SteveC Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 I have a Yamaha 5 string with a Bartolini 3-way preamp and Bartolini "J" style pickups. It's a pretty growly bass. I would like another 5 string. I am looking for something different from what I have. Maybe something more smooth. I have played a nice Peavey and a nice Schecter with EMG hz pickups. That was pretty smooth. Any other ideas or suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Brown Posted October 21, 2006 Share Posted October 21, 2006 Did you listen to the Wendler samples on the "Big Show" thread. Makes me want one right now. Yep. I'm the other voice in the head of davebrownbass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 I guess I should calrify. I'm looking for another active fretted 5 string, but something that's different from my Yamaha with the Barts. I had a Wendler for a while. Jeremy has it now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Of Bass Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Try out the Music Man Stingray 5 with double humbuckers.....It's almost sickening how many different tones come out of that thing........ "sometimes you're the baseball. Sometimes you're the bat." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davio Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 If you can find one of the high end BTBs (I think the current one is the 1205 or something) I think you'd be quite suprised as to the versatility and natural clarity from a production madel. ...my 2 cents, anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Red 67 Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 More growl the corvette. Less don't know. Big Red's Ride Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 I also had a G&L a while back. I hear the Tribute Premium models are pretty nice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
getz out Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Smooth? Modulus seems out of fashion these days, and I have witnessed quite a few go cheap on the used market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 What about Pedulla? They seem pretty smooth to me. What about not thinking about buying anything for a little while? Save some money for Christmas presents for the family. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Originally posted by SteveC: Unfortunately, I can't "bite the bullet" anymore. I used to do that and it got me in all kinds of debt trouble that I am trying desparately to get out of now, especially with the baby.Alex Barefaced Ltd - ultra lightweight, high ouput, toneful bass cabs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 Yes, yes, I know. Thanks for all the reminders. I don' thave money in hand just waiting to spend. I'm just kind looking around for something I would use more than my passive 4. That's why I looked at lesser expensive models like Schecter and Peavey. If I find something I like and can get a good deal, then maybe. Modulus, Pedulla and Music Man are fine suggestions, but a bit high in price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Why not string your passive 4 BEAD? You'll gain the low notes you've missing and a fatter smoother sound from the thicker strings. And I bet you won't miss the five notes on top that you'll lose. I tend to find that the difference between smooth and growl is how I play the instrument - pluck towards the neck, dig in less, and EQ if needed but that's rare. Sorry to post that comment from another thread but it just strikes me that you aren't really "in all kinds of debt trouble" that you're "trying desperately to get out of". Or maybe you're in the former but avoiding the latter... Necessity is the mother of invention. Alex Barefaced Ltd - ultra lightweight, high ouput, toneful bass cabs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Valentino Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Alex has a VERY good point here... ...if finances are tight try working with what you have. BEAD is one option...but stringing up with flats might be another. Both TI and Lakland Joe Osborn Flats have a "bright" (for flatwounds) sound...not dull and overly thumpy (but with good muting technique can aquire that Jamerson-like quality)....heck, you can even slap on them for a Larry Graham-old-school kinda sound. But, Steve, it seems you have chronic GAS. If I might toss out some advice. Your tone is not made from the bass you play, the strings you use or what type of preamp and speakers you have. These are all good things (and using the best quality made of these items is, well...good..and important) regardless of what you play through you will sound basically (or is that "bassically"?) the same. Your tone comes from that secret sound in your head which only you can hear; it comes from the sum of your life experiences (incl. your new baby..), it comes from your knowledge, from your passion...from your heart...and from your hands. Changing out gear from time to time is a fun little game, but in the long run it makes little difference. You want a "smoother" sound? Then use your intelligence, experience, passion and soul to get one from what you have. You may find the challenge of making this quest much more rewarding than the challenge of juggling finances. Max ...it's not the arrow, it's the Indian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocky McDougall Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 I totally agree with Max. I wish I had taken that advise many years ago. Rocky "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb, voting on what to eat for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb, contesting the vote." Benjamin Franklin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 Originally posted by C. Alexander Claber: I tend to find that the difference between smooth and growl is how I play the instrument - pluck towards the neck, dig in less, and EQ if needed but that's rare. Sorry to post that comment from another thread but it just strikes me that you aren't really "in all kinds of debt trouble" that you're "trying desperately to get out of". Or maybe you're in the former but avoiding the latter... Alex I have experimented with the position of my right hand and can get different tones. I often play closer to/over the fingerboard for that kind of tone. Comments are always appreciated. That's why I post. I am trying to reduce debt, but I also have a little "gig money" to play with. Again, not necessarily looking to spend, just see what options I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 Originally posted by Max Valentino: ...but stringing up with flats might be another. But, Steve, it seems you have chronic GAS. If I might toss out some advice. Your tone is not made from the bass you play, the strings you use or what type of preamp and speakers you have. These are all good things (and using the best quality made of these items is, well...good..and important) regardless of what you play through you will sound basically (or is that "bassically"?) the same. Your tone comes from that secret sound in your head which only you can hear; it comes from the sum of your life experiences (incl. your new baby..), it comes from your knowledge, from your passion...from your heart...and from your hands. Changing out gear from time to time is a fun little game, but in the long run it makes little difference. You want a "smoother" sound? Then use your intelligence, experience, passion and soul to get one from what you have. You may find the challenge of making this quest much more rewarding than the challenge of juggling finances. Max Max, I have given similar advice to others befroe. I always sound basically like me no matter what/where I am playing. I have had BAD GAS in the past, but have settled down considerably as of late. I like the 414, it plays great and sounds great (except for some hum when I solo the bridge pup - I've looked and all wires seem to be fine) but I hav trouble working it in as changing basses mid-set can ruin the flow so I try not to. I also have an output issue I need to resolve as the 414 is hotter than the active 5 so I can't get a good balance to the FOH. