• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What bass should I get?

A couple of ideas

  • Music-Man StingRay

    Votes: 66 38.4%
  • Modulus Flea

    Votes: 20 11.6%
  • Fender Jazz Bass

    Votes: 62 36.0%
  • Lakland 4402

    Votes: 36 20.9%
  • [url]http://www.bassemporium.com/item.php?sku=1005158[/url]

    Votes: 10 5.8%

  • Total voters
    172
:confused: :help: :confused: :help: :confused:

I am a intermediate bass player and I want to get a different bass because I am getting into styles of playing that my bass
(An Ibanez TR-50) can't do without sounding like a P-bass being slammed into the ground over and over again. I like to play Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beatles, Muse, Green Day, Audioslave, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Verve.
 
I'd get a P-Bass, string it with flats, and run it through an SVT rig.

But that's me. What you should get? Only you will know. Go play every bass you can get your hands on and play it through a rig similar to your own (or bring yours along if the stores don't have your rig) so that you can get a better idea what it will sound like for you.

Trying out basses through a rig that's nothing like yours will not give a good idea as to it's sound when played through your rig. The amp/cabs can really change the tone of a bass, so when you buy one and bring it home and play through your rig it may sound entirely wrong for you. Also, the choice of music you selected still tells us nothing except you want a variety of tones. For variety in tone, try an active bass with two pickups and either a blend pot or dual volumes (not just a switch that goes full on one or the other, or both full on) that also has a good onboard preamp with a three band EQ.

Asking here what bass you should buy, is like asking us what girl you should date. Lots of opinions that won't make one bit of difference in your level of happiness with your choice.
 
Along with playing different basses, I suggest checking out different bands playing live to hear what's going on with their bass/rigs. Also, do some research and find out what all your favorite bands used for bass. McCartney=Hofner, etc.
 
I live 5 minutes away from Bass Emporium. (Pure Heaven)

I used to be able to walk there from my apartment in less than 1 minute (their old location on Burnet & Buell). Once they moved, I could still drive there in about 3 or 4, as long as the lights were green :D

I now live a painful 17 miles away from Bass Emporium, and work almost every minute they're open. I literally have to book time off (or call in sick) just to go there and hang, but it's been my favorite place to be for the past 3 or so years :)