NBD New Bass Dilemma... Versatility vs. Simplicity

[funkycoldmedina]

Disclaimer: Long Post Ahead...

So, long time no post .. but I now find myself with a bit of a dilemma. I bought a new bass recently and I am sort of at odds as to whether or not to keep it. I know this is a decision only I can make but I'm just curious what other people might say..

A little background. I am a singer first and a bassist second. I used to play bass in elementary and middle school but that took a back seat in high school for my vocal performance studies. Now after returning to college (I'm 23) I have been taking bass lessons for two years. I can read music, follow charts, and I even play with the college's jazz, pep, concert and show ensembles.

About my bass needs/wants: When it comes to the college stuff, I need a bass that can handle playing upright lines with a nice woody tone for concert band and jazz ensemble; it also needs to be able to cop motown tunes, classic chic style funk, steely dan, elvis, and other modern pop/rock tunes for show band. Outside of the college I play mainly jazzy, blues, funk music but I mainly focus on my singing. So I'm really looking for one bass that can cover all of that ground. I know it's a lot to ask for, but I can make a lot of variations with just my technique and amp settings.

[Pause for breath!!!!!] On to the bass stuff:

So I just got a Squier VM 5 string jazz bass and I think it's a great bass. I totally recommend it for anyone who is considering an affordable five string. It plays amazing, sounds great, nice tight low b string. But it's also heavy. I'm not a big guy by any means and so heavy basses wreak havok on my shoulders.

My dilemma is that I don't know if I want to keep the bass or not. Pros: I like the position options that the five string allows, it sounds really nice with lots of growl and a balanced top and bottom end. Cons: It's heavy, I play it mostly like a four string and only use the low b for songs that are in Eb, E or F, or for embellishment notes, and it's hard to sing and play the bass primarily because it's so heavy on my shoulder (and I have a wide leather strap).

So I'm considering returning the bass and switching to a passive four string precision bass with flats. I love that sound. It's light and simple and I could spend more time focusing on my singing and my bass playing technique rather than fiddling around with "my sound." I like the idea of working on my technique more than my sound.. BUT, I feel like the five string jazz is one of the most versatile instruments ever made and I would be shooting myself in the foot getting rid of an instrument that can cop so many tones and has more access to changing the key of songs, etc... Hence the dilemma... Versatility versus Simplicity... So thanks for any advice

(Oh and I have a fender p bass special active right now, but the electronics are crapping out on me and I don't really like jazz width necks anymore. But my wife got it for me so selling it isn't an option )

 

[treekiller]

Precision with flats, it's calling you.....

 

[nicoli]

Granted I haven't actually looked at the specs, but does a 4-string P really weigh that much less than a 5-string J? I'd be surprised if it did.

That being said, I think a P with flats would work very nicely for the genres you play, and as stated it does seem to be calling you... but a 5er would also be nice for the extra low range on those jazz and blues walking lines.

 

[butcher]

It all depends on the wood used for the body and neck - can vary quite a bit even between the same model.

You do have the addl weight of one more tuner, beefier neck and a little more pup and bridge material but that isn't much.

I would keep the fiver... and start saving your pennies for a Precision with flats. Also, put flats on the fiver if you want, even tapewound (GHS 3060-5 for example) for that old school tone.

For now, invest in a nice wide strap - lots of threads about those around here. Down the road you can lighten up the bridge and tuners with Hipshot or other brands. Great thing about those investments is that they are pretty reuseable. A great strap will make any bass feel lighter, and as long as you stick with fender-style headstocks you can transfer those ultralight tuners to another bass if you sell the fiver.

Keep the fiver

 

[treekiller]

Granted I haven't actually looked at the specs, but does a 4-string P really weigh that much less than a 5-string J? I'd be surprised if it did.

That being said, I think a P with flats would work very nicely for the genres you play, and as stated it does seem to be calling you... but a 5er would also be nice for the extra low range on those jazz and blues walking lines.

