Ray
I've been looking at getting a bass guitar. I like Yamaha and saw that RBX374 being advertised at what looks like a pretty good price to me. Now today I went into another music store and saw a RBX 170 - much cheaper but such a grand sort of cherry natural finish. I get pretty sold on finishes btw. Now the 170 has single coils and the 374 has humbuckers. On guitar I like HB's. Nothing against single coils but anyway, prefer HB's. So, what would the differences be on a bass guitar with single coils to HB's? Is it feasible to get the bass with the finish I like and replace the pickups? Any other models/brands you think I should be looking at? What is a good starter amp (loud)?
Cheers
AlanRatcliffe
Single-coils are by far and away the most popular choice for bass because they are more articulate. Nothing wrong with humbuckers though (I have humbuckers in my bass). Fatter sound, higher output.
There's more than that to the difference between the two though - the wood quality is very different, the 374 has a swept back headstock, while the 170 is a flat and uses a bar to keep the strings down (which I hate).
Both models seem to come in a metallic red, but not transparent red (if that's what you meant).
Matt-White
Ray, if you've made up your mind to get a Yamaha, try to go for the 374 - its a much better product. (If I remember correctly, the 374 also has active pickups.) The RBX range is great, however - I recently decided to get my first bass and investigated them as well. You can hardly go wrong with any Yamaha product...
However, dont disregard other brands, like the Cort range or the Vintage series (more expensive and more, well, vintagey. But they really impressed me.)
If you are looking at more modern basses, which the RBXs are, also have a peek at the Ibanez range - proven bang for the buck. The GSR series is more attuned to beginners who are interested in hard rock/metal.
I like the more classy SR series and settled for a SR300. It is highly playable with a neck the width and thickness of my Strat (good for a guitarist attempting bass), light, really good looking (mine has a flamed maple top), is finished well and has active single coil pickups with a lot of punch. I couldn't believe the sound I got for the price!
Of course, there is always the more traditional Squier range - but IMO the abovementioned basses give you better value for money.
Ray
Thanks Matt. Yip, it is between the 374 and an Ibanez of sorts. SR300 looks like a plan. I'll scout around and maybe can get a good price over the Christmas time. As I have mentioned earlier, I think that these are value more than to be had with other manaufacturers - my opinion anyway. Cheers - Ray
Renesongs
Something I have been wondering about for a long time... The Fender Jazz Bass has 2 sets of pickups both with 8 pole pieces each, Are these pickups "single coil" or hum-bucking ?
AlanRatcliffe
Renesongs wrote:
Something I have been wondering about for a long time... The Fender Jazz Bass has 2 sets of pickups both with 8 pole pieces each, Are these pickups "single coil" or hum-bucking ?
Modern sets often have a RWRP neck pickup to cancel hum when both are on but the pickups themselves are
usually single-coils. A very few sets (some of the DiMarzios) are split single-coils, with the two halves RWRP, and so actually humbucking.
Ray
If I could get a MIM Precision Bass for R9K would I be getting a good buy? It is black but can live with that.
Ray
Also, it has 4 control knobs which seems a bit strange, or no?
aubs1
Hey Ray, is it this one? Why do the knobs look "a bit strange?".........
I have no idea what they retail at in SA, phone TOMS or MusicConnection and get a price, then decide.
Ray
No not that one. On Fender site there is one listed under American Deluxe (Montego Black). I'm buggerred if I can work out how to plak a pic here. But this is definitely made in Mexico - the one I am eyeing ie. It's got like 4 big silver knobs along the bottom scoop of the pickguard.
AlanRatcliffe
The Deluxe is a different animal from a normal P-Bass. Double the number of pickups and an active tone circuit.
Ray
Exactly the one that Alan got except for the pickup at the bridge which is smaller. I think what I am talking about is the the one under the normal Deluxe range on Fender site. R9K a good buy for one of these new? See, I dont even play bass. I was looking at spending about half of this on one but if the savings are worht it then I'll get it. As I said it is made in Mexico but that dont mean spit to me apart from the price.
Ray
Another thing I need from you okes is maybe some suggestions for an amplifier for it as well please.
aubs1
Sorry........error....
Ray
Should I go and buy it Aubs?
AlanRatcliffe
They are good basses. More flexible than a standard P-Bass. If you can afford it, Why not? I would however take a look at a few others in your price range and see if anything speaks to you.
Bass amps I'm less sure about - the Ashdowns seem very good for the money, as do some of the Laneys - but I'm no expert there. I like the old Ampegs.
aubs1
I would. But then I like guitars that not only sound good, they have to look good too!!! ?
But like Alan says, and I agree, with that sort of a budget, I would take a look at what else is available, and then make a final decision. Remember, you're gonna live with it.
Good luck Ray.
mattayou
What wouldn't you buy that had the "Fender", "PRS" or "Ibanez" logo engraved in the headstock Aubs? ?
aubs1
MusicMadness wrote:
What wouldn't you buy that had the "Fender", "PRS" or "Ibanez" logo engraved in the headstock Aubs? ?
LOL.........you missed out "Gibson" .....(you're forgiven")......hahahaha!
