First FX box

[No1skewenjack]

I currently have a Fender P bass but would like a new sound. Would a FX box be able to give me a Music Man sound? i.e Chic or would I need a new bass which is out of the question for the time being.

Thanks

Gareth

[phagor]

You have a couple of options, but they will be nearly as expensive as buying a Stingray and not as good!

Option 1) Roland VBass or VB99 plus GK3B pickup - a processor that can model the sound of a MM Stingray, plus a lot of other basses and effects

Option 2) Look for a second-hand Line 6 Variax bass - discontinued now, but uses similar modelling to give you the Stingray sound

Alternatively, get a luthier to add a MusicMan style humbucker pickup to your P bass.

Forgetting about the Stingray sound for a bit, I would recommend you get a cheap multieffect processor as your first purchase - so you can experiment with different sounds and find what you like. Then you can buy better quality single pedals later, if that's the way you want to go. The Zoom B3 seems to be everyone's favourite at the moment.

[Lozz196]

If wanting to change the sound on a Precision, taking a look at John East P-Retro pre-amps way be worth a go. Without making any irreversible mods to your bass this will add a lot of tones and versatility in, however the placing of a Musicman pickup has to be a lot to do with the sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRKwHe5ZkZc

[Sibob]

You could perhaps look at a preamp to help your P-bass, but to he honest, effects pedals are for augmentation, not for building a core sound (IMO). You need a decent core tone that you're happy with to then start building pedals on top to add 'interest' (if it's needed/wanted).

If you want a stingray sound.....buy a stingray.

Si

[Jack]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1358200263' post='1934871']
If you want a stingray sound.....buy a stingray.
[/quote]

Or an Ibanez ATK, or one of those Sandbergs, or a SUB.

[geoham]

[quote name='Jack' timestamp='1358424474' post='1938803']


Or an Ibanez ATK, or one of those Sandbergs, or a SUB.
[/quote]

+1 for the ATK. £300 for a great range of tones - sounds rather like a 3eq 'Ray.

[dannybuoy]

You could spend £300 on fx and not even get close, or you could just buy SUB Ray4 instead and sound bang on!

[discreet]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1358200263' post='1934871']
...perhaps look at a preamp to help your P-bass, but to he honest, effects pedals are for augmentation, not for building a core sound (IMO). [/quote]

I'm using a B3 as a preamp for my core sound. The FX are an optional extra AFAIC.

Edited January 19, 2013 by discreet

[TommyK]

[quote name='Jack' timestamp='1358424474' post='1938803']
Or an Ibanez ATK, or one of those Sandbergs, or a SUB.
[/quote]

+1 on the ATK or SUBs

The Sandbergs (PMs and JMs at least) just don't get near enough to that Stingray sound IMHO. Don't know for why...Pre-amp or PU placement maybe... but if you play both one after the other you will notice a big difference.

In short to the OP... Get a Stingray They are easy to tone down with playing dynamics/position/EQ ect..