New Bass Guitar- cant decide, need advice

[avia]

Hello,


So first I want to admit that I have little experience with bass guitars. So please be patient with me. I want to learn the instrument and These are the models I was looking at. Prices are from high to low, and I really seem to like the more expensive ones more, at least what I heard from the sound samples. Price limit is 500-600 for a new one. I dont like basses which sound too tubby. I prefer when the bass sound is clean, precise, with a light tendency towards sounding “fat”. more rich in the mids and highs, sounding a bit like an electric guitar(without additional effects) is also appreciated. And Looks matter a lot, thats why I ended up with these 5 models after long research.


Im not sure at this point, whether an active or passive bass would be better. I ended up picking only short scale models because the size feels more comfortable.


And finally, What type of bands do I like/do I want to learn playing? Anything like Ratm, Muse, Royal Blood, Ghost, White Stripes.


Please feel free to share your experiences with the models listed below.


Chowny SWB-01 active


Eastwood Hi- Flyer Bass


Danelectro 56


Gretsch Junior Jet G2220 or G2224


Fender Squier Vintage mod. Jaguar short scale

 

[Fit4pain]

Chowny makes great stuff and I am a big fan of Scott Whitley and his signature bass. You might also look at the Supro Huntington. If I was a short scale player it would be very high on my list. And when all possible buy used. You can score a lot more bass for the money.

 

[GoLeafsGo]

I have two of the models you are looking into. I have a Jag SS, the neck is very comfortable and smooth playing, and it is a fairly light bass too. I found the stock bridge PU to be quite week, there is an easy fix for that, but I ended up changing both pickups to Seymour Duncan 1/4 pounders, and am very happy with the sound. And added an ashtray,new pickguard, black pick guard screws, and chrome dome knobs, because I think it looks cool.

I also have the Gretsch 2224 Junior Jet. Again, a very smooth comfortable well playing neck. (I find that to be among the most important aspects of a Bass.) A bit heavier than the Jag, but not by much. I really like the tones you can get out of the little gretschbucker pickups. The only thing I have changed on this bass are the strings, it came with nasty rounds which I did not get along with. Changed them to chromes, what a difference.

I an VERY happy with both of the basses, and would highly recommend either one. The Jag started out a good bit cheaper, but after the upgrades, I do have a bit more money into it than the Gretsch.

 

[avia]

Edit

 

[avia]

Ok,

after more hours of gathering information, I decided to take the SWB-1. There is a passive and active version available. Im not sure what the advantage of each mechanism is? Most of the time I will have to use headphones, when practicing at home.

The decision between the active and passive model is now the last thing where I would need some help. Than Im ready to order.

 

[jd56hawk]

I have two of the models you are looking into. I have a Jag SS, the neck is very comfortable and smooth playing, and it is a fairly light bass too. I found the stock bridge PU to be quite week, there is an easy fix for that, but I ended up changing both pickups to Seymour Duncan 1/4 pounders, and am very happy with the sound. And added an ashtray,new pickguard, black pick guard screws, and chrome dome knobs, because I think it looks cool.

View attachment 2913952
I also have the Gretsch 2224 Junior Jet. Again, a very smooth comfortable well playing neck. (I find that to be among the most important aspects of a Bass.) A bit heavier than the Jag, but not by much. I really like the tones you can get out of the little gretschbucker pickups. The only thing I have changed on this bass are the strings, it came with nasty rounds which I did not get along with. Changed them to chromes, what a difference.

View attachment 2913956


I an VERY happy with both of the basses, and would highly recommend either one. The Jag started out a good bit cheaper, but after the upgrades, I do have a bit more money into it than the Gretsch.

That Jaguar looks great!

 

[avia]

That Jaguar looks great!

I agree. The silver version is the prettiest imo. And the Jag is definately the first option when I feel like getting a second ss bass at some point.

 

[James Collins]

In simplest terms, active pickups will let you have EQ knobs on the bass. Typically for low and high (2 band). 3 band would add mids etc. The EQ knobs are going to let you boost or cut the particular frequencies. Active pickups also require a battery and it will normally get drained if you leave the guitar plugged in...just FYI.

This could be added later or simulated with pedals even if you have a passive bass.

 

[GoLeafsGo]

That Jaguar looks great!

Thanks! Sounds pretty good too...those pick ups make a big difference.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

I have two of the models you are looking into. I have a Jag SS, the neck is very comfortable and smooth playing, and it is a fairly light bass too. I found the stock bridge PU to be quite week, there is an easy fix for that, but I ended up changing both pickups to Seymour Duncan 1/4 pounders, and am very happy with the sound. And added an ashtray,new pickguard, black pick guard screws, and chrome dome knobs, because I think it looks cool.

View attachment 2913952
I also have the Gretsch 2224 Junior Jet. Again, a very smooth comfortable well playing neck. (I find that to be among the most important aspects of a Bass.) A bit heavier than the Jag, but not by much. I really like the tones you can get out of the little gretschbucker pickups. The only thing I have changed on this bass are the strings, it came with nasty rounds which I did not get along with. Changed them to chromes, what a difference.

View attachment 2913956


I an VERY happy with both of the basses, and would highly recommend either one. The Jag started out a good bit cheaper, but after the upgrades, I do have a bit more money into it than the Gretsch.

I have the Squier Jag shorty as well and am considering the Jr. Jet.
Thing is with the Gretsch, they came out with two new colors and I like the Walnut stain one they have, but they switched up the fingerboards to Black Walnut on the new ones and I don't know enough about the woods to know if that's a bad idea or not.
Any comments regarding Rosewood (on the Black & Burst) vs Black Walnut (on the Walnut Stain and Torino Green)?

 

[GoLeafsGo]

I have the Squier Jag shorty as well and am considering the Jr. Jet.
Thing is with the Gretsch, they came out with two new colors and I like the Walnut stain one they have, but they switched up the fingerboards to Black Walnut on the new ones and I don't know enough about the woods to know if that's a bad idea or not.
Any comments regarding Rosewood (on the Black & Burst) vs Black Walnut (on the Walnut Stain and Torino Green)?

Don't know much about Black Walnut, but I do think there is a slight sound difference between fretboard woods. That Torino Green does look pretty sharp though....