• 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 to get for my second bass?

Chaser1

Chaser1

Aug 24, 2010
237
402
Canada
#1
Hi all,

I currently have a Squier Matt freeman P bass which I have modded and removed the P pickup and installed a Nordstrand Music Man pickup and 2 band pre. It's a great playing and sounding bass. I liked the Precision in its original form a lot, but have a love for the Music Man tone. I couldn't afford a Music Man and there is nowhere nearby that stocked the Sterlings at the time, so I decided to do the mod which turned out pretty well (I have attached a pic). Now I have a little extra cash and a few gift cards and am looking at getting a second.

With the music man humbucker sound down, what would you suggest to give me the most versatility, should I look at adding a MIM Jazz or a Precision, or maybe something else entirely. My budget is in the 500-800 range Canadian, and as I am using gift cards so I won't be able to go used.

Thanks
ImageUploadedByTalkBass1417796651.699550.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: SteveCS and Webtroll
#3
I hadn't really entertained a fretless. I am not sure it would fit into my play style. I mainly play rock, blues, country and funk. I am mainly looking at getting out of the Squier line and into a fender. I know that Squiers are good instruments as I love the feel and playability of my current bass, I am just looking to move up the line and get something that will provide a new/different tonal spectrum to my music man equipped p bass.
 
#6
Gorn said:
PJ. It's a P. It's a bridge J. It's a PJ. It's fantastic.
Click to expand...
I agree with this...you'll get the full P bass sound (with the jazz pickup turned down) plus that additional tonal range ability with that Jazz pickup - not a jazz bass sound but more like a baritone jazz bass sound. I have basses that run the gamut in terms of pickup configurations and I love the PJ basses the best.
In terms of an actual bass to purchase, I would recommend a Fender Aerodyne Jazz- it's a little above your price range, but perhaps a sale promotion or two and it'll be under it.
Other basses on the other side of the price spectrum are the Squier Jaguars with the PJ configuration.
Something like this... odd because it says it's CAD$199 in the previous page yet $329 on this one. It might be on sale?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aqualung60
#7
Wow, great call on the Aerodyne. I can move my budget a bit to fit this in. I completely forgot about this model. I had a bass teacher that played one and I got to try it a few years ago and loved the slim feel and design. My teacher had one in a charcoal grey if I remember correctly which looked beauty. All I can seem to find are black ones which would be fine. Now I should go stalk the aerodyne postings and learn some more about them. Any other suggestions let me know.
 
#8
What is the second bass for? If it's a backup, you want something that's pretty close to what you already have. If it's to expand your tonal palette, you'd want something pretty different - maybe a PJ, maybe something "modern" with actives. If it's to expand the range of material you can play, you might want a fretless, or you might want something with an extended range - a 5 or 6 string.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ace Of Bass
#9
Chaser1 said:
Wow, great call on the Aerodyne. I can move my budget a bit to fit this in. I completely forgot about this model. I had a bass teacher that played one and I got to try it a few years ago and loved the slim feel and design. My teacher had one in a charcoal grey if I remember correctly which looked beauty. All I can seem to find are black ones which would be fine. Now I should go stalk the aerodyne postings and learn some more about them. Any other suggestions let me know.
Click to expand...
The aerodyne is a great choice. The Fender deluxe PJ is also very good. The current models are active and sound great. I have an older passive version that'll stay with me forever.

I don't know what's available to you in Canada, but the standard black aerodynes that you've seen a bunch of are pretty easy to find used for about $500, usually with a case.
 
#10
Chaser1 said:
Wow, great call on the Aerodyne. I can move my budget a bit to fit this in. I completely forgot about this model. I had a bass teacher that played one and I got to try it a few years ago and loved the slim feel and design. My teacher had one in a charcoal grey if I remember correctly which looked beauty. All I can seem to find are black ones which would be fine. Now I should go stalk the aerodyne postings and learn some more about them. Any other suggestions let me know.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you can ask Malak about his too. I believe the ones here and in Canada are all black- there are more color varieties with the Aerodyne basses in Japan, you often see them on Ebay- I can't help but drool at those. The Gift certificate I'm assuming is for a local music store over there in Canada?
If I didn't have a Fender PJ bass already in my collection (I have a JP-90), I would certainly go for the Aerodyne myself.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Malak the Mad
#11
Ya they are for Long and Mcquade. I just checked the local Craig's list and there is a beautiful Candy apple red Japan import one for $700. Too bad cause I have $300 in gift cards. Maybe I will make a lowball offer on it and see if the guy bites and I can use the GC's on something else.
 
#12
Sticking with new is a bit limiting (plus I don't know the prices in Canada), but two thoughts: an active Jazz style bass, or something different like a Warwick, or Ibanez, or Yamaha. Something different than just a variation on a Fender. Give you more sonic and feel options.
 
#15
Chaser1 said:
I hadn't really entertained a fretless. I am not sure it would fit into my play style. I mainly play rock, blues, country and funk. I am mainly looking at getting out of the Squier line and into a fender. I know that Squiers are good instruments as I love the feel and playability of my current bass, I am just looking to move up the line and get something that will provide a new/different tonal spectrum to my music man equipped p bass.
Click to expand...

Fretless sure can work in rock, blues, country, and funk. Rick Danko of The Band and John Kahn of the Jerry Garcia Band have done it well with fretless.

If you're shopping, try out a fretless Fender MIM Jazz against a fretted one if you can. Fretless certainly isn't for everyone, but if you don't try it you'll never know for sure.
 
Last edited:
#17
wintremute said:
I think you said that you have Guitar Center gift cards. Can't you use those to buy used basses from Guitar Center?
Click to expand...
His gift certificates are for Long and McQuade.
Chaser1 said:
Ya they are for Long and Mcquade. I just checked the local Craig's list and there is a beautiful Candy apple red Japan import one for $700. Too bad cause I have $300 in gift cards. Maybe I will make a lowball offer on it and see if the guy bites and I can use the GC's on something else.
Click to expand...
I would try to see if the person would consider gift cards as part of the deal. You know like $450 + gift cards. Gives a little incentive of $50 to accept the cards?
 
  • Like
Reactions: wintremute
#19
Hollow body is another option I didn't think of. My play around electric guitar is an epiphone dot. Any suggestions of hollow bodies to look at?

I am going to continue looking and will prob hold of buying something till after Christmas time.

Got lots of ideas, I am going to try to find some PJ's to try, I will try out a few ibanez. I have always been drawn to fender and music mans strictly for the looks, but I am going to try to find something that sonically fits as well as is comfy to play.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back