.
Reggae Bass Guitar (gear question)
Tue, 05/25/2010 - 9:55am
Hey all, nice slow first post...
I've been debating buying a new bass because my usual bass ( 90's ibanez atk 300) sometimes is just a bit too heavy for my poor old spine... I have a 51 P reissue with a bassline pickup installed but I don't know, I bet it records well but I feel like to output on it is just so even keeled that while it sits well it doesn't ever seem to do more than just fit (I know terrible problem right)... am I out of line with my problem? I mean I know the basic reggae feelings (just stay in the pocket) but come on we reggae players know that that's not always true.. (Fams?/the wailers, a lot of Burning Spears' live stuff, Alpha Blondie) I want to be able to fit well but then just up for more prominent drum/bass and just bass fills for vocal emphasis...
Is it a new bass I should look for (Split P? J-bass? Something crazy? and why does it seem so popular with the reggae crowd, aren't they reknown for their higher end tendencies?), maybe a switchable eq on the 51, or certain eq setup on my amp, genz benz shuttle 3.0 running through a 2x12 4ohm avatar cab (300watts)... any other info? Hope my first post was a good one.
Thanks,
izac
Wed, 05/26/2010 - 6:43am
#2
I like this one for
I like this one for reggae:
It is a Squier Vintage Modified Precision TB. It has one giant sounding humbucker waaaaay up by the neck and puts out some really bottom-heavy fundamental tones.
Being a Squier, they're not too expensive, around $300 new. Don't let the Squier name fool you. The VMS basses are of great quality...
Here's a link: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier-Vintage-Modified-TB-Precision-Bass-104476536-i1276125.gc?source=4WFRWXX&CAWELAID=439934460
Wed, 05/26/2010 - 6:23pm
#3
tough to beat the Jazz Bass
tough to beat the Jazz Bass for reggae/dub, although in my dub band I always landed back on my MusicMan Stingray as it was very flexible- especially with the correct compression running. But again, if my main gig now was reggae/dub I would sling a J Bass.....
welcome aboard!!
Slade
Thu, 05/27/2010 - 11:13am
#4
Ba Ba Boom!
Dude, get a 5 string Stieny, and you'll be Fully Fullwooded out!! I don't like the way they look, but they gots fat tone!!!
As far as adding some high end for fills and more voice, I think you'd be best with a pedal eq or foot switch if you have two channels. Add more mids, trim the lows, and play on those skinny strings for more high end.
I don't play in a reggae band, but my rock band will mess with some riddims sometimes. I like to intro the riddim with just bass, but on the high strings. Take the Hot Milk riddim for example (Barrington Levy Murderer is one tune). I'll intro the riddim playing on the G and D. Then when the driums come in, I move to the E & A. When the drums wanna get Dubwise, and drop some of the beat, I'll go back to the G & D.
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 9:02am
#5
re
EEBass wrote:
I like this one for reggae:
It is a Squier Vintage Modified Precision TB. It has one giant sounding humbucker waaaaay up by the neck and puts out some really bottom-heavy fundamental tones.
Being a Squier, they're not too expensive, around $300 new. Don't let the Squier name fool you. The VMS basses are of great quality...
Here's a link: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier-Vintage-Modified-TB-Precision-Bass-104476536-i1276125.gc?source=4WFRWXX&CAWELAID=439934460
I ahve one of these for sale if you are in the UK.Dug it, but I put a Dimarzio model 1 in the neck of my P copy, kinda made it redundant.
__________________
WARLORD OF THE BASK ARMY http://www.myspace.com/caricaturesband [band split, still proud of what we accomplished]
Now rocking http://www.myspace.com/terrasolis
Sun, 05/30/2010 - 8:44pm
#6
I'm with Rasta...
One great thing with a 5er for Reggae is that you can dig real deep and grab 'em by the cojones rather than just tickle 'em around the chest area. Not the solution for all things, but gets my vote for the riddim.
Which one to get??
I'd go Musicman Sterling, then Fender Jazz.
Just my 1.5 cents
Fri, 06/04/2010 - 12:08pm
#7
And another thing...
One other thing you could do is play up on the strings, near the fret board. It gives it a rounder, fatter tone. Then when you wanna run with a fill, slide down near the bridge to make it more crisp and sharp.
PS: Add a banjo on the skank.
Great first post.
Only if you talk about your gear, you have to post a pic of it here.
Or we'll have to send out the gorillas
and no one wants that do they?
Welcome to UBP best spot on the net.
Now to your question:
Here's a vid where Fams talks about always going back to the Fender Jazz bass after trying others.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdFTtOAXd5s&feature=related
It always amazes me that folks think they can dial in great bass sounds from renown bassists
and how little credit those renown bassists get for their technique.
Those cats were so poor coming up, that I'd be surprised if they got too wrapped up in gear.
I guarantee Fams can get that groove on any bass and amp.