I DON'T KNOW HOW TO ASK THIS QUESTION

[Marko 1]

Can't you just let him try your bass to see if he works with that neck?

+1 The (OP’s profiles say he has a P.) There might be other bassist around (maybe even a TBer) who would bring something for him to try.

Other than that, yeah, get him to come and play unplugged or with earphones.

 

[gary mitchell]

Good Idea, I am going take my Fender P bass over there, and then will go to the GC and get a Mex are MIJ J bass. Good I thinking guys Thanks Alot, Let You Know as soon as I can. We also have someone who will let us use a Ibanez Sound Gear something bass.

 

[Sav'nBass]

To tell the truth I'd say under those circumstances get him a P or a bass with a J type config and a wider neck, more like a P neck. You say he is older.. and so I am thinking in his 50s? Believe me .. the wider neck will be easier to navigate ..It sounds a little counter intuitive but for me anyway the wider neck makes for a more relaxed hand .. I am in my mid 50s .. and between arthur and my circulation issues where my hands go numb.. the wider neck is just easier to play and at this stage easier (read more comfortable) to play means more playing.

BTW great thing you are going .. Those are the kind of friends we all need ...

 

[darkstorm]

Ask him what kind of neck he'd want, thinner more like J or thicker like P/ Its really that simple. I would go with store with great return policy in case he finds with injury that other type neck would be better. But main thing is ask him. "Would you want thick chunky P neck or thinner like Jazz, if you got a bass now?". Have him try some friends basses necks to see which works better for him. Then get him one with that kind of neck.

 

[Lee H]

To the OP... I hope the guy appreciates what a friend you are

I broke both hands, in a motorcycle wreck, years ago. refinding the self confidence was far more difficult then regaining mobility in my fingers. I had to have help getting a cup of coffee, and wiping my but was a big problem. It really does take a toll on your self esteem

 

[petrus61]

There may be more to it. He may just honestly be done with it and is making excuses. It happens. I'm amazed at what I hear from some guys who have given up years ago for whatever reason. Either way, make sure he isn't felt pressured. Like I said, there may be other reasons and he has no obligation to share them to jusitify his lack of enthusiasm.

 

[Tampabass]

pretty cool thing to do for a friend. (applause)

 

[MrRobert]

Hey Gary, I like your idea. I also live in Austin and have a bunch of Ps and a couple of Js, both fenders and squire classic vibes. I'd be willing to bring them around if he wants to try any of them as someone suggested.

 

[SoVeryTired]

Otherwise, a 32" scale bass might really help him out. On that end, and based on only some shop playing, I would suggest one of the Fender Jaguar basses. Seems they might be too pricey at ~$800 on the bay. VERY easy playing and pretty decent tone. Nice axes. There is also a Squier version, but no idea if those are OK or not. Don't know if that helps, but IMO.

GL

If you're thinking shortcale, don't go with the Fender Jaguars - they're 34" Jazz-style necks. Squier do a shortscale version but also do the 34" necks so you'd need to be clear whcih model you were getting.

 

[bucephylus]

If you're thinking shortcale, don't go with the Fender Jaguars - they're 34" Jazz-style necks. Squier do a shortscale version but also do the 34" necks so you'd need to be clear whcih model you were getting.

That would be my mistake, then. It was several years ago that I played the Jag, but could have sworn it was 32". Must be early stage Alzheimers.

 

[grimniggzy]

Definitely look into the Squier Classic Vibe 60's P-Bass

 

[gary mitchell]

Hey guy's he choose the P bass, so we got him a nice used Mex P bass. Someone loaded it with 62 reissue pickups. We got for $250.00 so I don't think that was to bad. It had a little belt buckle rash on the back, not to bad wasn.t tru the paint. We got tru my friends buddy at the church he goes to. It will work for a while.

 

[Atlanta Dave]

Awesome work, hope he enjoys it!

 

[DJ Bebop]

Hey guy's he choose the P bass, so we got him a nice used Mex P bass. Someone loaded it with 62 reissue pickups. We got for $250.00 so I don't think that was to bad. It had a little belt buckle rash on the back, not to bad wasn.t tru the paint. We got tru my friends buddy at the church he goes to. It will work for a while.

 

[Stumbo]

Thank you for sharing your story.
Props to you all.

 

[arsie]

Hey guy's he choose the P bass, so we got him a nice used Mex P bass. Someone loaded it with 62 reissue pickups. We got for $250.00 so I don't think that was to bad. It had a little belt buckle rash on the back, not to bad wasn.t tru the paint. We got tru my friends buddy at the church he goes to. It will work for a while.

Happy to hear it worked out great. A Mex P with '62 pickups for $250 is a great score regardless of the situation. It will work for a long while. Enjoy the holidays.

 

[NeroJazz]

Nice to see there's still good people in the world.

 

[california1967]

Thanks for the story! Merry Christmas!

 

[gary mitchell]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP , AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

 

[Engine207]

Photos...or you got him a ukelele.

And sign him up on TB, so we can get a NBD thread out of him!