I recently got to play a 1961 Precision that weighed right at 8 lbs, just sayin'....

 

[StuartV]

I voted Carrots. The answer is obvious, but not one of the choices.

You don't like the J because it's too heavy. You're not going to fix that, so return it for a refund (assuming you can) or otherwise get rid of it.

Now, whether you end up getting another, but lighter, 5-string, is a whole different question.

Personally, in your shoes, I would return the J and look for a Stingray 5 single H. That will give you the B string, which has benefits as you already described. It has the simplicity that you mentioned liking.

And, if you define "versatile" as "fits well into many different settings", then the Stingray (and the Precision) are about as versatile a bass as you'll find.

 

[jamersonburton]

i voted carrots.
I have a pbass with flats and it rocks, but before i bought it, i played it back to back with a squier vm 5 string jazz. i loved that also. Im a pbass kinda guy so i went with the pbass but im always craving for a low b.
here are my 2 suggestions
A) keep the 5 string jazz and string it up with either flats or tapewounds (i'd suggest daddario or GHS)

B) return the 5 string jazz and get a pbass with tapes or flats. now, instead of stringing it EADG, either buy individual strings or get a 5 string set and toss away the high G and string it BEAD. that way you get the low b, but a nice woody one in a p-kinda way.

The disadvantage to the second one is obviously less higher register octaves for funk and stuff but i think it would work. im considering doing it but im to afraid that ill miss that high G. only one way to figure it out i guess.

best of luck
Jamersonburton

 

[Stranger Danger]

Get yourself a quality soft leather strap with suede backing in the 3.5-4" width. Moodys, Italia, Levy's or my favorite Franklin's make great straps that distribute the weight evenly. If you like the bass then no need to change basses. Try a good bass player's strap first. Buenas Suerte!

 

[Thumper]

I've been playing 44 years, doing back-up and limited lead vocals 14 years, and lead for 2 years. I've gone from 5 strings to 4 strings for simplicity to make concentrating on the vocals easier.

Return the heavy 5er, you won't play it. I only have one bass over 9 lbs, and will only use it sparingly for standard tune songs (8 out of 40 songs) during gigs, and for none at practice.

I would normally advise you to get the P, but for your needs, I might even suggest a P/J (but with a P neck on it). You can also add a Drop tuner, but that adds complexiity, so maybe even a light 5er (my Lakland 55-94 is 8.6 lbs and my Zon is 8.8 lbs)

 

[funkycoldmedina]

Precision with flats, it's calling you.....

I KNOW!

Granted I haven't actually looked at the specs, but does a 4-string P really weigh that much less than a 5-string J? I'd be surprised if it did.

That being said, I think a P with flats would work very nicely for the genres you play, and as stated it does seem to be calling you... but a 5er would also be nice for the extra low range on those jazz and blues walking lines.

My pj weighs approx. 8.5 and the 5 is closer to 12 lbs. NOt much of a difference, but enough to make it uncomfortable..

Get yourself a quality soft leather strap with suede backing in the 3.5-4" width. Moodys, Italia, Levy's or my favorite Franklin's make great straps that distribute the weight evenly. If you like the bass then no need to change basses. Try a good bass player's strap first. Buenas Suerte!

I am actually using a wide Levi strap now... I have also been told that I wear my strap in the "Wrong" place. I end up wearing it around my collarbone, close to my neck. I don't know if that realy is bad, I just feel like my left arm has less mobility if I move it any closer to my shoulder.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

i voted carrots.
I have a pbass with flats and it rocks, but before i bought it, i played it back to back with a squier vm 5 string jazz. i loved that also. Im a pbass kinda guy so i went with the pbass but im always craving for a low b.
here are my 2 suggestions
A) keep the 5 string jazz and string it up with either flats or tapewounds (i'd suggest daddario or GHS)

B) return the 5 string jazz and get a pbass with tapes or flats. now, instead of stringing it EADG, either buy individual strings or get a 5 string set and toss away the high G and string it BEAD. that way you get the low b, but a nice woody one in a p-kinda way.

