my next step

[Kendo]

Hey,
ok I know this is going to be based on very personal tastes but I would like your opinions anyway as I am looking for inspiration.

I have a SGC NANYO SB320 Bass - I love it , its great.

I feel now that I want to upgrade to the next level.

so I looking for a new bass , perhaps a 5 stringer , someware between 500 GBP -1200 GBP new or old
that is noticeably better than my current bass.

I am looking to play eagles style music and jazz on the bass , but I dont want it limited to just one genre.

any ideas ?

thanks people
Kendo

[OutToPlayJazz]

Look at one of the Status S2's on the for sale forum. They'll do any style, great sounding, great to play & they always cut through the mix like a scythe. Oh, and they hold their value, too.

But I was bound to say that, wasn't I?

[Kendo]

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='648438' date='Nov 7 2009, 11:37 PM']Look at one of the Status S2's on the for sale forum. They'll do any style, great sounding, great to play & they always cut through the mix like a scythe. Oh, and they hold their value, too.

But I was bound to say that, wasn't I?[/quote]

I think you may be a fan..

BTW nice EUB
I have an aria sw04 and I luv it. I also love the fact that its easier to carry than my double bass and has a great tone too.

[Kendo]

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='648438' date='Nov 7 2009, 11:37 PM']Look at one of the Status S2's on the for sale forum. They'll do any style, great sounding, great to play & they always cut through the mix like a scythe. Oh, and they hold their value, too.

But I was bound to say that, wasn't I?[/quote]

hey,
are they all headless?
hpw does that compare to playing a standard bass?

[Musky]

Status did graphite necked headed basses like the Matrix and Energy as well. The Matrix is probably closest to the S2 but aren't that common.

Never had a headless bass myself but they're not supposed to any different to playing a headed one as far as technique is concerned.

Edit: Actually I was just thinking looks-wise with the Matrix, but the Energy had the soap bars so might be closer in tone?

Edited November 8, 2009 by Musky

[Kendo]

how about musicman - a stingray perhaps?
how would that compare?

[Mr. Foxen]

What's missing with what you have?

[Kendo]

[quote name='Mr. Foxen' post='648476' date='Nov 8 2009, 12:50 AM']What's missing with what you have?[/quote]

not sure there anything missing really!
I think I want a 5 string where mine is a 4 string - I think the extra C string can be usefull.
I'd also like to find something with a better tone (even though I like my currenty tone)
I know potentially I could replace the strings and get a better tone but " I just want more....."

cheers

[OutToPlayJazz]

Yes, there are still S2's made with heads as well. Most Status (I said most!) devotees prefer the headless basses on average. They balance perfectly and the playability is perfect.

[Kendo]

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='648482' date='Nov 8 2009, 12:59 AM']Yes, there are still S2's made with heads as well. Most Status (I said most!) devotees prefer the headless basses on average. They balance perfectly and the playability is perfect.[/quote]

Hi,
sorry dont understand, why is a headless better than a headed?

cheers

[molan]

A budget range of between £500 & £1,200 is pretty wide.

Towards the lower end you're in good quality Fender & beginning to hit Musicman territory but once you go over £1,000 in the used market then you can think about serious high end basses that would have been close to £2K new.

One relatively big decision that might help to kick off with is the core size & shape of bass. E.G. Would you prefer something smaller bodied like your SGC or a Fender 'clone' with a Jazz or a P shape?

There is an amazing range of quality J shaped basses around from people like Overwater & Sei & £1,200 would definitely get you a nice one of these (there's a really nice Sei on EBay sitting at £1,000 at the moment).

A lot will also depend on whether you're really after 'the one' bass to keep for a really long time or if you're prepared to try a few things and trade a lot. If you are going to swap things around then make sure you get something that's relatiely easy to re-sell if required. Simple answer to this is one of the nicer Fenders on the used market as these generally hold value well (although 5 string Fenders are a very mixed bunch).

It really is way tougher to make a definitive choice up over £1K because there are so many choices, passive v active, exotic woods v painted, 'organic' wood v glossed, classic style v modern etc. As ever the thing to do is to try as many as you can get your mitts on

Edited November 8, 2009 by molan

[chris_b]

The "next step" could include G&L, Musicman, Lakland, Tobias and various Fenders. In my opinion a 5 string bass would also be a very good move. Try as many as you can and buy a good second hand example.

