Looking for a Bass that would mesh well with this guitar...

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Roozter

Roozter

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I need a new bass to record with and Ive bought a 1961 Casino, so now im low on cash. Im looking for a bass that would mesh well with that guitar, and my music. I play stuff with a 60's-70's vibe. I plug my bass directly in to my interface. Ill probably put LaBella flatwounds on whatever bass I buy because I just love the sound of those strings on every record their used on.

Any suggestions? And can someone explain to me the difference between Maple necks on basses and Rosewood?

Im looking to spend under 1000 dollars. The cheaper the better.

EDIT: I generally only use a pick when I play. Dont hate. I just like it better.
 
Flatwounds and a pick, huh? Interesting combo. Well, the difference between maple and rosewood are going to be pretty much the same as on a guitar. Maple should be a little brighter, rosewood little more mellow. With flatwounds, I'm not sure that the difference would be that pronounced. If you're looking for a 60's-70's vibe, which still covers a lot of ground, I'd be going for a P-bass. One opinion of many, I'm sure.
 
notCardio said:
Flatwounds and a pick, huh? Interesting combo. Well, the difference between maple and rosewood are going to be pretty much the same as on a guitar. Maple should be a little brighter, rosewood little more mellow. With flatwounds, I'm not sure that the difference would be that pronounced. If you're looking for a 60's-70's vibe, which still covers a lot of ground, I'd be going for a P-bass. One opinion of many, I'm sure.
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My original idea was a J-Bass/LaBellas/Pick. Thats the setup used on all the Mamas and the Papas records by Joe Osborn. I did find a Rick 4001 I might be able to afford and use the same setup on.

Any thoughts on the vintage vibe squiers?
 
I've played a Squire P bass that was actually not too bad at all.
 
Track Rat said:
I've played a Squire P bass that was actually not too bad at all.
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How are the pickups on those vintage modifieds? I have a Ibanez Soundgear bass that was given to me. If the basses arent better than that theres no point in buying them.
 
Vintage Vibe vs. Vintage Modified

There's a distinct difference between the two. I've found that the Vintage Vibes are a lot higher quality (imo) than the Vintage Modifieds. I've got an older fretless Vintage Modified J, and I think the pickups suck big-time. That being said, I did hear a guy play one once that sounded pretty good, so it could either be that I've got a bad set, or that I just don't have a decent bass setup (which is true). I don't dislike the sound of some of my other cheapies as much as that one, though. I have played quite a few of both varieties unplugged, and always like the Vibes better. Same is true with the guitars, perhaps even moreso.

I say find a bass you like the feel of, then upgrade the pickups if necessary. Whether it's a P or a J, that's more up to your ears, I guess, and which bass feels better and has the right vibe for you. There were plenty of both used in the kind of music you're describing. I'd lean towards the P, but that's just me.

Have fun looking.

BTW, don't exclude looking at the '50's Vibe P, (aka a 'Sting' bass). It may not be what you're looking for, but I really like the way it plays.

And don't forget that what happens after the bass is going to be equally important. I don't normally recommend Behri stuff but, try out a BDI 21. It's their clone of a Tech21 Bass Driver and it's dirt cheap. I've never personally played thru the Tech 21 original, but it's been an industry standard for years. All I know is that the Behri version has made a huge improvement in my bass sound.
 
P-bass kinda works for pretty much everything. If you like the 60's vibe that's what I'd get.
 
P-Bass vs Rickenbacker 4003? Flatwound/Pick would be the setup regardless.

Differences and opinions (on which is better) would be appreciated. Im a guitar player. Im good at bass, but Im not as knowledgable about basses at all.
 
Well, I just typed out this great reply, but the damn thing logged me out again, and I lost it all. Maybe after I regain my composure and stop throwing things, I'll try to re-create it.
 
OK, I'll break it up into smaller bits.

Summary, though, is that for what you say you want to do, a P (or a J) is the way to go.
 
