What to go for next?

[Random.bass.player.]

Hey, i have a fender MIM Jazz that i like, and a ashdown amp I like. But im looking for something different bass-wise, i go to my local music store a bit and i haven't seen/played a bass i like yet. Im in a band that play ska/punk and we gig a lot, so i could really do with a backup bass in the $600 price range. I was thinkin musicman SUB or maybe a japanese P-bass, just thinkin what do you guys think on these basses? or you think theres better out there ?
Thanks a lot Jonny.

[bottlerocket]

Save up for a MM Stingray or a Ric. I think the Ric sound is PERFECT for ska bass lines. There used to be a ska band from around here called Formula 1 and their bassist played a Ric. It sounded heavenly.

-Gav

[thelowsoundofbass]

Since used rics cost a lot (althought I do agree with gav that they sound the best in ska), I would save up and get a used stingray. If you are lucky, you can get them for around $800-900.

lowsound

[Polyamarous]

I say get a Sterling as opposed to a StingRay, Sterlings come with 3EQ as standard, have extra versatility via the series/parallel coil selector, are lighter and have thinner necks.
Although the StingRays do have that nice control plate....
However if your planning on spending that much you might want to get a Rickenbacker instead. Either way, go used and use the MIM as the backup instead.

You need to try these things out though, hell you might find something better if you do.


BTW what Ashdown have you got? I'm looking to get one sometime this summer.

[Random.bass.player.]

I have an Ashdown five fifteen and I used to have a ABM-115 extension cab,but i sold that for which i sold for around 300(pounds) about 400-500(dollars) thats where ive got most of my money from. But its strange with my ashdown the five fifteen is a lot louder than my friends.
So what save for a used Musicman sterling or stingray, or if i can a used ric?
Do you know of any bands that use those? Just wanna check out the sound.
Thanks guys, Jonny.

[Polyamarous]

A new Sterling retails for around £1345, a new Ric would be around £945

Roger whatisname form Less Than jake uses a Sterling more recently for the last album and current tours. I'm not sure about earlier on, Gav might know. Stingrays are very similar sounding but without the coil selector.

Thingy whatsit (sorry I'm useless with names) from Reel Big Fish uses a StingRay5 but the 5 string version has a coil selector like the sterling, becasue there is no 5 string Sterling. (I think)

I'm not sure about ska Ric users. Again, Gav might know.

[Random.bass.player.]

I think im seeing Less Than Jake this october, so hopefully by then i'll have the money. But i like LTJ's sound. Its kinda trebly but kinda bassy at the same time, if you get me. I'd still like to know who uses a ric. I think I might take another trip to the big music shop in Manchester they should have rics and mm's.
Thanks a lot you guys!

[Criss Frantic]

You can't go wrong with a used Stingray, if you find one that's been reasonably well looked after, they're just as good as a brand new one, and in some cases for half the price.

[bass&cookies]

sterling's are sllightly more aggressive than stingrays, i think they would fit a ska tone good. either way though, you win

and about 5 string sterlings, there are none yet, but there will be a prototype at NAMM 2007, and they will probably start producing them that year

[Akira]

I have an Ashdown five fifteen and I used to have a ABM-115 extension cab,but i sold that for which i sold for around 300(pounds) about 400-500(dollars) thats where ive got most of my money from. But its strange with my ashdown the five fifteen is a lot louder than my friends.
So what save for a used Musicman sterling or stingray, or if i can a used ric?
Do you know of any bands that use those? Just wanna check out the sound.
Thanks guys, Jonny.
The Bravery's bassist uses a Ric, I think.

[tim_commerfordism]

Ric's are fecking amazing.
Great for rock, jazz, motown, ska, reggae, pop. I'm not 'over-rating' it because I have one, that is the truth.

[Radiobass81]

Don't buy anything. You like your bass. You like your amp. You can't find any other bass you like, and unless you need more volume, you shouldn't need a new amp.

If you really need a backup, I'd say just get another MIM. I wouldn't like having a backup bass with a completely different tone (and feel; both the SUB and P have big necks) than my main bass. Just seems silly.

EDIT: Typo in "like", which I couldn't bare to see...

[tim_commerfordism]

Don't buy anything. You like your bass. You like your amp. You can't find any other bass you like, and unless you need more volume, you shouldn't need a new amp.

If you really need a backup, I'd say just get another MIM. I wouldn't lkike having a backup bass with a completely different tone (and feel; both the SUB and P have big necks) than my main bass. Just seems silly.

He's got a point.
And if anything, shouldn't you be getting a cheaper bass if it's your backup?

[Radiobass81]

Cheaper, or the same one, yeah.

Maybe look around for a used one.

[Random.bass.player.]

I see where your coming from, but they;ve got me started and i want a MM. I think im just gonna save for a bit, but still keep my eyes open for a used MM or ric.

[tim_commerfordism]

I see where your coming from, but they;ve got me started and i want a MM. I think im just gonna save for a bit, but still keep my eyes open for a used MM or ric.

Or get a copy?
i suggest cort if you like MM's.
If you want a Ric, consider a japanese copy.

Rich

[nicatterberry]

sterling's are sllightly more aggressive than stingrays, i think they would fit a ska tone good. either way though, you win

and about 5 string sterlings, there are none yet, but there will be a prototype at NAMM 2007, and they will probably start producing them that year

Stingray 5's are more Sterling like than Stingray.

[bass&cookies]

only in the fact that they have the coil switch

[Radiobass81]

There isn't a Sterling 5, though, so there really isn't a point there.

[bass&cookies]

there will be sometime next year.

[lemoley]

well as your going to be using this bass as a backup (or maybe even your main one) it should sound similar to your Jazz, so in that case i suggest a bass with Jazz pickups

as for which one specificaly - any one that takes your fancy but i strongly suggest a Cort, e.g.

http://www.cort.com/basses/gb_series/index.html

[nicatterberry]

only in the fact that they have the coil switch


The SR5 having a Phantom Coil is a big part of it IMO. Adds a whole new group of sounds to the bass, which the Sterling happens to share...

[sr800bkBassist]

i've seen used rickenbackers for $900.

[Radiobass81]

$900? That's too expensive, IMO. They run for $999 new, sometimes.

[sr800bkBassist]

$900? That's too expensive, IMO. They run for $999 new, sometimes.
they do? the couple i saw were in the $1,200 range, maybe it was because they were older.

but at that price, my dream of having one is deffinitely becoming more real.