Moving Pictures

Seeing as this thread was recently resurrected I’ll add some thoughts. I really liked this post as there was a lot good information here. It got me curious about my setups. I use feeler gauges and start with Fender specs as a starting point. Ibanez specs for the 5-strings. Apparently I end up just below 2mm at the 12th fret for string height. I never measured that before, just going by feel there. It is consistent on all my basses. Relief, depending on the bass, as measured at the 7th fret and using a capo on the first fret and pressing down on the 21st fret is set at either .25mm or .30 mm. That seems to depend on string type and neck specifications. I’ll just add another vote for using numbers to dial it in. After that, definitely use feel to tweak it. I use to do it all by feel but I found measuring helped me quickly identify issues and resolve them.

The Yamaha was moved on recently but still rocking the Ibanez when I need a five string.

Great basses! Nice looking specimen. I remember wanting one back in the day. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it.

I have to echo the sentiment of Sunburst and NM for me. They are all pretty nice in their own way and you won’t lose with any of those choices. Interesting video and I also enjoyed your playing. Great song choices.

This is the route I went and I really don’t like most Fender PJs (Ultra and Elite the exception). I like this one because of the 3 way switch which behaves the same as the one on the BB414 I had. It may end up with a stacked Jazz pickup to eliminate the 60 cycle hum. Another option I haven’t seen if you want a bass to cop the Precision and Jazz sounds would to be source a Fender (Stu Hamm) Urge II. Hard to find but worth the effort. I have a friend that plays one and it is very versatile without being complex.

Generally speaking the Jazz pickup on most PJs will have some level of 60 cycle hum. One option that can work well but requires additional funds is to replace the J with a stacked pickup or a humbucking J style pickup. There are a number of options available to you there. If you can find a Fender with Noiseless pickups that is another good option. The version 5 Noiseless are quite good. I don’t care for version 3. Regardless, I agree with Doctor J about the Jazz pickup height. It normally needs to be closer to the strings than the P pickup.

Beautiful!

Thanks! I’ll put that on my list of options.

Beautiful looking bass. Congratulations! I hope it serves you well for many years.

How hefty is that bridge? I just picked up a black and maple Players Precision.

Ibanez has a medium scale 5-string that seems to get good reviews. It is called the Mezzo.

I also don’t agree with modding the MIM bass right away. I’ve always found that living with a bass for a while helps decide which upgrades, if any, are required. The MIMs are actually pretty good and may surprise you. Personally I would go for the MIA based on the fact it ticks most of your boxes. Otherwise look at some of the alternatives suggested here. I’m very curious to see what you end up with.

Pretty much what I expected. I have played just one Sterling that was very light. I couldn’t afford it at the time which was a shame as it was a bit of a unicorn. Nice list of basses.

I try for light weight, good sounding basses. I’ve had my fill of heavy after a shoulder issue thanks to a car accident. Having said that, if the balance isn’t there even a light bass will kill the shoulder. I can go to 4.08kg (9lbs) with a properly balanced bass even though I prefer 3.6kg. Most of my basses are 3.6kg or less. Most are Fender and it took me a good long while to find light and balanced within that brand.

Sounds wonderful. Thanks for sharing that.

I like how that looks. I never worry about resale if the bass meets my needs, sounds great and feels good. It does seem like HB is doing good things lately. Does it sound as good as it looks? Does it have its own sound or does it cop the SR sound reasonably well?

Nice to hear your story. We’ve been using a silent stage for 17 years now. Definitely had a few rough spots when we first went this route but it is well worth it and for all the reasons you posted.

Rhonda Smith played the MIA model for a short bit.

I picked up a red one. Pretty smitten with it. I guess that makes me gullible as well 😉 Seriously nice player though.

Adds character. After playing for a few hours you won’t notice it especially if the bass is a real player.

I can relate to many of the posts in this thread. I intentionally avoided them for two decades. Couldn’t stand the look and still don’t think they are the most attractive basses. Now I have three of them amongst the others. I find they are way more versatile than many believe and it truly comes down to string choices, EQ and the ability to use multiple techniques (pick, fingers, hand positioning, etc). They really shine in ensemble playing and I have used them in jazz to metal. I am also one of those players that followed James Jamerson’s advice to play each note like you mean it and that helps.

Great looking bass. I’ve always wanted to play one. I hope you enjoy it for a good many years.

I tried these on a 5-string once and I thought they were pretty good. I tried Dean Markley Helix after that and stuck with those until the were discontinued. I always come back to DR. Cobalts are the most aggressive strings I have used. They aren’t as harsh feeling as regular Slinky’s but I do think they sound better. YMMV of course. In the end not for me.

I’m more of a DR Hi Beams/Fat Beams type but I can’t understand how you can have a top 10 for something that is highly subjective. At least one of my favourite flats made the list (DTF).

I’ll second the Ibanez EHB basses. Yamaha is another good option for light weight, good sounding basses. That pretty much covers the 5-strings. I also have a couple very light weight Fenders. It took many weeks to find the right basses. All of those weigh under 8lbs with the EHB and my Sandblasted Jazz at or below 7lbs.