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Older Bass Player Needs New Bass Recommendation

mrjim123

mrjim123

Supporting Member
May 17, 2008
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#1
I'm new here and apologize for the double post (the following also posted in Bassists). Slap me, I won't do it again.

I'm 57, but don't look it, and I still have that creative fire (growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional).

I last played professionally in 1979, mostly rock and top 40. Then I went to college, got a "real" job, had kids, lived the American dream. Now it's my time (yes, honey, I'm coming).

I've been practicing a lot lately, and am as good as I ever was - it's amazing how much I retained - technique, remembering entire songs). Of course, playing 4 sets would probably kill my fingers - need a little more strength and better callouses on my right hand (I pick), but that will come.

Anyways, I'm looking for a new bass before I advertise myself. I'm thinking maybe lighter is better. Are there any older players who have experienced shoulder/back problems slinging a heavy bass for 4 hours? Any suggestions related to that?

What about the neck? I'm thinking maybe a narrower neck is better. My Gibson Ripper has somewhat of a wide neck (1 5/8" nut, I believe), and I'm thinking maybe narrower is better in case arthritis sets in, or if my fingers lose some of their flexibility. I played a Fender Jazz in a music store many years ago and did not like it. I did the same thing a week ago and thought, "man, this feels good". So, maybe a narrower neck is the way to go (I don't plan on doing any slapping).

Are there any other tips that would benefit an older player like me? And how do I convince my wife I'm not in it for the groupies?
 
#2
I think you should try out Lakland Joe Osbourne or Daryl Jones models (Skyline series). IMO, the necks on those blow away most Fenders. Both are 1.5" at the nut. I do like the necks on some Fender American Deluxe series & Victor Bailey models I've tried, however.

Regards,
flyman
 
#3
Welcome to TB, I was in your same boat a few years ago.....I'm 40-ish

I could Easily throw out some brands here (like I'm more than sure a bunch of people will) and tell you they are the greatest think since sliced bread...but i won't....(But You should Look at ESP's "B" Series.... great neck profiles and build quality for the money...lol)

The best advice i can give you is to head over to your local music store and play as many basses as you can....find something that feels, sounds, and looks good to you.

Electronics and building techniques have come a long way since 1979....

You have to decide whay sort of music you are going to play and choose a pick-up configuration based on that. As well as a budget...if you give us a price range and tell us more about what kind of music you will be playing maybe we can narrow your search, or at the very least give you some kind of starting point.

Since i Myself have gotten back into the swing of things, i have purchased bot active and passive basses in may pick-up configurations and neck profiles. I myself am drawn to thinner and more narrow neck profiles, but i'm really into 35" scale instead of 34"....

Amp technology has come a very long way since 1979 as well....I don't envy your search for a new amp...not to mention the range of effects available today to bass players is mind boggling....but don't let that scare or deter you!

I say this all the time...Play what you like and like what you play...

Going used is a very good place to start.....you will get more for your money, not to mention someone has usually done the work for you....

As far as the wife thing goes....mine was more than sure i was going through a mid-life crisis......all i can tell you is to tread lightly, try to have have band practice at your house if possible, and invite her to all your gigs....be open honest and straightforward at all times and eventually she will come to realize that you want to play just to play....and have fun (It worked for me)

also Yamaha makes a bass (unsure of the model RBX maybe?) that is made of some sort of man made material that is super light and made just for that purpose....maybe a Yamaha junkie will enlighten us with this info....

again welcome and good luck...
 
#8
One thing for sure is you're gonna love the new amps and lightweight cabinets.
Schroeder Cabs are incredbly light and sound 3 times their size...

If you like tube sounds: Ashdown Little Giant or Genz Benz Shuttle... If you like Solid State: Mark Bass.

Light and clean and nice sounding! Welcome back!!!!!!!!!
 
#9
I'm 58, modestly fit, and just don't have any problems with the weight of my electric basses, which vary between 8 and 10 lbs. The 57 lb. and 92 lb. cabs are a drag, as is the 75 lb. rack, but that's what handtrucks are for. It's the multiple carries after the gig that I hate.

However, I'd recommend a Fender new American Standard P or Jazz, and Lakland Skylines for the ~$1000 price point, and a Sadowsky Metro or Valenti for the next notch up in price. For WAY more, call Kevin Drexler at Sadowsky. Welcome to TB!
 
#12
I'd recommend a Sadowsky, either a NYC used or a used or new Metro. I own a NYC Vintage 4 and it is wonderfully light, extremely well built, and it has tone for days. Laklands are great as well, but I have to say that the lightest bass I own is my Parker Fly 4. The body shape isn't for everyone, but it has many tones and is as light as a feather. My MIA Jazz Deluxe is also relatively light.

Basses to avoid if weight is an issue:

Older Fenders (70s models)
Older Gibsons (RDs, Victorys, some EB3s)
Certain Alembics (yes, I'm an Alembic guy - I love mine and use them all the time) unless you use a wide strap - some are lighter than others and are perfectly fine (Orions, Epics, Excels, and some Essences). You could always have one custom made with a chambered body, but it would not be cheap. The Balance K models are considerably lighter, and play and sound amazing.

