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question about basses

calebplaysbass

calebplaysbass

Feb 7, 2005
247
22
Orange County, CA
#1
well i'm in the market for a high end bass and there's just so much to choose from i'm not sure what hype i should believe and what i shouldn't.

i am looking for a very versatile bass. i mostly play rock type stuff that requires a lot of fingerstyle tone with some growl to it although i do occasionaly play some stuff where i either need a soft round sound or a slap and pop sound. what kind of bass should i look into? i've looked at an MTD USA model or one of the Modulus Genesis models with the wood neck with graphite reinforcement. anything else i should maybe consider?
 
#5
If you like Jazz style basses you couldn't do any worse then a Sadowsky or Lakland. They make a variety of very versatile high quality basses. You probably need to describe your style a little more, maybe some players whose sound you like. Their seem to be two types of high end basses, "Hi-Fi" like MTD, Fodera, Ken Smith, Modulus, and Traditional like Lakland, Sadowsky. Then their are the "tweeners" like F- Bass, Jerry Drzod, Skjold and some high end Warwicks. They are all excellent basses depending on your taste and style.
 
#6
I think that for what you want, a Modulus Quantum bass might fit the bill. That, or of course, a nice MIA Fender Jazz. I say go with the bass that not everyone has... but thats just me. I guess every bassist needs to have ol' reliable in their collection at some point in time.. so a Fender isnt a bad idea.

Personally Im in the same situation as you, and am considering a Modulus. But Im also on the lookout for something more boutique-ish and less money. Stay on the prowl!
 
#10
yea EVERYONE has a fender.. yet I still will never give up mine.. and will also be buying a few more. btw.. I hate to say it but whatever car you drive .. thousands drive it too.. you may have to sell it... oh yea.. and your amp? I'm sure hundreds of people have it.. looks like ur in the market for an acoustic non-fender bass. Wait! Thousands play bass!!! Look's like u'll be hitting up the didgeridoo (sp).. so what how many people have a fender?! They're great guitars! get over it.
 
#11
calebplaysbass said:
well i'm in the market for a high end bass and there's just so much to choose from i'm not sure what hype i should believe and what i shouldn't.

i am looking for a very versatile bass. i mostly play rock type stuff that requires a lot of fingerstyle tone with some growl to it although i do occasionaly play some stuff where i either need a soft round sound or a slap and pop sound. what kind of bass should i look into? i've looked at an MTD USA model or one of the Modulus Genesis models with the wood neck with graphite reinforcement. anything else i should maybe consider?
Click to expand...

BTW to my knowledge Mike T helped design the Genesis too... But my MTD and my F Bass are the two favorite basses I've ever encountered so far...
 
#12
calebplaysbass said:
thanks for the info...i think right now i'm leaning toward that modulus but i think i got some stuff to check out now. oh and i really don't wanna go with fender cause EVERYONE has a fender...unless i was able to find a '62 jazz...
Click to expand...

Alembic is another "boutique" bass you might want to look at. I'd go the used route, though ... they're more expensive than drugs. :D Alembics also have unique electronics - instead of your standard passive or active set up (passive tone roll off or active boost-cut) they use low pass filters, kind of like having a wah-wah pedal built into your bass. If you've ever played through a wah-wah and held the pedal at certain points, you'll get what I mean. They can be very versatile, but they certainly aren't everyone's cup of tea. I'd strongly recommend trying one if possible due to the expense. You will find, however, that the quality and workmanship is second to none - you truly get what you pay for.

If you want to go the less expensive route (if there is such a thing as an inexpensive bass these days!), the Musicman Bongo is awesome. I have one (as well as my Alembics, Fenders, Gibsons, Ricks, Peavey, Pedulla, pre-Ernie Ball Stingray, etc.), and for the money it's simply awesome. It's looks, however, aren't for everyone (many here have commented that it looks like a toilet seat, and they'd be right). If you can get past the looks, you'll be richly rewarded, particularly given the price point.

Good luck,

Alan
 

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