Need input: Components/specs for a great custom slap bass

[FunkyFresh]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Hello Guys,[/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]starting my first thread regarding pure gear porn [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]. I plan on getting myself a custom bass from my local and trusted luthier. Basically, what I want is a comfortable bass with great action/fretboard-playability for a lot of slapbass and heavy rock fingerstyle. Maybe this sounds odd, but a perfect bass should give me these qualities. [/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Usually I am active in german bass communities, but I thought, since the best slapbasses are made in the UK, I am just at the right place to get some quality input on that topic! Some questions to be answered, that came to my mind (maybe I am missing some things, I would be grateful for updates):[/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]- Which pickups? Humbucker or better Single Coils? P-Pickup? A hybrid? Any specifics that could be recommended?[/font][/color]
[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]- Active electronics? If so, which one suits my needs? (I like to have a clear and bright tone)[/font][/color]
[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]- Are there special wirings which could improve the sound? (like you hear about the special Sadowsky/Alembic or Wal wiring. What makes them special?)[/font][/color]
[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]- Which woods are recommendable? light ones preferred [/font][/color]
[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]- maple fretboard or rosewood?[/font][/color]
[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]- medium or jumbo frets?[/font][/color]
[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]- bolt on neck or neck thru?[/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Anything important I forgot? Maybe you know something that makes up a great slapbass. I love to play the tunes of Mark King and Level 42 or the sound of Wojtek Pilichowski. Of course I love the tone of Marcus Millers slapstyle, too. In fingerstyle I adore the sound of Rocco Prestia, James Jamerson and Pino Palladino most. [/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I know it is a lot I want to put into this bass, but maybe you can help me out and give some good advice to a young novice [/font][/color] [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]. [/font][/color]


[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]If you have read till here: Thanks a lot! I would appreciate it big time, if you could help me out. Furthermore I would love to document the process until I have my dream bass here, with photos and updates! [/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]My best wishes! Cheers![/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Danesh [/font][/color]

[Myke]

I think a chat with the luthier you're going with is in order here

I don't know enough to help personally though but I do like pictures

[FunkyFresh]

Hehe, pictures will be there! Of course you are right. I will have a long talk with my luthier beforehand. But I am trying to go there with some creative ideas. Since this should be my dream bass, I don't want to be totally dependent on his creative ideas, And I am pretty sure, since he isn't a bass player himself (but a real good luthier) he might not have the expertise in the small details for a slapbass specifically.

For example, I thought that a humbucker (maybe a soapbar) should be a pickup very close to the neck, since I slap over the last fret. Especially the topics of active or passive electronic and wiring give me a headache. What makes the wiring of the electronic from a Wal or Alembic so unique? Or why are Status basses so top notch when it comes to slapping on them?

[humapuma]

Don't have much I could really tell you as it's all a bit technical - I've slapped on all my basses and they've all been different!

I would say though (and I apologise if this is too rudimentary a comment) that depending on how you slap - and especially pop - you might want to make sure there's enough space between the end of the fingerboard and the neck pickup and also between the bottom of the higher pitched strings and the body of the bass. Think you were sort of referring to this in your last comment but I wasn't sure what you meant.

[FunkyFresh]

Thanks for your reply. That is exactly what i meant. Sorry for my poor english . So I should look for references in means of space for my fingers

[Acebassmusic]

[quote name='FunkyFresh' timestamp='1401573777' post='2464979']
.... he isn't a bass player himself (but a real good luthier)
[/quote]

Does he normally make basses? If not I would look for someone who does.

[zero9]

Try as many different basses as you can. Each bass you try will give you ideas about what you like or don't like about that particular bass. Note down the things you particularly like about a particular bass, especially something you'd like to have incorporated in your dream bass.

Until you've tried a number of different instruments, it's impossible to say what works best for you, because your playing style will be unique to you. Others can recommend certain aspects that may be useful or make a good instrument, but that will be largely subjective based on their own experiences.

Don't rush in but spend time trying out different instruments. Only you can find your ideal instrument.

[visog]

String spacing already covered but I'd add set-up for light gauge strings and possible a 32" scale - try one first. Pi and MK are both 4-string players which suits their similar style of working off the 'E' string and using a lot of left-hand slaps. That specific slap style (perhaps its just me) doesn't translate onto a 5/6 string quite as well so I'd check your technique before moving to an extended range. I'm not sure the type of pick-ups are too much of a factor but having a 3-band EQ or some sort of treble boost really helps to bring out percussive elements of the style. Finally, a good action helps too but that's more of a set-up factor than a build factor. Pity you're not in the UK, since as well as Status, Bernie Goodfellow makes great basses for this style too with a tone circuit that really fits the style.

[FunkyFresh]

Thanks for your input. He usually makes mostly Guitars. So I really think of going to a real bass luthier. I think you are right there... This is a more complex matter, than I thought . I would love to have a Goodfellow bass, maybe a Spitfire. But firstly I have to sell my Parker. Or ideally, trade for a Goodfellow/Status :-D. I really like what luthiers in the UK do today. Some amazing basses. The Status T-Bass for example could be exactly what I intend to have. Thanks for your input!!

[TheGreek]

Having owned Jaydee and Status basses I think the main attributes of these is their great balance, relatively low weight and the ease which they seem to play - "plays itself" is a common phrase when discussing either.

Light strings seem to be a requisite with most slappers - I find that 45s are too heavy, preferring a 30-35 D string ideally but will use a 40 at a push. Status sell 30-90 sets of strings so finding good strings is not an issue. Given the choice Soapbar pickups over J/P pups and slim neck profiles.

The active system of the moment seems to be John East/ACG, and well deserving too as my ACG Harlot is to die for. I've found the ACG asymmetric necks are possibly the easiest, most comfortable to play and Alan will build headless basses at very competitive prices.

Obviously the yardstick for most is a Status, with the Kingbass being very popular at the moment because it ticks all the right boxes, looks and plays great..most owners swear blind by these and you'll be hard pushed to find anybody prepared to part with one at a reasonable price. No such thing as a "good one" - they're all fantastic!!

I would amiss if I omitted Goodfellow basses as I also love my throughneck Rumour (preferred over a bolt on Spitfire) which has all the above requisites and the bonus that Bernie is a great player himself and provides great customer service to boot. He is not averse to workshop visits on Sunday with cups of Tea as standard.

Thinking about it...you're probably too spoilt for choice to make any hasty decisions...but you will have the fun of doing the research.

[FunkyFresh]

Thanks a lot Greek. Your post, exactly one I was looking for. I just saw some great looking basses at ACG. I really think about devoting myself to a luthier from the UK. Such great looking basses. I just have to do some research on their sound. I will just have a chat with one of them I guess about my wishes .