Best of luck,

Alan
 
#13
Here's a killer deal on a cabinet that's light weight and highly efficient!!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434301

Builders have finally done for bass what Mesa/Boogie did for guitar 30 years ago!!!
Even with shipping... That cabinet is amazing!!!!!!!!!

Remember the days of a big rig, playing on stage and you couldn't hear yourself? Those days are gone! You'll enjoy it and your band mates will think uh-oh and you'll get the WOW! factor!!!
 
#15
I didn't start playing bass until I was 45, and I'm 50 now. My shoulder gets tired after 2-3 hours pretty much no matter which bass I play. (I have a couple of fairly light neck throughs all the way to a boat anchor Jazz Bass.) Overall, though, my Carvin LB70 is my most comfortable bass, both weight and neck wise. I've had lighter basses that were not so comfortable because of neck dive issues, so that's something to watch out for.

I'll echo the thought that you just need to play as many basses as you can get your hands on. The newest Fender American Jazz and P basses are lighter than ever, and seem to be constructed better than ever, too. Most Ibanez necks tend to be nice and thin, as do the old Peavey Foundations, if you can find one used.

Anyway, have fun looking around and playing. Don't give away that old Gibson, either. Maybe your old bass will wind up being the one you like the most.:)
 
#16
Welcome to the "get back into it" club. I started playing bass again at 40 after a long flirtation with 6 strings. As to ergonomics, the upper end J basses have nice slim necks. I'd also recommend Schroeders for a light weight cab. I use an Acoustic Image Clarus for a head. Can't beat lugging a 4 lb bass head around.

Of course, I went crazy and picked up the DB this time around and I need a good nap after a gig wresting that old girl.:eek:

Have fun in your renewed advocation.:hyper:
 
#17
Well it looks like weight is not an issue for you if you own a Gibson already! All the posters have come up with some great suggestions but I don't think I read your budget for basses (not groupies - sorry, us older dudes have to flash the cash these days!). What you have to spend to some degree dictates your joy factor

A Sadowsky at close to $4K might be well within your reach as you have lived the "American Dream" and here is a chance to experience the (some) American bassist's dream. However, take a look at Mike Lull (just fantastic easy playing necks) and G&L (fabulous finishes and dynamite sound plus getting lighter all the time) as an alternative to Sad. Don't want to start a firestorm but a Jazz bass does not sound remotely like any Gibson I have ever played.

There are also a ton of custom makers out there too - Stambaugh, Eshenbaugh, Elrick, etc etc etc. The only problem with customs is that once bought, they can be a tough used sell.

One important caveat - don't use basses at the ubiquitous Guitar Center to make a judgment as they seem to send most of their MM and high end basses to the "LetsF***itUp Luthiers" before they get to the store. If you can pay a visit to a bass specialist: Bass Central, Bass Northwest, Blueberry Hill, The Low End etc, it will really point you in the direction of what you need.

Oh, if you find any groupies, give 'em my number - just fully stocked on the Cialis right now!
 
#18
A wide comfortable strap helps me deal with the weight and neck dive issues on my Wick Thumb BO.

I'm almost 30 and haven't been too hard on my body but I find if I stand with a bad posture; which I'm prone to do, my back will hurt. (I'm a sloucher) When I play I make a conscious effort to stand up straight with my knees bent and that helps alleviate any problems. Set breaks are good time for a stretch.

That being said I'd still avoid anything too heavy which would rule out most Warwicks.
 
#19
Welcome aboard. I've got a few years on you, and just finished a two-year stint playing bass with a CW dance band.

I went through several basses: a Carvin LB20 (thin neck, poor ergonomics), a Squier II Precision (crossthreaded truss rod, big bow in the neck, killer sound), a G&L Tribute L2000 (great sound, versatile, best neck I've played), a Fender '51 P Reissue (still a great favorite of mine, and it gets played a lot), a fretless Fender Jazz (thin neck, good sound), and the final winner, a Fender Classic '50s P with flatwounds. It has a wide neck (but still comfortable) and a sound that shakes the butts of the dancers.

I liked it so much I built another one with a fretless neck so I could scare everybody twice as much.

The sound inspires me to play better and to be more creative because, well, everything sounds good. The weight isn't onerous (we played 4-hour sets with a break every hour). I use an Ampeg B100R which is 65 lb, pretty nice compared to the B15N it replaced (twice the power and half the weight, without the fragile tubes, but with a great sound) or my practice amp, a Music Man HD130 head with a Hartke 410XL (144 lb).

The band broke up in October, and I'm just now returning to the bass and, boy, is it a nice sound!
 
#20
Welcome, though I usually lurk and read and don't really post a whole lot.

I am 55, probably look it, and just got back into motorcycles. :hyper: I have not had any problems with the shoulders, but there is a strap that forms an "X" across the back and let BOTH shoulders share the weight. I don't have one and don't recall the name, but I use a 3.5 inch strap and have never had any problems, though I did ditch my 2x15 cab and now go with two separate 1x15's.

Go to the music store and play a dozen or two. Eventually, one will speak to you. Then you can look at the brand, but even then don't let that be a deciding factor. It still speaks to you.

Good luck and keep posting.
 

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