Which bass for gospel?

[Russell L]

If it were a BC Rich Warlock or Widow would the church object to the look as being evil?

 

[etechstan]

I have a coworker who just bought a Dean John Entwhistle Spider Bass for P&W. There is no best bass for anything. These threads should be banned.

 

[boristhespider9]

The Ox was kind of like a gospel player. The best bass is one of those in the room.

 

[stefandisgust]

They all use Ken Smith!

 

[scubaduba]

Here's what I've used for Gospel gigs:

Smith
Tobias (Classic and Growler)
Pedulla Thunderbass
Fender jazz
Elrick
Lakeland 55-02
Warwick streamer (with jazz pups)
G&L L2500 and M2500
F Bass
Human Base
Warrior
Musicman Sterling
Ristola

See any themes? Only one I see is active preamp. Point being there are plenty of basses that are fine for gospel. Neither of the options you're debating would my first (or even second or third) choice but either will be fine.

 

[Russell L]

I agree that there is no "best bass" for a particular genre. You get bass sounds from any bass. Then, you can eq to suit the style for the gig, or just for the song. And don't forget the extra eq (and more) you can get from your fingers, including where they pluck the strings, and how.

The player has the greatest influence on the sound of any instrument.

 

[Solboy]

I really like this thread so I subscribed. I voted for the Lakland but really dont know why. I play southern gospel & choir stuff like Brooklyn Tab, Mississippi Mass, OBI & IBC. I originally played a P bass but after playing a friends Spector I wanted a 5 string. The 5 string is almost a necessity for modern day gospel music especially if theyre used to having an organ in the mix. You really need that deep sound. Ive been playing an Ibanez Soundgear for the last 14 yrs & has kind of a thin sound on the treble side but I can get what sound I need from my amp.

The other thing about playing in church is once the spirit starts moving you might play for 3 to 4 hours, so you want something light & comfortable.
This is what Ive owned:
Applause P bass
Ibanez SR405JB
Peavey Cirrus 4
Ibanez SR405TP (now)
Ibanez SR305DXMW (now)

This is just from my experience

 

[SlapHappy99]

I have played a number of years in different churches and they were all happy to have ANY bass player playing ANYTHING.

I've had pretty much the same experience. They are especially happy if you know how to read music and/or can teach the guitar players what Eb7-9 means in the chart

I happen to play a custom 5-string with active EMGs