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SplinteredSkull

SplinteredSkull

Guest
Jul 20, 2013
937
487
Roanoke, VA
#1
And no, I don't mean the swimsuit ones ;). I'm about to embark on the search for a new, good quality bass as an upgrade from my first and I was hoping you guys could point out some particular basses that I might be interested in (based on all the stuff I'm about to list).

My amp is a GK 700rbII into a Mesa 2x12 PH. I use a variety of effects. I like to run a very mid heavy signal (on my graphic EQ my main boosts are at 80hz (small), 160hz, 315hz, 500-800hz, 4k, 8k; Main cuts are at 100-125hz, slight cuts between boosts, and harsh high mid or treble frequencies). I have a pretty modern tone, and in my head gear towards a mix of Justin Chancellor and Tim Commerford. I dig a signal with tight, controlled lows, punchy mid-mids, cutting high mids, and singing but not harsh treble.

What I'm looking for in a new bass:
- 34" scale
- Nut width less than 1.625 (P Bass)
- Radius can vary, I've played from 9.5 to 15.5
- Neck profile: here things get interesting. I don't want anything super thick, but I don't like super thin either. I'm perfectly fine with the classic C shape on jazz necks because the neck is thin, but it can be to "baseball bat-like" on thicker necks. My current bass has a thin U profile, which is super thin. This is nice when playing high on the neck, but sometimes I wish I had more support in my palm. An in-between would be nice, but I prefer thin to thick.
- Hot Passive or Active (preamp or preamp+pickups) I like the nice full sound and tonal options that come with actives, but I've seen that this can also be achieved with passives that have really nice pickups.
- Price: $800-900 max: new or used or vintage

I dig the necks on jazz basses and thunderbirds, I dug the playability of the Fender Starcaster at a local shop. I've been eyeing Jaguar basses, SLO musicmans, and t40s. What do you recommend picking up as I quest around various shops?
 
#3
A nice old Peavey Foundation, mine is a burst. They did them in solid colors as well. GREAT playing basses, like a jazz with a little extra oomph to my ears. (I own an American Jazz too.)

PeaveyFoundation_zps179f9437.gif
 
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#6
My opinion is biased, of course, but I would recommend that anyone mildly interested in owning a T40 should probably shop around and grab one of the "stuck under the bed in its case for 30-plus years" minty ones before they are all gone. Time was, they were plentiful and cheap. Now, they are getting harder to find and asking prices are climbing rapidly. "Player-condition" T40s will still be plentiful, but not the bargain they were a few years ago. Of course, it's all relative.....a Fender from that same vintage would be cheap at $1000.00.

There will always be great Jazz, Precision, MM and semi-hollow basses available for purchase new and used. The Peavey T40 most likely will never be available as an "AVRI" or "Tribute" model (at least not as long as Hartley Peavey is alive). So finding and purchasing a nearly unplayed original while they still can be found "reasonably" would be my advice.

MUTEMATHT40.jpg


Roy Mitchell-Cardenas of MUTEMATH
 
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#9
eldoryder said:
My opinion is biased, of course, but I would recommend that anyone mildly interested in owning a T40 should probably shop around and grab one of the "stuck under the bed in its case for 30-plus years" minty ones before they are all gone. Time was, they were plentiful and cheap. Now, they are getting harder to find and asking prices are climbing rapidly. "Player-condition" T40s will still be plentiful, but not the bargain they were a few years ago. Of course, it's all relative.....a Fender from that same vintage would be cheap at $1000.00.

There will always be great Jazz, Precision, MM and semi-hollow basses available for purchase new and used. The Peavey T40 most likely will never be available as an "AVRI" or "Tribute" model (at least not as long as Hartley Peavey is alive). So finding and purchasing a nearly unplayed original while they still can be found "reasonably" would be my advice.

Roy Mitchell-Cardenas of MUTEMATH
Click to expand...

The only T40's I can find would be on Reverb and the like: is it worth dropping $450-500 on one without being able to play it first? I guess there would be no problem flipping it if it wasn't my thing, I just rather get one I know I like without having to go through that. Lots of sound options in those though. How is the neck? Closer to a Jazz/Thin modern style or more like a P? That's the big thing.
 
#10
SS- I forgot about your neck issue. They have a 1-5/8" neck, which is not as bad as some, but more than the Jazz (1-1/2). I prefer the Jazz width myself, but have found that I can navigate the T40 neck without too much difficulty. I might also suggest the TB Classifieds for finding a good T40. I prefer buying from other members. They are generally straight shooters, and I haven't been burned yet on a purchase. Keep looking, though, you never know. Here in small town East Texas, there is a nice T40 on consignment at a local music shop.
 
#11
SplinteredSkull said:
That seems interesting if I can find one used. It does have the slightly thinner neck, I'm just always worried about the high end and high mid content when it comes to P basses. They have a punchy bottom, but not always a full top.
Click to expand...

I suggested the Dirnt based mainly on your neck requirements, I think it would fit them perfectly. As for the tone, I'm sure with some pickup swapping (if it is even needed), you can get that tone.
 
#13
Gotta go with Either the Peavey Foundation or the Peavey Dyna if you want something active. There is also the Peavey Foundation S, which comes in a p/j set up. My foundation is pretty beat to hell, but even with it's flaws It's still a solid player and holds up well when I jam out with buddies.

Avoid anything Peavey BXP though.


Also would recommend looking into the Traben Array. Nice slim/quick neck, Soap bar/humbucker pickups. Active with a 3 band eq V/V/B/M/T.
 
#15
xxfaux_punkxx said:
Gotta go with Either the Peavey Foundation or the Peavey Dyna if you want something active. There is also the Peavey Foundation S, which comes in a p/j set up. My foundation is pretty beat to hell, but even with it's flaws It's still a solid player and holds up well when I jam out with buddies.

Avoid anything Peavey BXP though.


Also would recommend looking into the Traben Array. Nice slim/quick neck, Soap bar/humbucker pickups. Active with a 3 band eq V/V/B/M/T.
Click to expand...

Looks like I should try some old Peavey's. I feel like the Traben would just be pretty similar in tone/quality to my ESP.
 
#16
My old Traben had a pretty good sound to it. The bridge is massive (and decorative) so you have killer sustain. Then with the 3 band eq built in you can get a pretty good range of tones from it. Great if you're shooting for hard rock and metal.

I always ran it with the neck pup on full, the bridge pup at 1/2, then I'd have it eq'd at full bass - 1/2 mid - and 1/4 treble. Gave off a nice low growl, with clear humming highs.

Quality wise, I'd say it'd be about midrange. Not the best, but a hell of a step up from the cheap chinese instruments.
 

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