Rockstar216
New member
I know I want it to have a single coil middle or neck and bridge hum set up like this but I would want either 4 or 5 strings. Anybody own or played a bass similar to this? Any brands or models people would suggest?
Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
- Thread starter Rockstar216
- Start date
Zerberus
Baron Von Shred
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
Just general suggestions at this point.
1. You probably won´t want to start out on a 5 string, and TBH I personally feel that a truly good bassist doesn´t need more than 4 unless the guitarists are going downstairs with the tuning and stealing his thunder.
2. I would recommend a PJ bass for 2 reasons. first and foremost the slightly wider neck on a P compared to a J generally makes learning easier, but also for tonal versatility and a good thick rock tone.
What price range are you looking at? I´ve seen pretty decent kits going for 100-200$ish if you´re willing to do finish and assembly (and possibly a fret dressing) yourself.
But if price is no real object, then I can recommend excellent brands off the top of my head: Esh, Warwick, Schack, Alembic, Fodera, Ritter, Spector, and Ken Smith. And yes, half of those are german.
Just general suggestions at this point.
1. You probably won´t want to start out on a 5 string, and TBH I personally feel that a truly good bassist doesn´t need more than 4 unless the guitarists are going downstairs with the tuning and stealing his thunder.
2. I would recommend a PJ bass for 2 reasons. first and foremost the slightly wider neck on a P compared to a J generally makes learning easier, but also for tonal versatility and a good thick rock tone.
What price range are you looking at? I´ve seen pretty decent kits going for 100-200$ish if you´re willing to do finish and assembly (and possibly a fret dressing) yourself.
But if price is no real object, then I can recommend excellent brands off the top of my head: Esh, Warwick, Schack, Alembic, Fodera, Ritter, Spector, and Ken Smith. And yes, half of those are german.
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Rockstar216
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
I have the same thoughts about four strings but at the same time for the types of music I would wana do 5 strings make it more verstile. Plus Im not to fond of the mid range in a Jazz bass dont get me wrong they sound great in the right application but I like a bass to sound like a BASS a real nice smooth thick low end
I have the same thoughts about four strings but at the same time for the types of music I would wana do 5 strings make it more verstile. Plus Im not to fond of the mid range in a Jazz bass dont get me wrong they sound great in the right application but I like a bass to sound like a BASS a real nice smooth thick low end
Chocklit_Thunda
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
[SUP][/SUP]I started on a 5 string Cort GB35A (one jazz pickup and one musicman humbucker in the bridge with a blend knob)
It was harder but you already know how to play the guitar so it's not like you're starting from scratch.
The 5th string also works as a rather expensive thumb rest!
for most songs you use the 4strings.
As for sound... The jazz is kinda midrangey but its still deep.... When people go on about the added mids and treble they make it sound like you're playing bass with a Tele single coil... It's not. It's still got lots of bass.... And with the music man thrown in it gets major bass and thump which is probably what would happen when the p-bass pickup is thrown in too. That middle/both on setting gives you the most well rounded, full bass guitar sound and by tweaking the different volumes of each you can create your own sound. PJ-bass? Heck yes!
[SUP][/SUP]I started on a 5 string Cort GB35A (one jazz pickup and one musicman humbucker in the bridge with a blend knob)
It was harder but you already know how to play the guitar so it's not like you're starting from scratch.
The 5th string also works as a rather expensive thumb rest!
for most songs you use the 4strings. As for sound... The jazz is kinda midrangey but its still deep.... When people go on about the added mids and treble they make it sound like you're playing bass with a Tele single coil... It's not. It's still got lots of bass.... And with the music man thrown in it gets major bass and thump which is probably what would happen when the p-bass pickup is thrown in too. That middle/both on setting gives you the most well rounded, full bass guitar sound and by tweaking the different volumes of each you can create your own sound. PJ-bass? Heck yes!
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Powdered Toast Man
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
Fender MIM Standard Jazz Bass + SD Quarter Pounder pickups. Replace one pot with a push/pull so you have series/parallel switching. BEST BASS EVER! Seriously, you will melt faces.
Fender MIM Standard Jazz Bass + SD Quarter Pounder pickups. Replace one pot with a push/pull so you have series/parallel switching. BEST BASS EVER! Seriously, you will melt faces.
Zerberus
Baron Von Shred
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
That´s why I recommend a PJ style, the split humbucker at the neck gives you the kick in the nuts and you can dial in the bridge singlecoil for the amount of faceslapping that you want to accompany it, and gives you the option of not trying to create eunuchs when you´re already in a room filled with ... well, you see where this is going
Of course you can say screw the single coil and go with something along the lines of a musicman or something with soapbars, but I personally feel the PJ can cover the most tonal bases while still providing that booty slappin thundery goodness when you want it.
