Hey all, so I am seriously considering upgrading basses to finally obtain my dream bass! I have done all the listening and reading I can. Unfortunately where I live there is nowhere nearby to actually try any of these out so I am turning to you all at TalkBass to help.
Let me start by talking about the bass I currently have.
My Current bass is a Benavente SCD 6-string. It is gorgeous. Has a nice fat sound and tons of punch (bolt on neck and maple board). Great for slapping and grooving.
Now, why I want to move on: I never use the B string. This is a big bass, my hands are not. I rarely use the B string so I am looking to move to a 5er with a high C and a 33" scale. Also, sonically the high end isn't my cup of tea anymore. It's great for playing funk and R&B but my taste lies more in jazz/fusion. I am looking for something with a smoother more round and melodic high end.
What I am looking for:
- 5 String - High C
- Single Cut
- Nice articulate and fat bottom for grooving
- Clean/smooth and melodic high end
- Excellent ease of motion and playability
- I don't slap much anymore but it's nice to have a bass that can slap a little when needed
- Something with a wide tonal range
The basses I am looking at:
1. Fodera MG Standard -
Pros:
- I have listened to and love the sound of a bunch of guys that play very simliar basses (Janek Gwizdala, Tony Grey, etc.) Particularly the upper range of the instrument is gorgeous.
- Quality - Fodera is well known for high quality instruments
- Resale - Not that I would ever plan on selling it but there is no doubt these things hold their value well
Cons:
- Price - This would be quite a budget stretch even selling my old bass and some other gear.
- Looks - The standards are not the most gorgeous compared to other customs but this is a minor detail
2. Zakrzewski Superior -
Pros:
- Looks - GORGEOUS
- Sound - the clips I have heard sound great but they are all mostly people grooving. I feel like at this price range any bass will groove good.
- Custom - I could get it exactly how I want
Cons:
- Ordering from Europe makes me a bit nervous.
- Sound - I have read they sound a lot like foderas but haven't heard much or any good examples of their solo tone.
3. Skjold Whaleback - Erskine-ish
- Sound - I love Damian's grooving sound, super clear and percussive
- Custom - I could get it exactly how I want
Cons:
- Sound - The only clips I have heard seem a little less distinct in the solo range
These are the 3 that I am considering thus far. If anyone has any suggestions for something else I should look at or has played any or all of these and has thoughts I would love to hear.
Also, if you know of any recordings or youtube videos of people playing basses like these I would love to check those out too.
Thanks for any suggestions.
-Jeff
