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Paranoid about using anything but a P

#22
When you say you want to stand out in the mix because you're leading the band more it makes me wonder what kind of amp you're using, as well as what music you're playing. I'm not assuming you need a new amp/cab or anything, just wondering. IME, there's nothing better than an assertive(not necessarily loud)amp for directing traffic. It seems like you're digging your P, I don't see how switching to a different bass makes much sense if you really like your sound.
 
#23
I am playing in an instrumental band along the lines of Explosions In The Sky, Gregor Samsa, and Godspeed You Black Emperor. However, we actually use very little guitar (our keyboard player switched to guitar on occasion and nobody plays guitar full time) and I end up playing the lead melody quite often. As a result, I end up feeling like my tone is a little lacking for those sections. While I sound great when I am playing "fundamental" bass lines, in the lead sections I end up feeling like my bass is simply not drawing enough attention away from the other instruments. I don't want to hog all the sonic space, but I'm looking for a nice middle ground where I can fulfill both roles well while keeping the mix solid (an extremely important goal for me).

Also, I'm using an Avatar Neo 410 and an Orange Terror Bass.
 
#25
I grew up listening to this guy:

steve_harris_epa_232831g.jpg


So a P-bass sounds great to me and it can be very "up front" if you want it to be. Mine's a P-Bass special so I do have a P/J set up just for variety sake, but 9 times out of 10 I'm using straight up P pickup without the Jazz.
 
#27
NineSpine said:
I've owned quite a few basses over the years, but for a long time now I've only used Fender Precisions. I've grown so accustomed to so easily sitting in the mix that now that I am thinking about getting something else, I'm paranoid about how much work I'll have to do to sound good with my band. The only problem I have with precisions is that I am now playing music where I need the bass to pop out in the mix a little bit more, because I'm really leading the music more often than I was before. I'm considering getting a G&L L-2000, but like I said, I think I'm just too damn paranoid about not sitting as well in the mix.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Stop taking acid ;)
 
#30
The cool thing about your bass is that you didn't marry it (did you?). If you have the money, experiment with other basses. If you're cash poor, get the most out what you've got and you might be surprised.

Pretend you married it. :eek:
 
#32
You shouldn't have to change the basses that you are comfortable with to get what you are looking for. Try an outboard pre-amp. The Sansamp BDDI should add some grit and punch to your tone. Might help push you out front a little more. Have you tried using a pick? Especially with kepyboards it can really help make your sound "heard".
 
#34
Thanks for the advice everyone. I think what I am going to do is look into upgrading my bass from the Highway One to either a Lakland (the P copy) or a Fender American Standard Precision (advice on this choice would be great). I just love precision basses too damn much. So what I'll do after that is work on getting the tone I want through my fingers and pedals.
 

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