I play in a metal band. I want a sound with lots of midrange and low end, to be heard in a mix with heavily distorted guitars and a rabid drummer. I think I want a 5-string, but we currently play tuned in drop C, which I've gotten used to. Still, I think I'll be able to handle and use an extra string, as well as repositioning my basslines, just fine. So, any suggestions?
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Recommend me a bass
- Thread starter daerek
- Start date
Well, if you're metalcore, you should play drop-d. Only a few bands i've heard play Drop-C bass, and it's crazy. Depending on your metal style depends on tuning, it doesn't have to do much with the bass, just the strings.
Still, there are tons of options. B.C. Rich, ESP, etc. If you think you can use the extra string, get it.
Still, there are tons of options. B.C. Rich, ESP, etc. If you think you can use the extra string, get it.
You'll want to look into different pedal combinations as well. I can make a Washburn T-24 sound like complete death with a Big Muff Pi and a VT Bass pedal.
4 string: Precision Special with P/J pups.
5 string: Almost any bass with J/J pups, humbuckers or MM style.
Also, I've got a almost-new Ibanez ATK 5 string for sale that would rock hard, and it's black.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=668475&highlight=
5 string: Almost any bass with J/J pups, humbuckers or MM style.
Also, I've got a almost-new Ibanez ATK 5 string for sale that would rock hard, and it's black.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=668475&highlight=
I didn't say metalcore, did I?
"Crazy"? Care to elaborate?
Um... any specific basses in particular?
I'm not currently using any pedals, might get a distortion for occasional use, but probably no more than that.
I find that using a quality overdrive pedal on "low" settings can add just enough hair to really make your tone "growl". I have a Boss ODB3 that stays on all the time with the overdrive/gain settings on "1". It's like plugging a drive tube into your signal chain. As far as distortion pedals go you can do some searching here on TB and get all the opinions you can handle. Myself, I like either a Boss ODB3 (I have 2 of them, one for full-on distortion) an Ibanez Tube Screamer or the Electro Harmonix Big Muff Pi (all of which I own and use). A lot of people turn their nose up at Boss pedals but those damn things are bullet proof and they work year after year.
Rickett Customs
Commercial User
1 suggestion: Go out and try a few for yourself, opinions are like........ well you know 
It all comes down to you.
It all comes down to you.
my buddy scott plays a jazz bass in the band i am alpha and omega. i think that they're in drop c.or drop c# he's not on the recordings though. just the live stuff.
Don't know your price-range, but...................
I think the description is all screwed up on this one, so here's my take: 1998 Warwick Thumb; Bubinga body; description says Ovangkol neck, BUT from the pictures of the backside it looks like one of the last years that the Thumb was manufactured with a 7-piece Wenge/Bubinga laminate Neck; Wenge Fingerboard.
http://cgi.ebay.com/WARWICK-THUMB-BASS-4-String-Neck-Thru-w-case-/120588471762?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item1c13a20dd2
Looks flawless; currently $860; easily worth $1500.
They don't make 'em like this anymore.
I think the description is all screwed up on this one, so here's my take: 1998 Warwick Thumb; Bubinga body; description says Ovangkol neck, BUT from the pictures of the backside it looks like one of the last years that the Thumb was manufactured with a 7-piece Wenge/Bubinga laminate Neck; Wenge Fingerboard.
http://cgi.ebay.com/WARWICK-THUMB-BASS-4-String-Neck-Thru-w-case-/120588471762?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item1c13a20dd2
Looks flawless; currently $860; easily worth $1500.
They don't make 'em like this anymore.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Thanks for the tip!
The ODB3 is probably the one I will get, if any.
I know. Still, I wondered if there were any that would be "better" or that I should stay far away from...1 suggestion: Go out and try a few for yourself, opinions are like........ well you know
It all comes down to you.
Rickett Customs
Commercial User
Daerek,
It's just one of these thing that'll take some extensive research. Pick a few out that you like, then determine where you can find them at....repeat.... Take a mental note of the "good vs bad""..
It's just one of these thing that'll take some extensive research. Pick a few out that you like, then determine where you can find them at....repeat.... Take a mental note of the "good vs bad""..
I assume that the sort of riffs you'll be playing will be reliant on an open C string.
When using a 5-string in your drop-C band, its almost definately a good idea to use a capo on your first fret, your bass will then be tuned to C-standard instead of drop C. Giving you you that open string.
When using a 5-string in your drop-C band, its almost definately a good idea to use a capo on your first fret, your bass will then be tuned to C-standard instead of drop C. Giving you you that open string.
Or you could just tune your low b string up a half step. Probably the safest string to tune up IMO.
*DING* Winner!
I will recommend to you the same as I do for everyone, regardless of music genre or other influences...
Figure out what your budget is, and go play as many basses as you possibly can within your budget. Buy the one that grabs you by the throat and screams, "Take me home, and have your way with me, beotch!!!"
In other words, buy the one that sounds, feels, and looks best to YOU.
I know that. I was thinking of doing that. I just hoped this topic would help narrow it down a bit, so I wouldn't have to try every bass on the planet...
Talking a bout capos and tuning up... What if I just got a 12-string with all strings tuned a semitone apart? Then I would have an open string for every note! Even better, I wouldn't have to use the frets at all! I could pick the strings with my right and drink or do the horns with my left! Isn't that a wonderful idea?
...or I could just live with having to actually use my left hand a bit...
EDIT: Also, I was wondering if there were some basses that I should really try.
LOL. Seriously, go try a Fender Deluxe Active Precision Special. P/J pups with a jazz profile neck. Those things rock! (I'm not just saying that because I own one either
)
Wait...I don't understand...are you saying you DON'T want to play every bass possible? I'm confused by this. I thought that was the point of it all.
Okay, seriously, now...If you're looking to narrow down your options here's a couple of things you can do that might help:
1. Browse through one of the many online retailers' websites, (Musician's Friend, Zzounds, etc.) and make a list of basses that fit your budget, and you like the look of. Take your list down to your local shop and play as many as you can.
2. Watch videos of bands that influence you, or are playing a similar style of music, and see what other players are using.
Something to keep in mind...A bass is personal - like a pair of shoes. Just because it fits someone else's needs doesn't mean it's a fit for you. Only YOU can decide which one is best suited for your needs.
Can't go wrong with a mid range Ibanez SRxxx. The necks are generally really thin and aggressive, which helps with play styles you may run into in a metal band. The price is always right, and the quality is always at least what you've paid for if not better. Even in the low end your getting a good solid product. BCRich / ESP, and others like that are real hit or miss. The high end Basses really kicks ass but the mid/lower end products just suck.
Best thing to do is find a GC near you so you can play a wide array of stuff and find what works for you.
Best thing to do is find a GC near you so you can play a wide array of stuff and find what works for you.
