looking for my bass in this world(piano player needs bass

  • Thread starter Thread starter CyanJaguar
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CyanJaguar

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guys,
how is it going. I am now investigating the possibility of getting a bass guitar, since I am not happy with my keyboard sound,
I would like to know. How much will a just over decent one set me back used.

I just need to be able to get an ok sound on tape.

WHat do you guys recommend.

I hope it does not have to be over $200, but if it is still tell me what you recommend for just over passable

thanks
 
You can get a decent bass for your two bills.Look for the "P-J" configuration,where the bass has the pickup configuration of both the fender precision bass and the jazz bass.The "p" pickup is a straight bar and the "j" is a split-style humbucker.This will give you maximum different tones available.I bought a Jackson professional used for the same bucks.
You will want a direct box or perhaps a nice mike pre between your bass and the mixer/computer.It also makes sense to compress the signal a bit to even out the variations in pick/finger attack.
The bass player in my band had his high dollar BC Rich bass stolen a few months ago and he replaced it with a cheapo squire bass.It sounds and feels fine.If you have a bass playing buddy,take him to the store and have him pick out the best playing one in your price range.Entry level axes can be ok or crap because quality control isn't as strict as the high end stuff.So take plenty of time and try lots of basses before you choose.Good luck.
Tom
 
thanks tom,

it is refreshing to know that I can get a good used bass for $ 200.

Do you have any models you recommend? I have a friend who has a peavey and might be interested in selling for the two bills, so is peavey any good. I don't know the exact model.
 
Peavy stuff is not fancy but has a rock solid reputation for making road-worthy gear that can "take a lickin and keep on tickin".The differenciation of entry level axes isn't so much with the big name brands.
For example,if you want to spend $2000 on a bass,there are maybe ten top brands in that range.But for $200,lots more mfg.s can put out a merely decent axe,perhaps dozens.Top -end guys wouldn't even consider a Cort or Squire,but for an inexpensive instrument,even the lesser lights can do a decent job.
I could say "only consider Alembic because of their cool walnut bodies",but that would limit your choices unnecessarily.What I'm saying is, don't be brand concious so much as feature concious and focus on playability of those axes in your price range,regardless of the name on the headstock.
Get your buddy to let you borrow the Peavy for a week or two and see if you like the feel and the sound.Don't be afraid to take your time and be sure about any instrument purchase.
Tom
 
Not that I want to be picky (and I guess I could be wrong) but I thought that a "J" type pickup was the straight bar (as on a Fender Jazz) and the "P" type the split configuration (as on a Fender Precision). At the very least I know for a fact my Bass Collection has (according to the manufacturer and EMG) J/J pickups and they are both straight.

Or maybe I'm confused I dunno. Its been a long day.
 
Izzat a typo, Tom?

I would guess that was just a typo. A J is the straight single coil pickup and a P is a split pickup.

You can probably get a better used instrument for that price then you can buying new. However, if you want new I always thought Squier was a good choice for an inexpensive guitar as long as you take the time to find one that feels right and sounds good. They can be hit or miss. I was a broke college student back in 1983 and bought a Squier Strat - one of the first ones they made. I still have it and love it.

Mars has a Squier Standard P-bass Special for $200. It has the P-J pickup combo for flexibility. It also has a Jazz neck, which is narrower and would therefore probably be a little easier to play. That was kind of important for me since my hands are small. You can find it at http://www.marsmusic.com/store/product_new.jhtml?catid=238&prodid=11474&skuid=9555

For what it's worth, I almost bought a Fender P-Bass Special this past June before finally deciding on a Jazz Deluxe (both MIM). That was a TOUGH decision, but I ended liking what I could do with the 3-band active EQ on the J just a hair more then I liked the P-J combo on the P. I don't know if they make a Squier Jazz Deluxe (didn't see one on Fender's web site), but the P-Bass Special should be a decent guitar if you put in the work to find one you like.
 
Sorry about that

CyanJaguar,

I guess I should have read your first post a little closer. I might have noticed that you threw in a "used", which I didn't see until now. Sorry about that.
 
thanks a lot people,

I started looking in the classifieds for basses, and I might be able to find a good one for $200.

thanks.... and peace.
 
Sorry for the transposition with p and j pickups.I think the key thing with these inexpensive axes is to play a whole lot of them before deciding.
Quality control is more iffy on entry level instruments,so one $200 Squire could be shit and the next one off the line really nice.If you don't know how to separate the wheat from the chaff yourself, have a knowlegable buddy help you pick the right one.Take your time and pick a good un!
Tom
 
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