Took a field trip to Guitar Center today, studying what basses I like.

I did not buy anything yet. But I had a lot of fun. I played two MIM Jazz 5s, a used G&L 2500 series 5, an Ibanez 6, and a Rick 4 string. I played them all through a Fender bassman 25 (because I am considering buying one of them too).

The Fenders cost $420 and $460 for the standard and deluxe respectively.

The Ibanez was $599.

The G&L was $799.

The Rick was $1050.

All of them played a lot better than any of my basses at home. I found songs that I worked my way through on my bass, played itself on these new instruments. I was sutably surprised.

I have decided that I still am far enough away from getting a 6 that I will concentrate on the 5s for now.

Regarding active vs passive; I noticed that the bassman 25 farted bigtime playing notes higher than G on any active bass. The exact same amp, same cord, played all the notes through the B just fine on a passive bass. That was fine with me, because in all honesty the extra knobs and switches got a bit confusing to me and I had some difficulty "dialing in" sounds that I liked. The exception to this was the G&L bass. It seemed very easy to control.

I liked the Fender Jazz standard better than the deluxe mainly because of the easier controls. But they both sounded and played great. I think I liked the Jazz standard best of the basses I played today.

I liked the G&L next. It was a really cool bass, with great action and sound. The three extra switches didn't throw me off. One was for switching pickups, one was for switching between active and passive and one was to set the tone "Bassy, brite and extra brite" according to the salesman.

Next I liked the Rick. I have always wanted a Rick. This bass sounded nice and had good action. But the neck was sooo small, perhaps because I am much more accustomed to playing 5s now... It was hard to get over. This was also the most expensive bass and I don't think even if it was a 5er I would like it as much as the Fenders.

The last was the Ibanez... It was the only 6 I played... It was an active bass so I had to play it on the bassman 100. It was okay sounding. It had a really, really thin neck. It was definately a fast action bass. I am really having a hard time putting my finger on what I didn't like about this one. The sound wa okay... It had a lot of controls, as many as the Jazz deluxe. It was a bit of a pain to find sounds that I liked.

I wanted to try some Yamahas but I had to take off... I was two hours late coming home from band practice today! *doh*

In the next few days I want to try the American Jazz basses. I am not going to mess with the Precisions. I will also check other basses in the $1000 +/- range. Christmas is coming!!

 

The salesman was really cool. Answered a truckload of questions and no hard sell crap. He even suggested that part of the problem that I am having with my existing basses may just be that they need a good setup done on them. I came out of there feeling like he was at interested in helping me, as much as selling to me, which was way cool.

 

The bassman's pre gain was lowered to 25% ... I do not believe it had a sepperate jack for actives.

I did not yet try the Rick 5, but I shall do so in GC part 2, the Wrath of Gabu. Also, I completely forgot about the Conklins... I will check them as well. Hopefully I will have more time tonight.

The Ibanez that I tried was one of the nice mid-ranged ones. It was active and had switches, belts pullies and any kind of bell or whistle you could want... It confused the heck out of me. I have to admit that I am not gung ho to try more, but I probably should.

I didn't see any Peaveys believe it or not... Also, the yamahas must have been hidden in a corner too.

More coming soon to a theater near you!

 

In Gabu-ese that means:

Bump.

It's short for bumperanumalthunktonium.

Way back in the old days, (like the 80s dude!), there used to be many bumps.

But now, sadly, they are an endangered species. They have long been harvested for their abilities to move threads up to the top of the list.

Despite laws, diligent moderators and a generally concerned and well meaning public... they continue to be used as if they grew on trees.



It's a sad world.

 

Thanks very much! But it was a group effort. I think TB is full of stellar citizens.