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J-bass Standard or Deluxe for ska/punk

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by futbol1097, Jan 12, 2009.

  1. Jan 12, 2009 #1
    futbol1097

    futbol1097

    Nov 21, 2006
    Thanks to input from TB, Ive decided to go w/ an MIA J-bass over a P-bass. I tested several at GC and the smaller J-neck is a lot more comfortable for me. I'm learning ska and punk stuff right now w/ faster basslines, so the smaller neck was a better fit too. However, I did like the P-Bass low-end a lot. I'm debating btwn the Standard and Deluxe - do the active pickups on the Deluxe give more or less of that low-end growl (closer to P-sound)? GC didn't have both to compare together and ill probably buy online, sight unseen. Just wondering if its worth paying more for Deluxe given my musical tastes. Thanks!
     
  2. Jan 12, 2009 #2
    BassAgent

    BassAgent

    Dec 2, 2003
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Official Artist: Eich Amplification
    I'd go for the passive one (so the Standard). I have played in a couple of good ska bands over the years, and have found that the active sound is a little bit to much for that music. You want a raw, punching sound. You can always get that low end from your amp.
     
  3. Jan 12, 2009 #3
    P-BASSLOVER

    P-BASSLOVER

    Oct 10, 2008
    USA
    The American Active Deluxe Jazz Basses are Superb!
    Those Samarium Cobalt pups are very hot, especially
    with the 18vt electronics!
     
  4. Jan 12, 2009 #4
    lowendgenerator

    lowendgenerator All panic, no disco.

    Mar 26, 2006
    CHI/NWI
    The Deluxe model is nice, the midrange boost really puts you where you want to be in the mix. both pickups on full, a little bass boost, treble almost off, and the midrange cranked yields great results for me.
     
  5. Jan 12, 2009 #5
    Johnny Mack

    Johnny Mack

    Jun 8, 2007
    Englewood, FL
    its all subjective. im in a ska/funk/grunge/psychedelic band with two guitarists and have always been a p-bass kinda guy. just got my first J a month ago. while i love the tone, its almost too hi-fi or something. so i wired in a model J series with a single coil. a little better now. ive never been a fan of active basses, they dont sound natural to me.
     
  6. Jan 12, 2009 #6
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    The American Deluxe P bass has a much nicer neck than a standard P, and the tone is massive. My band requested that I use it over my Ric or my Tbird. They love that Deluxe P as much as I do. In case you wanted one more option.
     
  7. Jan 12, 2009 #7
    elBandito

    elBandito

    Dec 3, 2008
    Rotten Apple
    I know you asked for a j, but a p would do better in those applications.
     
  8. Jan 12, 2009 #8
    RONQUITO

    RONQUITO

    Dec 27, 2007
    carrots
     
  9. Jan 12, 2009 #9
    futbol1097

    futbol1097

    Nov 21, 2006
    Well - I'm finding a lot better online deals on Standards, probably b/c there's just more of them. If I am able to pick up a Standard MIA J at a good price, could anyone recommend pickup upgrades to improve the low-end passive sound?
     
  10. Jan 12, 2009 #10
    Kyon`

    Kyon`

    Aug 17, 2007
    Boston, MA
    Why not look into a P/j special, or possible a G&L sb-2. I know the MIM P/J special is active and has a jazz neck, and the G&L SB-2 will have all that aggressive snarl that you would want and I believe stock they come with a jazz style neck. Also DR Stainless Steel LoRiders would give that low end you want so much.