Most Versatile Electric Bass?

[jd56hawk]

This is a Supro Huntington III. Talk about a varied tonal palate? With three pickups plus a hidden piezo in the bridge, this thing can sound like just about anything or like nothing else. It's passive and yet manages to cop more sounds than the actives I own.

View attachment 3368597 View attachment 3368598

Only short

Hello all,

I’m a guitarist and euphoniumist looking to buy a bass soon. Admittedly, I know little of anything about playing bass or selecting such gear...

As an initial investment, I’d like to find a cost-effective electric bass ($750 or less) capable of playing a variety of styles ranging from ensembles like Snarky Puppy all the way to Metallica. Of course, I’m not suspecting a perfect solution, especially not in my price range. Just something versatile that can be made to work across genres while being modern - not to replicate the original sounds. I also prefer a five-string (unless you suggest there’s use in a six).

I’ve looked into the 500- and 600-series Yamaha TRBX, and the Ibanez SR505 but again, I don’t know nearly enough myself, only that I’ve enjoyed hearing the sounds of these instruments on their own.

If it helps - as a guitarist, I’ve been content all-around with the sound quality and playability coming out of an LTD Eclipse (with coil-tap) featuring a Duncan JB(b) and ‘59(n). Though more recently, my taste in music has (generally) revolved less around that moderate distortion and more towards cleaner, brighter voices.

I’ll appreciate any help in finding the appropriate instrument!

Genres: Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Country, Classic Rock, Metal, Classica.... Assume all.

Some of G&L Tribute L2500 models available.
(Yes, they do have them with rosewood fretboards, but hard to top the look of maple.)

 

[B-Lo]

Pretty sure it does. The M series doesnt have passive options

You sir are correct.

Except that it does not have the Passive option that comes with the L-2000.

The L2500 is the same as the L2000 except it has an added B string.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Used G&L L2k. Done.

 

[Rib 13]

G&L L2000 or ASAT

 

[dabbler]

Only short

Some of G&L Tribute L2500 models available.
(Yes, they do have them with rosewood fretboards, but hard to top the look of maple.)

Unless it has a matching headstock (yes this is a Tribute):

 

[TheLowDown33]

Yes, nor the series/parallel toggle. But the L does not really sound like an active bass, it sounds passive all the way with some sort of active EQ.

I agree. I think it has something to do with the lack of frequency boost/cut controls. The active (without treble boost) mode seemed more like a buffer than anything else. Could be wrong, as this is all from a memory.

 

[alaskaleftybass]

- Ibanez SR line: Considering price points, finish colors, tonal variety, and woods, there are TONS of options available in the SR line. They tend to be streamlined and lightweight, and in many cases, come gig-ready out of the box (setup may be necessary, and of course, YMMV). Cost to instrument value ratio is hard to beat, IMO.

- Yamaha TRBX : The 30X, 50X, and 60X are all great for some of the same reasons I mentioned concerning the Ibanez SR line. Plenty of tonal variety, very comfortable to play, lightweight, interesting color options. I still regret selling my 304, and may be getting myself a 504, in the near future.

** Close runner up would be the G&L Tribute L2X00 series. I LOVE the way these basses sound, but the bass is just inherently gritty and aggressive. Even with extensive EQ knob twisting, I had issues getting a few of the more mellow sounds. I've heard the M2X00 series is not as aggressive sounding, so it could be another option to consider.

Just my 2 cents. Best of luck.

Agreed. I've played Ibanez basses since the early 80's and have always loved how they sound and play. Best bang for the buck-- versatile, modern, and good looking basses. As with all basses, change the strings when you buy a new bass. The OEM's are almost never any good...

 

[yellowbirdnj]

Link Removed
This is not my bass, I just did an image search. But it is a bass that I bought in the mid 90s. No longer in production, it is a Fender Precision Lyte. This one looks modified in the J pick up. But I like this bass a lot and there are many of this type of J/P arrangement out there, as already mentioned by others on this. My only issue is that it has a preamp in it. Having played for many years, I vote that you get a bass with no preamp for practicing. No need for beating up a battery in my book.

 

[yellowbirdnj]

Unless it has a matching headstock (yes this is a Tribute):

View attachment 3369075

G&L model is like a P bass on steroids. Great choice for a preamp bass.

 

[jd56hawk]

Unless it has a matching headstock (yes this is a Tribute):

View attachment 3369075

I'm big on matching headstocks.

 

[Remoman]

+1 on all the G&L 2500 and ESP LTD B205 suggestions. But a Sterling by Music Man Stingray (Ray5, Ray25, Ray35) merits a consideration. Won't be quite as versatile, but not a bad place to start.

 

[Robbie J]

Ibanez SR655 for me - picked up one of these myself a few months ago and very glad I did. Loads of versatility here - PJ, 5 strings, active EQ but with a bypass switch. I usually play with it passive with just the P pickup, but like the ability to dial in edgier sounds if I ever feel the need.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

Dang I wish G&L would build a bass that:

1) offers a medium scale option
2) doesn't weigh 50 lbs.

 

[juggahnaught]

Hello all,

I’m a guitarist and euphoniumist looking to buy a bass soon. Admittedly, I know little of anything about playing bass or selecting such gear...

As an initial investment, I’d like to find a cost-effective electric bass ($750 or less) capable of playing a variety of styles ranging from ensembles like Snarky Puppy all the way to Metallica. Of course, I’m not suspecting a perfect solution, especially not in my price range. Just something versatile that can be made to work across genres while being modern - not to replicate the original sounds. I also prefer a five-string (unless you suggest there’s use in a six).

I’ve looked into the 500- and 600-series Yamaha TRBX, and the Ibanez SR505 but again, I don’t know nearly enough myself, only that I’ve enjoyed hearing the sounds of these instruments on their own.

