Looking for a bass to record

[dajaphonics]

Hello! I'm prioritizing two things for what I'm looking for: intonation and a clean quiet pickups for recording. Preferably I'd like to try a regular bass guitar (non short-scale since I've tried plenty of these). I tried a Squier Jaguar short scale a few years ago, but I found the pickups to not sound great but the intonation seemed fine. 

 

I know a lot of people say go for a Fender Precision. I'm open to this, but I don't want to sink a lot of money into one. So if I'm looking for a P-bass with good intonation, is there anything I should look for? Are the stock pickups usually good enough? I've seen a few "partscaster" bass guitars in the $650 USD range with Seymour pickups, '51 fret board, custom tuners, etc. I'm not sure if going for this kind of bass is a little riskier in regards to you're not sure what you're going to get. 

 

If anyone has any advice I'm open ears. Thanks in advance!

[ezbass]

A Squier 40th Anniversary or CV Precision will do the job nicely. Might need a little extra shielding, but not necessarily (I’ve had full fat Fenders that have needed this, some not).

[BassTractor]

4 hours ago, ezbass said:

A Squier 40th Anniversary or CV Precision will do the job nicely. Might need a little extra shielding, but not necessarily (I’ve had full fat Fenders that have needed this, some not).

+1
My Squier Classic Vibes (two Ps and two Js) have consistently impressed bass players more than my EBMM StingRays and Bongos (San Luis Obispo ones) have.
That of course was also related to their price point.
 

 

Edited Monday at 20:05 by BassTractor

[dajaphonics]

@BassTractor @ezbass thanks for the recommendations! Do you have the 60's or 70's style CV P-bass?

 

[itu]

Good intonation: 

- pro setup 

- (at least relatively) new strings 

- good touch (behind the fret, even pressure) 

 

If you want to dictate the accuracy of the intonation, buy a fretless. 

 

If you want minimal noise, remove instrument's pots and caps from the signal path. Use your recording equipment to make adjustments to the sound. 

[ezbass]

I have the 40th anniversary and have been impressed by the ‘60s CV.

 

I should also mention that, for my own interest, I carried out a comparison experiment whereby I copied an old live recording I had into GarageBand, sucked out all the bass frequencies and recorded 4 new bass lines, using different basses, both clean and driven. These were a P, a JMJ Mustang, a J type and a fretless, passive, MM type. The stand out winner for me was the passive MM, especially with a little drive.

[BassTractor]

24 minutes ago, dajaphonics said:

@BassTractor @ezbass thanks for the recommendations! Do you have the 60's or 70's style CV P-bass?

 

Both my Ps were '50s ones, built roughly 15 years ago.
I hear today's CVs might be of slightly lower quality, but I myself am not knowledgeable on the subject, and others can probably help a lot better.

[Mrbigstuff]

Intonation is down to someone just spending time with a screwdriver and a tuner. 

[Gizmo]

Bang for Buck i don't think your going to find anything better than the Sire/Marcus Milller line/models (2nd gen) atm, Either new or used they have great (better) spec for a lot less than Fender's current offering $-$ .....Id would have suggested checking out the Harley Benton "Enhanced " range if you weren't looking at the extra Shipping/Taxes/Duty to get one into the USA.

 

YT is worth a look for a round up, but id stay away from the Larger "review" channels with their "i got this for free....but this is my honest opinion"...sure sure, GL  

[Mrbigstuff]

On 05/01/2026 at 14:54, dajaphonics said:

Hello! I'm prioritizing two things for what I'm looking for: intonation and a clean quiet pickups for recording. Preferably I'd like to try a regular bass guitar (non short-scale since I've tried plenty of these). I tried a Squier Jaguar short scale a few years ago, but I found the pickups to not sound great but the intonation seemed fine. 

 

I know a lot of people say go for a Fender Precision. I'm open to this, but I don't want to sink a lot of money into one. So if I'm looking for a P-bass with good intonation, is there anything I should look for? Are the stock pickups usually good enough? I've seen a few "partscaster" bass guitars in the $650 USD range with Seymour pickups, '51 fret board, custom tuners, etc. I'm not sure if going for this kind of bass is a little riskier in regards to you're not sure what you're going to get. 

 

If anyone has any advice I'm open ears. Thanks in advance!

This would be my pick - no affiliation with the seller.

Split coil pickups are quieter than single coil which can hum.

 

[ead]

I think @Mrbigstuff makes an excellent recommendation.  I have a Jet P bass that I have upgraded with a decend loom and AlNiCo pickups for a more vintage tone and it records beautifully.  Basically any P-type bass should suit you needs perfectly.

[tauzero]

Find a music shop with a decent selection of basses and try a few out. Don't just try the Precisions.

[Rayman]

⬆️ this…..

 

A Squire CV P is a great choice, but it should be a bass that feels comfortable and sounds good to you. There are SO many options these days, at very sensible prices, I would try a bunch if you can. If you aren’t in a position to try stuff, the Squire is a good gamble.

[BigRedX]

IMO pretty much any modern bass will be well-made enough to be more than useable for recording. Go and try a load and buy the one that suits you the best.