Thread: Good bass for multiple styles?

Warwicks are nice, but they always seem to lack sustain. In addition, they are the best at sounding like Warwicks and nothing else. If he wants a more modern sound, the Ibanez prestige basses are awesome. Neckthrough, bartolini pickups and some of the most comfortable and playable basses out there. Don't let the metal endorsers sway you, they are great instruments.

That said, I've been playing for almost 14 years and I've had Warwicks and Spectors, Ibanez all with actives. I now have a 4 string Fender Jazz and 4 string Precision both with maple boards for extra cut and I've discovered thay they are standards for a reason. None of the fancy basses I've had could match the rich slap and finger tone that a Jazz has. A precision is a great rock bass, and lends itself to playing with a pick, but not as versatile as a jazz.

35' scales are huge for most players and I'm a big guy.

A MIA Fender Jazz is my vote for sure. I'd say start with a 4 string. I thought for a long time that I HAD to have 5 string, after 5 good years of playing 5's, the B rarely got used.

Sting ray's are nice too, but if you A/B one with a passive Jazz, you'll see that the Jazz comes out on top.

Originally Posted by james on bass

I'd stay away from the Warwicks. The high end ones are awesome, but I wouldn't really call their tone versatile. They are versatile to an extent, but they still always "sound like a Warwick".
Have you checked out G&L's? Extremely versatile pickups - comp the jazz, P-bass and humbuckers well. Electronics are a tad noisy (or at least used to be) but it was not something I noticed on a couple I've played. They can be played in passive as well. They are a very solid looking/feeling bass.

I agree that a 5 string is the way to go. I disagree though that it needs to be 35" scale length. A well built bass with 34" scale will have a solid B string.

Active electronics do give you more versatility, but passive electronics are much better (IMO) for recording purposes. Something that could toggle between active/passive would be the best bet.

I agree with most of this. Though Warwick, and Sting Rays are AMAZING Basses, they aren't as capible of 'blending in' as much in blues or jazz styles. They are very present basses (with the exception of the passive circuit on the Sting Ray) and, IMO, are better suited for rock, funk, fusion jazz where the bass should growl and pop.

G&L Basses were mentioned, also a great choice. Though if anyone asks me of a versitile bass, i most often answer 5-string Jazz. It seems like this bass also has the most votes as versitile on this post.

and yes, you're an awesome Dad!