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New bass
- Thread starter Lewis88
- Start date
I like playing blues mainly, purely because of it's simplicity and great sound, but I want to try out some funk (the only bit I struggle with with funk is the rhythm side of things, but that will come). With regards to particular bassists that I want to emulate there aren't any. I've been recommended by my music teacher to get a Fender Precision (Mexican) but I didn't find that too great. I personally preferred an ESP that I have tried, but I was just wondering if the broader bass community had much to say 
I love ESP instruments, and generally despise Fender/Squire. Whenever possible, buy an ESP.
However, from what you describe you want to get into, Fender/Squire Precision or Jazz basses are where a lot of the sound of blues and funk bass comes from.
Also consider your amp and speaker set ups if you are going for a particular tone.
However, from what you describe you want to get into, Fender/Squire Precision or Jazz basses are where a lot of the sound of blues and funk bass comes from.
Also consider your amp and speaker set ups if you are going for a particular tone.
Thanks yeah, that's what research has shown me, that Fender is usually used in blues and what not but it just didn't float my boat? Do you have an ESP yourself? The ESP I tried out was only £370 and it played miles better than a £600 Fender which made me laugh. Also, what do people think of Ibanez basses?
yeah, that's what research has shown me, that Fender is usually used in blues and what not but it just didn't float my boat? Do you have an ESP yourself? The ESP I tried out was only £370 and it played miles better than a £600 Fender which made me laugh. Also, what do people think of Ibanez basses?
I like Ibanez. I own two though they are both old.
Not pushing you to Fenders but if you have only tried a P you should also try a jazz. And try a few because setup, strings, etc can make a big difference to a bass.
But if you like the look, sound and feel of the ESP and the price is right, then maybe you have found your thing.
Not pushing you to Fenders but if you have only tried a P you should also try a jazz. And try a few because setup, strings, etc can make a big difference to a bass.
But if you like the look, sound and feel of the ESP and the price is right, then maybe you have found your thing.
Yeah, I suppose that there is all of that to consider... This forum is really useful! :L I suppose that I could be looking for something I have already found... And whilst I'm on a question-spree, what's the difference between a thru-neck and a bolt on? I know the physical and aesthetic differences but what impact do they have on the actual playing of the bass?
Not my bass. The MM SUB bass is a US-made budget line. The idea was to get MM quality of construction, but keep prices low by using less expensive material and hardware. Someone in my rehearsal space kept a SUB in the room, and I played it several times. Personally I didn't like the feel of it, but it sounded good and played well. These run around $400 on the used market. Which is a pretty good deal for a decent US made MM product.
Really, if the ESP felt and sounded good to you that's probably a pretty good option. With as vague as you've been you're probably best shopping things within that price range and finding what you like best.
For Blues, R&B, and Funk you really can't go wrong with a Fender Jazz Bass or a P/J Precision or Jazz Bass pickup configuration. Probably the most oft performed and of recorded basses in those musical genres. Good Luck with your search.
If you will move around in the blues circuit, it's best to stick to a Fender to get initial respect. Silly but true.
I'll look into the MM then, thanks
Fender makes a lot of variants of both PBasses and JBasses. You might like one the hybrids that combine both a PBass and a JBass pickup. Fender makes P/J models based of off both body styles.
