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Status Graphite question

B

BrokenPromise

Jul 31, 2010
7
0
#1
Hi all, I'm looking to pick up a new bass. I currently have a Yamaha BB614, and a Cort Artisan A5.

I would prefer a 5 string, but a 4 string would be ok. Active electronics. I almost always play with a pick, and never slap. Tone-wise, I'd like something that could do the Peter Hook Joy Division-type sound (like the beginning of the album version of Transmission; I believe he used a Rickenbacker copy for most of that).

Ideally I'd like something that looks a little out of the ordinary. So far I've been checking out the Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass (sadly not available in 5-string anymore), and the Music Man Stingray 5. I'm going to track down a Rickenbacker to check out as well.

However, feature-wise and looks-wise I'm intrigued by the Status Graphite Stealth and the Status Graphite T-Bass. Does anybody know where I could find WAVs or MP3s or videos of the 5 string (headed) versions of those played with a pick? I contacted the company and they have no audio demos available. On YouTube there are some videos of the Kingbass, but it's not the same and every video is slap.

Does anybody have one of these that could record some audio of it for me played with a plectrum, or know where I could find a link?

Thanks!
 
#2
I have a S2 headed and just love it,but I don't play with a pick (actually I am learning to use it in some songs). I can pass a vid of us playing live but it's not a great quality (neither the playing nor the video! :) ) but you can try statii.com, a forum dedidcated to Status only and you will find friendly and helpful players ready to answer
 
#3
I listened to a bit of 'Transmission' as well as some other JD tunes. I'd say that the Status sound is probably not where you'd find happiness- they tend to be very bright and deep- due probably to the graphite construction, which is excellent, but lends a particular sound. I think 'Transmission' was played on a Rick of some sort, as you say, with the bridge pickup favored. Sounds a lot like flatwoundstrings to me, as well, but I could be wrong. I'd be willing to bet I could get a very similar sound with a Jazz bass...not exactly but very close. My guess is you'd be happiest with a Rick, with La Bella, Thomastik, or Sadowsky flats, or similar. Sorry to be less that useful, but that sound is quite particular. Middy, deep, not a lot of high-end going on. I'd say go with what the artist used, if you can.
 
#4
I'm blown away by the quality and tone variety of my Status (which was a used instrument and less sophisticated than the newer ones.) My 60s covers band doesn't need slap and I get a tone which is mellow, traditional and nothing like the hi-fi sound some players produce. But the tone can be as clear as I like, and the neck of the bass is the best I've ever used. It's worth having a good look at Status. Try this site Invalid Link Removed which is run by status enthusiasts and I bet someone will have a sound clip of the sort you need.
 
#8
Thanks for the links Milo, but I'd really rather hear the Stealth and T-Bass in isolation. Always hard to tell from live sound, especially run through YouTube's music-destroying compression. :crying:

From what I heard in those clips it sounds like a pretty meaty bass though.
 
#12
The bass player from Marillion played a Status (headless, I believe it was a Stealth) and he played with a pick - always loved his sound.

When I was in the process of buying mine (Stealth 6) I did many YT searches, and you're right - I couldn't find much at all - and what I DID find was mostly people having a slapfest in their bedroom....
 
#17
By the way,since the OP was interested in all graphite model, you might want to know that Status made an all graphite S2 for Chris of Muse which he's now using live on some songs,there's even a youtube vid on Statii.com. It's a custom now,but maybe it'll be offered as option in Status price list
 

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