whats important to you? tone or feel?

[mikeswals]

Tone takes a priority for me.
Of course both are important, but once you find 'the sound' you can then weed-out which ones will provide both features.

I've picked up basses that feel pretty darn good, but sounded completely opposite of what I like or very uninspiring once plugged in.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Tone. Your audience doesn't care how the bass feels. But if the feel makes you suck when you play it, you probably don't want that bass. Don't settle for less than both.

<edit> Actually, they don't care how your bass sounds either. They don't even know which instrument is the bass.

You are correct: the audience doesn't care how your bass feels, nor do they care how it sounds (hell, I've rarely met bandmates who care about tone). However they MIGHT care how well you play your bass, particularly if the feel of your bass prevents you from playing it properly. This is precisely why I argue that feel > tone.

 

[SemiDriven]

You are correct: the audience doesn't care how your bass feels, nor do they care how it sounds (hell, I've rarely met bandmates who care about tone). However they MIGHT care how well you play your bass, particularly if the feel of your bass prevents you from playing it properly. This is precisely why I argue that feel > tone.

+1

I tend to lean this way as well. Band members will tolerate so-so tone, but will look at you menacingly with so-so playing.

 

[boristhespider9]

hey i was wondering what do you guys think is more important: a bass with a great feel or a bass with a great tone. i was at my local music shop and played a peavey grind and a fender p bass. the peavey was one of the best feeling basses i have ever played (not saying much) but the tone wasn't anything special. however the p bass tone was quite beast but i wasn't to fond of the feel of it compared to the peavey.

Welcome to the quest.

Just keep looking.

 

[two fingers]

<edit> Actually, they don't care how your bass sounds either. They don't even know which instrument is the bass.

Been saying that for years. It never goes well when I do. I buy my gear for me. The audience doesn't know and doesn't care.

 

[Pudge Fish]

Ditto, Two Fingers
Buy the gear you like. If you havent decided whether tone or feel is more important, then keep playing different basses. Eventually, one will speak to your soul. If you're like me, you cant afford THAT one, but you know where you stand! ...but if you havent already made up your own mind, dont rush it.

Also, eveyone says you can change tone (I love my sansamp!)... but you can change feel to a degree as well. I lightly scuffed a fender Jazz neck to a matte finish and it felt SO much faster. A good fret-job can make a world of difference too!

Play with the things you love. Whether for feel, tone, or even looks.

 

[Zoomie]

Tone, then feel.

The 63 NAV P Bass is the best P Bass tone that I have ever heard out of a Fender. Bass face in 3 yanks or less, every single time.

That said, 2 sets on the thing and I feel like I have been in a bar fight.

 

[Blueszilla]

Been saying that for years. It never goes well when I do. I buy my gear for me. The audience doesn't know and doesn't care.

+1, for the most part. Rarely someone will comment on how it sounds, but vast majority of times it's another bassist.

 

[shrimpflea]

I will say tone first...when I first got my 62 RI P-Bass I loved the tone but I did not like the feel...I was used to Jazz Basses...but after about 2-3 months I fell in love with the feel...It's the most comfortable bass I've ever played.

 

[77stingray]

I need both.

If a bass doesn't sound good, it doesn't matter how good it feels, I won't play it.

If a bass doesn't feel good, it doesn't matter how good it sounds, I won't play it.

+1 if you don't have both in one instrument you will never be happy. Don't settle.