Bass Guitars

[thesisdrs]

I'm looking for a new one. I bought this used 4 string Typhoon Bass guitar that I got repaired a bit months ago... But I can't stand the buzz I get. One of the pickups are screwed up. I was gonna sell it with my Mono gig bag and put some cash on top of it.

I was considering a Fender FSR Deluxe Ash Jazz Bass. Seen one for $699. Apparently, some people have issues with the bridge. The attack seems high. I don't want to spend any money on fixing anything.

I'm trying to get a tone similar to Robbie Shakespeare or Alphonso Johnson.

Anyone else got suggestions on a Bass around $700??

[LoopmantrA]

Depends not only on the tone you're after, but also on your hand grip - keep that in mind. Long scale VS short scale, and C.,D or U neck shape - you might want to consider that as well (been a pro bassist for almost 20 yrs now, so I do have some experience).

Now, one of the most versatile in terms of sound (I.e. You can play anything from jazz, reggae and country, up to HC, HM and such) and that probably could fit your price range would be Music Man - used to own one, and I loved it. Last couple of years I switched to fretless ('woodguerilla'- the guy makes some wicked basses /guitars, but the prices are higher than your designated value check him out just to feast your eyes though) but I wouldn't recommend it to you - not because it's tricky to stay in tune (it is), but because the sustain isn't as good as on the fretted basses.

Which brings us to - fingerboard. For that moody reggae sound, I'd suggest a hard wood - ebony ideally, or rosewood. Maple tends to vibrate more, but the sound is more boomy, and doesn't cut that much compared to ebony or rosewood fingerboard.
Incidently you could go for maple fingerboard on Music Man, it could do the trick.

Also I'd recommend active electronics, but this is more of a personal preference, than opinion that it's actually better. I play both passive and active basses, truth be told - cheaper passive basses (and let's be honest, everything under 1.000$ new is cheap) don't do so well in studio environment, whereas I just plug in my active bass directly into board, and dial in the tone I'm after. That simple.
I use amp as well, don't get me wrong, just saying - active electronics usually does better (sheer logic though).

I don't want to talk about different brands, I think you ought to (if possible) try before you buy. Too many variables there, but those I mentioned are the most important :
- neck shape (C, D, or U)
- long scale VS short scale
- fingerboard ( hard or soft, maple or ebony / rosewood)
- electronics (active VS passive)

[thesisdrs]

Thanks for the detailed reply

Well... the bass I'm considering has a 34" scale & a Rosewood fretboard. It would be cool to get a fretless bass and tune into my inner Jaco Pastorious, but I don't think i'm there yet (money wise & skill wise). I like the 2 single coil pickups provided. I prefer the lower output level emitting from the bass... These are definitely passive electronics. It looks like a C shape neck with a 9.5" fretboard radius. I LOVE the aesthetics of the Ash body with a Natural finish.

I would have to agree with you and the response you get with cheap passive basses in the studio (they sound crummy)
I don't own a physical amp. I use Universal Audio plugins which emulate different hardware. I use an emulation of the Eden WT800 and plug my bass directly into the Hi-Z input of my Mic Preamp.

The bass I'm considering to buy is $979 CAD brand new. its only $699 because it's used in "excellent condition". Was looking to see if it is a potential steal.. decent price for what they offer.. or perhaps I can get a new bass that cost what this used fender costs that is either better or up to par.

TBH. you're input is making me lean more towards this purchase.... but i will try before I buy

[Danswift]

I'm trying to get a tone similar to Robbie Shakespeare or Alphonso Johnson.

Alphonso Johnson is probably my favourite bassist thesisdrs .

With regards to his killer bass tone, he played through Phase Linear Hi-Fidelity stereo power amps and his sound was unbelievable. Outside of Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead I don't think anyone was using Hi Fi Amps at the time.

Its a shame he was eclipsed by Jaco Pastorious in terms of popularity, for me he was a much better suited bassist for Weather Report and I prefer the albums of theirs which he appears on...Johnson is massively underappreciated in general in my opinion.

I started off years ago on the bass as my first instrument which was a Grant with an SG type body shape but I know nothing about modern basses I'm afraid but I thought I'd chuck in the info on how A.J. got that amazing amplified tone of his.

