What makes a good bass?

[charic]

Just wondering peoples opinions on this? Im particularly interested in old rock/metal but hey lets keep it open

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Good Wood.

 

[JKwo]

I'd say it has something to do with having a body, a neck, a few strings, a way to attach the strings to the instrument, and a way to amplify the sound it makes.

 

[Figjam]

Good stuff. Good people. Hawaiin punch.

 

[savit260]

Any bass that feels good in your hands, and sounds good to your ears is a good bass.

 

[unatratnag]

and what is good phaedrus? Need we to ask this question?

 

[Mustafa]

Just keep the electronics passive, and you'll be OK. . . you'll have 'the' sound.

 

[charic]

Good Wood.

Like???

 

[guy n. cognito]

As I said in your "what makes a good amp" thread (slightly modified):

Impresses women
Scares small children
Cool color

I will reserve the same answers for the "what makes a good instrument cable" and "what makes a good effects pedal" threads as well.

 

[ElBajista]

vague question...

I believe that what makes a bass "good" is:

-quality, durable wood, hardware, and components
-reliable, great-sounding electronics
-great craftmanship with strict attention to detail
-a really cool finish
-"Lakland" on the headstock

 

[vene-nemesis]

Wishbass for sure!

 

[permagrin]

vague question...

No doubt... and as many answers as bass players.

Boiled all down: good bass = good feel + good tone + desired features

I realize I've said nothing that isn't utterly obvious... so I'll add that IMO 90% of a bass' character comes from the neck and pickups.

 

[vene-nemesis]

No doubt... and as many answers as bass players.

Boiled all down: good bass = good feel + good tone + desired features

I realize I've said nothing that isn't utterly obvious... so I'll add that IMO 90% of a bass' character comes from the neck and pickups.

Finally someone that thinks just like me! god bless you.

 

[Rick_no7]

I like a nice tone when it is unplugged. The lows should vibrate through your body and the highs should sing naturally. Find one with an unplugged tone that you like, according to your personal taste.

Then go for a pickup that takes this "unplugged" sound and amplifies it accurately.

The onboard pre-amp should help you adjust and modify the treble/bass/mids of a bass, yet still let enough of the natural bass through that you know what bass you have in your hands by the sound.

 

[Lorenzini]

+1 on Lakland on the headstock

 

[lpdeluxe]

Sound, feel, weight, appearance, in that order.

Oh, and I have to be able to justify paying whatever the price is.

 

[ElBajista]

+1 on Lakland on the headstock

. What more is there to say?

 

[burtonisalive]

The brand of the bass is not really important. And I don't think that you should settle on a good bass. Find a bass that feels right to you, has the options you want (active or passive, p style, j style, p/j style, MM style, thick neck, thin neck, heavy or light, etc.) and plays well for the style of music that you are playing.

I use each of my basses for different songs. For example, the Fender GL is my main bass, the Epi Flying V is for stuff like Rage Against the Machine and the like, the SR500 is for my solos and songs that require brighter tone, and the Peavey is my in a pinch bass. Each one has different options and feel.

Experiment and pick one that works for you. Money should not be an issue when finding the right bass, but it can be a set-back if the right bass is too much!

Just my two cents.

 

[CraigG]

A good player who knows how to use it.

 

[charic]

wahey now we're startintg 2 get to the kind of answers i was after!