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What is a versatile bass?
- Thread starter Radical Edward
- Start date
You should be able to get a great deal on a 2009 American Deluxe Jazz V now that the revised 2010 models are out. My local GC's have at least two each. These have downsized bodies, and are therefore usually lighter than a typical Jazz. It should fit you well. They also have noiseless pickups and active electronics that should help it cover every style you'd want. I think Jazz basses work just fine for metal. For less cash, the Deluxe Active Jazz V is similar, but IMO the old American Deluxe is worth the extra cost.
Otherwise, a G&L L-2500 would be a great choice. Nothing hits as hard as MFD pickups, but you may not like the narrow string spacing.
Will check that out if they get one in soon. Like I said, a sale's going on and they don't have much, right now.
And Darkhorse, thanks. Though, this thread seems to be much more successful. ^_^
Well, I'll check out the MM they have there. I'm not sure what it is. I didn't really look at it. No offense or anything, but I don't like the roundness to them, generally speaking, but I've never played one, and the sound is more important to me. I'll check it out whenever I can.
The Lakland is out of my price range, but looks nice enough.
I have not looked, but I certainly will now. I don't know what GC will have as far as those, but I'll see what I can do.
By the way, I'm making a list of these and I'll ask about them all when I go in there next. We'll see what they say.
When I think versatile, the first thing that comes to mind is G&L. They've also got some great finish options like blue or green burst that are nice and metal for ya.
I see that. I'm looking at it, now. Hm.. Though, the way the rgain flows on it would be a big deal to me. I'm rather picky. Heh. I'll see what I can find on Ebay and such. Thanks.
Also, will ask about it at GC.
Keep in mind that tone isn't all in the bass, itself. Just because you play the same bass as your favorite player doesn't mean you'll sound like them. What amp, cab or combo are you using? What effects? Even more importantly, the individual players technique and skill influence tone as much as anything.
I have the MTD Z5 and it can dial in nearly every sound type that I want. That to me is versatile.
A five string Jazz Bass might do, from either Fender or one of the other companies making that type. They're used in most styles. I'm not usually a Fender fan, but Jazz basses are nice and versatile.
I tried 2 Markbasses and a Acoustic. No effects.
and:
Read my first post. ^_^
Any Shcecter Stiletto 5 will do you good. Nice eq to dial up the tone you want, very versatile. Can get you some nice highs, mids, and lows. Mine can sound very vintage with the highs down and bass up about halfway and very modern with the highs all the way up. definitely cuts through the sound when needed or stays in the back for the old school.
If you think the string spacing on the Ibanez you have is too tight, you won't like a Warwick or Schecter 5 string either.
Under $1200, I would get a used Stingray 5 in a heartbeat. The string spacing isn't too wide, the neck is pretty comfortable, and you'll cut through the mix like a chainsaw in metal situations.
Under $1200, I would get a used Stingray 5 in a heartbeat. The string spacing isn't too wide, the neck is pretty comfortable, and you'll cut through the mix like a chainsaw in metal situations.
I have a Schecter and played with a Schecter Studio 5 and a Elite 5, and didn't mind them because the body wasn't so small that I felt cramp. that adds to the discomfort with the strings, in my opinion. But, I'm not 100% about them, as of yet.. and No. i didn't like the Warwick I played with. It just felt... bad.
Will see fi I can check out a Stingray.
You cats talk gear til you're blue in the face. What kind(s) of music do you play?
I do damn near everything, from Bill Haley to Dave Matthews, plus friend's original studio work. Versatile? How versatile are you at changing styles on the fly?
A 6-string can do that. No, it's hard to slap on (but there are players who can). But you can play in any key without going through position gymnastics. Do you just play, say, soul? Nothing but a Presicion will do. Just don't try doing YES on it.
A Stingray 5 is Very versatile. Ask Tony Levin.
Jazz? go listen to some Jaco. or maybe Geddy Lee (he has a Jazz with his name on it). They could not be more different players.
The question is: how versatile are You?
I do damn near everything, from Bill Haley to Dave Matthews, plus friend's original studio work. Versatile? How versatile are you at changing styles on the fly?
A 6-string can do that. No, it's hard to slap on (but there are players who can). But you can play in any key without going through position gymnastics. Do you just play, say, soul? Nothing but a Presicion will do. Just don't try doing YES on it.
A Stingray 5 is Very versatile. Ask Tony Levin.
Jazz? go listen to some Jaco. or maybe Geddy Lee (he has a Jazz with his name on it). They could not be more different players.
The question is: how versatile are You?
You are a silly man. I'm no pro. I play stuff from James Blunt to Porcupine Tree to Mastodon to .. (one day) Dream Theater. But, how can I play the music I like when the basic sound isn't right? 6 strings seems too many for me. 5 is just right, I think. We'll see. I've listened to and studied a bit of Jaco. It was beautiful, but quite depressing. I have to steer clear of that sad stuff or I'll lose my mind. I get into it, too much. I'll check out a Stingray 5... if I can.
