Mohawk Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 I need to get myself a bass, hope you can help me choose or maybe steer in the right direction as I am a total noob in regards to bass guitars. For now I will be using bass for recordings (rock/metal mostly but sometimes some trip-hop) but honestly I am thinking of switch to bass for good as there are too many guitarists out there but just not enough bass players so this might actually increase my chances of finding a cool band to play with (and I love bass as much as I love guitars so that's no big deal for me). So yeah would be nice if this new instrument was good enough to go on stage. Sound-wise I love stuff like Korn, Limp Bizkit, Tool so mainly dirty, nasty sound. I tune my guitars to B, so guessing a five string would be recommended but I can live with 4 tuned down (not gonna use the high string much anyway). In terms of visual appearance I like Warwick stuff, Ibanez (especially this one http://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_sr605ntf.htm), I like narrow and flat necks (like in Ibanez for example), not really into those wide ones with extra space between strings. Budget around £300-£400 but I could push it a bit more for the right instrument. I don't mind getting second hand, would actually prefer a used one but I am considering buying new. I will of course go to the shop and test as many as I can but I always do a research first and like to ask someone more experienced than I am. Thanks, M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbandit599 Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 Make sure you try a couple of Yamaha's, ime tend to punch above their weight at that price point. Like this one :- [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_trbx_305_bl.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_trbx_305_bl.htm[/url] Sounds wise you are talking about aggressive mid-scoops, with bass and treble boosted. An active bass would probably get you closer to this (especially if it has a three band eq), but a lot of it will be in the eq-ing of your amp/pre-amp. To get the Korn sound you will need cabs with tweeters. Have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mohawk Posted January 15, 2015 Author Share Posted January 15, 2015 Thanks @redbandit599, I will check them out. I am planning on going all digital, so no amps and cabs (inspired by this http://basschat.co.uk/topic/230948-ios-for-the-gigging-bassist/). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted January 15, 2015 Share Posted January 15, 2015 I see that you're in London. Try and get over to The Gallery and try a bunch side by side or, if it's nearer, Guitar Guitar in Epsom have a fine selection. Both establishments have a great attitude to demoing stuff without being pushy (at least in my experience). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mohawk Posted January 16, 2015 Author Share Posted January 16, 2015 Thanks! The Gallery looks nice, I will definitely get over there as by looking on the website they have some nice second hand basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redbandit599 Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Wunjo's in Denmark St is good for trying out stuff too. Small but lots of gear and friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mohawk Posted January 16, 2015 Author Share Posted January 16, 2015 Yup, been there already and I am going back. But I always like to verify information with random strangers on the internet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 (edited) I recently bought one of these [url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/ibanez-sr705-tk-transparent-black/18673"]http://www.gak.co.uk...ent-black/18673[/url] for my 17 year old son, who is in exactly the same position as you. It's actually a great bass and plays really well. Plenty of tonal variation from the 3-band EQ and a nice slim, shallow neck. I bought it used (on here) for less than half of the new price! I know you said that you want to buy new, but there are some excellent bargains to be had on here - and it really is a buyer's market at the moment! For example: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/252230-ibanez-sr905/page__p__2660301__hl__ibanez__fromsearch__1#entry2660301"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/252230-ibanez-sr905/page__p__2660301__hl__ibanez__fromsearch__1#entry2660301[/url] Edited January 16, 2015 by Conan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6v6 Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Given your preferences, you can't go wrong with an Ibanez SR IMO - incredible playability and value for money (I had an SR500, which was great, but I swapped for a Precision as I wanted a more traditional vibe). They're not that popular used, so you may pick up a bargain if you don't mind getting something second hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulhauser Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 +1 on Ibanez SR's Also I recommend you to buy a 5 string as you may not play the DG strings initially but should not limit yourself either. A 5 string neck could feel bigger initially sepecially to someone used to skinny guitar