202; Did you pick one from your list or go off in a different direction?

 

[stormmaster202]

@stormmaster202; Did you pick one from your list or go off in a different direction?

They stopped making the exact made in Japan bass that I wanted so I bought it. But I am saving to buy one of the other 2 at some point