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So what would you bring to my sessions...

#21
flagstaffcharli said:
Very easy, whuch is helpful since I'm a lowly guitarist not quite as far along the evolutionary trail as most bassists. :hiding: (That's a joke ;))
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Well said! :D

Your initial post is a bit complicated, since you're asking what WE'D bring, in order to find out what YOU should buy, to use yourself.
Yes, the music might require versatility, and I personally own these, in order to cover all session bases (no pun intended):

Fender P with rounds
Fender P with flats
Fender P with added J pickup, defretted, with halfrounds
Fender Jazz with rounds
Fender Jazz with flats
Music Man Stingray 5-string with rounds

However, I chose to answer the part of your question regarding what one bass you, a lowly guitarist ;) would find most useful.
Hence, I still suggest a P Bass.
You really don't need a Fender P Bass, either.
I've also used an old Univox P Bass copy, and even an SX P Bass copy, with great results. As long as it's set up well (no fret buzz, correct intonation) and electronically sound (no hum, no crackle) you're fine.
 
#23
I'd bring a 5-string. I've been rehearsing/gigging (not recording) a fair amount with a folk-oriented bunch including acoustic guitarists/violist/mandolinist but no drums, and I'm finding the 5 really helps - not just the occasional low notes (sometimes I'm thinking "bass drum" in trying to center the time, or otherwise using those low ones to get some more variety from verse to verse, or to make a point), but also the ability to get more tonal variation by playing higher on the neck, on the low strings. I have a 2009 Stingray 5HH with ebony board (and alnico pickups) that is working really well with these folks, and in many other contexts.

Otherwise, if 4-string is the thing, definitely a P/J, wired Volume/Volume/Tone (I believe VVT, as opposed to balance/V/T, better captures the original P or J sounds). In an ideal world that "J" pickup would have '70's spacing, so as to have a bit more snarl and burp.

On either axe I'd bring nickel rounds or TJ jazz flats, with the expectation of periodically doing fills that stand out with a bit of character (I don't play fretless, but I often seek the effect or affect of a fretless when working this acoustic vein, and find that that vocal, swoopy, expressive character can nicely echo or answer the vocals), but also be prepared to mute. I'm a big fan of nickel rounds, with some age on them but not dead, when in this kind of context.
 
#25
Uncomplicated: Probably just a P bass. I'd be just as comfortable with a Stingray or a J bass though. You can get a wide range of tones out of any of them depending on how you play and what strings you've got on it.

Complicated: A P/J bass loaded with the Sadowsky onboard pre w/ VTC. It'll do active or passive, cope a decent P or J tone, and has the VTC to really dial in a vintage or modern vibe depending on preference.

With that said, I'd take my Sadowsky NYC PJ5. It's extremely versatile.
 
#28
Strings are a HUGE part of the equation if you're looking to have just one bass on hand.

So I'd say a P or P/J (doesn't have to be a Fender tho . . .) with Chromes.
Chromes are the most versatile string out there IMHO---you can get plenty of clank and brightness if needed for rock (unless they're really old) yet they have all the good qualities of flats for mellow and rootsy stuff. They record great. If you want old school thud though, they take a looong time to get to that stage. But for one all-purpose string--Chromes all the way.
 
#31
basswave said:
Even in this arena there is still a bit of players preference going on here.

P or J are probably the 2 are the most likely choices.

However what you described is what I do and if I was limited to just 1 bass (but I'm not) then that would be a J bass, without a doubt.
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How bout a P&J? :p Ibanez P&J to be exact! I play both guitar and bass and a nice Ibanez SR with P&J's is going to cover most ground tonally, and the neck is really gonna feel like home, who knows maybe you'll be so inspired you might pickup playing the bass. :hiding:
 
#33
5-string, definitely.

Peavey B Quad 5 (love what the piezos add), most likely
G&L L-2500, next most likely, for its huge versatility
Sadowsky Metro UV70-5 (i.e. active (or passive) Jazz 5'er with VTC), third choice for one-size-fits-all
 
#34
west*coast*bass said:
I'd bring doughnuts.
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If you also have a change of socks you're on the short list. :p

Thanks! I have a feeling I'm leaning towards some sort of MIA P bass. Yeah, I do want to really learn to play the thing, which I think will be more about thinking like a bass player than chops... at least for my style of music.

I like to hear the bass clearly in the mix without it infringing on the sonic space of the other instruments. It sounds like the P bass really lives in it's own space in a mix. I like the sound of some more modern basses, but they seem to take up a bigger space in a mix with more emphasis on the higher harmonic content. Or at least that's what i sometimes hear.

My favorite non-jazz (I love jazz bass but don't play or record that music myself) bass sounds are on Beatles records and Tony Levin on Lennon's Double Fantasy stuff.

You guys are very helpful and generous with your advice. Thanks!
 

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