necks, but it should not be an issue after some practice / getting used to it. If you are visiting the Gallery make sure you check the Spector Legen series. They are very well made instruments and can sound very dirty and aggressive (but there are lots of other tonal options) Spacing is tight, almost as tight as with the Ibanez SR series (16,5 vs 17mm for the five string SR vs Legend) It also has a 35" scale lenght that really helps bringing out the low end. They have a used one slighly above your budget. http://thebassgallery.com/legend-93.html Or Bass direct has a new one with a little bit higher price http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/SpeLeg_5_Bubinga.html I use and love my Spector and Ibanez basses, but in the price range where you want to make your purchase Spector offers a lot more bass and quality with the Legend series that Ibanez. (I know for experience. Been there, done that) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Once you have an idea what you're after it's always worth checking the classifieds here as you'll likely get a lot more for your money At a glance http://basschat.co.uk/topic/253386-yamaha-trbx504-satin-black-one-hour-on-the-clock/page__pid__2658962#entry2658962 http://basschat.co.uk/topic/252230-ibanez-sr905/page__pid__2643303#entry2643303 http://basschat.co.uk/topic/251486-yamaha-attitude-standard-5-l300/page__pid__2632602#entry2632602 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PURPOLARIS Posted January 17, 2015 Share Posted January 17, 2015 [quote name='charic' timestamp='1421411821' post='2660862'] Once you have an idea what you're after it's always worth checking the classifieds here as you'll likely get a lot more for your money At a glance [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/253386-yamaha-trbx504-satin-black-one-hour-on-the-clock/page__pid__2658962#entry2658962"]http://basschat.co.u...62#entry2658962[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/252230-ibanez-sr905/page__pid__2643303#entry2643303"]http://basschat.co.u...03#entry2643303[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/251486-yamaha-attitude-standard-5-l300/page__pid__2632602#entry2632602"]http://basschat.co.u...02#entry2632602[/url] [/quote] Thanks Charic http://basschat.co.uk/topic/252230-ibanez-sr905/page__pid__2643303#entry2643303 This one is mine. It's a great instrument and well undervalued in my opinion. I gigged with it regularly with no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mohawk Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Soooo, I went to the Gallery in Camden Town, checked plenty of basses and, to my surprise, I ended up with a Sterling Ray5. It sounds really good, very comfortable to play. It's ugly but who cares. No one ever looks at bassists anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 [quote name='Mohawk' timestamp='1424441285' post='2696340'] It's ugly but who cares. No one ever looks at bassists anyway [/quote] It hurts cos its true.... Gratz on your purchase may you find peace and love wherever you play Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ras52 Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 [quote name='Mohawk' timestamp='1424441285' post='2696340'] It's ugly but who cares. [/quote] You won't be saying that after someone mistakes it for a toilet seat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 @Mohawk - wow didn't see that choice coming but I guess when you've got the right bass in your hands you just know that's the one for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocco Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 Having just bought the SR you were originally looking at I have to say its great! Good luck with the ray though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mohawk Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 Yes I did not see myself getting a "poor man's Musicman" at all. Life can be full of surprises though. I gave that SR605 a spin but there was something about it that put me off. It looked absolutely amazing but did not feel so comfortable, sound was not great (not bad either but completely without character). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 you have already answered your own question...Ibanez SR meets your criteria perfectly. great basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 [quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1424454815' post='2696568'] you have already answered your own question...Ibanez SR meets your criteria perfectly. great basses. [/quote] ...other than the fact that he didn't like the playability or the tone :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 [quote name='Roland Rock' timestamp='1424457848' post='2696608'] ...other than the fact that he didn't like the playability or the tone :-D [/quote] It was an admittedly poor attempt at humour Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roland Rock Posted February 20, 2015 Share Posted February 20, 2015 [quote name='White Cloud' timestamp='1424458097' post='2696615'] It was an admittedly poor attempt at humour [/quote] Hah, sorry, I'm a bit slow tonight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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