The disadvantage to the second one is obviously less higher register octaves for funk and stuff but i think it would work. im considering doing it but im to afraid that ill miss that high G. only one way to figure it out i guess.

best of luck
Jamersonburton

I've thought about going BEAD but I end up having so much notation reading and chart reading that I'm not sure I could get used to reading without that high G string. I tend to skip the B string when reading, unless it's walking lines and then I sometimes glance over to it. But I am considering keeping the 5... and stringing it with flats.

I voted Carrots. The answer is obvious, but not one of the choices.

You don't like the J because it's too heavy. You're not going to fix that, so return it for a refund (assuming you can) or otherwise get rid of it.

Now, whether you end up getting another, but lighter, 5-string, is a whole different question.

Personally, in your shoes, I would return the J and look for a Stingray 5 single H. That will give you the B string, which has benefits as you already described. It has the simplicity that you mentioned liking.

And, if you define "versatile" as "fits well into many different settings", then the Stingray (and the Precision) are about as versatile a bass as you'll find.

I knew people would appreciate carrots Thanks for the advice! I've been considering looking at stingray 5s as well. I do agree that although I can do some about the weight, since I already have a wide strap, I'll probably always think it's too heavy no matter what I do. Anyway, thanks for the food for thought.. Carrots...

I've been playing 44 years, doing back-up and limited lead vocals 14 years, and lead for 2 years. I've gone from 5 strings to 4 strings for simplicity to make concentrating on the vocals easier.

Return the heavy 5er, you won't play it. I only have one bass over 9 lbs, and will only use it sparingly for standard tune songs (8 out of 40 songs) during gigs, and for none at practice.

I would normally advise you to get the P, but for your needs, I might even suggest a P/J (but with a P neck on it). You can also add a Drop tuner, but that adds complexiity, so maybe even a light 5er (my Lakland 55-94 is 8.6 lbs and my Zon is 8.8 lbs)

THanks for the advice. Seeing someone else agree about the too much weight thing is helping me lean towards a decision Maybe... I've been considering also ripping out the guts on my p bass special and making it passive and slapping a new p style neck on it... But that almost feels like a) too much work when I could just get a new toy and b) I really don't want to mess with the bass my wife got me Thanks for your input!

 

[funkycoldmedina]

Oh and just a random thought... Why are there no real affordable 5 string precisions?? Just curious why P basses get the shaft on the low B string.. Sidebar ended/

 

[Thumper]

Oh and just a random thought... Why are there no real affordable 5 string precisions?? Just curious why P basses get the shaft on the low B string.. Sidebar ended/

I totally agree with this - I drug my feet for years, and was getting ready to pull the trigger on a Lull 5P (still $1600) when I put some flats on my Zon 5/1 (on old 1 PUP model most people have probably never seen one) and it worked for the country band (the only time I play 5's).

It will probably be difficult to find a light 5, you usually have to pay $$$ for one.

 

[StuartV]

My pj weighs approx. 8.5 and the 5 is closer to 12 lbs. NOt much of a difference, but enough to make it uncomfortable..

Are you nutz?! That is HUGE!

I won't buy anything that weighs over 10 pounds. Unless I'm just buying it to flip for a profit, of course. No bass looks, sounds, or feels good enough to earn a spot in my stable if it's over 10 pounds. 12 pounds would be awful!

I'm 45 years old, 6' 1", 200 pounds. But, I've raced motorcycles long enough to have shattered one side collarbone into 4 pieces (no surgery, though) and undiagnosed damage to both sides at various times. Even with a wide strap, a 10 pound bass (my G&L L-2500, for example) starts getting uncomfortable for me some time around the 2 hour mark.

No need to apologize for what you're comfortable with. Return that boat anchor! You may have to pay a bit more cash than you're willing to find an 8 pound 5-string. But, you can definitely find one under 10 pounds for a reasonable price.

