Help me Basschat people, you're my only hope...

[Evil Undead]

Star Wars references out of the way...

I've found that I hardly play bass any more, and wondered why, so I picked up my only bass, plugged in, and found the reason straight away. It sounds like crap.

I only kept this one as it was the only one comfortable to play with my hand/wrist issues, but I find myself really missing the tone of my active Warwick Corvette shorty, which sounded incredible but caused me wrist pain and was too heavy.

So I think I want to get a new bass. I've noticed that the Warwick shorties are a lot cheaper than they used to be which got me tempted, but then remembered why I sold it so I think I'd be silly to go there again.

I'm considering ordering an SWB-1 - anyone with hand issues got experience of those?

I know that replacing the pickups in my current bass is an option but there's also issues with overtones and deadness on the E string as well.

I've used different amps and just don't like the sound of this bass with any of them

Words of wisdom needed, oh wise basschatters!

[dannybuoy]

What is your current bass? Overtones and deadness on the E could be fixed by a new set of strings, especially if the existing one doesn’t have enough break angle over the nut and bridge, or if a slight twist was introduced along its length when tightening up.

Edited October 7, 2017 by dannybuoy

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1507403461' post='3385304']
What is your current bass? Overtones and deadness on the E could be fixed by a new set of strings, especially if the existing one doesn’t have enough break angle over the nut and bridge, or if a slight twist was introduced along its length when tightening up.
[/quote]

It's a Squier SS jag with a new neck (made by a great luthier), gotoh bridge, dimarzio pickups. I've changed strings, tried different numbers of windings on the tuner to change break angle, checked for twists, adjusted pickup heights, etc. No difference

[stingrayPete1977]

Get to a decent shop and try everything especially stuff you think might be unsuitable, something might just jump out at you.

[dannybuoy]

If you like the PJ sound and are dead set on short scales, try out one of the newish Fender Mustang PJs!

I tried one of those Jags in a shop and was very impressed with it for the price. But if you can’t get it to sound good acoustically for whatever reason, I wouldn’t bother trying to upgrade the pickups.

[Al Krow]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1507403342' post='3385301']
I find myself really missing the tone of my active Warwick Corvette shorty, which sounded incredible but caused me wrist pain and was too heavy.
[/quote]

I've got a Warwick Corvette $$, too, and love the Warwick growl, so I guess I maybe know a little of what you're after. If you want something light, has probably one of the easiest to play necks of [i]any[/i] bass (which should hopefully deal with your wrist pain) and has its own, but IMHO comparably good, low end aggressive tone then I can't recommend enough that you check out an Ibanez SR Premium with its big single Nordstrand PUPs. Of the bass gear I've bought this year, this is probably the single thing that brings the biggest smile to my face and has rapidly become my "go to" bass. Not sure where you're based, but if you're passing through London, pop into Wunjos near Tottenham Court Rd and speak to Tom, who manages the place, if he's in. They have a particular focus on both Warwicks and Ibby's and will look after you.

Edited October 7, 2017 by Al Krow

[Dan Dare]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1507404668' post='3385321']
Get to a decent shop and try everything especially stuff you think might be unsuitable, something might just jump out at you.
[/quote]

+1. As usual, Pete is right. You simply must try before buying. Ignore reviews, etc, etc and go to a well stocked shop (not the local music shop that has a few odds and ends on the shelves, but a proper bass specialist), find what YOU like and buy it. If you're anywhere near the midlands, Bass Direct is the obvious choice. I've bought several things from them and have always been able to compare meaningfully because their stock is so extensive. I bought my current bass head (I won't say what, because I don't want to influence you with my choice) after comparing it with virtually all the alternatives. I'm in London, so it's a bit of a trek, but I've found it worth it because I don't get fed up and sell what I've bought on within a few months. Whatever you do, don't buy mail order and sight unseen. It's a sure-fire recipe for disappointment.

[Cato]

Perhaps you're looking at the wrong end of the chain?

It might be worth trying out a few amps/cabs/combos with your current bass if you can, maybe you can find a sound you like more.

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='Cato' timestamp='1507412905' post='3385375']
Perhaps you're looking at the wrong end of the chain?

