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Which bass for gospel?

Which bass for gospel music?

  • Lakland 55-02

    Votes: 101 86.3%

  • Warwick Corvette Std. 5

    Votes: 16 13.7%
  • Total voters
    117
zackthompson

zackthompson

Jul 18, 2011
925
256
Winston Salem
#1
I just recently got a gospel gig, and I need a nice 5 string bass. I'm torn between two basses: a Lakland Skyline 55-02 and a Warwick Corvette Std. Active 5.

The only one I have played is the Warwick and I love it! However, I've heard a lot of great things about Lakland basses. I've played a 55-01 and really liked it. The string spacing is a little wide, but I think I can get used to it.

Warwick or Lakland?
 
#11
Seriously? I usually don't chime in on the "what should I buy?" polls (even though I admit I have fallen into the trap and posted myself). Which bass for Gospel? Really? I have played a number of years in different churches and they were all happy to have ANY bass player playing ANYTHING. At one point in my life I didn't even own a bass, so I borrowed a Sears Silvertone from a friend of my moms and the congregation acted as if Jaco had shown up.

My advice:
1. play the basses
2. buy the one you like
3. enjoy

Now I'll get off my soapbox and vote for the Lackie. Not that the Warwick isn't a fine bass if you like it, that would be my personal choice.

Good Luck!
 
#15
I just did a Gospel show a few weeks ago and used my Music Man Bongo 4 Hp. It did fantastic. A lot better than I thought it would too. Given the choices you have suggested, I would go with the Lakeland as I feel it is a better bass than the Corvette. If you can though, try a Bongo. I promise you that it won't disappoint!
 
#17
IMO it depends if you are going for a traditional or modern tone. The Lakland will be more versatile - it can cop a convincing Fender J tone. I've never been a fan of Corvettes .... a Streamer on the other hand....

FWIW I recently did a gospel recording with passive 4 string jazz but I totally get the need for a 5er.
 
#19
zackthompson said:
I just recently got a gospel gig, and I need a nice 5 string bass. I'm torn between two basses: a Lakland Skyline 55-02 and a Warwick Corvette Std. Active 5.

The only one I have played is the Warwick and I love it! However, I've heard a lot of great things about Lakland basses. I've played a 55-01 and really liked it. The string spacing is a little wide, but I think I can get used to it.

Warwick or Lakland?
Click to expand...
Why do you really need a 5-string bass?
I find that odd considering you are playing gospel. Is this contemporary Christian? Old-fashioned gospel with Hammond organ and choir?
Aside from that, what's your budget? I think you can dial in a good tone to use with gospel with the Warwick. Comfortable neck feel is going to go a long way. Someone else mentioned it, why not a Fender Jazz Bass?
 
#20
Warwick corvette with steel rounds gets an awesome tone for that sort of music. Lakland is pretty trendy on this forum, which the poll results seem to reflect. Youve tried the warwick but if you cant try the lakland then that is a gamble vs a sure thing.

Imo the corvette is just a more modern jazz, plus the active pickups i dont see why it wouldnt be great for gospel.

Im not some warwick loon either, il admit my p fits ten times better into rock music
 

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