And if you do decide to spring for bigger bucks, I have to say that my 8.5 pound MPG Level 5 P/MM 5-string is truly sweet! A 5 string P and 5 string MusicMan-style bass all in one. http://www.mpguitars.com is your ticket to one of those.

 

[Martin89]

I had to weigh my ATK305 to make sure but it's roughly 10 lbs so it would be a little better than your jazz and is plenty versatile/affordable if you want a 5 in your stable.

Otherwise I would say mod your P/J to suit your needs, and don't feel bad that the wife got it for you. Would your wife not want to renovate the kitchen in your house because you two got it together? Even if you just start out by flats/passive switch(really easy and not something she'll notice). But open communication about what you'd like to do with it is better. Wouldn't she like to see you playing the bass she got you more often?

 

[blindrabbit]

12 lbs is insane, don't blame you for wanting to change that out. Not all 5 strings are that heavy, though, so don't throw out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak.

Given you have a Squier, are you looking at less expensive basses at the moment? If so, how about giving a SBMM Ray35 some consideration? I loved my SR5 for many years, and think that it would be a good option for you given the criteria that you listed. If you aren't pinching pennies, then leap right into one - consider buying used and asking about the weight before you get it - but if you are then give that Ray35 a look. I tried one out a few weeks ago at a local shop and while it has been almost a year since I had my SR5 in my hands, the Ray35 was miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighty close.

 

[funkycoldmedina]

12 lbs is insane, don't blame you for wanting to change that out. Not all 5 strings are that heavy, though, so don't throw out the baby with the bathwater, so to speak.

Given you have a Squier, are you looking at less expensive basses at the moment? If so, how about giving a SBMM Ray35 some consideration? I loved my SR5 for many years, and think that it would be a good option for you given the criteria that you listed. If you aren't pinching pennies, then leap right into one - consider buying used and asking about the weight before you get it - but if you are then give that Ray35 a look. I tried one out a few weeks ago at a local shop and while it has been almost a year since I had my SR5 in my hands, the Ray35 was miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighty close.

Thank you. I'm Starting to feel less crazy now that more people ages its heavy. I am looking at more inexpensive gear right now simply because I can't really justify a much more expensive purchase right now with two little ones and a right budget. Plus i'm also experimenting with a few things and will put more dough into a higher end bass when things are less sketchy financially and I know exactly what I want. Thanks for the advice on the ray 35 though. I will likely give it a look too

 

[funkycoldmedina]

I had to weigh my ATK305 to make sure but it's roughly 10 lbs so it would be a little better than your jazz and is plenty versatile/affordable if you want a 5 in your stable.

Otherwise I would say mod your P/J to suit your needs, and don't feel bad that the wife got it for you. Would your wife not want to renovate the kitchen in your house because you two got it together? Even if you just start out by flats/passive switch(really easy and not something she'll notice). But open communication about what you'd like to do with it is better. Wouldn't she like to see you playing the bass she got you more often?

What's the string spacing like on that ibby? I have played some where I felt my right hand was super cramped. Thanks for the suggestion tHough.

Also good analogy with the kitchen. I might have to tell her that lol.

 

[Martin89]

What's the string spacing like on that ibby? I have played some where I felt my right hand was super cramped. Thanks for the suggestion tHough.

Also good analogy with the kitchen. I might have to tell her that lol.

It's definitely wider than the Soundgears you're used to, ATK is a cult favorite that has a chunkier neck and and less cramped feeling to it. I don't have the exact specs on it but pretty sure someone from the club will jump in on it. But they can be picked up fairly cheap so they're worth a shot. I've seen them on GC used page for $250.

No problem, it also helps if you can correlate modding a bass to accessorizing

 

[KingRazor]

I feel like a P bass could cover everything you need it to. Can't really go wrong with one.

I really like the new Ibanez ATKs but I haven't played the older ones which are supposedly a little hefty.

An Ibanez SR305 or even a 505 can be had for pretty cheap and that'll be significantly lighter...but will it have the tone you want? That I don't know.