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Older Bass Player Needs New Bass Recommendation

#41
mrjim123 said:
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).

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?
Click to expand...

I'm also 57 and took a hiatus from 1973-1998, so we match up pretty well. I had my 1963 P still in the case when I picked it up again (parents moving from the big house to a small house, so it was take it or lose it time).

I think that my skills now are better than they were in the 70's, because I play more. But like you, I find that the weight of a bass is more important every year. I also find that I need to be careful moving speaker cabs around, as it's easier for me to screw up my back now. I don't have back problems, but I tweaked my back at one gig and I'm being careful not to do it again.

My first suggestion for comfort is a wide suede strap. I'm not fond of the neoprene straps, although some really like them.

I think light basses are more pleasant for us "mature" players. I have a MIM Jazz and an an OLP that weigh about the same at 9.1 to 9.7 pounds, and frankly that's as much as I'm willing to shoulder for 2-3 hours.

I also have a short-scale, hollowbody Univox from the 70's which is a great bass and weighs only 7.8 pounds - it's wonderful to play for hours. I have a Rogue VB-100 Beatle bass that weighs 6.4 pounds, which is super. And it has a great voice as well. finally, I bought a Turser JTB-401 copy of a '54 P which weighed 6.8 pounds, and I added 11 oz. of adhesive tire weights under a bridge cover to balance it and eliminate neck dive - it still weighs less than 8 pounds. (The Rogue, Turser and Univox are L > R on the bottom row in the shot below). The Epiphone EB-0 in the top row weighs 8.1 pounds, which is just fine. I'd suggest staying under 9 pounds if possible.

I don't think the width of the neck makes much difference, and to tell the truth I don't notice it very much when I switch basses, but if it does to YOU, that's what counts.

If you want real versatility, I'd suggest looking at one of the lighter short scale basses or maybe the Epi Jack Casady which is a semi-hollow. Or a 34" scale Jazz with a light body would be VERY nice. I'm considering swapping the body on my J for a lighter body that I will custom-paint.

Personally, I'm not in the market for basses that cost over $300 to $500, so I won't opine about the more expensive instruments.

Here's a pic of my bass stable (minus the OLP - got to update the shot - so I'll add the OLP below it...).

Wallofbasses212-07.jpg


P2160003.gif
 
#43
I'll say it too......


WIDE strap and NEO cabs.... the brand is up to you....

as far as basses go... I'm 56 and I play a Fender Am. Deluxe P-Bass and I don't have issues with the weight (wide strap) for me it's all about how little I have to use the tone controls on the Bass (they're active) and the amp... as far as the amp goes I have NEO cabs.. a 15 and a 12 and at 1:30... 2am loading out is as easy as loading in... and the whole rig + Bass sounds great !!!

p.s. I got the stuff that sounded good to me, sounded like what I thought Bass should sound like when I'm playing... That may seem obvious but there was a time when I bought whatever was hip or looked cool... now it's about comfort for me, with the weight and the sound.

:hiding:
 
#44
If you are trying to save a few(this always helps with the wife as well) I have this Schecter Stiletto custom in the wood grain. It is very versatile in sound, active and relatively cheap. The neck is narrow and thin. It is a bolt on but feels like a neck through. On top of this it is LIGHT as heck. It runs about $550 on MF but I bought mine for $350 in that chain everybody hates. I endorse it.

It totally cured me of my GAS.....I am content.:D

it comes in 3 colors but IMO the woodgrain kills all the others.

Invalid Link Removed

I have NEVER seen a bad review of this bass anywhere.

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/...roduct/Schecter/Stiletto+Custom+4-String/10/1
 
#45
Well sonny (I'll be 59 at the end of the month), how much do you want to spend? Knowing that will help us make legitimate suggestions. If you the sky's the limit, there's no reason to suggest cheapos and if you're looking to spend $500 there's no reason to suggest boutique basses (which many have already suggested).

I have some narrow necked (i.e. Jazz-style) and some wide necked (i.e. Precision-style) basses. I like both but I find that the narrow necked basses often feel great for a while then, sometimes, my hand starts to ache; I've never gotten that sensation from my wide necked basses. As always in matters like this, YMMV. I stopped playing for years and got back into it in my 40's. I am a much better player now than I was in my 20's or 30's.
 
#46
I went through the same interations and considerations you're going thru now. I tried a bunch basses at GC and several other places, favorites boiled down to 2 Laklands: a JO4 and a 44-02. the JO's neck was 1.5, the 44-02 at 1.6". Lakland's Bob Glaub is at 1.75" which I think is common for P's, but I'm not sure.

I went for the mean at 1.6" with the 44-02 and I am happy so far. I also liked the new active Lakland electronics 44-02.

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[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

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#47
lonote said:
Well sonny (I'll be 59 at the end of the month), how much do you want to spend? Knowing that will help us make legitimate suggestions. If you the sky's the limit, there's no reason to suggest cheapos and if you're looking to spend $500 there's no reason to suggest boutique basses (which many have already suggested).

I have some narrow necked (i.e. Jazz-style) and some wide necked (i.e. Precision-style) basses. I like both but I find that the narrow necked basses often feel great for a while then, sometimes, my hand starts to ache; I've never gotten that sensation from my wide necked basses. As always in matters like this, YMMV. I stopped playing for years and got back into it in my 40's. I am a much better player now than I was in my 20's or 30's.
Click to expand...

I've had similar experience, and I'm assuming it's mild arthritis and my finger joints are less stressed when spread out a bit more. Sucks getting old don't it!
 
#50
mrjim123 said:
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?
Click to expand...