[thesisdrs]

Cool

@Danswift. AJ Is the MAN! I purchased one of his albums on vinyl last year. Yesterdays Dreams. A record store owner actually put me onto him. Amazing stuff. Definitely gonna chop it up on my 404SX lol

I appreciate the knowledge of what these guys used. I can compare it to what I am doing... to see if i'm on the right track. I was thinking of getting another DI box just for the guitar... but I'll be broke just buying a new guitar. Gotta stop buying gear, man.

[Danswift]

Hehe..you'll never stop its an addiction !

I actually played some of the bass guitar parts on my latest Soundcloud track 'Playing With Dynamite' alongside the sampled double bass and synth bass parts..it was the first time that I've picked one up in years but I was recording at my friends house that night and it was sat in the corner and I just thought fuck it..why not ?

Can't remember what the model was but it was a modern slim bodied thing with a pointy headstock like the metal players use, not the sort of thing I'd go for myself mind you, but it was great fun to play and do some recording with nonetheless..

[thesisdrs]

This reminds me of some downtempo stuff.

a mix of Thievery Corporation, and Funki Porchini

[LoopmantrA]

Funki Porchini

Shiet son, Ninja tune by far my favourite label.

Jazz bass is also very versatile, in fact due to a bit narrower neck, compared to, say, Precision - you could speed up your chops, and play them more fluently.. My hands are huge, palms, fingers and all, plus I'm a bit of aggressive, like to really dig in - so I always go for wider necks, and high action set.
One of the reasons I have animosity towards Rickenbecker, or any other flimsy neck lol

But, yeah - for the sound you're after - jazz bass with a rosewood fingerboard is pretty decent.
Jaco played that monstrosity of his, jazz bass with epoxy coated fingerboard, because he removed the frets.


And since we're on the subject - I really love M. Vitous' work in Weather report - "Mysterious traveler" is an epic record, great bass chops. The dude played it like a saxophone (Cucumber slumber is the perfect example) lol that was really something.

[thesisdrs]

LOL

Yeah, the bass I have now is a P Bass with a Jazz pickup close to the bridge... but i think that's the coil thats messed up. either that or one of the single coils.
I do enjoy James Jamerson's style too. Was listening to the What's going on LP by Marvin Gaye to get a better grasp on the P Bass tone.
My hands aren't that big at all so narrow necks are fine by me. I read reviews on the Fender bass i'm eyeing and people complain about the bridge.
I was listening to Black Market 2 days ago lol I still don't have a definitive Weather Report album that I prefer.
I was also watching Alphonso Johnson play live with Billy Cobham, John Scofield and George Duke... Dudes looked like they were catching the Holy Spirit LOL

[Danswift]

Weather Report as a fusion band were virtually untouchable at one time in my opinion.

Black Market and Tale Spinnin' are tremendous records and two of my all time favourites...I also love the early Return To Forever albums with Stanley Clarke being an absolute boss.

Another brilliant bassist for me is Percy Jones from the UK fusion band, Brand X . Man, that dudes chops are ridiculously good, a real treat for ears if you're a fan of some great sounding Jazz Rock and Fusion stuff, for sure.

[thesisdrs]

And since we're on the subject - I really love M. Vitous' work in Weather report - "Mysterious traveler" is an epic record, great bass chops. The dude played it like a saxophone (Cucumber slumber is the perfect example) lol that was really something.

I just looked at the credits on Wikipedia and Vitous only played on American Tango. That's it i'm listening to Weather Report's discography.

[thesisdrs]

@Danswift. LOVE Jazz fusion. Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Chick Corea.

I even like Soft Machine.

I share a birthday with Frank Zappa

[thesisdrs]

Definitely gonna check out Brand X

[Danswift]

Definitely gonna check out Brand X

There's a lot of good ones to look out for,they've made quite a few !

Unorthodox Behaviour , Masques or Morrocan Roll would be a great place to start if you're new to the band.

This one is from Unorthodox Behaviour.

https://youtu.be/B2yCyUo0c7s

[thesisdrs]

This one is from Unorthodox Behaviour.

https://youtu.be/B2yCyUo0c7s

YOOO

OHBLIV USED THIS!