Versatile dual humbucker bass?

[ZachM]

So like the title says, I'm looking for a versatile dual humbucker bass. Looking for something as a kind of in-between bass that can get a sort of t-bird tone, a fat neck tone, and split and get a passable jazz bass tone. Maybe even active/passive to cop a bit of a ray tone. Is there a jack of all trades/master of none sort of bass out there that would suit?

Throwing in another vote for the T-40, one of my favorite basses of all time. People always talk about these as a great emulator of other basses, but the inherent voice they have is basically Thunderbird + Jazz. It would happily do what you're asking, I think.

The necks feel amazing on the T-40 too, I think. Not too wide with a nut width of 1 5/8", not too narrow, thick enough to dig into but not bulky.

 

[nickpc]

Someone has had a tribute posted near me for the longest time. Bugger is asking too much and wont budge.

Go check it out, with the right value in cash in your pocket, and see if they still won't budge when there's a cash buyer with it in their hands. If they let you walk at least you will have played one to know if it's on the list or not.

 

[Camarillo]

G&L L2000 or, if you can find one, Ibanez RB950 from the 80s

 

[Brandon Shea]

Sire M7 will be my next bass purchase. M5 looks great too, and I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Every Sire I’ve tried has sounded great, and they’ve also been extremely comfortable to play.

@LowEndLobster made an amazing review video of the M7 a while back, and it’s 100% worth a watch if you’re considering this style of bass.

 

[Medicine Man]

G&L L series is the correct answer. 50 tones you need and a hundred you don't.

 

[mborn]

Try Music Man Bongo 5HH, five string, dual hum buckers, 18 volt 4 band EQ. This covers a lot of music styles.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

The dingwall is an interesting option. I just recently played one and really liked the body and neck feel. I don't know how much I care for the fanned frets though, especially at the extreme ends of the board.

The Blacktop looks cool. I've actually played a few blacktop guitars...only issue with those is they were all anchors. Otherwise great instruments.





Man I've been wanting to try one for a while. Only way to get one here is to order without playing...but I might have to bite the bullet. Seems really ideal.

Someone has had a tribute posted near me for the longest time. Bugger is asking too much and wont budge.



I'll have to look into this. Someone posted an M5 near me recently and it seems like really good bang for the buck!



The Ray HH is super cool, but no passive, no split. I suppose it could be modded...

The HH has inner or outer coil splitting, they are the 2 and 4 settings on the 5 way switch! Inner coils is a favorite of mine!

 

[BassDad1964]

So like the title says, I'm looking for a versatile dual humbucker bass. Looking for something as a kind of in-between bass that can get a sort of t-bird tone, a fat neck tone, and split and get a passable jazz bass tone. Maybe even active/passive to cop a bit of a ray tone. Is there a jack of all trades/master of none sort of bass out there that would suit?

(For the record, I don't expect anything like this to sound exactly like these basses... just looking for tone options without owning a ton of different basses lol)

Little background...

Having owned a Jazz bass for a few months now I'm not finding a ton of use for it. I appreciate the unique single coil tone, but I always prefer my Precision. I don't mind the narrow nut width, but again, prefer the P. I do really like the offset body, but I'm going to move on from this bass.

Really the Precision is my go to, and I would be happy with only that. But I'd like something I could play around with and get other tones out of when I want them. The Precision is king, but it's very limited tone wise (obviously).

Preferably don't want to go custom (resale sucks), and not looking to spend boutique money. Maybe max like 2k. Also I like wider necks (doesnt have to be a beast...the AMProII P neck is perfection).

Appreciate any suggestions!!

Warwick Double Buck. Will do exactly what you are looking for.

 

[KellyC]

So like the title says, I'm looking for a versatile dual humbucker bass. Looking for something as a kind of in-between bass that can get a sort of t-bird tone, a fat neck tone, and split and get a passable jazz bass tone. Maybe even active/passive to cop a bit of a ray tone. Is there a jack of all trades/master of none sort of bass out there that would suit?

(For the record, I don't expect anything like this to sound exactly like these basses... just looking for tone options without owning a ton of different basses lol)

Little background...

Having owned a Jazz bass for a few months now I'm not finding a ton of use for it. I appreciate the unique single coil tone, but I always prefer my Precision. I don't mind the narrow nut width, but again, prefer the P. I do really like the offset body, but I'm going to move on from this bass.

Really the Precision is my go to, and I would be happy with only that. But I'd like something I could play around with and get other tones out of when I want them. The Precision is king, but it's very limited tone wise (obviously).

Preferably don't want to go custom (resale sucks), and not looking to spend boutique money. Maybe max like 2k. Also I like wider necks (doesnt have to be a beast...the AMProII P neck is perfection).

Appreciate any suggestions!!

Check out the Mike Lull double humbucker offerings. Not cheap, dayum do they look nice.

 

[TheArchitect]

So like the title says, I'm looking for a versatile dual humbucker bass. Looking for something as a kind of in-between bass that can get a sort of t-bird tone, a fat neck tone, and split and get a passable jazz bass tone. Maybe even active/passive to cop a bit of a ray tone. Is there a jack of all trades/master of none sort of bass out there that would suit?

(For the record, I don't expect anything like this to sound exactly like these basses... just looking for tone options without owning a ton of different basses lol)

Little background...

Having owned a Jazz bass for a few months now I'm not finding a ton of use for it. I appreciate the unique single coil tone, but I always prefer my Precision. I don't mind the narrow nut width, but again, prefer the P. I do really like the offset body, but I'm going to move on from this bass.

Really the Precision is my go to, and I would be happy with only that. But I'd like something I could play around with and get other tones out of when I want them. The Precision is king, but it's very limited tone wise (obviously).

Preferably don't want to go custom (resale sucks), and not looking to spend boutique money. Maybe max like 2k. Also I like wider necks (doesnt have to be a beast...the AMProII P neck is perfection).

Appreciate any suggestions!!

I use a Yamaha TRBX 5 string for the phat humbucker tones. It has a fat, almost driven sort of tone. Both pickups are very usable. You can run it passive or add the preamp and the 3 band EQ. It was a great addition to my P with flats and J with wounds for recording. I have not found a sound on it that was bad or I didn't like. Some tones just fit a given track better that others.

 

[60bass]

Hagstrom Swede Bass
Dual humbuckers with phase and coil splitting options

View attachment 5406959 View attachment 5406960

These are a real gem of a bass and can still be found for decent prices. Yours looks awesome and you have to love that art deco headstock. I also own a Hagstrom bass. A Viking and it plays, sounds, and looks awesome. Two humbuckers with mulrtiple switching options as well.

 

[lsabina]

If you ever come across a Robin Freedom II, buy it!