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Opposite of growl? Not Barts? I agree with Getz on the Modulus (nice thought!) - used might be worth the money. How about a Skyline Osborn (lipstick pickups)? The American made basses with the Dark Star pickups might be good, but probably our of your price range. While I agree that the Stingray (or Sterling) has plenty of lows, the overall sound doesn't strike me as opposite of what Steve has. Try an OLP - in your price range, and not hard on the budget. The Tributes are nice, though not my style. I'm surprised no one has recommended a semi-hollow. There are a few out there (Epiphone Casady). I also could see you twisting knobs to save some money... Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 22, 2006 Author Share Posted October 22, 2006 Well, after this afternoon, I could get buy with one bass. I took my 5 to rehearsal and I didn't miss a note. I struggled a bit with the 4 yesterday. My 5 is my "go-to" bass and always sounds good and I can play it with ease. I like the spacing and I just seem to know my way around the neck. I've played my 414 for a while now and while Ilike it, it doesn't have that "home" feel yet. That's why I was looking around. Maybe instead of getting another 5 - even if it's different - I'll just sit tight and see. I hate having a bass around that I don't use though. That's why I thought I could trade/sell it and get something - maybe something other than a bass - that I would get more use from. Just thinking out loud a bit... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted October 22, 2006 Share Posted October 22, 2006 Soprano saxophone. Flute even. spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davio Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Originally posted by Dr. Sweet Willie: Soprano saxophone. Flute even. Bagpipes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davio Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Originally posted by C. Alexander Claber: Necessity is the mother of invention. Also: Mother is the invention of necessity. and Necessity is the invention of mother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace Of Bass Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Well Mr. C: If you like that Peavey, I'd say go for that on a budget. I've seen some very nice looking new-used ones at my local shops for no more than $700..... and I mean the pretty Cirrus models with the exotic woods and the whole bit....... The bass player in the band playing before mine's was playing one at a gig a week or so ago. It sounded very nice.....I'd say go for it, if you really want something new..... "sometimes you're the baseball. Sometimes you're the bat." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 23, 2006 Author Share Posted October 23, 2006 The Peavey is a pretty nice bass, especially for the price. Wouldn't mind it at all. I don't know if I want/need something new. The more I think about it (and get responses here) the more I realize that my 5 string is my "go-to" bass for a number of reasons. It' sreally all I need to cover all my gigs. I'm just gonna sit on the 414 for a bit and see. Maybe I will come up with some use for it, maybe I'll sell/trade it for something else I could use, who knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexclaber Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 If I had a 'spare' bass, I'd get a variety of different strings to mess with different tones and tunings - like heavy flats plus foam for old schoool boom and super light gauge rounds for tenor and piccolo tunings. Maybe even wide spread gauges for fifths tuning. Alex Barefaced Ltd - ultra lightweight, high ouput, toneful bass cabs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
getz out Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Originally posted by SteveC: I'm just gonna sit on the 414 for a bit and see.Isn't that the bass your wife purchased as a gift to you? I would highly suggest against selling it. I am no Dr. Phil, but I would bet such a move might be detrimental to your long term relationship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 While I understand the temptation to view the 414 as a "bass", I must concur with Getz. Rather than point to Dr. Phil, I will point to PJR, who used to post here. Pete moves basses with minimal loyalty to anything, and while he keeps a larger stable than many of us, there are few/if any "sacred" instruments. It works for him - he uses basses as tools that he enjoys playing. That said, his wife ordered him a custom fretless. He does not often (if ever) play fretless, but has not sold it. Check the (admittedly outdated) bass porn here: http://www.5centmary.com/mybass.htm Steve - to feel comfortable on a single bass is not a bad thing. Alex's thoughts about using it as a way to experiment with strings is a good one (and will please your wife that it's getting some important use). Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 23, 2006 Author Share Posted October 23, 2006 Thanks Dr.'s Phil. She has told me many times if it doesn't work to get something that does. I tell her I don't want to sell it as it was a very nice and thoughtful gift. I'll hang on to it for now at least. Maybe I'll try flats on it again as it sounded nice with TI's on it - but it sounds pretty sweet with DR Highbeams, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
getz out Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Keep that bass... http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:CU70bwuNHwLqrM:http://www.rotten.com/library/bio/mad-science/dr-phil/makeup.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted October 23, 2006 Author Share Posted October 23, 2006 OK all, consider this thread closed. I'm keeping both basses, my Eden WT-550 and (soon to have) Eden 210XST. If I can't get good sounds from this, I may as well quit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted October 23, 2006 Share Posted October 23, 2006 Your wife sounds very practical - she wants you to be happy with her gift. That's worth a lot. Still, I agree with keeping it. Maybe a few years from now, but I think it's too soon. And I bet you've had a good sound for a number of years. The subtle variations are mostly for you. I'm sure you'll be happy with what is on hand. Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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