Unless you want a Gibson Thunderbird. Always get a Gibson Thunderbird, the name truly is well chosen. Seriously, it`s the Boba Fett of basses.
That´s why I recommend a PJ style, the split humbucker at the neck gives you the kick in the nuts and you can dial in the bridge singlecoil for the amount of faceslapping that you want to accompany it, and gives you the option of not trying to create eunuchs when you´re already in a room filled with ... well, you see where this is going
Of course you can say screw the single coil and go with something along the lines of a musicman or something with soapbars, but I personally feel the PJ can cover the most tonal bases while still providing that booty slappin thundery goodness when you want it.
Unless you want a Gibson Thunderbird. Always get a Gibson Thunderbird, the name truly is well chosen. Seriously, it`s the Boba Fett of basses.
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Rockstar216
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
I never thought about the fire bird ill look into one. The hardest part for me is even after I get the bass is What type of rig to get. I know what to expect with guitar amps but bass I have no Idea
I never thought about the fire bird ill look into one. The hardest part for me is even after I get the bass is What type of rig to get. I know what to expect with guitar amps but bass I have no Idea
Chocklit_Thunda
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
Duuuuude!! Get a thunderbird! If it falls in your budget, that's the one to get! Or a Korina Explorer bass! Those two could blow a hole through spacetime!
Duuuuude!! Get a thunderbird! If it falls in your budget, that's the one to get! Or a Korina Explorer bass! Those two could blow a hole through spacetime!
Zerberus
Baron Von Shred
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
Side note, just having both onstage simultaneously is a jailable offense in 34 states and 176 countries, for exactly that reason. You might as well take 4 particle accelerators and just cross the streams. :laugh2:
Side note, just having both onstage simultaneously is a jailable offense in 34 states and 176 countries, for exactly that reason. You might as well take 4 particle accelerators and just cross the streams. :laugh2:
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Rockstar216
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
If I was goin to get a thunder bird I think I would swap the PUPs or get a 60s model from some of the ones ive heard. I need something that will do anything from blues, R&B bass lines to hard rock. I need it be smooth when need be but punch and growl wen need be. I dont think I would be one to learn to slap a bass so passive PUPs would be good enough
If I was goin to get a thunder bird I think I would swap the PUPs or get a 60s model from some of the ones ive heard. I need something that will do anything from blues, R&B bass lines to hard rock. I need it be smooth when need be but punch and growl wen need be. I dont think I would be one to learn to slap a bass so passive PUPs would be good enough
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
FWIW I think this P-bass pickup is in the position where Jazz neck pickup belongs. That's no good because it sounds too soft, boomy, goofy in there.
FWIW I think this P-bass pickup is in the position where Jazz neck pickup belongs. That's no good because it sounds too soft, boomy, goofy in there.
T
tonello
Guest
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
You say you don't like the mid range in a J bass, so the solution is to get more low end? IMO, the J Bass is a way better bass. I don't like the sound of a P bass pickup. I think the mid range is perfect, and the low end is nice thick. But in all actuality, a Music Man SUB Ray 5 is a better beginner bass than either. That HB pickup is the smoothest low end, ever.
You say you don't like the mid range in a J bass, so the solution is to get more low end? IMO, the J Bass is a way better bass. I don't like the sound of a P bass pickup. I think the mid range is perfect, and the low end is nice thick. But in all actuality, a Music Man SUB Ray 5 is a better beginner bass than either. That HB pickup is the smoothest low end, ever.
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Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
yep this is my bass:
the pups look like j bass pickups, but inside they are split like a p bass. Hum cancelling and fat as phuck.
Its a fender USA from 1990, but the only thing that is original is the body and the scratchplate. Neck is warmoth. pups are bartolinis. ridge is gotoh. tuners are schaller.
5 string basses are very difficult to get a good string balance. Bear that in mind when you are trying em out - you really notice string to string balance when you are recording and listening to playback. Everything zerberus has said is spot on.
The ppl who recommended firebirds are spot on too. Those epi thunderbirds are great. Fat necks. solid feel and chunky agressive pickups. I dig em a lot - way more than the fender offerings in the same price range. You should try one before you buy a P or J bass at least.