I have a american J and have played enough P basses to know that you really need to just go play both and pick what you like more. They sound nothing alike.
 
A Rick has a very specific and (usually) identifiable sound. Don't know your age, so I don't know if you'll get my references. Yes and early Rush are two of the more well known Rick sounds, though roundwounds. For a flatwound sound, I'd say 'Come Together' (the original Beatles version).
 
Also, a Rick, as an instrument, is a somewhat different animal. The neck is something you'll either love or hate, there is no in-between. Some find the guitar itself to be a bit uncomfortable. It depends upon your anatomy.

Again, my recommendation would be the P. The J would also not be a bad choice.

I'll shut up now.

Happy hunting.
 
notCardio said:
BTW, don't exclude looking at the '50's Vibe P, (aka a 'Sting' bass). It may not be what you're looking for, but I really like the way it plays.
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This Is what I was going to suggest. Or a Guild B-302.
Hey NotC I have a fretless Jbass too!
 
Any thoughts on the Gibson EB-3? I think that actually might be the bass closest to the sound I want. It sounds a little on the dull side, but im sure screwing with the controls, and my use of a pick would probably negate that. Its a short scale, but has an incredible low end to it which is a huge plus for me.
 
Roozter said:
Any thoughts on the Gibson EB-3? I think that actually might be the bass closest to the sound I want. It sounds a little on the dull side, but im sure screwing with the controls, and my use of a pick would probably negate that. Its a short scale, but has an incredible low end to it which is a huge plus for me.
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I was going to suggest that very bass. I have a '63, and have been using it on a lot of sessions and gigs lately. I was doing a bass track a couple of weeks ago, looking for a very specific vibe. Sort of like I picture what you're describing: a nice, round, vintage sound with just enough bottom and the right amount of bite. Started with the old P bass, hated it. Tried a somewhat newer P Bass Lyte, and got a little closer. Just for giggles, tried the old 4001 next, and was pretty sure that was it. After a few listens I pulled out the EB3 and BINGO! If you like the way the bass sounded on old Free, early Stones, and Cream songs, then yeah, snag an EB3.
 
LDS said:
I was going to suggest that very bass. I have a '63, and have been using it on a lot of sessions and gigs lately. I was doing a bass track a couple of weeks ago, looking for a very specific vibe. Sort of like I picture what you're describing: a nice, round, vintage sound with just enough bottom and the right amount of bite. Started with the old P bass, hated it. Tried a somewhat newer P Bass Lyte, and got a little closer. Just for giggles, tried the old 4001 next, and was pretty sure that was it. After a few listens I pulled out the EB3 and BINGO! If you like the way the bass sounded on old Free, early Stones, and Cream songs, then yeah, snag an EB3.
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Id describe my music kind of like electric Sunshine Pop/Folk Pop/Psychedelic Pop. I think with the right set of flatwounds, the use of the pick, the EB3 would work well. Any thoughts regarding major differences between the "Faded" model which is cheaper, and the Standard one?
 
FWIW, I have an Epi EB-0, and with roundwounds, it's surprisingly bright. Doesn't sound like the standard EB series at all. I personally don't care for the standard EB sound, so this is kind of a good thing for me. I find the normal EB sound to be extremely dull and muddy. "60's-70's sound" is a broad generalization, so I guess it really depends on what you like. The kind of music I like from that period, aside from my 'prog' leanings, was probably 90% done on a P or J. The aforementioned Guild is yet another flavor to try. I personally don't like the way big semi-hollows play, and they can be a pain to play live, with a tendancy for feedback.

Sorry, I promised I'd shut up.
 
moresound said:
This Is what I was going to suggest. Or a Guild B-302.
Hey NotC I have a fretless Jbass too!
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What kind is yours? I've got the Squire with and Ebanol fretboard with fretlines, ' aka the 'poor man's Jaco'.
 
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