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How does a bass sound better "acoustically"? [Long post warning]

T

thehiros

Jan 23, 2009
93
1
Melbourne, Australia
#1
Ok here's the deal.
I have a vintage MIJ P-bass, and the PUPs on it ROAR. But I had this problem, that the sound was generally really imbalanced.
E.G. First of all, I usually like to set the EQ flat for P-bass. If I set the volume good enough for fingers, it'll be too loud when I slap. When I set the volume a bit lower for the slapping, the fingers loses out (And I have a lot of attack on my plucking). The bass overall lacks a bit of the mid-range "cut through", but if I do something like, boosting mids on the EQ, then I'll really lose the bottom end my bass is so good at.
Also, when I pop up high, like around the 10th fret F on the G string, the output is extremely high.

Anyway, I've taken that bass to a luthier to get it setup properly with a new, flatter, thinner Dillion neck, cos I finally found the old neck was too thick.

So here's the other thing: I borrowed my friend's Squier Classic Vibe P-bass 60s, and that thing is everything my bass isn't; I set the EQ flat, set it at one volume, and it's perfect for everything I play with my band, which plays funk and jazz.

The one thing I noticed is that, UNPLUGGED, the Squier sounds very very bright and punchy, while my (soon to be) Dillion P-bass, is very mellow and smooth. Here's the weird thing; MY strings are NEWER than the Squier ones, because my friend kept the new stock strings on since months ago, and I changed mine to a set of DR Fat-beams just about a month or so ago.
BUT the other thing is, my friend hardly plays it, and I play quite frequently, so will my strings go deader quicker? I love my P-bass, and I want to get some stuff sorted out because I'm starting to head down further in my bass playing, gigging, bands etc.

Sorry if this sounded more like a rant, I don't have a real clear mind at the moment, I just need some opinions and advice! XD Thanks everyone!
 
#2
Yes the more you play the quicker strings will die. His bass sounds better acoustically because the wood selection is much better for the CV squiers than the cheaper dillions. Better wood resonates better and the neck pock is probably much tighter,with over all better hardware all relates to better vibrations being transferred. An electric bass that sounds loud acoustically translates to a bass that sounds great plugged in. The output problem is simple a matter of higher quality electronics and or pickup height.
 
#6
Kwesi said:
as far as I'm concerned unless the basses pickups and electronics are completely transparent, which is never, then unplugged tone is essentially worthlesss.
Click to expand...

http://www.zshare.net/audio/790055466e645449/

You can still easily tell that the same bass being played plugged in as the one being played acoustically. The sound still transfers over.

I think one common factor though is cheaper basses usually dont sound good unplugged,and since they're cheaper they dont have higher quality electronics.
 
#7
By the way, it's not a real Dillion, it's just gonna get a Dillion neck. It's an old Japanese P-bass. The other thing is that the Squier is extremely light compared to my P-bass (which says something about the wood). I think once I get mine back, I should put on some fresh strings, maybe some Dunlop nickel-wound steels, and give it a whirl.
I've heard that people like the Badass bridges, my old P-bass has a rusty vintage-style Fender bridge with extra screws (which I like the look of). Does the bridge really affect the acoustic tone?

And also, after this experience, I am starting to realise how important the acoustic tone is; the difference between the Squier and my P-bass really starts at the acoustic level.
 
#8
5string5fingers said:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/790055466e645449/

You can still easily tell that the same bass being played plugged in as the one being played acoustically. The sound still transfers over.

I think one common factor though is cheaper basses usually dont sound good unplugged,and since they're cheaper they dont have higher quality electronics.
Click to expand...

My Yamaha TRB5 does not resonate at all, in fact it basically sounds like nothing and has no noticeable sustain unplugged yet it is probably my best sounding bass plugged in.
 
#9
Aspidites said:
My Yamaha TRB5 does not resonate at all, in fact it basically sounds like nothing and has no noticeable sustain unplugged yet it is probably my best sounding bass plugged in.
Click to expand...

My ESP was the same way. Active electronics work wonders. Not saying that the TRB is a poorly constructed instrument and the electronics are what save it, i know they're of fantastic build quality,but not the best example. Alot of people on here talk about how great the road worn fenders are,mentioning both resonance and sound quality. The two things usually go hand in hand with a good bass,but as usual ymmv.


Bridge has a small effect on over all sound. Some people say it makes the biggest difference others dont. Usually with a high mass bridge you get more sustain and clarity.
 
#10
Most builders will tell you it's all about the wood. In my experience an instrument that feels lively and tonally balanced unplugged will sound good plugged in with just about any decent quality pickup. I look for an instrument that I can feel resonating against my guts on every note. The one that comes the closest in my stable is my Sadowsky RS5, though in a very different way my old Steinberger L-2 sounds great unplugged. YMMV

-mike
 
#11
5string5fingers said:
You can still easily tell that the same bass being played plugged in as the one being played acoustically. The sound still transfers over.
Click to expand...

Aspidites said:
My Yamaha TRB5 does not resonate at all, in fact it basically sounds like nothing and has no noticeable sustain unplugged yet it is probably my best sounding bass plugged in.
Click to expand...

Commencing tonewood cluster**** in 5...

4...

3...

2...

1...
 
#16
I recommend half nickel half steel "circle k" strings, they stay bright for slapping for a long time. They sound great for slap and are the right thickness for easy playability. You probably can lighten your slap and pop touch to balance the problem. Agressive poping and slapping isnt necessary.
 
#18
"Old Japanese P-Bass" could be a well built instrument with decent hardware and electronics, or it could be a plywood quickie with poor electronics and hardware. There's a lot of variables. FWIW, I feel like I can sniff out a lot about a bass from playing it unplugged.
 
#19
The pickups I have on my P-bass blew out the standard SPB-1 Vintage ones, they sounded like crap on this bass (or do they sound crap overall?). So I'm guessing the pickups were matched meticulously to the wood, which gave me the idea that this bass was pretty well crafted.
But the pickups aren't really the problem, because its the unplugged sound that sounds so heavy.
While my technique is far from perfect, I don't think it's the main problem because my playing sounds fine from the Squier. Anyway, I'll see how it is after it's back from the luthier, and with a fresh set of strings.
 
#20
BassieMike said:
In my experience an instrument that feels lively and tonally balanced unplugged will sound good plugged in with just about any decent quality pickup. I look for an instrument that I can feel resonating against my guts on every note.
Click to expand...

I agree. My 2003 MIA Jazz has always been my "go-to" bass since I bought it new, and it's the best largely due to its resonance. It has a "singing" quality that defines the best basses IMO, and lots of that comes from the wood. My SB-2 and 2008 Jazz V are similar.

Years ago, I had two P-basses, a 1994 MIJ Foto-Flame and 2004 American Series. The 2004 felt much better, but I always thought the Foto-Flame sounded better, with more "wood" in the tone. Not a huge difference, but perceptible to me. So I compared all my basses acoustically. Lo and behold, the Foto-Flame sounded almost just like my Jazz acoustically, while the 2004 was ever so slightly "flat" in comparison. The 2004 now has a Lindy Fralin pickup and sounds fabulous, but with stronger resonance it would be even better.
 

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