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Opinion on a new Bass?

SuburbiaSucks

SuburbiaSucks

Guest
May 18, 2014
32
9
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#1
This is my first post so please forgive any mistakes. Im a amateur bassist looking to grab a new bass and move up to the big leagues. Im tossing up three models and would like some opinions on which the Talkbass community may recommend. I play mainly Rock, Metal (occasionally), Alternative, Punk and Grunge if that makes any difference. I was thinking of these one of these three maybe...

Fender Deluxe Active P Bass Special
Fender Blacktop Precision Bass
Gibson Thunderbird IV

Thanks in advance for any help guys.... really at a loss here
 
#2
When in doubt, go for a standard Fender Precision Bass. Two knobs, one pickup, is all you really need for the genre you play. Why fiddle with preamps and balancers when all you have to do it turn up the volume knob, set the tone knob to your liking, and ROCK ON.

Just my $0.02.
 
#4
No problem.

I mean, if you LIKE the onboard preamps, then by all means, the options you have posted are more than enough to suit your needs. Not every bass player has a Fender so don't be duped into thinking anything along the lines of that.

I'd definitely recommend the Ibanez SoundGear series or the BTB series: excellent basses for any genre TBH.
 
#6
SuburbiaSucks said:
This is my first post so please forgive any mistakes. Im a amateur bassist looking to grab a new bass and move up to the big leagues. Im tossing up three models and would like some opinions on which the Talkbass community may recommend. I play mainly Rock, Metal (occasionally), Alternative, Punk and Grunge if that makes any difference. I was thinking of these one of these three maybe...

Fender Deluxe Active P Bass Special
Fender Blacktop Precision Bass
Gibson Thunderbird IV
Click to expand...


It's funny you mentioned the Blacktop Precision. When someone lays out a number of musical genres that call for an aggressive sounding bass, I usually recommend the Fender Blacktop Jazz. I don't know the science behind it, but something about the dual Precision pickups turns it into a sonic cannon…deep, resonant, but not lacking in clarity. Plus, it has the extra bonus of being able to achieve some pretty mellow sounds when you solo the neck pickup and adjust the tone knob accordingly. Here's a sound clip courtesy of a fellow TalkBass member (audiomitch) while playing with a pick. https://app.box.com/s/0giiip2y1612vfjh9dix

Happy hunting and welcome to TalkBass!
 
#8
I would recommend finding a store that has all 3 of these and playing each one. Playing each one should sway your opinion in a certain direction. Choose the one that feels right. They are all quality instruments and you can't go wrong with either. Happy hunting!!!
 
#9
Im being swayed towards the Blacktop Jazz now... i tried one and it just felt like it was a part of my hand.... so amazing. But i really like the look to the Thunderbird.... has anyone here played one?
 
#10
SuburbiaSucks said:
Im being swayed towards the Blacktop Jazz now... i tried one and it just felt like it was a part of my hand.... so amazing. But i really like the look to the Thunderbird.... has anyone here played one?
Click to expand...

I have played the Blacktop; kinda meh for me but it's like the wand choosing the wizard/witch in Harry Potter: you don't choose the bass...the bass chooses you. ;)

Obviously not true, but if it fells right for you and you like the sound of it, then tell them to shut up and take your money! XD
 
#11
I've said it before, you can't go wrong with a P. Passive is easier to deal with. Tbirds have a different sound, and some playability issues (ie neck dive). I have a jazz as well, and love them both.

But whatever makes you smile and want to play is the right bass. Try them all - that's the only way to know. But how your ears and hands like the bass is more important than how it looks - my $.02.
 
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#12
SuburbiaSucks said:
Im being swayed towards the Blacktop Jazz now... i tried one and it just felt like it was a part of my hand.... so amazing. But i really like the look to the Thunderbird.... has anyone here played one?
Click to expand...
Yes, I don't like it... that's just me. I too liked the look of it, as well the Rickenbacker but I did not like playing either- found it awkward to play and to get super low like how I like it. I love the sound and feel of the Fender basses, not a Fender fanboy by any means. As recommended though, try the basses out at a music store - like shoes at a store, they do not suit or fit everybody in the same way. I would also try out other brands just for the heck of it like some of the higher end Ibanez SR series or the Sterling Stingray basses. Out of your three choices I like the Blacktop.
 
#13
I'm sold on the Blacktop Jazz from the sound clip above!

I had my eyes on the Blacktop precision for a while, doubled J-pups in a P-body looked hot.

I tested a Yamaha TRBX305 at a GC not to long ago, I was really impressed as a bass I could use in multiple bands and projects it had a wide range of tones. Just throwing it out there.
 
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#16
Was all decided on a blacktop and then my mate came around to my place to show off his new vintage stingray....... now im torn between Stingray and Blacktop. Mark Hoppus played a Stingray... and thats kinda selling me on it. (Background: My mate trolls garage sales and found a bass at a sale that was COVERED in stickers. Headstock and even the tuning keys! He brought it for like 30 bucks, came home and got some Methelated Spirits and eased the stickers off... BOOM stingray. Apparently, according to the salesman, it was passed down through the family until their current son didnt want it as he's interested in Hip Hop. The owner before Hip Hop ****** covered it in stickers)
 
#19
Also, judging by your avatar, you may want to try a Mark Hoppus bass. Some people on TB bash the bass because of the player and that it doesn't have a tone knob, but if you can set those minor quibbles aside, it's got a really great tone. You just have to decide if that tone is for you and your music.
 

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