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NEWBIE - Help me choose a 4 String

P

paullarkins

Nov 30, 2009
8
1
Nottingham, UK
#1
Hi,

Currently I play a Peavey BXP Grind 4 stringer. Its was great when i bought it, as i didnt really know much better, but having been recently been treated to a Warwick Rockbass Standard 5 String, im looking to upgrade the four string. I tend to grab my four string when playing with my band, but i hate the tone it gives me. It's passive and tends not to have much "bite" as the rockbass. It also tends to be quite "middly" which isn't always desirable, and doesnt sound that good when i slap it. I don't know if its because of the jazz pickups or the active preamp, with EQ or what, but rockbass definitely where i want my tone to be. But like most people i like variety, so wasn't really considering just buying a 4 string rockbass.

The thing is i dont know where to start! I know the types of music i like, mostly rock/alternative and would love to emulate some of the tones i hear in this music, in particular Timmy C.

I've had a good search through the forums for his gear and Rig and realised that i might be difficult for me too emulate his tones, coz of all his customised kit (hand wound pick ups, custom effects, specialist tubes in his value heads) but i'd love some help in getting close to his basic tone. Is the Jazz bass where its at? My 5 string uses Jazz pickups?? I've previously overlooked Fender Jazz because i wanted to stand out from the crowd and use a different looking instrument, but now i'm a bit more grown up and are focused on tone.

Can you guys help me with some possibles, then i get my ass to some shops and try these babies out?

 
#3
There's a reason everyone uses Fender kit! Go to a music shop and try some gear our and see what you like, I used to hate Fender because they are what most people play and I ended up playing a Precision!
 
#4
As mentioned above, you might want to at least *try* a Fender jazz, if you haven't already. Also, you might want to try out a few basses to figure out if you'd prefer active or passive electronics. If you want recommendations on what basses to try out based on looks, you'll have to describe a bit more about what you're looking for. Approximate price range might also help, if you have any ideas about that.

As far as the Timmy C bit...when I first started playing bass (and had even less $$ to spend) I was pretty intimidated by the fact that he had such a colossal setup, thought he'd be super hard to emulate, etc. And to some degree that's true. People spend thousands trying to emulate a certain tone and even then, it's hard to nail it perfect. But there is some good news...there are a few hundred dirtboxes that work for bass. So yeah, you probably can't afford an SVT, and you're not going to handwind your pickups, and you're probably not going to put a board across two Dunlop 105q's. But with that many effects to choose from, there are plenty that sound a lot like Timmy C. For a little over a hundred dollars, you can get a pretty nice overdrive that will get you a long way. Another good idea for that kind of sound might be putting an Aphex Punch Factory compressor (~$60 used) at the front of your effects chain. Nothing that will really kill your wallet, either.
 
#5
If you're looking for a cheapie Jazz 4-string, play both the Squier Vintage Modified 70's Jazz and the Squier Classic Vibe Jazz. They are commonly referred as the VM 70s and CV Jazz basses for abbreviation. Lots of good reviews on both these basses from the users here at TB and elsewhere. I have played both personally and prefer the CV Jazz by a little, but they are both very nice Jazz basses for not too much money and they should be easy enough to find on your side of the pond. Also, these Squiers are easily upgraded due to an overwhelming amount of aftermarket parts Jazz basses, so that is always an option down the road.
 
#6
I know you mentioned Jazz/Timmy C/Fender, and like most people will tell you, getting out to a few shops and trying out different instruments is a good idea...

But just for ideas outside of the box for you (b/c you never know what you'll find when you look there...)
Spector, Schecter, Cort all make some damn fine basses that are moderately priced - and you get a lot for your cash. I've owned Cort Artisan, Spector Legend, and a few Schecters - they are all well-built and fairly versatile. Also, Ibanez.
And if you like Fender - the Deluxe P Bass Special MIM (Jazz neck, P body, J bridge and P center p'ups) is a great instrument - awesome neck, a lot of versatility.

I'd say get out there and try some out... and let us know where you end up!

Good luck!!
 
#10
Thanks to all you guys, This has helped loads. Should have mentioned my budget was about £400 - 450.

Realised i should have a put a few more details about what i dis/like about the basses i have. I love the neck through construction of my peavey, but i'm honestly not sure what effect it has on how the guitar plays and whether i can get this in my next guitar. It also seems to have a very thin and fast neck.

I'm definitely leaning towards active electronics, like i said in my previous post, i love the "hot attack" feel of them, really cuts through my band, which my peavey just doesnt. I tend to have turn the peavey up alot and then that results in distortion. I tend not to be able to get too many tones from the peavey too, which means i'm having to wander over to my amp head between every songs.

I have played a jazz and that is when i first noticed what was missing from my peavey. I think it was a mexican jazz, Noel Redding endorsed (had his signature on it!) but it was so long ago i've forgotten how it played!

But just for ideas outside of the box for you (b/c you never know what you'll find when you look there...)
Spector, Schecter, Cort all make some damn fine basses that are moderately priced - and you get a lot for your cash. I've owned Cort Artisan, Spector Legend, and a few Schecters - they are all well-built and fairly versatile. Also, Ibanez.
And if you like Fender - the Deluxe P Bass Special MIM (Jazz neck, P body, J bridge and P center p'ups) is a great instrument - awesome neck, a lot of versatility.
Click to expand...

I definitely like these ideas, thanks gus.

Will try and get my hands on a Cort and try out the Squire VM an CM and probably a mexican Jazz.

Any other suggestions?

 
#11
i like ibanez... i played an ibanez 5-string soundgear before but guitar center f***ed it up, i figured it was just a poor bass but ive matured since then and realized what went down. im definitely going to try to get another someday but im also pretty poor so i will be looking for a used one in pretty good condition..

if you guys have any ideas for it. im looking for a good rockbass.. i really like rex brown's tone
 
#12
Opinion...

Chances are your bass is equal to what's being suggested.

If I'm hearing you correctly it's sound that you're really looking for --- you haven't complained about your bass.

Without knowing your strings, amp and playing style - the replies should be taken with caution.

If you were my brother, I'd be helping you get your bass setup by a luthier and considering some type of pedal or on board preamp.. keeping the rest of the money in the bank.
 

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