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Trying to sort out what my next bass should be.

N

Negative1

Guest
Aug 8, 2012
63
14
#1
Hello everyone, I'm playing bass for 5 years and I think it's time to get a new decent bass since the sound that I get from my bass (I'm playing a Dean Edge Q1 and it's my first bass.) doesn't satisfy me anymore. I'm into Funk/Alternative Rock and Jazz, I play a lot with double thumb and slapping techniques. My main inspirations are Ryan Martinie and Les Claypool. I was thinking about buying a Warwick Thumb or a Fender Jazz bass. I'm looking for a sound that's mainly metallic, "wet" and punchy. I also use mainly Nickel Wound, Round Wound strings. So what do you suggest?
 
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#4
Play every different brand and model you can find. I firmly believe you can play just about any style of music on any style of solid body bass. So, try everyone you can, you never know, you may find you love playing slap on a Thunderbird. Nothing wrong with being different if it's right for YOU.
 
#5
This may sound a bit like a cop-out, but if there's one or more music instrument retailers near(-ish to) you, take a whole day to check them out. See if you can find something that feels "right" in your hands. Even if it satisfies your inner "ooh shiny!", the honeymoon will be over quicker than a liquor-fueled-Las-Vegas-marriage.

That being said, I recently had an excellent Squier Classic Vibe Jazz. Mellow or growly, it was capable of both and it was a very nice fit in my hands. The only reason I don't have it anymore is that I traded it towards a Fender Classic '70s Jazz…not because of any shortcomings on the part of the CV-J, but the '70s had a number of ergonomic and esthetic touches (tighter fretboard radius, more-growly '70s pickup placement, sunburst + blocks, etc…) that drew me to it. In other words, it was more "right" for my personal sense of feel, sound and looks.

So, to sum up, if you want to try out a quality Jazz bass, but you'd feel safer with a lower price tag without compromising on quality construction, I'd recommend a CV-Jazz. And if you want a little more "security", search through some place with a decent return policy (Guitar Center, Sweetwater, etc…).
 
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#10
I agree with finding a bass that you "feel", (I found my baby just browsing at a SamAsh. I didn't expect to buy anything, but I just had an instant connection with it) however, if you get a fender jazz bass, I'd save up for an American made one, or try to get your hands on a pre-1965 (before CBS bought fender) jazz bass.
 
#11
Negative1 said:
Hello everyone, I'm playing bass for 5 years and I think it's time to get a new decent bass since the sound that I get from my bass (I'm playing a Dean Edge Q1 and it's my first bass.) doesn't satisfy me anymore. I'm into Funk/Alternative Rock and Jazz, I play a lot with double thumb and slapping techniques. My main inspirations are Ryan Martinie and Les Claypool. I was thinking about buying a Warwick Thumb or a Fender Jazz bass. I'm looking for a sound that's mainly metallic, "wet" and punchy. I also use mainly Nickel Wound, Round Wound strings. So what do you suggest?
Click to expand...
Both those basses will give you the sound you're looking for. However, I'd strongly suggest you try the Warwick before you buy one, they are very much a love it or hate it instrument (i love mine). The neat thing about the Jazz is you can get a good one in just about any price range you want. A nice Squier Jazz can be had for around $250 or you can go the MIM or MIA route for more money. Although I wouldn't put the Jazz in the category of punchy, with the right strings/amp/cab and technique you can get it there.
When I think metallic wet type sound and punchy the first thing that comes to mind is EMG pickups. And the best platform I've found for those pickups is Spector basses. The Spector Rex Pro has that sound in spades as does the Spector Euro bass. There's a nice Rex in the TB classifieds right now. A used Spector Euro or Rebop will run you about the same cost as a used MIA Fender Jazz.
 
#13
Thanks once again for the tips! I played with some Jazz and P basses and they were decent, I also played with a couple Warwick basses and they were decent too, I haven't tried the Stingray yet, neither the MTD Kingston Saratoga, they are next on the list!
 
#14
For anyone looking for a new bass I recommend that you to at least try an Ibanez Soundgear. I strongly suggest the models with the Bartolini pickups. The onboard EQ provides a significant range of sound adjustment so I feel it could work with any kind of music or style. And that neck! Oh baby! It's thin and so comfortable to play!
 

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