Suggestions Please (I know this is dangerous...):

[CereBassum]

I have only one bass right now - a Stringray 4 HS, strung up with GHS pressure wounds, which I love dearly and will not change, no way, no how.

But: Been playing a lot of acoustic jazz material lately, and the Ray is just a bit too heavy and thick on the bottom and doesn't have enough of those nice textured mids that you hear from upright players.

So, I'm looking for a Number 2. I'm not trying to sound like an upright but I'd like to get a little closer, as explained - would be nice if it would be a little lighter than the Ray too, which weighs in at 9.1 lbs.

I prefer a 4, and I'm thinking about these:

• A Standard or A Pro PBass.
• A Standard or A Pro JBass.
• Ric 4003 or 4003s.
• MM Cutlass
• MM Caprice

What do fellow TB'ers suggest? I tend to like more width in the neck than 1.5 - I'm very comfortable with the Ray's neck or a P neck. But if a J gives me the sound I want, that's more important.

(Please no, expensive one-off options or cheapos - I tend to like the brands mentioned.)

 

[Eon Sky]

A Standard, P or J. But if you have the choice between the two I'd go J.

 

[CereBassum]

I'd go J.

Nicer mids... yeah. I'm afraid it will get too edgy, but I can control that with EQ and the right strings - flats or pressure wounds, etc.

I do tend to like more width in the neck though - I'm very comfortable with the Ray's neck. (going to put that up there...)

 

[Eon Sky]

Nicer mids... yeah. I'm afraid it will get too edgy, but I can control that with EQ and the right strings - flats or pressure wounds, etc.

I do tend to like more width in the neck though - I'm very comfortable with the Ray's neck. (going to put that up there...)

Yeah, I could have been a bit more specific and descriptive in my original response to you, so here goes:

A Ric is right out. Way too much treble and/or mud. Potentially you could get a sound you liked, but you would really have to work for it.

A Cutlass, not too sure from a weight standpoint.

Honestly, since you will only be playing bass on some songs, but will likely wa t something versatile and “timeless”, the Fenders are where I lean. The Jazz will get you a closer sound, but the Precision will feel more like a MM neck. Either one will be much closer to what you want/need and they will also be versatile enough to play other things as you need to use them.

 

[CereBassum]

Honestly, since you will only be playing bass on some songs,

Wouldn't be switching songs - a different gig/outings/groups/material. No problem switching - I take the Ray when I need it, or the other one.

I really am leaning towards a P of some sort, with a good set of rounds - I like NYXL's. I've found that combination, when you roll back on the treble end, sounds good.

 

[JGbassman]

Sounds like you want a precision. Everything else brought up you countered. Get the P bass.

They can be easily customized to your exact liking if you want as well

 

[Killed_by_Death]

RIC 4004:

 

[Eon Sky]

For sure. I can attest to the American Standard P’s. I’ve got a 2012 model and it’s a fantastic instrument.

Sorry about the “switching songs” comment. I got your response mixed up with another thread (why you don’t stealth reply on talk bass during work hours).

 

[tedious1]

Fender Custom Shop, get your favorite base model Jazz, and stipulate 1.65 or 1.6875 for your neck width, and you can select the neck profile you like as well.

 

[mrjim123]

I heard a sound clip of a Lakland Decade and was surprised at how uprighty it can be made to sound.

Edit: Check out the tone with the neck pup soloed at about the 0:47 mark:

 

[SLO Surfer]

I play both upright and electric, I feel plucking a P near the neck with the tone rolled back gets much closer to an upright sound than a jazz bass can. With your tone and weight goals and neck width preference, I'd recommend a P bass or the Music Man Cutlass. The Cutlass basses all come in around 8-8.5 pounds.

 

[Oddly]

Far be it from me to question someone wanting to get another bass...but have you considered different strings on your Ray...maybe those NYXLs you mentioned?
You say you can counter other issues with eq or amp...so why not the Ray?

 

[SchnaiderGT]

It's sounds like you really want a P. Other option, look for a J with a P neck, and get the best of both worlds.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Of those listed, the standard P is the best choice. You will be able to get closer to the sound you are looking for.
the Rics are definitely out. They will never sound like anything but a Ric.
The J is too honky.
The MMs I know nothing about, so I can comment on them.

 

[FantasticFour]

I was thinking of the Caprice.
Else, have you ever tried a G&L SB-2? It sounds different from a PJ, that's why I mention it as one more possibility.

 

[CereBassum]

so why not the Ray?

which I love dearly and will not change, no way, no how.

 

[CereBassum]

The J is too honky.

Yes.

 

[CereBassum]

Caprice

Yeah, I'm tossing that around - I'm an MM Fanboy.

have you ever tried a G&L SB-2

Yes. Sold it off - great playing bass, but the output was too hot for me. Same as a lot of the G&L's - I'm not a big fan.

 

[MordBass]

At some point you should have a good P and J in the stable so I'd set my sights on one of those. You have some versatility with your current bass already so Id look for a P first. The roadworn fenders are a huge value for the money, as are used G&L sb1's. If the budget allows... Id look at Mike Lull as well. Its a P bass, you'll likely keep it forever so buy it once, buy it right, dont have to buy it again

 

[CereBassum]

Id look at Mike Lull as well. Its a P bass,

Have been considering that option - price is a bit scary. Are they THAT MUCH better?