Bass guitar as studio instrument

  • Thread starter Thread starter Michael Jones
  • Start date Start date
Michael Jones

Michael Jones

New member
I'm thinking of picking up a bass guitar for use as a studio instrument.

I don't play bass, so I have no idea what to look for. For you seasoned bass players out there, what would be a good bass to look into? You know, something that, if you walked into a studio, and saw it, you wouldn't turn your nose up at it.

I don't want to spend $1200, but then again, I don't want to throw away $200-$300 on a piece of junk either.
 
Well, Michael, there are 2 major considerations, as bass guitars are just as personal as any other instrument. Probably the biggest problem is that bass is going through gradual increase in # of strings, from 4 to 5 to 6. Traditionally, bass is a 4 string instrument, but 5 or 6 are becoming much more popular. If you're used to playing one, the other will be a pain in the ass, or even impossible. The other problem is that the amplification needs of a bass are specific to that instrument.
If I were doing it for a studio, I'd go with classic and standard, which means I'd be looking first for a 4 string Fender precision bass, American made, preferably used in good condition. Then I would invest in an Avalon U-5, a kickass DI box. The pair could be done for under $1000. Or, better yet, break the piggy bank and buy an Avalon M-5. Then you get the DI circuitry *and* an Avalon mic preamp, with many more uses, but the M-5 is basically a $1500 unit, as opposed to about $500 for the U-5. I wound up with an Avalon AD2022, so I get 2 channels of mic pres with the DI circuitry, and I guarantee, it will do justice to your piano. Just my 2 grand worth.-Richie
 
Thanks for the input Richie.
I'm currently running a pair of Audix 35102's and a six pack of API 312's. Both have DI's. I haven't tried the API's as DI's yet, but the Audix's make an exceptional DI. An Avalon might be in my distant future, but I'm currently eye-ing a Chandler, and maybe a single channel DW Fern and the Mercenary edition of the Great River.

So, tracking a typical 4 piece rock band would go something like:

Lead guitar miked through the 2 Audix's
Rhythm guitar miked through the Chandlers or Great River.
Drums through the API's
Vocals through the DW Fern
Bass DI-ed in the CR

So a cab for the bass isn't REAL high on my list.... yet.

But your idea of sticking with the "standard" 4 string is a good one.

Thanks again.
 
Michael Jones said:
I'm thinking of picking up a bass guitar for use as a studio instrument.

I don't play bass, so I have no idea what to look for. For you seasoned bass players out there, what would be a good bass to look into? You know, something that, if you walked into a studio, and saw it, you wouldn't turn your nose up at it.

I don't want to spend $1200, but then again, I don't want to throw away $200-$300 on a piece of junk either.
Click to expand...
You get what you pay for... my newest bass will be my new custom Fender american deluxe jazz bass. :)
 
I've been home recording with the same 4 string Yamaha since '86. Even changed the strings a few times. For me it's comfortable and gets the job done.
 
I would prolly go ahead and spend the $1200 for a used Fender Custom Shop bass. If you don't want to spend that much, then buy a Fender American P-bass or American Jazz bass. I own a few basses (though I'm not a bass player) including an American Jazz bass with Fender Custom Shop pickups in it. It sounds great through my API's (I actually prefer over my GT Vipre).

________________
Post indie electronic
Meriphew
www.meriphew.com
 
You can't go wrong with a US Made Jazz Bass. I was in the same position you are in a few years ago, and I ended up going with an Ernie Ball Sterling. Doesn't have that recognizable Jazz Bass sound, but it sounds great and is ultra easy to play and comfy. Since I was the only one that would generally ever play it, I let those criteria win out. I've never regretted it.
Since then I've noticed them popping up in more and more bands. Maybe just 'cause I'm watching for them now....


got mojo?
www.voodoovibe.com
 
i would get a Mark Hoppus Signature Bass.