[Hit&Run]

[quote name='Kendo' post='648480' date='Nov 8 2009, 12:55 AM']I think I want a 5 string where mine is a 4 string - I think the extra C string can be usefull.[/quote]
I think that most 5 string basses have the standard 4 strings (EADG) plus a LOW B string.
Some 5 string players use a HIGH C instead of a low B (keeping the standard EADG), but most 5 string basses you see will be of the low B variant.

IE Most 5 string basses will have the following strings, from fattest/lowest pitch to thinniest/highest pitch: B-E-A-D-G.
The 5 string setup you are talking about goes, from fattest/lowest pitch to thinniest/highest pitch: E-A-D-G-C.


H&R

[martthebass]

On the headed vs headless front.

Pro's: Balance is excellent, less likely to hit cymbols/mike stands/guitarists on stage, tuning is quicker and easier (and more stable?), string changes are much quicker

Cons: More hassle if you don't use double ball strings (?), that 80's look.

OTPJ's suggestion of an S2 as a great all rounder is on the money, but if you are looking more Eagles/Jazz then I wouldn't rule out a good Sandberg/Lakland (Skyline)/Fender Jazz bass, you'll get a used one at the bottom end of your budget and a new one at the top end.

Regarding Musicman - I love em, but I'd try before you buy, not everyone likes the sound of a single H Ray4 or Ray5.

[OutToPlayJazz]

[quote name='Kendo' post='648483' date='Nov 8 2009, 01:04 AM']Hi,
sorry dont understand, why is a headless better than a headed?

cheers[/quote]

*Smiles* I didn't say that the headless basses were better, just that most Status players prefer them. The only real plus point to the headless design is that the balance point is right at the end of the upper horn, but there's not much weight or balance difference between headed or headless, as the neck assembly is so light compared to wooden equivalents.

Is that any clearer?

Edited November 8, 2009 by OutToPlayJazz

[Kendo]

[quote name='molan' post='648751' date='Nov 8 2009, 01:35 PM']A budget range of between £500 & £1,200 is pretty wide.

Towards the lower end you're in good quality Fender & beginning to hit Musicman territory but once you go over £1,000 in the used market then you can think about serious high end basses that would have been close to £2K new.

One relatively big decision that might help to kick off with is the core size & shape of bass. E.G. Would you prefer something smaller bodied like your SGC or a Fender 'clone' with a Jazz or a P shape?

There is an amazing range of quality J shaped basses around from people like Overwater & Sei & £1,200 would definitely get you a nice one of these (there's a really nice Sei on EBay sitting at £1,000 at the moment).

A lot will also depend on whether you're really after 'the one' bass to keep for a really long time or if you're prepared to try a few things and trade a lot. If you are going to swap things around then make sure you get something that's relatiely easy to re-sell if required. Simple answer to this is one of the nicer Fenders on the used market as these generally hold value well (although 5 string Fenders are a very mixed bunch).

It really is way tougher to make a definitive choice up over £1K because there are so many choices, passive v active, exotic woods v painted, 'organic' wood v glossed, classic style v modern etc. As ever the thing to do is to try as many as you can get your mitts on [/quote]

Hi molan,
I must admit Ilike the sammler body size like the sgc and I definitly want to keep it for a while, assuming I like it.
I need to find a music shop with Lots of different basses in the UK

any goods shops that people can recommend?

thanks
Kendo

[Kendo]

[quote name='Hit&Run' post='648860' date='Nov 8 2009, 03:42 PM']I think that most 5 string basses have the standard 4 strings (EADG) plus a LOW B string.
Some 5 string players use a HIGH C instead of a low B (keeping the standard EADG), but most 5 string basses you see will be of the low B variant.

IE Most 5 string basses will have the following strings, from fattest/lowest pitch to thinniest/highest pitch: B-E-A-D-G.
The 5 string setup you are talking about goes, from fattest/lowest pitch to thinniest/highest pitch: E-A-D-G-C.


H&R[/quote]

Hey H&R,
your right I was talking about an upper c string on a 5 string.

I used to have a double bass that was a five string with a lower B and I kept retuning it down to an A , but that was for orchestral music.

have to think about which 5 string I would prefer......
hmmm
thanks!!!

Kendo

[Kendo]

[quote name='martthebass' post='648870' date='Nov 8 2009, 03:57 PM']On the headed vs headless front.

Pro's: Balance is excellent, less likely to hit cymbols/mike stands/guitarists on stage, tuning is quicker and easier (and more stable?), string changes are much quicker

Cons: More hassle if you don't use double ball strings (?), that 80's look.

