I need tips on which bass to buy

Which bass do you think suits me best?

  • Fender American Original 70s Jazz Bass

    Votes: 10 11.9%

  • Fender American Original 60s Precision Bass

    Votes: 26 31.0%

  • Rickenbacker 4003

    Votes: 6 7.1%

  • Rickenbacker 4003 Walnut

    Votes: 3 3.6%

  • Spector Euro 5lx

    Votes: 10 11.9%

  • Warwick Corvette $$ 5

    Votes: 16 19.0%

  • Other (write below which one and why)

    Votes: 13 15.5%
  • Total voters
    84
  • Poll closed .
St33l

St33l

Nov 1, 2017
24
24
4,571
Norway
#1
Hi fellow bassists! Right now i have some trouble deciding which bass to buy next.
I usually play rock, metal or punk, mostly heavy metal and thrash metal.
I have been looking at several basses, but i just can't decide which one.
One more think to note is that it doesn't need to be a 5-string.

Please put your vote below:
 
#4
Personally, I think the prices their asking for the American Original…aka Vintage-In-Name-Only™…are too steep. It's ironic that the MIM Classic '60s and '70s Jazzes are probably closer to vintage specs than the new series while ringing up at less than half the price. :facepalm:

I like the idea put forth by @maplenecked, a P/J might fit the bill nicely. However, if I wanted to go "full-on aggro" for my sound, I'd blow the dust off my Fender Blacktop Jazz. That sucka is effin' brutal!

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But for whatever reason, if it has to be an MIA, I'd probably get myself a used Fender Standard Jazz of the 2012-2016 vintage. I love the hardware, Custom Shop '60s pickups are something special and I'd be saving a ton o' bucks in the process. :greedy:
 
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#5
Regarding the Precision Bass, I personally prefer Fender’s American made ‘Professional’ series, which was the American Standard a few years before. Some of the ‘vintage’ replications have narrower frets, neck width. Vintage replicas also duplicate some of the original characteristics like the bridge, pickups, and neck may not be as refined because of how close Fender decides to duplicate a 60’s type model.

That vintage thing may be just what you’re looking for. I prefer new as in the latest tech because anybody listening (who’s not a player) isn’t going to know the difference. Your job is to get at the notes quickly, cleanly and as easily as an instrument is playable.

In the end, trust your gut, ask any working players you know and feel free to ask anyone you see gigging why they chose the bass they did. Any info is helpful.
 
#6
You've got a huge variety of tones in the basses you listed. Personally I'd go Spector or Warwick but that would be for a more modern vibe. The Ric or fenders might be better if you're looking for a more classic sound. It also depends on what basses you already have. Are you looking for a different sound then what you've got or a backup with similar features?
 
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#8
Look dude, asking a bunch of strangers on the Internet which bass to buy is like asking a bunch of strangers which artist they like best, or what's the right way to make a sandwich. The answer to your question can only be answered by YOU.

YOU'RE the one who has to buy it. YOU'RE the one who's going to be playing it. YOU'RE the one who has to live with your decision. So why are you asking US?
 
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#9
Ironbar said:
Look dude, asking a bunch of strangers on the Internet which bass to buy is like asking a bunch of strangers which artist they like best, or what's the right way to make a sandwich. The answer to your question can only be answered by YOU.

YOU'RE the one who has to buy it. YOU'RE the one who's going to be playing it. YOU'RE the one who has to live with your decision. So why are you asking US?
Click to expand...

I’m seeing a lot of these types of replies lately: the obligatory “don’t ask the internet response (on the internet)”

I was happy to offer my opinion, it’s what I like about social internet groups :bassist:
 
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#12
maplenecked said:
I’m seeing a lot of these types of replies lately: the obligatory “don’t ask the internet response (on the internet)”

I was happy to offer my opinion, it’s what I like about social internet groups :bassist:
Click to expand...
Agree! It shouldn't have to always be, "just the facts ma'am". It is often fun to simply muse about choices/experiences. Aren't we here to support one another? I say, "if you don't have anything nice/constructive to say, don't say anything at all".
 
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#14
This topic can be pretty open-ended as we could suggest literally any 4-string bass that's above $300

If you're in the States, you gotta go and try those basses out! Regarding Rickenbackers, and Jazz basses, many people thought they would love the bass and then when they got it, they realized the bass was not for them. Whether it was comfort or sound, they just turned out not to like it. Try before you buy!
 
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#15
St33l said:
Right now I only have a Squier Jazz so It's probably smart to choose something with a different tone.
Click to expand...
Here's a track I played on for a friend of mine. It's my corvette fna jazzman 5 string (bridge humbucker, neck j PU) through an old sunn tube head.



Just to give you a look at the Warwick tone on heavier stuff
 
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#16
get the jackson concert with active p-j setup....if that doesn't have enuff balls for the heavy stuff drop a p-j emg setup in there with the active eq module and you'll have all the balls you need....ask me how i know....
 
#17
I went with the Pbass, because it’s a PBass; but may I suggest another option. I know is not on the list, but I am suggesting an Ibanez SR1800. Two Nordstrand Big Singles, three band preamp with an active/passive switch and a thee way mid selector switch. Very versatile, great sound, part of their premium line so it is well made. I have one and In My Opinion you can get a very metal sound with it. It responds very well to some of my higher gain distortion/fuzz pedals. Just my $.02.
 
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#19
I suggest getting your hands on each of the basses beforehand and choosing that way. All of them CAN work, but I don't know what kind of feel/tone you are going for in the end. Guitar Center has a great 30 days return policy and a great Used section. A trip to Bass Club Chicago, Bass Central in Florida or other high end bass shop would be worthwhile. For me, I am not a fan of single coil anything pickups. P pickups or Humbuckers only for me, but that might not work for you. Good luck.
 
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