Suggest bass equipment:

I've never owned bass equipment in my life, but I've been tapped to play bass in a project. I have access to an amp so that's not an issue.

Musically, it's gonna be sort of shoegazery and big sounding. Sort of like Hum meets My Bloody Valentine and Ride. My total budget is about 400. I realize that I'm not getting the bass I REALLY want (a Fender Jaguar bass mmmmm) so I would like one that I could at least USE.

I was thinking about an Epiphone, but I've never played a guitar of theirs that I liked. Any thoughts?

MIM Fender Jazz sits right around 400 bucks and would fit the style.

MIM Fender Jazz sits right around 400 bucks and would fit the style.

made in mexico eh?
guitar center doesn't seem to have them in stock. any suggestions?

Here you go.
MIM Jazz, ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/2001-Fender-Jazz-Bass-MIM-Discontinued-Color-Gigbag-NR_W0QQitemZ120391774432Q QcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar? hash=item120391774432&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A 2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A 50)

MIM Jazz, ebay, cheaper (http://cgi.ebay.com/1998-Fender-Jazz-Bass-MIM-Made-in-Mexico-RH-Sunburst_W0QQitemZ3501791 85233QQcmdZViewItemQQptZG uitar?hash=item3501791852 33&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A 2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A 50)

even cheaper (http://cgi.ebay.com/FENDER-JAZZ-BASS-MIM-BLUE_W0QQitemZ29030381778 6QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuita r?hash=item290303817786&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A 2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A 50)

Finally, do what I did. Replace the bridge with a Badass II ($80). It bolts right on.

http://www.bassemporium.com/images_products/badassII4chrome.jpg

Then replace the pickup with Bartolinis ($100). They bolt right in.

http://tw.bestbassgear.com/images/pickups/bartolini_j_thumb.jpg

Finally, the most important part: an Audere preamp ($149). It, um, bolts right in:

http://www.audereaudio.com/images/JZ3-web.jpg

Then you'll be JUST LIKE ME!

http://www.whitneyb.com/whitney/images/small_bass_front.jpg

http://www.whitneyb.com/whitney/images/small_bass_side.jpg

I added the pickguard, of course.

Yeah, what he said.

made in mexico eh?
guitar center doesn't seem to have them in stock. any suggestions?

Made in Mexico is misleading, they are definitely quality instruments. Exponentially better than any 100 - 200 starter basses. I'd say go american, but thats two or three times more expensive.

goddamn oldskul
looks like you've nailed it.
sheesh.

okay, here's the next question: suppose i need a cheap bass like pronto. what then?

Go to guitar center and buy a bass?

Go to guitar center and buy a bass?


lol
sorry never mind that post. it was pre-coffee and i had a rough night last night. :)

goddamn oldskul
looks like you've nailed it.
sheesh.

okay, here's the next question: suppose i need a cheap bass like pronto. what then?

I would start with a mexi Jazz or Precision. Your choice. I preferred the narrow neck of the Jazz and I always preferred the sound of it too. You can score one cheap off Ebay, or just go to whatever music store you have around and look for one used.

Made in Mexico is misleading, they are definitely quality instruments. Exponentially better than any 100 - 200 starter basses. I'd say go american, but thats two or three times more expensive.

The necks are actually made in the US. The bodies tend to be lower quality basswood or poplar, but it still makes for a decent sounding instrument. My MIM Jazz sounds decent with all the mods I've made - I use it on all my recordings.

Finally, do what I did. Replace the bridge with a Badass II ($80). It bolts right on.

http://www.bassemporium.com/images_products/badassII4chrome.jpg

http://www.whitneyb.com/whitney/images/small_bass_front.jpg


Did you groove your badass or naw?

Did you groove your badass or naw?

Naw. Why bother? The strings do the job for you, and they don't move when I play anyway.

That is a beautiful bass, old_skul. Nice work.

I was really surprised with how it turned out, and even more surprised with the sound of it. It has a really distinctive woody sound that is more musical than I thought it would be. All those aftermarket parts do some good.