I agree and recently gave up on finding a sufficiently light 34 inch scale bass and the shortscales I have are good but I wanted a 34 inch scale lightweight bass, dammit...so I assembled my own. It's just under 6 lbs and I'm glad I did.


mrjim123 said:
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).
Click to expand...

I went through my narrow neck phase but I found that the roundness of the profile of the back of the neck is more noticeable to me than a 1/8 inch difference in nut width. In short, it's chunkier necks for me, like a couple of early '70s P basses I have.

mrjim123 said:
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?
Click to expand...

Lightweight amps and cabinets on wheels are nice. I use a wide woven material strap, but your on your own on what to tell your wife.
 
#51
Thanks to everybody who's replied. Great advice, great humor, I'll visit regularly.

To answer a few questions - I'm looking for a bass in the $500 - $700 range. I want one that'll growl for edgy stuff and play sweet for more laid back stuff, something good for rock, blues, oldies, country, etc. I stopped at two music stores tonight - played a Jazz that was OK (lousy amp setup, though), Peavey (OK), Washburn (didn't care for); the best was a Warwick Rockbass Steamer. Lots more visits before I decide.

I was really kidding about the groupie issue (I left out the smiley), in fact, my wife is behind me 100% (mid life crisis my a**). She put out some bassist needs gig feelers for me and I've already got a bite. Sounds like it could be a hard luck operation though. The guy in the band also owns the bar he plays in, if that tells you anything. It's kind of a rough looking place. Could be a depressing gig, but maybe after not playing for 29 years I shouldn't be picky. I'll at least listen to his proposition.

More later. Y'all take care.
 
#52
mrjim123 said:
Thanks to everybody who's replied. Great advice, great humor, I'll visit regularly.

To answer a few questions - I'm looking for a bass in the $500 - $700 range. I want one that'll growl for edgy stuff and play sweet for more laid back stuff, something good for rock, blues, oldies, country, etc. I stopped at two music stores tonight - played a Jazz that was OK (lousy amp setup, though), Peavey (OK), Washburn (didn't care for); the best was a Warwick Rockbass Steamer. Lots more visits before I decide.

I was really kidding about the groupie issue (I left out the smiley), in fact, my wife is behind me 100% (mid life crisis my a**). She put out some bassist needs gig feelers for me and I've already got a bite. Sounds like it could be a hard luck operation though. The guy in the band also owns the bar he plays in, if that tells you anything. It's kind of a rough looking place. Could be a depressing gig, but maybe after not playing for 29 years I shouldn't be picky. I'll at least listen to his proposition.

More later. Y'all take care.
Click to expand...

the $500.00 to $700.00 price range is that for the bass only or Bass and Amp?

If Bass Only then here is a list of What I would Check out Try the following list as new they all run between you posted price range

you could get much more for your money buying used (Check the TB classifieds here)

anyay the list...

Fender MIM
Fender Aerodyne series
Ibanez SR Series 500, 530, 700 SRX 700
Ibanez BTB series
Ibanez ATK series
Lakland Skyline 44-01
Yamaha TRB-1004 and RBX4
Godin Freeway
Conklin GT4
Warwick Rockbass series
Peavey Cirrus BXP
MTD Kingston Artist series
Schecter 004

and last but not least ...

ESP LTD B-4E :bassist::hyper::D

These are the models I would try!!!

Good luck on your hunt and keep us posted!
 
#53
I'm 54 and still giggin'. I like the lightest fender bass that i can get, (due to a bad back), but i also think they have the best tone. the trick is to have it very light but also very stiff.
i've been building basses for 35 years ( was a consultant to Leo Fender in the late '70's early 80's), and I designed the BC Rich Mockingbird (when I was young) in December of 1975.

here's a pic of a '55 P bass clone that i built for myself. swamp ash, nitro mary kay finish, a reshaped and relacquered Fender maple neck and it weighs only 7 lbs 1 oz.. it looks like kind of a "plain jane" in this photo, but not in real life and it is a real tone monster!


55pbass-1-w.jpg


johnk
 
#55
For the $500-$700 range, you will get more quality by buying a used
bass. This is difficult when you need to play it first before buying, so
craigslist.org in your local area is a good bet. TB classifieds, too.

I'd also consider the following new MIM Fenders:

"60's Classic Jazz" (a '66-ish style Jazz, great value)
"50's Precision" (a '57-ish style P-bass, legendary tone, nice wide neck)

Used, I'd look for a Lakland Skyline 44-01, 44-02, 55-01 or 55-02 (55's are 5-strings).

If you raise your budget to around $1000, a huge number of possibilities open up.
I got this great Valenti fretless used for around $1000. I'll never sell it!

stealth_valenti_016.jpg
 
#59
51 and a also a recent 'comebacker'.

Agree that the Rockbass Streamer is featherlight with nice neck (I have a fretless), but pity your budget couldn't stretch to a Ric. Action and neck profile combination are just so easy on the fingers (and you wanted 'growl'). It's possibly a bit heavy for you, but I can manage no problem for a couple of hours at a time. The Fender neck on the other hand can cause me a bit of discomfort after prolonged periods.

A used 4003 with some 'wear and tear' might not stretch your budget too far (a 4001 would be even better neck-wise, but these are now in the land of collector items so not a realistic proposition.
 
#60
I'm 51 and my back hurts a bit after haveing a Jazz or Precision on all night.
You may want to consider a Danelectro. I call it my "3rd set bass".
They come in both long and short scale. The weigh around 5 lbs and you can pick them up for around $300.
The tone is to die for.
Joey Spampinato form NRBQ uses one.
You can do a youtube search on NRBQ to check it out.
I have a couple of them and it's a great bass.
You can always go with the Jerry Jones verson of them also.
 

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