• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I've tried almost everything ... whats next?

#22
AJ Brown said:
I'm a little confused about the observation of "too much" relief. Every Zon I've tried has had close to zero relief (a perfectly straight or close to perfectly straight neck). What models have you tried?
Click to expand...

A 5/2 and a special, fretted. Both had the same releif in the neck, which was substantial and centered a little differently than the way a wood neck would hold the tension. I found it odd, which is why I tried the second one, and it was the same. Both were older, from what I understand, his relief has come down lately.
 
#23
Philbiker said:
Geared out? Try working on technique. Here's a neat excersize I tried once. Disconnect and disable all compression devices in your signal path and work on controlling dynamics completely with your hands. A worthy mission that I've been on for going on 15 years now.
Click to expand...

True! And I've been doing that a lot lately, actually.
 
#26
pickles said:
What I'm looking to add is a very modern, growly, polished, plug it strait into the board and it sounds amazing kind of bass to augment the basic trio.
Click to expand...

Have you tried something with EMG 40's and a BTC? My best fiver has that array, and I think the sound from it fits the description you've outlined.

I'm refering to an L-5500. Even at 34 inches the low notes are to die for. I would describe the tone as exceptionally powerful and clear, and of course modern.
 
#27
SteveC said:
The only basses I wish I had back were my matching Modulus Q5's - fretted and fretless. I had the Bartolini electronics and loved them. I've been you. I've gone through about 40 basses in the last few years. I have actualled settled on a Yamaha BB605 - with Barts - and a stock Yamaha BB414. These "cheap" basses work fine for me and what I do. If I could do it again, I'd have the pair of Q5's as my basses of choice.
Click to expand...

This is still the way I'm leaning ... but thanks everyone for the ideas so far! Keep em coming.
 
#29
SamJ said:
How about a Fodera.. a Member, Fretless Bob just got a great deal on a used one.. they're still pricey, but heck you don't seem easy to impress.
Click to expand...

I don't know that a more expensive bass will be any better for me. Its not that any of these basses didn't impress me (on the contrary!!!) ... I'm just looking for what fits ME.

My two favorite basses were $500 and $800. Hamer Cruise USA and a '62RI P.
 
#30
pickles said:
I don't know that a more expensive bass will be any better for me. Its not that any of these basses didn't impress me (on the contrary!!!) ... I'm just looking for what fits ME.

My two favorite basses were $500 and $800. Hamer Cruise USA and a '62RI P.
Click to expand...

confused0006.gif
..hmm... How about an SX?

No... never mind.:hiding:
 
#32
Its just the fanned frets that spook me. I'm sure they are great for tone and feel, but I'm on the "old dog" end of the scale, so new tricks would be tough.
Click to expand...

Based on what you say you're looking for, I would have suggested a Dingwall, but it looks like several TBers have already beaten me to the punch. As for the "fanned fret thing", I used to think and feel just like you....until I actually had the opportunity to play one. It's very easy to dismiss something based on looks or preconceived notions. Once you actually TRY one though, I think that you will be extremely surprised (as I was) that there is very little adjustment, if any at all, that needs to be made.

What many people fail to recognize is that the fanned fret system only impacts the extreme ends of the fretboard. I would guess that for "most" players, the majority of their playing takes place in the middle part of the neck, as well as the lower positions. The adjustment that needs to be made in the middle of the neck is virtually nonexistant, and any adjustment that needs to be made in the lower positions is quickly made. I would keep in on your list of options to consider, since several of us immediately thought "Dingwall" based on your discription you gave of what you were looking for. ;)
 
#33
You said you like the Zon's but to much relief, how about a Wal? You'd have to find a used one cause it's over 2 years wait, but if you start looking now..

Wal is probably the closest bass to Zon that I've played, but the wood vs carbon neck makes for a better sound.. IMHO.
 
#35
Hey Pickles, another old dog here. A couple of years ago I decided to try five string bass before I hit the half-century mark. Love it. I'm now exploring fretless again (didn't have the patience or taste when I was younger). I took the Dingwall plunge late last year and finally turned fifty this year. Do not fear the fan. I usually run with the series setting on my AB-1. Don't play one unless you're ready to buy. You sound like you are primed & ready. Don't look at the image below, either...:rollno:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Ken
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back