It might be worth trying out a few amps/cabs/combos with your current bass if you can, maybe you can find a sound you like more.
[/quote]

I've tried several different ones and didn't like the sound of the bass through any of them

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='Dan Dare' timestamp='1507411219' post='3385364']


+1. As usual, Pete is right. You simply must try before buying. Ignore reviews, etc, etc and go to a well stocked shop (not the local music shop that has a few odds and ends on the shelves, but a proper bass specialist), find what YOU like and buy it. If you're anywhere near the midlands, Bass Direct is the obvious choice. I've bought several things from them and have always been able to compare meaningfully because their stock is so extensive. I bought my current bass head (I won't say what, because I don't want to influence you with my choice) after comparing it with virtually all the alternatives. I'm in London, so it's a bit of a trek, but I've found it worth it because I don't get fed up and sell what I've bought on within a few months. Whatever you do, don't buy mail order and sight unseen. It's a sure-fire recipe for disappointment.
[/quote]

I totally get what you're saying, but I'm a short scale only player, and I don't think there is much choice in modern sounding shorties, let alone ones I can try in a shop

[bazzbass]

if a shorty causes you wrist pain and is too heavy, your only option seems to be shorter and lighter which means a U Bass.

[dannybuoy]

Ibanez TMB30 (30") or GSRM20B (28.6")?

Definitely worth a trip to Bass Direct as suggested, they have the Chowny in stock as well as a bunch of Maruszczyks that you won't find anywhere else.

http://bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Short_Scale_Bass_Guitars.html

Edited October 8, 2017 by dannybuoy

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1507430990' post='3385421']
if a shorty causes you wrist pain and is too heavy, your only option seems to be shorter and lighter which means a U Bass.
[/quote]

That particular one was too heavy and gave me wrist pain. My current bass isn't/doesn't

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1507439102' post='3385425']
Ibanez TMB30 (30") or GSRM20B (28.6")?

Definitely worth a trip to Bass Direct as suggested, they have the Chowny in stock as well as a bunch of Maruszczyks that you won't find anywhere else.

http://bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Short_Scale_Bass_Guitars.html
[/quote]

I think I might go have a look. I can't afford a Maruszczyk so won't play any while I'm there haha, I wouldn't want to fall for one!

[bazzbass]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1507445305' post='3385433']
That particular one was too heavy and gave me wrist pain. My current bass isn't/doesn't
[/quote]

soz, I re-read that bit again.

[Bolo]

A good luthier shouldn't let you struggle with a neck that doesn't work properly though?

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1507447778' post='3385443']
A good luthier shouldn't let you struggle with a neck that doesn't work properly though?
[/quote]

I'm confused - who said my current neck doesn't work properly?

[stingrayPete1977]

What about ordering some from Thomann and sending back the ones you don't like?

[Bolo]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1507454790' post='3385472']


I'm confused - who said my current neck doesn't work properly?
[/quote]
You said in your OP "there's also issues with overtones and deadness on the E string"

So the neck could be warped, poorly attached to the body, tuner in a wrong place, headstock mass may need adjusting, fretwork needs seeing to, or any other adjustment.
Why? Because you ruled out strings and setup thereof and amps etc.
Why the new neck anyway? I'm just curious where the dead E is coming from.

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='Bolo' timestamp='1507455538' post='3385479']

You said in your OP "there's also issues with overtones and deadness on the E string"

So the neck could be warped, poorly attached to the body, tuner in a wrong place, headstock mass may need adjusting, fretwork needs seeing to, or any other adjustment.
Why? Because you ruled out strings and setup thereof and amps etc.
Why the new neck anyway? I'm just curious where the dead E is coming from.
[/quote]

Ah ok I got you, thanks for clarifying.

I got a new neck made because the original squier one wasn't very stable, but the old one also had issues with deadness and overtones on the E strings. It drives me nuts haha.

This one is perfectly stable, no twists, new brass nut, etc. I don't know what's going on

[Evil Undead]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1507454899' post='3385474']
What about ordering some from Thomann and sending back the ones you don't like?
[/quote]

Interesting idea. Would they def take the ones back that I didn't wanna keep?

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='Evil Undead' timestamp='1507456680' post='3385496']


Interesting idea. Would they def take the ones back that I didn't wanna keep?
[/quote]

Yep, distance selling laws.

[dannybuoy]

Never returned a bass to them, only pedals... But returns are free and no questions asked, even to Germany.

[paul_5]

Sorry to hear this Evil Undead. I remember your post when you first got that bass; you were so happy to have found a solution to your problem. Hope you get sorted again.

[Dad3353]

Can a bass be 'made' into a short-scale by keeping a capo at the second fret..? This would open up considerably the options of acquisition, surely..? Worth trying out..?