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H

harlon

Jul 13, 2007
141
21
#1
So I paid about $75 for this Precision style bass a few years ago off Amazon. Granted, I'm not really a bassist. I've played guitar, piano and trumpet for 40 years or so, and the only purpose I have for owning a bass is for recording. I'm not all that concerned about playability or looks (well ... playability within reason, of course). So I really need advice from some veteran bassists here. I have the funds to purchase another P bass (as of now it would likely be a Fender Player Series). But I was hoping you could listen to this short audio sample (nothing fancy .. very basic line) and tell me, based on that audio, do you think it would be worth it for me to go ahead and upgrade to perhaps a Player Series, or mod this specific bass with new pups and bridge .. or just leave it as is? I'm not totally unhappy with this, but as someone who doesn't speak bass the way I speak guitar I don't really know if this is great, just ok or lousy. I hope all that makes sense. I'll be happy to record something else if this track isn't enough to help you.

Thanks so much for your advice!

 
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#3
harlon said:
So I paid about $75 for this Precision style bass a few years ago off Amazon. Granted, I'm not really a bassist. I've played guitar, piano and trumpet for 40 years or so, and the only purpose I have for owning a bass is for recording. I'm not all that concerned about playability or looks (well ... playability within reason, of course). So I really need advice from some veteran bassists here. I have the funds to purchase another P bass (as of now it would likely be a Fender Player Series). But I was hoping you could listen to this short audio sample (nothing fancy .. very basic line) and tell me, based on that audio, do you think it would be worth it for me to go ahead and upgrade to perhaps a Player Series, or mod this specific bass with new pups and bridge .. or just leave it as is? I'm not totally unhappy with this, but as someone who doesn't speak bass the way I speak guitar I don't really know if this is great, just ok or lousy. I hope all that makes sense. I'll be happy to record something else if this track isn't enough to help you.

Thanks so much for your advice!

Click to expand...

And, a good setup including pickup height, possibly new strings and checking the neck for bow would improve the playability.
 
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#5
subdude67 said:
Have you ever done a setup on the bass since you received it? Did you change the strings?
Many budget instruments really only need that to sound and play great. Worth a try before spending on a new bass you might not really need.
Click to expand...


I actually did a setup myself on it (although I'm far from experienced in bass setups). I did swap the neck out as the truss rod was junk. I actually kept everything else. I have tried a few different sets of strings. That being said if I decide to keep this one that might be great advice to go ahead and take it to someone for a pro setup.
 
#8
harlon said:
I actually did a setup myself on it (although I'm far from experienced in bass setups). I did swap the neck out as the truss rod was junk. I actually kept everything else. I have tried a few different sets of strings. That being said if I decide to keep this one that might be great advice to go ahead and take it to someone for a pro setup.
Click to expand...

Your soundclip sounds like a P bass with new strings to me, I cannot say there isnothing wrong with it. What is it you don't like about the bass?
 
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#14
Sounds good to me! If you want it to sound different (note, I didn’t say better) then the biggest changes will be with strings and technique.

IMO when you pay more for a bass, you pay for the feel (particularly the neck) and reliability (particularly the hardware and wiring.)

So my 2¢- if you wanna be moving towards playing lots of bass, then look at a Player, they’re great basses. If you’re just laying down tracks at home and it feels good to you, the bass let’s you play the lines you want to play; then sit tight.
 
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#15
CallMeAl said:
Sounds good to me! If you want it to sound different (note, I didn’t say better) then the biggest changes will be with strings and technique.

IMO when you pay more for a bass, you pay for the feel (particularly the neck) and reliability (particularly the hardware and wiring.)

So my 2¢- if you wanna be moving towards playing lots of bass, then look at a Player, they’re great basses. If you’re just laying down tracks at home and it feels good to you, the bass let’s you play the lines you want to play; then sit tight.
Click to expand...


I think you hit it right on the head. I don't want to pay $600 just for a better playing bass, and maybe 5% better tone. That's why I posted the clip. I have a pretty discerning ear for guitar tone, but less for bass. It may have sounded a little muddy, for example, and I might not actually realize it. So I appreciate all the feedback from y'all who DO have a discerning ear for bass. I think I'll take it down to shop near Houston and let them squeeze what they can out of it via a better setup than I probably did and use the money for .. a new guitar. Why not??!!

Thanks again everyone.
 
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#17
harlon said:
I think you hit it right on the head. I don't want to pay $600 just for a better playing bass, and maybe 5% better tone. That's why I posted the clip. I have a pretty discerning ear for guitar tone, but less for bass. It may have sounded a little muddy, for example, and I might not actually realize it. So I appreciate all the feedback from y'all who DO have a discerning ear for bass. I think I'll take it down to shop near Houston and let them squeeze what they can out of it via a better setup than I probably did and use the money for .. a new guitar. Why not??!!

Thanks again everyone.
Click to expand...
welcome to Bassworld, sounds like you're well on your way. don't bother upgrading for a year.
 
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#18
harlon said:
I think you hit it right on the head. I don't want to pay $600 just for a better playing bass, and maybe 5% better tone. That's why I posted the clip. I have a pretty discerning ear for guitar tone, but less for bass. It may have sounded a little muddy, for example, and I might not actually realize it. So I appreciate all the feedback from y'all who DO have a discerning ear for bass. I think I'll take it down to shop near Houston and let them squeeze what they can out of it via a better setup than I probably did and use the money for .. a new guitar. Why not??!!

Thanks again everyone.
Click to expand...

Actually, it sounded very clear and articulate; but just a little too bright - to me. But, I'm a thump monster flatwound fanatic; if I can't shake your fillings loose, I'm not doing it right. I have to agree with those folks who say "pro set up". Get the frets level, and the 1st fret action height set correctly; then see how it plays for you. I'm firmly of the belief that, these days? The only real difference between a "Good" bass and a "cheap" bass is the quality of the hardware and electronics on the former, and the lack of people putting their hands on, and QC-ing the latter. I would say put a set of flats on it, too; but.. to each his own...:whistle:
 
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