Ideal bass for blues fusion?

[lownote]

For blues = P bass is my understanding. But if the idea is to do a bit more diddly diddly up the dusty end than is usual in blues, quick shake of jazz, plus maybe a dollop of funk, even (no, how awful) a hint of slap once in a long while, have you been down this road and come up with solid suggestions? P bass, J bass, 4, 5, 6 string, soapbar, splits or j bass pick ups?

Before anyone rightly says 'whatever, any bass will do, just play the b***** thing', I agree. But if the bass rack is almost empty and the wallet open, which way?

[NoirBass]

I'm sure I won't be the only one to say Yamaha BB bass. Best P/J in available. Perfect for your needs.

[Telebass]

Another vote for BBs

[No lust in Jazz]

Your Indonesian Squier VM P5 will do it all.

[Telebass]

Also true.

[Lw.]

I see you've already got a Precision so you'd may as well get a Jazz if you're intent on spending the money though the P will do the job well enough.

[lownote]

[quote name='No lust in Jazz' timestamp='1490693173' post='3267049']
Your Indonesian Squier VM P5 will do it all.
[/quote]
You mean the one I just had to sell because herself invoked the one in one out or no supper rule

[crompers]

Cigar Box guitar. Leo hadn't even invented the Bass when Robert Johnson was gigging juke joints

[ead]

Both J and P style basses work well in our blues/classic rock thing. We do play a bit soul and funk too.

[chris_b]

Any bass is good for Blues. . . even Blues Fusion.

There's not a lot in Blues genres so it's what you make of it that counts. You can be Willie Dixon or Roscoe Beck, it's all in your groove and style.

Edit for clarification

Edited March 28, 2017 by chris_b

[chris_b]

You don't want us to say "any bass", but that's the answer,

What basses do you have in the almost empty rack?

Mmm, that will do nicely.

[FinnDave]

I play blues, with a funky, psychedelic twist...and have used Jazz basses, Precision basses, and currently an Epiphone Jack Casady bass, all of them have sound good and fit in OK. I am not required to play any slap, though. Probably a good thing as I wouldn't have a clue!

Another band I play with is mainly jazzy blues, and any of the above basses work well in that context as well.

[RhysP]

A Precision should be fine. Maybe use roundwounds instead of flats (if you don't already).

[drTStingray]

This genre often has quite prominent bass so Stingray or Stingray 5 is ideal. Many people use active basses for this type of thing - in my opinion you need something with an authoratitive sound. Warwick/Wal would be another choice.

Edited March 28, 2017 by drTStingray

[No. 8 Wire]

[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1490722663' post='3267413']
This genre often has quite prominent bass so Stingray or Stingray 5 is ideal. Many people use active basses for this type of thing - in my opinion you need something with an authoratitive sound. Warwick/Wal would be another choice.
[/quote]

Just about to chime in and say a Stingray. An actual single pickup MM Stingray though, not a copy or a P bass with an extra pickup (in the wrong place).

Plus the OP has been through every other type of bass so it's probably time!

[lownote]

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1490723321' post='3267424']
Just about to chime in and say a Stingray. An actual single pickup MM Stingray though, not a copy or a P bass with an extra pickup (in the wrong place).

Plus the OP has been through every other type of bass so it's probably time!
[/quote]
You know me too well glasshopper

[lownote]

Digesting all the above opinions it would seem actually a Sire would probably be perfect. Only Thomann took mine back because I was not worthy.

Gonna try D'Addario NYXL strings on my Sqier P, it's cheaper.

Edited March 28, 2017 by lownote12

[ead]

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1490724700' post='3267443']
Digesting all the above opinions it would seem actually a Sire would probably be perfect. Only Thomann took mine back because I was not worthy.

Gonna try D'Addario NYXL strings on my Sqier P, it's cheaper.
[/quote]

I tried the NYXLs and ended up back with the EXL balanced tension sets that I have used for quite a while now, probably since they were introduced. Couldn't put my finger on exactly why but the NYXLs just didn't do it for me.

[TrevorR]

I wondered about a G&L L2000 or a Lakland Skyline 44-01 for what's been described. Was impressed with the Lakland I tried on Friday. Still hate that Bridge, though...

[Tubster]

G&L sb2 or L-2000

[Grahambythesea]

If it's blues and you want an alternative to a precision it has to be a semi ala Gibson EB2/ Epiphone Rivioli. That's what many of the British blues bands of the sixties used, think Animals, Yardbirds etc. If you don't like short scale and I don't, Warwick do a good one the Star bass (which I think is 32ins scale) Ibanez used to a long scale semi (although I think they have now dropped it for a short) Dean make one currently finished in Yellow cab style complete with checker side and I got a long scale from BaCH which does the job well.

[FinnDave]

I use an Epiphone Jack Casady in a blues rock band, it's a semi-acoustic and 34" scale.

[Sibob]

Precision

Simple, great in a mix, has a distinctive slap tone, and if you're not convinced it can 'do fusion' or 'diddly diddly' stuff, just check out Michael League
But as you quite rightly suggest, pretty much any bass will do, it's what is comfortable and sound good in your hands that matters.

Si

[Grahambythesea]

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1490797911' post='3268124']
I use an Epiphone Jack Casady in a blues rock band, it's a semi-acoustic and 34" scale.
[/quote]Good choice, sorry I forgot to mention them!

[FinnDave]

[quote name='Grahambythesea' timestamp='1490798595' post='3268136']
Good choice, sorry I forgot to mention them!
[/quote]

Mine is less than two feet from me as I type, so I felt honour bound to mention it!