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Time for a second bass, maybe...

M

mjnyc

Feb 15, 2021
146
216
NYC
#1
Playing for a bit over a year now, mainly rock, able to hold my own with a very friendly group.

I have one bass, a Fender Mustang P/J MIM (30"), with flatwounds. Like it a lot.
My hands are on the small side, which is why I chose the short scale initially.
Could probably handle a more standard scale with 124 fingering in the lower frets, though not without difficulty at first.

Thinking of getting a second bass, for variety, tone etc. Not sure what to go for. A different short scale, with round wounds this time? A medium or standard scale, with rounds or flats?

Could try out a few at the local Guitar Center, but went there yesterday and was really sort of lost amid the variety.

Any suggestions most welcome. Especially pointing towards a few that are sufficiently different that I might actually be able to hear and feel the difference. Thanks!

Michael
 
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#4
If you don’t get one straight away, at some point in the future you’re going to want a P bass, I suspect. And definitely try roundwounds soon to see if they’re your thing.

You could try checking out Squier Classic Vibe 60s or 70s basses if you’d like something that will never go out of style. My CV 70s P in Walnut finish is rather nice.
CB8EAFED-F863-47B5-9761-60059C707D59.jpeg
 
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#6
mjnyc said:
Playing for a bit over a year now, mainly rock, able to hold my own with a very friendly group.

I have one bass, a Fender Mustang P/J MIM (30"), with flatwounds. Like it a lot.
My hands are on the small side, which is why I chose the short scale initially.
Could probably handle a more standard scale with 124 fingering in the lower frets, though not without difficulty at first.

Thinking of getting a second bass, for variety, tone etc. Not sure what to go for. A different short scale, with round wounds this time? A medium or standard scale, with rounds or flats?

Could try out a few at the local Guitar Center, but went there yesterday and was really sort of lost amid the variety.

Any suggestions most welcome. Especially pointing towards a few that are sufficiently different that I might actually be able to hear and feel the difference. Thanks!

Michael
Click to expand...
Anytime’s a good time for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th…well, you get the idea:D
 
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#10
The idea of going for a classic P-bass for #2 is appealing to me.
I should at least give a serious trial of standard scale.
Others, more exotic, after that :).
But will still check out the others.

Any thoughts about Squier vs. Fender?

Michael
 
#16
Killing Floor said:
Think about what you like in the bass you have. Wish the neck was wider or thinner? Different tone? Go from there. Take your time and identify what you love and what you would change if you could. For me, I start with the shape of the neck.
Click to expand...
^this.

I agree with other comments that if you play rock and will have more than one bass, you probably will want something that does the Precision thing; but I think you already have something pretty close with your particular version of Mustang. If you really like the Mustang, maybe just get another in a different finish and string it with roundwound strings—that alone can get you into very different territory. Otherwise, consider your budget and whether you want something bright or thumpy, vintage-ish or not; you’ll get a lot of players shouting their favorites until you provide a bit more direction.

Now if you want players just shouting favorites at you :smug: it’s hard to go wrong with Ibanez. They’re the Toyota of bass and guitar manufacturers; they make a solid version of pretty much any kind of bass you can imagine. The SR/Soundgears and derivatives have notoriously skinny necks, but their other lines have a variety of neck profiles. Ibanez has never let me down :thumbsup:
 
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#18
I know. I figured I would start a cavalcade of shout-outs.
I'll make a list, assuming it doesn't got unmanageable, and try some of them out.

The basic ideas are very helpful.
I could get another Mustang or similar short scale with round wounds, but I feel like I should see how a standard scale does, in terms of both tone and playability. Then I could decide whether to put flats on bass #2 or keep the standard rounds.

Thanks all.
 
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#20
The Ibanez EHB basses are a very different feeling bass the full scale do not feel like a full scale reach because of how the bass sits when you are playing. for me with short thick fingers with the beginnings of arthritis it was a Godsend of sorts for those days when my hands decide not to cooperate with my more normal basses. Also if you like the Fender shape and feel check out Sire they are a much better band for the buck than any Fender I have played, And I have played many.
 
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