Nah I agree. Im not huge fan of that tone either. It works, but its not what I like. I sat and played a ton of basses and none really sung to me besides a ken smith. But I am pretty particular about what I like.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
What Is a Good 5 String Bass For Smooth Jazz?
- Thread starter Gee Phil
- Start date
Nah I agree. Im not huge fan of that tone either. It works, but its not what I like. I sat and played a ton of basses and none really sung to me besides a ken smith. But I am pretty particular about what I like.
Ill answer that for you as as well since some of my good friends are top class metal producers. Their current "best bass" for metal is the Spector Euro.
Lakland's fit really well in the smooth jazz and gospel pocket. I have a couple Lakland 55-01's that are great for that style among others, but you have a ton of choices to get the smooth jazz sound. MTD, Fodera, Sadoswky, Fender active, Fbass, Ken Smith, Lakland, etc......and the list can go on.
I used to play a smooth jazz set on one of my cruise ship gigs, and either my Peavey Cirrus 5 or an Arturia for key bass worked fine.
Anything that sounds like a J.
I have been playing two main basses in my smoove jazz act - a Sadowsky modern 24 and a Ken Smith 5 - - both are *perfect* for finger playing, but for slap, they just have that snap you want when trying to cop Marcus (or his many imitators). So I'd be focused on basses that play well (for both slap and finger) and have a sound that will sit in the mix well.
Most basses would be great, especially passive or active J or P type bass, or active bass with two soapbar pickups.
I would avoid most MM type bass, but that's just me.
My favorite for smooth jazz: a passive J with flats.
I would avoid most MM type bass, but that's just me.
My favorite for smooth jazz: a passive J with flats.
MTD's and Ken Smith's all day! However any active jazz bass will get you there.
I consider Nathan East a king in this style's court. His work in smooth jazz and pop/blues is astounding. And his tone? Immaculate. And his bass of choice? A Yamaha. His signature. Of course. But a bass beyond belief. A few versions exist. I believe you'd be hard pressed to find a better bass for this style. I do believe there are two common factors to consider in goin for the tone that you're describin. A set of wide aperture, humbucking pickups, and a three band preamp. The Yamaha includes both, but MTD/Tobias, Ken Smith, Fodera, even Spector or Warwick all have basses that would excel in this style. My Streamer Stage I would be a great candidate. There are so many legit options that maybe, more than gear or bass choice, the approach to one's playing is the key factor. Where, and how hard, you pluck the strings, for example. What style of music your influenced by, whether currently or permanently, will ultimately influence the way you play. And the clincher? A P Bass can be used successfully in any genre. A proven fact. But? Ain no one today goin after one fer a "Jazz" gig. Yet the guys who influence us most? Are the guys usin stuff we wouldnt in a particular style. If I get a call fer a "smooth jazz" gig and I don't have the "right" bass? I ain passin the gig along. I'll apply what bass I have, and my playing, to the gig. So? My answer? Which bass is best fer Smooth Jazz? The one I have in my hand at the moment. 
Sadowsky seems to be what gets most used by the jazz bassists around where I am. They're very fine instruments. But most any good quality mainstream 5-string should work too. I'd be inclined to look at a Fender JB-V too. (Note: a little outboard compression can often work wonders getting that big sound. I can recommend the Keeley Bassist for that.)
Ken Smith
Yamaha TRB and BBNE, NE2, etc.
Peavey Cirrus
Fender Jazz - especially with a preamp (a la Marcus). Any brand will do.
MTD
Tobias
Alembic
Fodera
and so on.
Yamaha TRB and BBNE, NE2, etc.
Peavey Cirrus
Fender Jazz - especially with a preamp (a la Marcus). Any brand will do.
MTD
Tobias
Alembic
Fodera
and so on.
IMO, a smooth jazz player looks for a clean and hi-fi tone. I´ve seen lots of boutique and hi-end basses in this gendre.
And as everybody suggested a brand bass I suggest Adamovic basses.
And as everybody suggested a brand bass I suggest Adamovic basses.
What Is a Good 5 String Bass For Smooth Jazz?
I think it doesn't matter whatsoever.
You can play it on any bass, provided you can.
I think it doesn't matter whatsoever.
You can play it on any bass, provided you can.
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
On which planet does this happen?
"Smooth" jazz (Oh how I hate that term) bassists play all kinds of rigs. Its less about the bass and far more about the approach to the instrument. Many play fivers, and most I have seen play round wounds cause there is no shortage of slap in that style. I have seen P and J basses along with Music Man, Alembics and so many other brands used. There seems to be a slight preference for pre amped basses, but again, there are guys/gals playing all kinds of basses in this "genre".
I think one hallmark of this style is everything is squeaky clean and very tight. The bass lines seem very thought out to me and very controlled. I'd say this counts far more than what bass the bassist is holding. You decide whether this deserves the term Jazz.
Now as far as "smooth Jazz" as a genre goes: For my part, I am gonna put on some Charlie Haden, then Listen to Christian McBride's latest effort. If I want something a little more danceable, I will listen to the masterful lines of skilled improvisers like Mr. Jamerson. Electric? There are plently of guys/gals playing great Jazz on electric. Tal Wilkenfeld, Victor wooten, Al Johnson, etc....
I hate most smooth Jazz, mostly because they pull much of the improvisation out and put in hooks and repetitious grooves that have kind of a jazzy feel in place of improvisation. I listen to it and keep wanting more, but it never happens.
That is all fine, you can play and listen to whatever you like and have your own opinion about everything else, but why call it jazz then where is little to no jazz in it?
Last edited:
Umm. It was a joke.
Of course they're playing almost any kind of instrument and any kind of rig. It's the same with every genre of music. You're probably not going to see very many Rob Allen basses strung with tapes in metal but there very well may be someone using it and using it very well.
