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Looking to add a modern bass to the stable

GeneralElectric

GeneralElectric

Dec 26, 2007
10,314
1,375
36
NY, NY
#1
Hi all,

So my tech has been pushing me to get something more modern than what I got, because what I got is a bunch of vintage style basses and amps.

My main basses right now (aka the last 5 years) are a pair of P-basses. I have a Fender CS 61 reissue (with a G&L MFD P-bass pickup) and my fullerton era 57 RI with a Geezer. Both of these guys have skinny frets and wide necks.

My most "modern" bass is a MM Stingray which I use when the P-bass just doesn't cut it. This isn't my first Ray, but the first Ray that I owned that I thought was a keeper playability wise. Unfortunately, the tone always sounded kind of thin and never had enough bass or burliness. I replaced all the electronics with an Aguilar MM pickup and an OPB3. Sounds very thick now, but definitely not hifi

Why do I want a modern bass?
-Flatter fretboard (I like my action super low)
-Active preamps
-Something that isn't a Fender
-Something that sounds and plays different than I already have.

I'm looking for hifi tone (I'm practicing chordal stuff and tapping) mostly, but I also miss having a super aggressive thick bass like the L2000. Not sure if something can do both! Also, even though I'm not old, my night vision apparently sucks. I have a tough time seeing the dot inlays on my 64 P-bass so I'm not 100% sure I want rosewood necks unless its got huge inlays.

Some basses that I've recently tried and liked:
-Ibanez Cerro bass (missed the boat on that one for the 4 string!)
-ESP Rocco Prestia signature (played awesome, but the bridge pup was useless)
-MM Bongo
-Some higher end Ibanez BTB with crazy horns
-Fender Elite P-bass (playability-wise, but everyone I tried had some electronic issues)

I'm just eyeballing stuff for now. Ideally I'd finance something through sweetwater
or get something used around the $600 mark.

Suggestions?
 
#5
JIO said:
$600? Good luck. Ok, so you can buy most any used standard MIM Fender Jazz and put an Audere JZ3 9v pre in it - that should give you 'modern' for close to that price. I know you said something that isn't a Fender - but that's all I got.
Click to expand...

Gonna go on a limb and say that my Fenders are a little bit better than an off the rack MIM. ;)

I have a 70s Fender Jazz bass that's on its millionth neck and sporting Delano pickups. I've thought about buying a new neck and dropping a preamp into it (had an audere JZ3 in a jazz bass a long time ago) but I don't know of and reasonably priced neck builders that have a radius flatter than 10"
 
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#7
GeneralElectric said:
Hi all,

So my tech has been pushing me to get something more modern than what I got...

Why do I want a modern bass?
-Flatter fretboard (I like my action super low)
-Active preamps
-Something that isn't a Fender
-Something that sounds and plays different than I already have.

I'm looking for hifi tone (I'm practicing chordal stuff and tapping) mostly, but I also miss having a super aggressive thick bass like the L2000. Not sure if something can do both!
...
...something used around the $600 mark.

Suggestions?
Click to expand...

Have you considered Warwick? $600 might be a little tight, but a little more opens up a lot of options, perhaps a used german Corvette could be within reach. Ticks all of your boxes...
 
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#8
SteveCS said:
Have you considered Warwick? $600 might be a little tight, but a little more opens up a lot of options, perhaps a used german Corvette could be within reach. Ticks all of your boxes...
Click to expand...


Yes, my used budget is around $600, because that's about what I have on hand. I've definitely seen some warwicks around my price range. I have fond memories of what I think was a limited edition Corvette Double Buck that had wolf, mountain, and moon inlays.

A new bass would give me a higher budget because I can finance through sweet water. I have a $10k line of credit with them and stuck at home with my only free time spent practicing. Basses I'm looking at new are around the sub $1500 mark.
 
#13
So, why not the L2000?

Otherwise, I was also going to suggest the M2000, which is a hi-fi version of the L2000. The only drawback is there's apparently no passive mode (keep a set of rechargeable batts on hand at all times) and the MIA ones seem to rare as hen's teeth. But its preamp is significantly more advanced than the one in the L2000.

As for a flatter radius, if you went G&L, you'd likely have to special order that no matter which of the L2K or M2K you went with, so there'd be a wait regardless. 12" looks like the largest option there.


L
 
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#14
I consider myself a king of the bargain, so I'm not going to harsh your $600 goal at all.

I have the Rocco LTD RB1004 behind me right now that I picked up for $475 B-stock. It is a cool bass and plays phenomenally, but I personally don't find it modern sounding.

Given your description of what you would like to hear, I tend to agree with the others that a double humbucker (active or passive) or a soapbars with active preamp would be the way to go. With more places opening back up, Guitar Center's used department will be well stocked again soon. Maybe your 4-string BTB will be there waiting for you.
 
#18
GeneralElectric said:
Gonna go on a limb and say that my Fenders are a little bit better than an off the rack MIM. ;)

I have a 70s Fender Jazz bass that's on its millionth neck and sporting Delano pickups. I've thought about buying a new neck and dropping a preamp into it (had an audere JZ3 in a jazz bass a long time ago) but I don't know of and reasonably priced neck builders that have a radius flatter than 10"
Click to expand...

I hear you. But I'm of the mind that a good sounding bass can come from most any model or year regardless of being vintage or new. Some 'have it' - and some don't.
 
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