Bass for recording - suggestions

[Mbroady]

For recording purposes I’m looking for a short scale bass - 30 inch.
Does not have to be fender, but prefer the fender precision-esq sound
Budget is Sub$500

What suggestions ya got for me

Chain is a Great River Pre into A Rosetta 200


MB

[agfsteve]

I used to have a Gretsch Electromatic G2202 (single pickup), and it was good. I recorded with it a few times, and it sounded fine, despite my amateur playing.

I bought it second hand from Guitar Center for under $200, and strung it with D'Addario XL Nylon Tapewounds.

I would still have it, but I sold all my gear when I moved across country.

[Monsum]

If you don't mind having a short scale acoustic bass there are a few options worth consideration.
Taylor GS Mini Bass costs over $500 but Guild makes a similar guitar - Jumbo Junior Bass ($499) and also Ibanez AVNB1E for the same price and a cheaper Ibanez PNB14E ($249).
All these guitars use the same strings originally designed for Taylor GS mini.

[paulp1960]

Ibanez Talman TMB30 is a good cheap 30 inch scale bass guitar.

It uses standard Fender sized pickups so is easy to upgrade if you feel the need.

Stay clear of acoustic bass guitars unless we are talking a full upright bass.

[FrankHudson]

I've not played the Talman model linked, but reviews sound good and the price is sure low enough. And if you like less common colors they got some choices.

I sometimes play a Squire Vintage Modfied Jaguar Short Scale bass, and am happy with it. It has the somewhat common P/J combination, with a P bass pickup and one Jazz bass style pickup. The J pickup alone is not all that useful, but you can mix it with the P bass model. Narrower "Jazz" style neck, but of course in the 30 inch (shorter) scale. Oddly, I fancy wider guitar necks, but for my hack bass playing the narrower neck works best for me. Tiny cosmetic plus, they come with a black headstock face, so if you get a black one it has a matching headstock, which I think looks cool.

In a recording context: beside helping guitarists not accustomed to the 34" scale, it balances pretty well when played sitting.

I read good things about the Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat bass, but I haven't played one. It's short scale. I play a standard scale scale Epiphone Jack Casaday hollow body bass that I absolutely love. Pickups are different in those two Epiphones, but the Rumblekat is under $500 new.

Interestingly, after using short-scale basses as a "gateway drug" I've started to play the standard 34" scale more often.

The sound of acoustic guitar and bass (including electric bass) is such a great combination!

[Bob Womack]

I like the Fender Standard Jazz Bass, even though it is more than your range by a little. The neck width is more narrow than the precision. I did a review of the Jazz, HERE. I've been working with this one at the studio for several years with excellent results. HERE they are at Sweetwater.



Bob

[muscmp]

easy, CL, ebay or reverb for used precision. yes, it is 34 but you'll get used to it.

play music!

[Yamaha Man]

I just received this Squire Affinity Precision today.....I too am used to the short scale, but am forcing myself to get used to the longer scale.....

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