Looking for Bass Guitar Suggestions to Replace my PBass

[Scinx]

I have a Fender (Mex) P-Bass but am not totally satisfied with it. I played a National Bass (from the early 70's) which I loved but it was noisy/the electronics were shot (I dont know if anyone knows National but the bass had f holes and looks like McCartneys bass).
Basically the bass Im looking for is something that has a nice dark tone and, what I would think sounds more like an upright. The PBass is too bright, punchy and sharp. I dont know if maybe I should use flatwounds or what...Im thinking it probably means a guitar change
I certainly wouldnt want to spend more than $600 or so. Where should I begin? What are some models I should try out?

Thanks so much

 

[Scinx]

bump

 

[Garry Sharp]

Well, as nobody else has an input...

The Hofner violin bass that McCartney used to play is still made, but I think would be about twice your budget. However Hofner do / did make a semi acoustic bass, which might well suit you. Tina Weymouth of the Talking Heads used to play one, I believe.

They would be in your budget, if you can find one.

 

[Scinx]

So is that what I should look for - semi-acoustic basses? In other words - do most of those have that tone Im looking for? What do people like so much about the bright sound of PBass's and such?

Thanks alot Gary

 

[freshmattyp]

You might also look at the Epiphone Jack Casady or Allen Woody signature models. Epi also makes a Beatle-style bass, although Musucian's Friend has a Rogue branded version that appears to be the same instrument and costs about $270. The Danelectro basses also have a "punchy" tone, that's different from the Fender sound. I have one of the newer Longhorn reissues.

The Bass I want to get is the Music Man SUB. American-made, same pickups as the top of the line models, and costs about $675 street.

 

[meriphew]

Before you go out and buy a new bass, try some flatwounds on your bass. As the flatwounds get used and become older, they'll have even more of a dead sound.

________________
Post indie electronic
Meriphew
www.meriphew.com

 

[maskedman72]

if you want the upright tone than flatwound is the way to go.

id look for a jap jazz bass and pull out the frets to really get that upright tone.

 

[ozraves]

I've heard some people lately talking about the Sting signature P Bass from Fender, which is a Japanese one. You might check it out.

I play an old Music Man Sabre.

Steve
www.mojopie.com

 

[pennylink]

Used (they don't make them anymore...) Peavey T-40.

Great tone flexibility and built like a tank, in the USA!

Can be had for $175 - $200 on eBay, including hard shell case. Hard to beat!

 

[Scinx]

Thanks everyone! I will try out the flatwounds as I had originally intended. Didnt want to buy a pack and hear no difference. I do love the sustain I get out of the bass...Also - its good to know about the Hofner (and clones) violin bass
Thanks for the suggestions I really appreciate it.