Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

Ideal bass for blues fusion?


lownote
 Share

Recommended Posts

For blues = P bass is my understanding. But if the idea is to do a bit more diddly diddly up the dusty end than is usual in blues, quick shake of jazz, plus maybe a dollop of funk, even (no, how awful) a hint of slap once in a long while, have you been down this road and come up with solid suggestions? P bass, J bass, 4, 5, 6 string, soapbar, splits or j bass pick ups?

Before anyone rightly says 'whatever, any bass will do, just play the b***** thing', I agree. But if the bass rack is almost empty and the wallet open, which way?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='No lust in Jazz' timestamp='1490693173' post='3267049']
Your Indonesian Squier VM P5 will do it all.
[/quote]
You mean the one I just had to sell because herself invoked the one in one out or no supper rule :(

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any bass is good for Blues. . . even Blues Fusion.

There's not a lot in Blues genres so it's what you make of it that counts. You can be Willie Dixon or Roscoe Beck, it's all in your groove and style.

Edit for clarification

Edited by chris_b
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I play blues, with a funky, psychedelic twist...and have used Jazz basses, Precision basses, and currently an Epiphone Jack Casady bass, all of them have sound good and fit in OK. I am not required to play any slap, though. Probably a good thing as I wouldn't have a clue!

Another band I play with is mainly jazzy blues, and any of the above basses work well in that context as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This genre often has quite prominent bass so Stingray or Stingray 5 is ideal. Many people use active basses for this type of thing - in my opinion you need something with an authoratitive sound. Warwick/Wal would be another choice.

Edited by drTStingray
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1490722663' post='3267413']
This genre often has quite prominent bass so Stingray or Stingray 5 is ideal. Many people use active basses for this type of thing - in my opinion you need something with an authoratitive sound. Warwick/Wal would be another choice.
[/quote]

Just about to chime in and say a Stingray. An actual single pickup MM Stingray though, not a copy or a P bass with an extra pickup (in the wrong place).

Plus the OP has been through every other type of bass so it's probably time!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1490723321' post='3267424']
Just about to chime in and say a Stingray. An actual single pickup MM Stingray though, not a copy or a P bass with an extra pickup (in the wrong place).

Plus the OP has been through every other type of bass so it's probably time!
[/quote]
You know me too well glasshopper :) :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Digesting all the above opinions it would seem actually a Sire would probably be perfect. Only Thomann took mine back because I was not worthy.

Gonna try D'Addario NYXL strings on my Sqier P, it's cheaper.

Edited by lownote12
Link to comment
Share on other sites

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1490724700' post='3267443']
Digesting all the above opinions it would seem actually a Sire would probably be perfect. Only Thomann took mine back because I was not worthy.

Gonna try D'Addario NYXL strings on my Sqier P, it's cheaper.
[/quote]

I tried the NYXLs and ended up back with the EXL balanced tension sets that I have used for quite a while now, probably since they were introduced. Couldn't put my finger on exactly why but the NYXLs just didn't do it for me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If it's blues and you want an alternative to a precision it has to be a semi ala Gibson EB2/ Epiphone Rivioli. That's what many of the British blues bands of the sixties used, think Animals, Yardbirds etc. If you don't like short scale and I don't, Warwick do a good one the Star bass (which I think is 32ins scale) Ibanez used to a long scale semi (although I think they have now dropped it for a short) Dean make one currently finished in Yellow cab style complete with checker side and I got a long scale from BaCH which does the job well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Precision

Simple, great in a mix, has a distinctive slap tone, and if you're not convinced it can 'do fusion' or 'diddly diddly' stuff, just check out Michael League :)
But as you quite rightly suggest, pretty much any bass will do, it's what is comfortable and sound good in your hands that matters.

Si

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...