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Versatile Basses!

#41
I think my Spector Euro (with EMG 45s) can sound close to either depending on which pick up I use. You'll notice I said "close". The neck sounds a lot like a P and the bridge like a J. The blend sounds like a Spector.All of that's also pretty dependent on the old fingers though.
 
#45
I am really surprised how many different tones I can get from my simple singlecoil P...
Where on the string you plug makes a real and audible difference which makes this bass a lot more versatile than I would have thought before getting it.
 
#46
thedane said:
To address your question from a sound engineer's viewpoint- I agree that the sound of a J or P bass can become a bit "regular" despite being great instruments.

I have a couple of suggestions: first, a J AND P pickup loaded Fender with a knob that can fade between the 2 pickups can quickly and easily render a much less familiar tone than a straight Jazz or Precision setup.
Click to expand...
Here's a great way to get both guitars in one... ImageUploadedByTalkBass1368776913.386208.jpg

Take a look at several of the other suggestions too. An EBMM in almost any configuration is a great bass that, though not cheap, won't break the bank either. Further, for a little less, check out the Ibanez SR/ATK/BTB. For a bit more, the world is your oyster!!
 
#50
Apart from flexible fingers you need an instrument that can pick up all nuances from them.

For me: LeFay all the way. Since these beasts (one fretted and one fretless) are in da house I can do anything from P to J to Rickenbacker and Musicman and everything else you hear anywhere.

Foto-NFGV4IMD.jpg


http://www.lefay.de/

And what I heard (but never owned one) is that the right Alembic can also do almost anything.

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#51
Versatile could be expressed in terms of 'many possible sounds through electronics' or 'can sound good in many situations'.

My 5-string PJ by ACG is a bit of both - it's passive but has four-way switching (each pickup solo'd, both in parallel and both in series). If I'd gone for a filter-based pre-amp like the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] I'd have all the active trickery ever needed by man.
 
#55
I owned 2 ATKs. Neither with dual pickups so I can't comment on those. If however someone is considering a single pickup ATK as one of the most versatile basses, then I think ya really need to get out there and play some more basses. In a bedroom you might get a handful of sounds, but in a band mix that bass IME was very much a 1 trick pony. Got rid of both of mine with no regrets.
 
#56
I always liked the to of the line btbs, the ones with the barts... At least in the music sore they sounded great and very comfy to play.

From the mix perspective, my Yamaha sounds great, but always seams to get poor reviews. Fit in the mix perfect in any genre. Neck pup was nice and deep line a p, bridge pup was nice an middy. It fit all genres wonderfully. ESP. With flat wounds.

My Carvin has a splitable double coil, but it always sounded more full in the normal, dual coil mode. I feel the same about the two pickup stingrays.

I would say for versatility for live playing, get any good bass with two double coils. A nice low mid tone will get you nicely between the kick drum, and the keyboard or guitars.

That being said, my alembic has single coils, and it us the best sounding bass I've ever heard, live and recorded
 

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