Time for a second bass, maybe...

[definenredefine]

Squier instruments represent much more value for money and are really very close if not equal to Fenders in all other respects, except for the name. But you can turn up to any job with a Fender and be accepted as a Pro. With a Squier, you may at some time experience some misguided instrument snobbery that would be very unlikely if you were carrying in a Fender through the door. It’s silly, but it undoubtedly exists. Me, I’d be happy enough on a Squier in any situation and screw what other people think - I’d rather be judged by my playing than by my choice of instrument.

So just replace the decal with a Fender and boom! Problem solved!

 

[definenredefine]

All rock tone roads lead to Musicman Stingray.

I'm honestly surprised it took this long for someone to suggest a Stingray. For what it's worth, I love mine. Super comfy neck with low action, sounds awesome, is beautiful. Only problem is that it's on the heavy side.

Also, with the SUB series, you can get into an MM for pretty cheap these days. They have some really nice finishes too.

 

[sonojono]

Should look into a Jazz bass as a secondary instrument. You already got the first bass covered on the p bass tone department

 

[mjnyc]

Should look into a Jazz bass as a secondary instrument. You already got the first bass covered on the p bass tone department

Thanks will definitely do that.

 

[chadds]

This is TB. Time for your 22nd.

 

[AHaze]

3rd page and nobody has put in a plug for a G&L L2000 yet? It's the perfect bass for anyone who isn't quite sure what they want. Even if you don't find the exact tone you want in there, it will give you a pretty good idea of what you like and what you don't.

 

[6-3-2]

All rock tone roads lead to Musicman Stingray.

Seconded on a Stingray. The Sterling by Musicman models are really solid and the tone is amazing. They're great for rock, but also sensational r&b and funk basses. The kind of tone that jumps out of the mix. Guitar Center seems to always have a few too. See if they have one with a roasted maple neck.

 

[definenredefine]

Should look into a Jazz bass as a secondary instrument. You already got the first bass covered on the p bass tone department

Honest question - how different does a PJ setup sound compared to a JJ setup?

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

First, there is never not a reason to acquire a new bass. Second, real bass players own or have owned a Fender Precision. There are some excellent Precision stye basses produced by other makers. Some are really good and some are not. My personal favorite is the G&L LB100.
We don't know your budget, so our suggestions may not work for your budget. If it is limited, have a serious look as Squier. They are making some really nice basses these days. I have three, a J, a P, and a fretless P. I like them all. Just for reference, I've been playing bass for 48 years. But, this is just my opinion.
You will certainly get opposing suggestions, but that is actually a good thing. It will give you some things to consider and, hopefully, come to a good conclusion.
But, in the end I can only say is just go buy the damn Precision and get it over with.

 

[Ric5]

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

one bass is not enough ... you need 3 or 4

 

[BassyBill]

So just replace the decal with a Fender and boom! Problem solved!

I guess we’ll never know the number of people out there who think they own a Fender bass, but actually don’t. Many, I suspect. Sad, but true. Caveat emptor.

 

[mikewalker]

one bass is not enough ... you need 3 or 4

Yep, I would plan for three at least

"One for rounds, one for flats, one for tapes..."

 

[Ric5]

Yep, I would plan for three at least

"One for rounds, one for flats, one for tapes..."

a Fender, a Rickenbacker and a Musicman

 

[definenredefine]

I guess we’ll never know the number of people out there who think they own a Fender bass, but actually don’t. Many, I suspect. Sad, but true. Caveat emptor.

Yup. Ask me how I know...

 

[MrLenny1]

Fender P Bass.

 

[HelpImaRock]

I dug into short scale pretty hard about a decade ago. Sold my Precision at 30th Street Guitars, bought a Reverend Watt, and never looked back. Recently, I bought a Squier Mustang. If you normalize the levels and tone controls, they sound almost identical. But the feel is very different and I think that's what people latch onto the most. The Reverend's 42mm nut width and wider string spacing make it very different to play from the Mustang.

Personally, I don't care about "covering all the bases" or any kind of "variety of tone". I like what I like, play what I play, and have that luxury because I only play original music. Any perceived loss of treble moving from 34" to 30" basses can be made up by different pickups, EQ, and compression.

So I say, play what you want, but you don't need anything other than what gets the sound in your head out through the speakers.

 

[sonojono]

Honest question - how different does a PJ setup sound compared to a JJ setup?

IME a PJ is a P bass with the ability to add an extra taste of bite from the Jazz pickup. I honestly don’t consider a PJ a “PJ” but rather another form of “P bass” with an added J pickup.

I use to be all over PJ basses until I realized over the years that it’s just another P bass

 

[gmarcus]

Honestly your bass is fine, try experimenting with different blends of the pickups. If you want something that will sound really good in a rock band get a bass big muff or MXR fuzz pedal with a clean blend control. This will help you blend better with distorted guitars and make the whole band sound bigger.

 

[definenredefine]

IME a PJ is a P bass with the ability to add an extra taste of bite from the Jazz pickup. I honestly don’t consider a PJ a “PJ” but rather another form of “P bass” with an added J pickup.

I use to be all over PJ basses until I realized over the years that it’s just another P bass

Huh. Honestly kinda surprised that it doesn't sound more or less like a J bass. I guess maybe the pickups aren't wired the same with respect to series/parallel. I wonder what 2 split coils would sound like...

 

[Leigh Semmens]

I'm thinking at this stage, given that you are still relatively new to playing it would be a good idea for you next purchase to have the same scale length as you current Bass. I played guitar for years and moved back to a long scale bass a couple of years back. Old habits die hard, if I am not careful I often find that I can be a fret out whilst playing only because of muscle memory. That said, I do not mean to discourage you from something different, just be aware that you may need some adjustment to you playing.