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how do you know what a good bass is?
- Thread starter Lanso3000
- Start date
I have to be honest with ya, sometimes I think I'm playing a great bass in a music store, but then when I get it into a live gig situation, the sound just isn't there. Also, the fit and feel is probably the first thing that comes to mind, it's gotta be right. I'm currently playing an '08' MIA Jazz V, which I swapped out the pups for some Barts 57J1's. I'm gonna keep the Bart bridge pup, but putting back the American Standard neck. The AS neck just have so much more depth in the low registers. Before that, I was playing a Carvin LB75AP Anniversary. It sounded great in the store, but it took me all of 4 mths. to get a gigable sound out of it, Carvins are very touchy and can get tons of different tones. You know, you live and learn.
Just pick up the bass and feel it. if you like the feel, the sound and the look then get it. it doesnt matter what kind of bass it is, its all up to you. i have alot of friends who buy these basses like a warwick because of the brand name behind it and hear about how many other players like it and just buy it. then later they hate the weight or feel or sound even. especially in a live setting they become dissapointed with their instruments and have to buy a new one. its all about how it feels to you.
I have to be honest with ya, sometimes I think I'm playing a great bass in a music store, but then when I get it into a live gig situation, the sound just isn't there. Also, the fit and feel is probably the first thing that comes to mind, it's gotta be right. I'm currently playing an '08' MIA Jazz V, which I swapped out the pups for some Barts 57J1's. I'm gonna keep the Bart bridge pup, but putting back the American Standard neck. The AS neck just have so much more depth in the low registers. Before that, I was playing a Carvin LB75AP Anniversary. It sounded great in the store, but it took me all of 4 mths. to get a gigable sound out of it, Carvins are very touchy and can get tons of different tones. You know, you live and learn.
+1 Always play a bass in a live gig situation before you buy it if you can. If you can't make sure there is a good return policy so if it doesn't work out you can take it back. I've found a lot of basses that sounded awesome on their own but stunk in a live band setting.
Only you can decide what you like. for me I love p/j basses and p basses. The only advice we can give you is try out everything you were interested in getting and get the one that feels best. The only way you can tell is when you pick it up it just feels perfect and then you cant put it down.
This is true, which is why you should start with a "no doubt about it" bass that will work in a live setting. IMO, especially at the lower end price-wise, for rock and blues, that's passive Fender Precision or Jazz or good clones, like the Yamaha BB414, G&L Tribute SB-2 and JB-2, Peavey Zodiac, etc. The Precision types, in particular, might not sound good to you played solo until you know what to listen for, but in a band mix they're fantastic. (I would also recommend the G&L Tribute L-2000.)
I would avoid the less expensive active Ibanez basses. The necks are amazing, they're well built, and they can sound good played solo, which is attractive to lots of players. But, having owned an SRX500 and heard others played live, IMO they just don't get it done in a band mix.
