Need a Bass Recomendation for Recording Alternative

[trthorol]

Hey there,
This is my first post on talk bass after lurking on these forums for over a year. Anyway the story is I just got involved with a new project, after a few months of practicing we are in the studio recording a demo and all the parts have been recorded except bass. I get in to do the bass parts and no matter how hard we cant get a good recording tone from my bass direct or mic'd. That bass I was using was an old Peavy Milestone II, which is a P clone. So I want to get a new bass for the end of this week to record with. Which brings me to my question.

What bass would recomend for recording alternative, i guess the closest sounding band to this project would be Bush. With following stipulations:

4 string
34" scale
around $400-$500 price range
will be played with a pick
music similar to Bush

Bonus:
Sound good with a hartke HA700 and Vx215 amp and cabinet

thanks,
Thor

 

[bongomania]

Honestly, the bass is the least part of the equation. With the right strings, the right technique, and a good engineer, anything from an old violin bass to a Dean Metalman could turn out a great-sounding "alternative" rock track. If neither the bassist nor the engineer know how to make that sound happen, then you could have "the ultimate alterna-rock bass" and it still won't sound right.

I guarantee there's nothing wrong with a Peavey P bass that can't be fixed with new strings, a good setup, good player attack, and the right EQ from the engineer.

 

[trthorol]

Thanks, thats a very good point. But since I could not get a bass recomendation from you, maybe I will try to get a string recomendation Is there specific string type you would recomend in this situation?

 

[Time Consumer]

Spector Legend classic

 

[bongomania]

Is there specific string type you would recomend in this situation?

Well, if you are after a grindy tone, maybe down-tuned, then I would look at high-tension stainless roundwounds. Maybe Rotosound Swing 66 steel, DR Lo-Riders steel, or GHS Super Steels. Set your action low for some intentional fret buzz. You might try playing with a pick, too, for more aggressive attack.

 

[KeithAlanK]

I had great results in the studio with an Ibanez SR500.