What makes a bass “versatile” to you?

[Jay2U]

First of all, versatility is in the player's fingers. Regarding the bass:
Two humbuckers, switchable to single coil, each having its volume control. And, of course, a tone control with a wide range.

 

[JakobT]

I think the "versatility" discussion is one that only happens in the bass (and possibly guitar) world. The "versatility" of grand pianos or saxophones is rarely discussed in the same way - the instrument sounds like the instrument sounds. For this reason, I believe that the discussion itself has little value. For myself I can get more or less anything I want using the EQ on my bass and/or my amp, regardless of which bass I'm playing.

 

[BismarckHerring]

What’s the best finger for metal?

These two:

 

[Gervais Cote]

So far, the most versatile basses I heard are either a precision with flats or a Lakland active 5 string jazz bass with rounds.

The precision being the jack of all trades and the Lakland jazz giving you a large variety of sounds.

The rest depends on the bass player IMO.

 

[chris_b]

. . . . Is it having one sound that goes well with anything?

I'm in the "One great sound to rule them all" camp.

In the last 50 years everyone's been happy with that approach.

 

[Polfuste]

I would say any two pickups passive bass (any pickup type but one "neck" and one "bridge")
And if you add an active preamp, it becomes ultra-versatile.

 

[Gervais Cote]

I'm in the "One great sound to rule them all" camp.

In the last 50 years everyone's been happy with that approach.

Just by curiosity, what bass have you been using for those decades if I may ask ?

 

[MegaSwing]

Fat but clear and articulate. The simpler, the better.

 

[BoogieZK]

For me it's pickup configurations and tone control.

My ultimate versatile bass is my 6 string bass which has 2 pickups capable of doing Humbucker/single/serie on each pickups.

Single + single = Jazz bass
Single neck = Pbass
Single bridge + humbucker neck = Musicman
Single neck + Serie Bridge = Warwick Thumb
Serie neck + tone off = Gibson EB0 aka Mudbucker
Serie both pickups + tone halfway = Tbird....

And you can do all the things in between with the blend control.

 

[chris_b]

Just by curiosity, what bass have you been using for those decades if I may ask ?

With a few gaps and some overlap. . . . a Fender Precision for 25 years, a Lakland 55-94 for 14 years, a Mike Lull PJ5 for 10 years and a Sadowsky RV5 for 8 years.

 

[2saddleslab]

A bass that covers multiple genres w/ ease.

 

[KidAmnesia]

The tone knob.





IMHO versatility is one of the most overrated qualities in the musical gear industry.

 

[Tom Winter]

What’s the best finger for metal?

Index and Pinky

 

[JRA]

What makes a bass “versatile” to you?​

lightweight, balanced, with a great-feeling neck. add two pickups = go anywhere, play anything!

 

[mambo4]

These days I like a simple bass with good responsiveness to technique changes
I'll provide the versatility

 

[M-Mittlesteadt]

Since most have been discussing tone, to me what makes a bass versatile is more about ERB's. One can get just about any tone they want via EQ and tone controls and how the bass is played, with almost any bass.

But having an extended range bass (5 or 6, 7 stringers) instantly makes a bass more versatile, in terms of the bass itself having an impact. The ability to be played in different ranges and more chordal opportunities opens up a lot more creative choice.

 

[Altitude]

I don’t look for versatility in a bass. I look for character, and that seems usually to come with a tonal proclivity versus some ability to do many different things well.

If I like the way a bass feels and sounds, I play it. If it sounds unique I might not play it all the time but I appreciate it no less.

All that said, there are still certain basses that seem to work in more different situations than others. I take my Valenti J5 to three gigs for every one gig I take all my others to, combined.

 

[TheReceder]

Knobs and switches

`

 

[tvbop]

After 40 years playing bass, for me there is only two "usable" tones. The Ampeg mid bark and any kind of bright slap sound, and you'll be amazed how much original slap still sounds good played finger style.. (the public havent a clue). I play a P bass with dead Chromes thru any Ampeg I can get my hands on.. works for absolutely everything.

 

[Jefenator]

When I want to alternate between the modern / scooped / zingy / slap sound & old school / passive / P without switching instruments (very handy when the Salsa band covers traditional & contemporary material & we're crammed out on the dance floor), I use my Roscoe Century with P/J pickups, active treble boost and a passive tone knob.
Also, with 5 strings I can do newer ER bass parts, or play up above the 5th fret for the short scale vibe.

Usually when it comes to sounds, quality will trump quantity. That's why the P, J & ABG have endured with me, and more elaborate attempts at a "Swiss Army" BG have not.