For me, hard to choose, but my 2 Sire M series (M3 4 and M7 5 fretless) are definitely in the running, very light sleek and comfy, and the M7 doesn't actually feel longer even with the 35" scale due to the way it hangs.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Most Playable Bass?
- Thread starter Jhu32
- Start date
My '12 American Pbass Deluxe plays like butter, and I still have it set up from when I bought it (although I have of course changed the strings a few times). Just pulled it out to use on a couple songs for my jazz trio's upcoming album (the 2 songs that called for it over the upright) and it was so perfectly easy to play and sounds amazing direct into the board with the active pre switched off. I only want another electric to get a 5 string fretless P+J
Gaolee
Official leathers tester and crash dummy
I haven't played the perfect bass yet, but my 2001 Gibson Thunderbird comes closest. The 1991 balances a hair better, and the 2015 has more flexible electronics, but the 2001 has some kind of pixie dust sprinkled on it.
Thanks. You can't have mine, but they are out there. Of course, they go for a fair bit more now than the $400 I paid in '87.
The most playable? My EBMM Stingray H5. It's just a little too heavy for my taste, but the neck is narrow and fast, and the action plays like butter. It's feels like home, even if my main bass is the Jazz Bass of my avatar.
Best playing bass is a 1982 57 Reissue P Bass (fullerton era). The finish on the neck is worn down so it isn't stick feeling, the neck is great and the action can be set very low (even though I prefer medium action), The bass balanced perfectly and weights 8 lbs., the fretboard edges have been rolled. On top of feeling great, the bass is a tone monster.
MTD 535 is feels like an extension of my hands
Fender Jazz and Music Man Stingrays feel nice, but MTD is just the fit for me.
Fender Jazz and Music Man Stingrays feel nice, but MTD is just the fit for me.
^^ This.For my playing, the Fender USA Geddy Lee Jazz.
In second place, for me, is Ibanez Sound Gear
Fender American Standard Jazz until I got an Adamovic 4 custom Jazz. The Adamovic is the new gold standard for me.
MTD 435-21
I always consider the ergonomics (weight, neck profile/measurements, pick up placement contours/feel etc. first regarding my instrument.
I don't care how it looks and I can tweek the sound and tone to a vast extent with today's high-end electronics/pre-amp and variety of string selections.
I own three 435's and each one is significantly different in feel, tone and personality.
Part of the beauty of a hand made boutique bass and why they are worth the price.
Great ergonomics for any style and the Hi-Fi tone/electronics are outstanding.
I always consider the ergonomics (weight, neck profile/measurements, pick up placement contours/feel etc. first regarding my instrument.
I don't care how it looks and I can tweek the sound and tone to a vast extent with today's high-end electronics/pre-amp and variety of string selections.
I own three 435's and each one is significantly different in feel, tone and personality.
Part of the beauty of a hand made boutique bass and why they are worth the price.
Great ergonomics for any style and the Hi-Fi tone/electronics are outstanding.
I guess it depends mostly on the player. For me, the only bass I can move around in comfort for long periods of time is the Rickenbacker (mine are 4001's). I do hear a lot of complaints regarding their play-abilty, but I find they work better than any other. It did take me a while to get used to them, but once I learned it, there was no substitute.
i've got a number of basses that really play well.
assuming there's no really poor construction / weird wood samples, anything can be setup to kill. i've got many boutique and factory made basses that play with impeccably low string height and minimal buzzing.
assuming there's no really poor construction / weird wood samples, anything can be setup to kill. i've got many boutique and factory made basses that play with impeccably low string height and minimal buzzing.
I have went through more basses in the last 2-3 years searching for the perfect bass. I've finally found them in my new Warrior DM 5 string basses. They have everything I've wanted to weight, playability, spacing, tone, and looks. They are perfect for me.
