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Right bass for the band?

That's very true. One I was thinking had lines so it was easier to play.


Did he? Always thought it was EB 50-110 Nickel rounds. Gotta be on the first album with Take the Power Back and all that.

I know I read it somewhere but it was maybe 10 years ago, so I don't recall where. I remember it because RATM was (and still is in some way) my favorite band and I decided to try flats after reading that. But I admit it could be a wrong information.
 
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Philosophy is wondering if ketchup is a smoothie

The best philosophers answer a question with a question.

If you asked me for a smoothie, and I gave you a cup of ketchup with a straw, would you be satisfied with what I had given you?

The technician in me just says "Don't be ridiculous. Of course it's not a smoothie. Smoke another one."

:D
 
This year I was playing ina country band. I used a PBass , a Mustang and a Hofner. I would switch just for the fun of it. No one ever said "bring the PBass it sounds better" (all three basses got the job done). When I bought my first medium scale - an SX Jbass, I brought it down and used it. For whatever reason both the guitarist and the drummer said "that bass sounds great, keep using it". I was very surprised - a $ 120 bass got the rave review. Amp settings were the same. I guess it just fit the mix better, I really don't know, but that's what happened.
 
In my limited experience a lot of guys will mid scoop and then complain they are not cutting through, classic bedroom sound syndrome.

I mid boost as a default with my tapewounds, and I cut though just fine. Sure, it sounds... odd when I am in my bedroom studio, but playing in a band, it sounds good and cuts though just fine.

Yeah. It's a common mistake. I have always boosted my mids, and sometimes roll off a bit of bass, just so it doesn't interfere with the kick drum.
 
On my 51 Re-Issue CIJ, I use GHS Precision Flats. Those have a nice clicky attack that makes it sound like I'm using a pick. I have another bass with Sadowsky Black Label Flats, but have not used it in a band setting yet.

Everything else has brighter stuff strung on it.
 
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I've recently become the bassist of a alt-rock/metal band who have influences in Audioslave and RATM, as well as Pantera. I've been using a Fender Mustang with LaBella flatwounds up until this point. I still feel that flatwounds are the right way to go for me, especially seeing as the band has two guitars. However, am I right in Feeling this flavour of bass with these strings may be better in a more vintage setting? The darker character of the bass and thumpiness of these strings is something I don't feel would fit in the context. I'm possibly looking at a new bass, longer scale and fretless, strung with TI Jazz flats, as I still want to stay in the backdrop, supporting the band and making it sound good, as well have the frequency fit of a fretless. Is this a good move?

Either an Ibanez ATK300 or an MM stingray. Maybe even a Jazz Bass.
 
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I dealt with this a bit for a while, myself.
I LOVE playing my Squier CV 70's Pbass. It's the easiest to play, I get some of my best tones out of it, it's ridiculously comfortable, and it's pretty lightweight.
When I initially began playing with this group, it was a small issue. It's passive and the band prefers an active, more modern sounding bass to fill the bottom end. I've since gotten a few active basses and, in a way, I agree with them based on the type of music we're playing (party/dance covers), but I definitely miss playing my PBass.

Either way, I agree with a few people who've already responded - Play what you feel best on, and what sounds best in your music to you. I can almost guarantee NOBODY in the audience will really notice or care, and if YOU feel good on your instrument, ya tend to play better.

Just my 2 cents.
 
Record your band (cheap boom box, your phone with Garage Band-just try something). If you can hear yourself and like the way it mixes, you have already won. Congratulations! Ben Kenny plays with flats and sounds huge. I have been big on having the right tool for the job for a while. I can usually make a P type bass sit in any band, but my 5 has a MM style pickup on it and rules in jazz, gospel and funk settings. If you want to channel Timmy C, I would hang my hopes on a jazz bass (or knockoff) A squire VM jazz bass really shocked me with how well it sits in our mix. No matter what, if you cannot be heard, it will drag you down.
 
I've recently become the bassist of a alt-rock/metal band who have influences in Audioslave and RATM, as well as Pantera. I've been using a Fender Mustang with LaBella flatwounds up until this point. I still feel that flatwounds are the right way to go for me, especially seeing as the band has two guitars. However, am I right in Feeling this flavour of bass with these strings may be better in a more vintage setting? The darker character of the bass and thumpiness of these strings is something I don't feel would fit in the context. I'm possibly looking at a new bass, longer scale and fretless, strung with TI Jazz flats, as I still want to stay in the backdrop, supporting the band and making it sound good, as well have the frequency fit of a fretless. Is this a good move?

You are absolutely correct that you need to have the right voice for the band. Let that drive your search. I would suggest that you try some round wound strings and a different EQ before dropping money on another bass. I will also suggest that you need to consider, as I have found out, going from a short scale bass to long scale, and or 4 string to 5 or more strings takes a while to adjust and can be maddening at times.
 

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