Save up for a nice Jaguar or change the bridge, strings and pickup for your current bass. You can make it sound better with a little work, especially if you already like the feel.
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Struggling with a purchase decision.
- Thread starter Evil Undead
- Start date
Forget wood, I'm still trying to get past the part where you think the Soundgear and the Jazz have similar necks.
Buy whatever makes you happy.
Forget wood, I'm still trying to get past the part where you think the Soundgear and the Jazz have similar necks.
Haha, ok the radius is different, and the jazz has blocks and binding, but for a jazz it was really quite skinny
Ibby all the way, the dual humbucker set up has allowed me to get any sound i want. I go straight into an Ampeg and have learned to use the bass volume and tone controls. One thing i learned is to turn treble all the way down on the bass and then set my sound. I used to have many bass basses but after all the years i am down to 1. For small peeps, the neck is the best !! ps..i go from jazz to metal to motown...all in 1 bass
What about a Fender Japan Medium Scale effort?
Just an example here, hideous colour >> Limited Offer Price!! Fender Japan PJM Medium Scale Vintage Precision Jazz Bass | eBay
but, a lot of medium Fenders appear on ebay, might be worth a punt?
Eude
Just an example here, hideous colour >> Limited Offer Price!! Fender Japan PJM Medium Scale Vintage Precision Jazz Bass | eBay
but, a lot of medium Fenders appear on ebay, might be worth a punt?
Eude
What about an Aerodyne jazz? Full scale but light weight. Would depend on budget.
Another thought - what about an outboard preamp with your shortscale? Something like an MXR M-80 unit, or a Tech21 VT pedal, that kind of thing. Might beef up the sound for cheaper than buying a new bass.
Another thought - what about an outboard preamp with your shortscale? Something like an MXR M-80 unit, or a Tech21 VT pedal, that kind of thing. Might beef up the sound for cheaper than buying a new bass.
Don't worry about the setup. It can be fixed. I have a Squire VM J V and I like it a lot. I think I have ever found 1 bass in a store that didn't need a setup. I bought it.
On a short scale the strings are looser. I tend to go a bit heavier on my short scale bass to keep the tension manageable, maybe itd fix your tone problem for you. Also, consider a pickup swap in a short scale, or adding a preamp to the signal. If you're mostly noodling around at home, I'd say get whatever you want. If you want to get out of the house to play, I'd say either go with the Ibanez or save up for a better shorty/upgrading your current axe.
If you are interested in a nice strap, which i would advise, you might want to check this recent TB thread:
Guitar Straps and Locks | Page 4 | TalkBass.com
Guitar Straps and Locks | Page 4 | TalkBass.com
I'd take an Ibanez over a Squier any day and its not because of the name on the headstock. I don't think I've ever held a Squier that didn't feel low quality and almost toyish. However Ive owned an Ibanez 305 and that definitely felt like quality. It's light but it felt sturdy and it was wonderfully light. My SR505 is just a little better and I think that says a lot.
I use Daddario nickels, super light gauge. I just want a good sound - not too thin but a bit of zing, punchy and thumpy but still clear. Warm and burpy
If you like your short scale bass (playability/looks), maybe your problem is floppy strings? Try heavier gauge of your favorite strings (or another make/model altogether) and see how that goes in your current short scale before jumping to the long scale one.
I loved my Ibanez (a LOT) and I love my jazzes, a lot. Over time I came to realize that I'm ultimately a passive bass guy, and a jazz guy. It's all preference, but from what I read in your post it sounds like you're a jazz guy too. Go Classic Vibe if you can, it's a better Squier jazz all-around than the VM, but I have one of each and they're both great. Passive vs active though is totally up to you, but I hated screwing with a battery. Nothing wrong with the passive tone either of course, and just about anything the preamp was doing I can do with a pedal or my amp, so...
I use Daddario nickels, super light gauge. I just want a good sound - not too thin but a bit of zing, punchy and thumpy but still clear. Warm and burpy
Try the D'Addario Medium Gauge nickels. They will add a little more heft to your tone. The super lights don't have the greatest low end response, especially on the E string.
I love Ibanez and Fender basses, but I was playing a song that required a deeper tone but with quite a bit of clarity - oddly enough, the bass that was capable of it was my Hohner headless bass. Full scale but small and yet has a deep sound.
I would also recommend trying out a Yamaha RBX170EW Mangowood (the tobacco is heavy) - it's passive and has the P/J pickup configuration. It's inexpensive, but has a pretty good sound. Also there are lighter Jazz bass options not just Fender or Squier, such as the Peavey Milestone.
Go with a p/j bass and you'll get the deeper sound than a jazz due to the P pickup.
I would also recommend trying out a Yamaha RBX170EW Mangowood (the tobacco is heavy) - it's passive and has the P/J pickup configuration. It's inexpensive, but has a pretty good sound. Also there are lighter Jazz bass options not just Fender or Squier, such as the Peavey Milestone.
Go with a p/j bass and you'll get the deeper sound than a jazz due to the P pickup.
If you get a VM with the sunburst finish they are quite a bit lighter because they are not Maple.
I'd second the Aerodyne jazz bass. MIJs or CIJs can be had, from Japan, with shipping, used, for under $600 if you hold off for a deal. I've seen 3 go recently in the $400 range and then shipping. They look great with matching headstock, and they are light (basswood body). Check out how many good things people have to say about them.
+1 on the Fender Aerodyne bass. I was going to mention that bass and Hrodbert beat me to it. Light weight, skinny, silky Jazz neck, jazz-profile basswood body is lightweight with big ton. It has a big range of tones, with P and J pups; sounds great throughout my usual range of reggae, blues, jazz.
