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In need of aggressive bass

W

Willstonez

Jan 24, 2012
7
0
Wisconsin
#1
So I played a Kramer DMZ 5000 with an aluminum neck (DiMarzio PJ pickups) recently and loved it since it's super aggressive, but I found myself really wishing it had 24 frets.
Can anyone recommend some basses that I could consider? I just need some aggression in my life since my Spector Legend can't seem to dish it out.

THANKS!
 
#5
I agree with both above statements. I have a fender p special with Dimarzio PJ setup that is super aggressive. Also I have a SBMM that is super aggressive. Neither have 24 frets though.

I would suggest looking at PJ basses that have 24 frets. Then replace with dimarzios. But only If it needs a pup replacement.
 
#10
aussiebasshero said:
I'd say half the solution is the P/J pups - what's your budget?
Click to expand...
I'm pretty low on cash, but I'm 100% planning on getting a used bass here. I'm looking at 600-700 TOPS.

aussiebasshero said:
A Euro 4LX was what I was thinking in my head, too. If the OP lives in the US he can probably pick one up second hand for a decent price.
Click to expand...
So the 4LX is where it's at for some aggression? I had a NS2A from like 87 with PJ and I hated it. But, I will definitely check this thing out. And yes I live in the US.
 
#11
Willstonez said:
I'm pretty low on cash, but I'm 100% planning on getting a used bass here. I'm looking at 600-700 TOPS.


So the 4LX is where it's at for some aggression? I had a NS2A from like 87 with PJ and I hated it. But, I will definitely check this thing out. And yes I live in the US.
Click to expand...

The build is different between the NS2A and the 4LX.
I have a 5LX with TW pickups and even then, there's more growl than I know what to do with...and I love it. :hyper:
It could've been that your NS2A had the Haz copy in it. I've never had experience with the Haz copy, but the TonePump is supposed to be a much snarly-er preamp.
Sometimes ebay and craigslist have really good offers on used 4LXs and I know there's a lot on here recently that are priced pretty fairly.
The 'Wicks also have their own growly personality and can be had for slightly cheaper (I think), so there's that.
 
#13
CarlosRoberto5 said:
The build is different between the NS2A and the 4LX.
I have a 5LX with TW pickups and even then, there's more growl than I know what to do with...and I love it. :hyper:
It could've been that your NS2A had the Haz copy in it. I've never had experience with the Haz copy, but the TonePump is supposed to be a much snarly-er preamp.
Sometimes ebay and craigslist have really good offers on used 4LXs and I know there's a lot on here recently that are priced pretty fairly.
The 'Wicks also have their own growly personality and can be had for slightly cheaper (I think), so there's that.
Click to expand...

Right, mine was also probably made in Korea.
I gotcha, yeah it also had Spector branded pickups on it.
I will definitely keep my eyes open on that. And yeah, I can agree with the cheaper on that. I'll keep my eyes open for like a Streamer Stage 1.
 
#15
Willstonez said:
I'm pretty low on cash, but I'm 100% planning on getting a used bass here. I'm looking at 600-700 TOPS.

So the 4LX is where it's at for some aggression? I had a NS2A from like 87 with PJ and I hated it. But, I will definitely check this thing out. And yes I live in the US.
Click to expand...

For that kind of money you could easily get a 'wick Corvette, not too sure what the local used prices are for a Euro 4LX are. If possible, try as many P/J active basses as you can before you commit to buy.

I know this is subjective, but what exactly do you mean by aggressive? Gritty low mids? Good bite when you dig in a little? I can't help but think of Flea's Spector tone on Mother's Milk when it comes to an aggressive, growly P/J tone.
 
#17
aussiebasshero said:
For that kind of money you could easily get a 'wick Corvette, not too sure what the local used prices are for a Euro 4LX are. If possible, try as many P/J active basses as you can before you commit to buy.

I know this is subjective, but what exactly do you mean by aggressive? Gritty low mids? Good bite when you dig in a little? I can't help but think of Flea's Spector tone on Mother's Milk when it comes to an aggressive, growly P/J tone.
Click to expand...

I am looking into that right now actually! Yeah, the only 4LXs I can find are like 1400 minimum. Totally.

Right. Both of those. Man I haven't listened to Mother's Milk in years...but I'd say yes. And kind of, almost overdriven sound, you know? But I'd say Mother's Milk is a good comparison that I didn't even think of!
 
#19
Johnius said:
My Warwick Corvette is very aggressive. So much so that I don't even play it that often anymore. You can get a used one for under $700 if you look around. It should satisfy.
Click to expand...

Ya beat me to it.

Johnius, have you put some nice smooth flats on the Corvette? If not, give it a try. I use Daddario Chromes now but previously used the really nice Sadowsky Black larger gauge SS flats. I'm actually thinking about giving either Rotosound 77's or GHS Precision flats a try.

It may tame some of that aggression for you and get you back using a pretty versatile bass.

Phasing switches in the up direction tend to P-Bass the sound out a bit. centered seem most jazz like and down is the full Monty.
 

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