Members redearedslider5 Posted February 13, 2006 Members Posted February 13, 2006 hey i'm a guitarist of a couple years and i decided to pick up playing bass. i don't really know where to begin choosing though so i thought you guys might be able to help. i'm a big fan of the lite ash strat that i have, i like my necks more narrow with a little curvature on it. i'd imagine it'd stay this way with bass, but i'm not terribly sure. are characteristics like pickups and tone woods the same for bass as they are for guitar? also, can anyone describe the differences between the sounds of P, J, and humbucking bass pickups? Thanks!
Members 82Daion Posted February 13, 2006 Members Posted February 13, 2006 Originally posted by redearedslider5 hey i'm a guitarist of a couple years and i decided to pick up playing bass. i don't really know where to begin choosing though so i thought you guys might be able to help.i'm a big fan of the lite ash strat that i have, i like my necks more narrow with a little curvature on it. i'd imagine it'd stay this way with bass, but i'm not terribly sure. are characteristics like pickups and tone woods the same for bass as they are for guitar? also, can anyone describe the differences between the sounds of P, J, and humbucking bass pickups? Thanks! Wood is wood. It'll behave the same, no matter what length neck is bolted to it. As for pickups: P=thump, with slightly less note definition J=growl, with slightly more definition and less bottom than a P Humbucking=infinite possibilities. Passive ones tend toward the P-bass side of the spectrum, and active HB's (PU's with preamps built in) sound like whatever the preamp is designed to sound like. Generally, humbuckers have a more high-output character than either P or J pickups. Now, another thing-active basses (those with a preamp) tend to have more tonal options as a result of having EQ on the bass. Preamps can be used with both active and passive pickups, and are used in some cases to boost the output of active pickups(Alembic and EMG come to mind.) By the description of your preferences, you sound like a Jazz Bass kind of guy. An SX from rondomusic.net will give you a good body and neck to work with, and the price will leave you money to upgrade the hardware and pickups as you see fit.
Members lug Posted February 13, 2006 Members Posted February 13, 2006 I could post some MP3's if you think it would help. ...whistles innocently
Members Moody Johnny Posted February 13, 2006 Members Posted February 13, 2006 What 82Daion said, plus: J basses are very versatile and give a good sound even when recorded straight line in. I associate P basses to the 60's and 70's rock especially with flatwound strings. So if you're a retro guy, then probably nothing will satisfy but a P bass. Personally I prefer lively and rich growl.
Members Gaui Posted February 13, 2006 Members Posted February 13, 2006 http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=705264 Check out the answear from Beam, to hear diffrence between J and P pickups.
Members redearedslider5 Posted February 13, 2006 Author Members Posted February 13, 2006 for some reason i was leaning towards a jazz bass, but i think its just cause i heard somewhere that the fender j bass has a slimmer neck than the p bass. so from what's been said, it seems like the p bass would be better for slapping techniques, is this accurate?
Members Onkel Bob Posted February 14, 2006 Members Posted February 14, 2006 No. Both can be slapped equally well. I happen to like the sound of a P being slapped but others will disagree.
Members Speed_Racer71 Posted February 15, 2006 Members Posted February 15, 2006 Originally posted by 82Daion Wood is wood. It'll behave the same, no matter what length neck is bolted to it.As for pickups:P=thump, with slightly less note definitionJ=growl, with slightly more definition and less bottom than a PHumbucking=infinite possibilities. Passive ones tend toward the P-bass side of the spectrum, and active HB's (PU's with preamps built in) sound like whatever the preamp is designed to sound like. Generally, humbuckers have a more high-output character than either P or J pickups.Now, another thing-active basses (those with a preamp) tend to have more tonal options as a result of having EQ on the bass. Preamps can be used with both active and passive pickups, and are used in some cases to boost the output of active pickups(Alembic and EMG come to mind.)By the description of your preferences, you sound like a Jazz Bass kind of guy. An SX from rondomusic.net will give you a good body and neck to work with, and the price will leave you money to upgrade the hardware and pickups as you see fit. what do the soapbar style bass pickups sound like? been thinking of trying the bass after 20 yrs on the guitar
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