Which bass would you recommend?

[Holy2]

So I have a little trouble choosing a bass and would like to know the opinions of some other bass players. My main bass in the moment is a Fender Precision bass MIM. I really like the tone, feel and playability. But you cant really hear it while playing live or on records. You kind of loose the whole bass and the pressure of the tone. So I tried a few basses and found two basses I really like. The Fender Jazz Bass 2012 MIA and Rickenbacker 4003. I tried them both in the store but would like to hear some third opinions, espacially when its about playing live.
Some details: I play in a Rock Band and a Punk Band, I mainly play fingerstyle, i like slapping not for the groove but for some agressive fast riffs, also i am searching for a main bass, one that is robust so i would never have the fear to break it. So which bass would you recommend?

 

[Bongolation]

So I have a little trouble choosing a bass and would like to know the opinions of some other bass players. My main bass in the moment is a Fender Precision bass MIM. I really like the tone, feel and playability. But you cant really hear it while playing live or on records. You kind of loose the whole bass and the pressure of the tone.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[ggvicviper]

I'd say the Jazz Bass personally.

How old is your MIM P? I remember the ones from the 90's were a bit weak in the pickup department. Still, you should be able to EQ it a bit/adjust volume.

 

[bjabass]

If the precision can't cut through the mix I respectfully submit you look at your amp settings..

Precisions are known for their presence in a band mix.

 

[ChiefHoghead]

You have to turn the volume knob fully clockwise, the one closest to the neck.

 

[ThudThudThud]

I play in a hard rock band that has just a soupcon of 'punk' to it sometimes.
I specifically bought a Precision for this project.

I'm going to have to say that your amp might be where you need to focus.

 

[Webtroll]

If you have a good amp you may want to check the pickups. The P is going to sit in the mix better than the Ric or the Jazz for rock and punk 9 times out of 10. If there's nothing wrong with the P then I doubt you'll be happier with the Ric or the Jazz unless you're just looking for a change of pace.

 

[Holy2]

thanks for the answers xD so I´ll have to take a close look on my amp settings ^^

 

[dirtbeard]

If you've got new bass smell in you're nostrils, its hard to not buy a new one, especially if you have the funds. While not what you want to hear, i'd suggest a new pickup, first. The Fender Original '62 pickup gets a lot of love around here. If your set on another bass the Jazz is a good way to go, but might not cut through like you want. I switched to a P from a J for that reason, but I still have my J if I need it. Like others suggested, amp settings could be a problem. What kind of amp and size are you using?

-db

 

[wooheehaa]

post your live setup settings. could be anything from you amp to your pickup height level.

 

[Webtroll]

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f38/b...i-review-best-p-pickup-ive-ever-tried-528005/

 

[Soundchaser11460]

Definately the Fender MIA Jazz. Ric's are beautiful basses, but have always been basically one trick ponies. The jazz is much more versatile in sound.

 

[zachoff]

If you're not being heard in the mix it's probably a volume thing or an EQ thing. A MIM Fender P is a perfectly capable bass for punk and/or rock.

 

[joeschitterefsk]

Get a Ric. I play one as my main guitar in a punk band, have for years.

Run it in "RIC-O-Sound" mode and you'll never be buried in the mix again. Sonically, no other bass can reproduce that kind of tone.

Fender is for grandpas.

 

[Crazyeelboy]

Try turning up your mids on your amp's EQ. you probably don't need a new bass or new pups

 

[jj4001]

Definately the Fender MIA Jazz. Ric's are beautiful basses, but have always been basically one trick ponies. The jazz is much more versatile in sound.

I can understand not liking Rics, but there's no way they can be considered one trick ponies. They have two pickups that sound completely different from eachother, both with independant tone knobs. Plus, the new ones even have a push/pull knob to switch between even more tonal options on the bridge pickup. If that's not enough variety for you, you can even use the stereo jack to send each pickup to its own amp. The reality is that they are some of the most versatile basses out there.

To the OP, they're mostly likely both great basses. Just get the one that's hardest for you to put down.

 

[Bent77]

If the precision can't cut through the mix I respectfully submit you look at your amp settings..

Precisions are known for their presence in a band mix.

This ^


When I can't hear me, I switch to the P. Bigger amp first

 

[Mrzonehead]

Music Man Sting Ray...cuts through really well, built like a tank, plays like butter, sounds great with fingers or a pick an has an endless amount of tonalities.

 

[jmverdugo]

I think the problem with your bass is that your band has a really loud drummer and the guy mixing is bff with the guitar player

 

[Malak the Mad]

I won't say, "This is the bass for you!", but if you can find one to try out, see what you think of the Blacktop Jazz. It's a beastly, aggressive bass and won't break the bank. That is, of course, if it's the right sound for you.

That aside, from what many have said, both here and across the forum, a P-bass is a solid and reliable bass. There may be some tiny, almost imperceptible issue that's keeping you from achieving the "presence" you want. It could be any number of factors; strings, pickup height, electronics, hardware, needing a good setup, etc…and that's not even factoring in your amplification. If your P-bass feels comfortable to you, I'd recommend eliminating other factors before making a huge investment elsewhere.