If it helps - as a guitarist, I’ve been content all-around with the sound quality and playability coming out of an LTD Eclipse (with coil-tap) featuring a Duncan JB(b) and ‘59(n). Though more recently, my taste in music has (generally) revolved less around that moderate distortion and more towards cleaner, brighter voices.

I’ll appreciate any help in finding the appropriate instrument!

Genres: Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Country, Classic Rock, Metal, Classica.... Assume all.

Oh, man...

Welcome to Talkbass! Glad to have you here.

Searching the site for threads like these will yield a lot of results - and many of the answers that you'll get will be opinions. They're valid opinions, and there's a lot of good advice, but still opinions. Any time you ask a question like "what's the most versatile X" or "what's the best Y", you're walking into the weeds.

Watch some videos on Youtube if you aren't aware of bass technique (you've played guitar, so you probably are) and then go to your local pawn shop or guitar shop and play the basses they have. Then, choose one and buy it.

You'll honestly be fine with almost anything - there's very little that is outright wrong in this case. The most versatile bass is the one that you buy and play.

Buy a bass and play it! Good luck!

 

[Reedt2000]

Oh, man...

Welcome to Talkbass! Glad to have you here.

Searching the site for threads like these will yield a lot of results - and many of the answers that you'll get will be opinions. They're valid opinions, and there's a lot of good advice, but still opinions. Any time you ask a question like "what's the most versatile X" or "what's the best Y", you're walking into the weeds.

Watch some videos on Youtube if you aren't aware of bass technique (you've played guitar, so you probably are) and then go to your local pawn shop or guitar shop and play the basses they have. Then, choose one and buy it.

You'll honestly be fine with almost anything - there's very little that is outright wrong in this case. The most versatile bass is the one that you buy and play.

Buy a bass and play it! Good luck!

Awe man, this advise is WAY too practical. Sure you can source something cool locally, sure almost anything that feels good and sounds good to the OP will be a good choice, and sure he could wrap his search up in a matter of hours...

But what would be the fun in that? This way he gets to be immersed in bass culture and gives us all a chance to chime in and talk about the gear we like! Win-win!

 

[blue4]

I'd vote for a Ibanez SR500 or above. Highly versatile, has a middle of the road tone that works very well with effects pedals. Very lightweight, very easy to play.

 

[HeavyJazz]

G&L L-2000 USA no contest

 

[Greyvagabond]

P-Bass
"But what about . . . ?"
P-Bass
"But jazz?"
P-Bass
"Metal actually needs"
P-Bass
". . .Extended range"
P-Bass

 

[RumbleMan3]

Fender Jazz bass. 2 single coil pickups, perfectly matched to get you a range of desirable tones. Will fit in almost an genre. Look it up if you already don't know much about the greatness and legendary iconic this bass really is in the bass world, please look it up, or better try one for yourself!
(not sure what music you play or are into, but some of the best bass players in the world play, or have played a jazz bass. legends like Joe dart, Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, Bernard Edwards, Jaco pastorius, Flea, John paul jones)
The 2 pickups together produce a real sexy growl not found in any other bass. If there was one bass you could say that did it all, it would have to be the Jazz bass!

Fender Precision bass, this is probably as versatile as a jazz bass as far as tone, because the tones you can get out of it will sit in a pocket that rocks nearly every genre or style you want. but it is limited as you can only have one tone. It is a single split coil pickup instead of 2 single coils. Plus, you can kind of emulate a P bass sound anyway with the solo neck pickup of a Jazz bass. Is just a simple, raw sound. Punchy and warm, and really mean.

For more affordable options, but still killer instruments for the money, Squier vintage modified or classic vibe series. All you need if you are just starting out, yet even good enough sound for professionals but you be the judge!

Musicman stingray (or sterling by musicman for a more affordable option.)
This bass is ACTIVE, compared to the 2 previous models which are PASSIVE (but you CAN get ACTIVE models aswell!) Simple design, only 1 humbucker. Some of the tones you can get are super cool though, a real smooth and growly sound, but if not EQ properly or played properly, can sometimes bridge between a nice sexy tone, or a really harsh tone, but that's just my personal preferance. I still don't mind them. Have a play and a listen to this, it is a real funk favourite and also rock and metal too, in particular, so have a listen!

 

[zon6c-f]

Hello all,

I’m a guitarist and euphoniumist looking to buy a bass soon. Admittedly, I know little of anything about playing bass or selecting such gear...

As an initial investment, I’d like to find a cost-effective electric bass ($750 or less) capable of playing a variety of styles ranging from ensembles like Snarky Puppy all the way to Metallica. Of course, I’m not suspecting a perfect solution, especially not in my price range. Just something versatile that can be made to work across genres while being modern - not to replicate the original sounds. I also prefer a five-string (unless you suggest there’s use in a six).

I’ve looked into the 500- and 600-series Yamaha TRBX, and the Ibanez SR505 but again, I don’t know nearly enough myself, only that I’ve enjoyed hearing the sounds of these instruments on their own.

If it helps - as a guitarist, I’ve been content all-around with the sound quality and playability coming out of an LTD Eclipse (with coil-tap) featuring a Duncan JB(b) and ‘59(n). Though more recently, my taste in music has (generally) revolved less around that moderate distortion and more towards cleaner, brighter voices.

I’ll appreciate any help in finding the appropriate instrument!

Genres: Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Country, Classic Rock, Metal, Classica.... Assume all.

In general (my opinion) a Fender Precision can do 90% of all recorded popular music; however if a 5 string is required and budget is in question then I suggest Squier Jazz 5 Active and strung with round wound strings to be complete

Good luck and keep us posted