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I want to purchase a new bass...

Ljorges

Ljorges

May 26, 2013
71
5
#1
Hey Guys,

Last time I posted was because I had found a bass that I had gotten a decent deal on. It was an Ibanez SR690. I got her professionally setup and have been using it in my bass classes. I don't want to insult anyone else's Ibanez SR690 but to me it just had too twangy of a sound and I was never able to adjust the knobs to give me a sound that I was really happy with. So, I sold it and made enough to recoup the cost of the bass, setup and a little extra.
I know that I can go to different stores and try out a bunch of them but I'd like to get the selection whittled down a bit before I buy so I can concentrate on a select few.
I'm 51 and love the old school thump and bottom end from Motown and 60's era music. Of course I like modern music but I usually listen to older stuff.
From my research it looks like a pbass might fit the bill when it comes to the sound I'm looking for. So, with that said, I'm looking to spend $500 or less for something that gives me that sound I want and that will keep me happy (yes I know about GAS) as I progress through the different bass classes. I'd like a bass I can grow into as I get better. Hope that made sense.

Thanks for helping me out in advance.

Les
 
#2
Go get you a Fender Precision!

(Or at least try one out to see if it scratches your itch)

$500 puts you right in Fender Standard territory, and if you keep your eyes open a used Roadworn or Highway One.

It may easily be the last bass you ever buy. Sure, you may WANT another bass, but you won't NEED another bass.

Good luck! :cool:
 
#4
I concur that you’re probably lusting for a P. But my suggestion would be to first try a P and a J. The P will definitely nail that Motown vibe, but you might find that a J gives you a wider tonal palette for other types of music. Of course, there’s always the P/J hybrid option to consider. And if you’re willing to go used, you could probably get a P *and* a J within your budget.

In the interest of full disclosure: I played Js for 20+ years, but then recently got involved in a group doing a lot of Motown stuff. My Js didn’t quite give me that “thump” through my live rig — so I acquired a P. Problem solved.
 
#5
I'd suggest a Fender MIM P bass special with p and j pickups. You should be able to come up with a really nice used one at your price range, and they have a jazz width nut, which would likely be more similar to the Ibanez you were used to.
If you run it with just the p, you'll get that precision sound to a "T". But you can also get a ton of other type tones out of it.
As you play longer, you my find you also want more highs and mids in your sound. It creates more definition, and as your technique improves, you will get a lot less string and fret noise.
(Forgive me if I'm misjudging your experience level, but from your post I am guessing you just started playing recently.):)

All the best-
Steve
 
#8
Another vote for the P. I tend to go for modern tones; exactly the kind of twangy sound you didn't like. But I keep a Fender P in the arsenal (strung with the requisite LaBella flats) precisely for those times when I want to get away from that and bring the old-school thump.

Speaking of flatwounds, whatever bass you get, consider them. They are a big part of the old-school sound, IMHO. In fact, almost EVERY classic Motown song you know and love was recorded on a Fender Precision strung with flatwounds.
 
#9
The Roadworn '57 pbass is awesome and not too expensive. It has the sound you are looking for. Screw the Fender snobs who think "only MIA are great instruments." I love it and will challenge anyone to compare tone, electronics, and playability to any MIA pbass.
 
#11
I'm gonna make an "outside the box" suggestion, and not just to stir things up (well, maybe a little ;)), but for practical reasons.

I recently got a Invalid Link Removed and I'm loving it. It's a Jazz body and neck (my personal preference) and a pair of Precision pickups. When the neck pickup is solo'd it has a classic P-bass sound. When the bridge pickup is brought in it brings forth a modern and aggressive sound…and I mean very aggressive!

If you want to be able to switch between modern and classic sounds, this might be worth looking into. If you can find a place to one to try out, see what you think.

Edit: I forgot to mention the price. It's $500 brand new and well within your budget. Also, it's a Made In Mexico/MIM model. You'll get different opinions on whether this is a good or bad thing, but mine looks and feels great.
 

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