With bass - the rig is the whole ball game. Dont skimp on it. Wattage is king - and the cab must be solidly constructed. There are no shortcuts here - unless every gig you play at has a great PA with thousands of watts of power and a powerful foldback system (lets face it- that is rare). The reason is that bass eats wattage, so with a small PA the bass sucks power from the vocals and whatever else is running thru it. A well tuned bass rig takes the load off the PA and is your best onstage monitoring setup. Having said all that - a good DI is your friend. MOst good bass amps have their own DI, but a dedicated tone shaping DI is worth every penny too.
Also: if you are mainly using it for recording, the first thing to buy is the sansamp bass version. Worth every penny. It gives you killer recorded bass sounds but its also the best direct box for live - a total swiss army knife for getting your tone anywhere - with any rig or PA system. The mxr one is nice too. There are more from aguilar and various others too.
yep this is my bass:
the pups look like j bass pickups, but inside they are split like a p bass. Hum cancelling and fat as phuck.
Its a fender USA from 1990, but the only thing that is original is the body and the scratchplate. Neck is warmoth. pups are bartolinis. ridge is gotoh. tuners are schaller.
5 string basses are very difficult to get a good string balance. Bear that in mind when you are trying em out - you really notice string to string balance when you are recording and listening to playback. Everything zerberus has said is spot on.
The ppl who recommended firebirds are spot on too. Those epi thunderbirds are great. Fat necks. solid feel and chunky agressive pickups. I dig em a lot - way more than the fender offerings in the same price range. You should try one before you buy a P or J bass at least.
With bass - the rig is the whole ball game. Dont skimp on it. Wattage is king - and the cab must be solidly constructed. There are no shortcuts here - unless every gig you play at has a great PA with thousands of watts of power and a powerful foldback system (lets face it- that is rare). The reason is that bass eats wattage, so with a small PA the bass sucks power from the vocals and whatever else is running thru it. A well tuned bass rig takes the load off the PA and is your best onstage monitoring setup. Having said all that - a good DI is your friend. MOst good bass amps have their own DI, but a dedicated tone shaping DI is worth every penny too.
Also: if you are mainly using it for recording, the first thing to buy is the sansamp bass version. Worth every penny. It gives you killer recorded bass sounds but its also the best direct box for live - a total swiss army knife for getting your tone anywhere - with any rig or PA system. The mxr one is nice too. There are more from aguilar and various others too.
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ItsaBass
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JagBsVMSSSlv/ - I love mine, though it really benefited from the installation of 1/4 Lb. pickups and stacked pots.
They have a demo model for sale for $162 at this time. If I wanted a decent P/J bass to learn on, I'd snap that up.
There is also a regular scale model, but I prefer the short neck.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JagBsVMSSSlv/ - I love mine, though it really benefited from the installation of 1/4 Lb. pickups and stacked pots.
They have a demo model for sale for $162 at this time. If I wanted a decent P/J bass to learn on, I'd snap that up.
There is also a regular scale model, but I prefer the short neck.
Chocklit_Thunda
New member
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
The only problem with this is that I haven't yet found someone with a variety of Gibson Bass pickup replacements....even on eBay they aren't as common as MM or P and J bass pickups.... Neither are replacement 3pt bridges that Gibson use... You'd have to kinda like it stock
You could try a newer reissue type model... but for swapping out electronics and trying different combos a PJ Bass is your safest bet!
What do you think would happen if 2 were played simultaneously, on the same stage??! :boggled:
The only problem with this is that I haven't yet found someone with a variety of Gibson Bass pickup replacements....even on eBay they aren't as common as MM or P and J bass pickups.... Neither are replacement 3pt bridges that Gibson use... You'd have to kinda like it stock
You could try a newer reissue type model... but for swapping out electronics and trying different combos a PJ Bass is your safest bet!
What do you think would happen if 2 were played simultaneously, on the same stage??!
:boggled:
F
Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Thinking about buying a bass to learn on a PJ bass
I suggest the Squier Vintage Modified series. These are great value for money, eminently playable and come with Duncan Designed pickups. I particularly dig their Jazz Bass models. For a PJ pickup configuration, you need to checkout thier Jaguar Bass model. This even comes with a simple active EQ circuit.
My other suggestion for a PJ enthusiast would be a pre-owned Yamaha Attitude Standard. Feed it American pickups and a Gotoh 201B bridge and you'll be laughing.
I suggest the Squier Vintage Modified series. These are great value for money, eminently playable and come with Duncan Designed pickups. I particularly dig their Jazz Bass models. For a PJ pickup configuration, you need to checkout thier Jaguar Bass model. This even comes with a simple active EQ circuit.
My other suggestion for a PJ enthusiast would be a pre-owned Yamaha Attitude Standard. Feed it American pickups and a Gotoh 201B bridge and you'll be laughing.