OTPJ's suggestion of an S2 as a great all rounder is on the money, but if you are looking more Eagles/Jazz then I wouldn't rule out a good Sandberg/Lakland (Skyline)/Fender Jazz bass, you'll get a used one at the bottom end of your budget and a new one at the top end.

Regarding Musicman - I love em, but I'd try before you buy, not everyone likes the sound of a single H Ray4 or Ray5.[/quote]


sound advice , thank you
kendo

[Kendo]

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='648995' date='Nov 8 2009, 06:53 PM']*Smiles* I didn't say that the headless basses were better, just that most Status players prefer them. The only real plus point to the headless design is that the balance point is right at the end of the upper horn, but there's not much weight or balance difference between headed or headless, as the neck assembly is so light compared to wooden equivalents.

Is that any clearer? [/quote]

much clearer but I'm none the wiser over which one I would want !
I guess I will have to find a big shop and play withs lots of different types.....

[martthebass]

[quote name='Kendo' post='649089' date='Nov 8 2009, 08:20 PM']much clearer but I'm none the wiser over which one I would want !
I guess I will have to find a big shop and play withs lots of different types.....[/quote]

If it's any help K. When I was hunting for a Status I was dead against headless. Thought it would be fiddly, string type limiting etc. However I wanted a Streamline and these only come in headless. I've got to admit I'm a convert for the reasons I've given above. One thing I would advise tho, is if you manage to find one to try out, play it standing with a strap and give it at least 30 minutes. Why? - well it took me that amount of time to get used to the lack of head - it's weird how the headless throws your positioning off initially.

[Kendo]

[quote name='martthebass' post='649120' date='Nov 8 2009, 08:50 PM']If it's any help K. When I was hunting for a Status I was dead against headless. Thought it would be fiddly, string type limiting etc. However I wanted a Streamline and these only come in headless. I've got to admit I'm a convert for the reasons I've given above. One thing I would advise tho, is if you manage to find one to try out, play it standing with a strap and give it at least 30 minutes. Why? - well it took me that amount of time to get used to the lack of head - it's weird how the headless throws your positioning off initially.[/quote]

I can really believe that it must seem very strange and where do you put the tuner!

how is your streamline - they look pretty!

[AM1]

[quote name='Kendo' post='648437' date='Nov 7 2009, 11:33 PM']Hey,
ok I know this is going to be based on very personal tastes but I would like your opinions anyway as I am looking for inspiration.

I have a SGC NANYO SB320 Bass - I love it , its great.

I feel now that I want to upgrade to the next level.

so I looking for a new bass , perhaps a 5 stringer , someware between 500 GBP -1200 GBP new or old
that is noticeably better than my current bass.

I am looking to play eagles style music and jazz on the bass , but I dont want it limited to just one genre.

any ideas ?

thanks people
Kendo[/quote]

Warwick Rockbass 5 stringer. An amazing versatile and under-rated bass. I haven't tried much Eagles stuff with it, just One of these nights and a few others from that era but this bass sounds great live and recorded and it's way cheaper than your budget plus the neck is really sweet.

Tip - try to find a Korean one.

[Kendo]

[quote name='AM1' post='649324' date='Nov 9 2009, 01:07 AM']Warwick Rockbass 5 stringer. An amazing versatile and under-rated bass. I haven't tried much Eagles stuff with it, just One of these nights and a few others from that era but this bass sounds great live and recorded and it's way cheaper than your budget plus the neck is really sweet.

Tip - try to find a Korean one.[/quote]

hi am1
there quite hard to get hold of arent they. Have you tried the vampyre 5 string?
how does that compare?

cheers

[martthebass]

[quote name='Kendo' post='649205' date='Nov 8 2009, 10:08 PM']I can really believe that it must seem very strange and where do you put the tuner!

how is your streamline - they look pretty![/quote]

To be honest once new strings are bedded in it doesn't need tuning so fortunately I haven't had to worry about where to put the tuner

The Streamline....well how can I put it? If I could only own one bass it would be this one. The looks are an acquired taste tho, I like it but opinions differ.

[Kendo]

[quote name='martthebass' post='649625' date='Nov 9 2009, 12:48 PM']To be honest once new strings are bedded in it doesn't need tuning so fortunately I haven't had to worry about where to put the tuner

The Streamline....well how can I put it? If I could only own one bass it would be this one. The looks are an acquired taste tho, I like it but opinions differ.[/quote]

wow permenantly tuned instrument - I'd buy that
it does look pretty.
did you get it direct from the humber or from a shop?