Not only is it a good all around bass, it looks cool and has great tone.
 
the hoppus bass=suckorz




its bad. no tone nob, and i dont know about you, but, i dont feel comfortable with no tone nob.




its not fair that you guys all have you delexe american fenders, just not fair. oh well i guess thats what happens when you grow up and get a job, you can afford nice toys :D



have you tried a fender p-bass? or maybe a MIM j-bass? MIM j-bass's play very very nice.

ive been thinking about buying a used MIM, the one im looking at is all white, left handed model......now, i dont play left handed, so id just have to switch the nut and flip the strings and flip it over, pretty niffty :D




freak
 
Aaron Cheney said:
You can't go wrong with a US Made Jazz Bass. I was in the same position you are in a few years ago, and I ended up going with an Ernie Ball Sterling. Doesn't have that recognizable Jazz Bass sound, but it sounds great and is ultra easy to play and comfy. Since I was the only one that would generally ever play it, I let those criteria win out. I've never regretted it.
Since then I've noticed them popping up in more and more bands. Maybe just 'cause I'm watching for them now....


got mojo?
www.voodoovibe.com
Click to expand...

There's an older session guy with a '62 Jazz bass that has recorded here a few times. I've run him through my Hot Rod Deluxe or his amp, doesn't matter, great tone no matter what you do.
 
Thanks for all the great replies.

I think I'll look into the Fender American Jazz Bass.
 
I personally don't think you can go too far wrong with a Mexican Fender P Bass or Jazz Bass, and you are just starting out with Bass and want to save pennies the Squire Basses are excellent value for money, just make sure you play it before you buy it as the quality is more variable. The lower priced Yamaha basses are excellent too, perhaps a little less exciting but they are well made and have a very usable tone.

Without wanting to sound patronising make sure you invests lots of time into your technique, in my opinion, technique is more critical on Bass than on guitar. Good technique is essential for recording, even compression cant make it up completely.
 
Disco_Dave said:
I personally don't think you can go too far wrong with a Mexican Fender P Bass or Jazz Bass, and you are just starting out with Bass and want to save pennies the Squire Basses are excellent value for money, just make sure you play it before you buy it as the quality is more variable. The lower priced Yamaha basses are excellent too, perhaps a little less exciting but they are well made and have a very usable tone.

Without wanting to sound patronising make sure you invests lots of time into your technique, in my opinion, technique is more critical on Bass than on guitar. Good technique is essential for recording, even compression cant make it up completely.
Click to expand...
It's not really for me, it's just another arsenal for my studio.
I mean, I'd probably fool around with it, but I have my hands full with piano and sax.
 
philboyd studge said:
There's an older session guy with a '62 Jazz bass that has recorded here a few times. I've run him through my Hot Rod Deluxe or his amp, doesn't matter, great tone no matter what you do.
Click to expand...
Oooh yeah - almost forgot about them. The Fender Vintage reissues rule.

________________
Post indie electronic
Meriphew
www.meriphew.com
 
Be warned....a long time ago I bought a cheap bass to fool around on...it developed into a habit that has cost me thousands and has made neighbours into enemies!
 
bass....are like crack....




one snort and then your hooked.



and that guy that got you hooked, he keeps commin back, making sure you keep snortin and showing you up and it just makes you snort harder




cant go wrong with a squire p-bass :D


MIMs are nice


american jazz bass's, i feel, are uhh....too much. i mean yeah, they are "nice" but why spend that when you can just get a good ol' p-bass. my p-bass has never let me down, and its built like a tank. ive bashed it off of just about everything and all i gots is a little chip *i cried when that happend*



yes, the vintage reisusse are pretty nice...but id be afraid to play it. just dont pay too much, youll regret it later.....




........what kind of sax you got mr. jones?



i play tenor myself :D




freak
 
Disco_Dave said:
Be warned....a long time ago I bought a cheap bass to fool around on...it developed into a habit that has cost me thousands and has made neighbours into enemies!
Click to expand...
How true this is. I'm not even a bass player but I own 3 basses.

________________
Post indie electronic
Meriphew
www.meriphew.com
 
I agree with going with a standard fender - maybe with a p and j for maximum variety.

I went searching for a bass for a long time to fill out my compositions, give me more gigging options, and be just another tool around for myself and others to use.

I can strongly reccommend a semi-hollow fretless bass too, for the maximum versatility. To my the Godin series are fantastic deals. I picked a mint one up for less than $400 and it records so well. It gives a very upright sound, which traditional electric basses won't. You can also get that Beatles sound and used in non-traditional ways (with a big muff through a fender bassman) you can some excellent unique sounds. To me they are a fantastic value and I am glad I didn't go with a standard electric bass.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top