Looking for sugestions on a backup bass

[Dennis Michaels]

That is always a rough call. I just take my Smith and strap it to my back. Sometimes I pray nothing happens to it. But I have yet to find a less than miserable backup. Would love to find a beaten but sound Smith but goodluck with that right?

[Bill Doss]

Thanks a bunch guys.

I have tried several diferent brands but nothing comes even close. I tried the Ibanez Prestige SR. A good playing bass, but the string spacing (as stated above) was too narrow. The BTB might be worth a try.

I tried a Carvin Icon , It played very well and seemed well made - but sounded DULL - no life...nothing!

I most recently tried out a Lakland 55-01 and was very impresed - but it had nothing in common with a Smith, the 35 scale hurts my hands, and it had that (hard to explain) Korean made sound to it.

So, I am waiting to see what pops up!

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Bill Doss

Thanks a bunch guys.

I have tried several diferent brands but nothing comes even close. I tried the Ibanez Prestige SR. A good playing bass, but the string spacing (as stated above) was too narrow. The BTB might be worth a try.

I tried a Carvin Icon , It played very well and seemed well made - but sounded DULL - no life...nothing!

I most recently tried out a Lakland 55-01 and was very impresed - but it had nothing in common with a Smith, the 35 scale hurts my hands, and it had that (hard to explain) Korean made sound to it.

So, I am waiting to see what pops up!

Bill, also, while I have not played a KSD-5, I have heard they play well and sound good. You might want to consider that model as well. You can probably pick one up on eBay for around $500 and a new one for not much more.

Keep in mind that set-up on any bass is everything! Bad strings and a bad set-up can make any bass sound and feel bad.

[Christopher Rhodes]

If you can use a 4 string bass - I highly recommend the Fender Geddy Lee Jazz model. The maple neck is so comfortable - very thin - with good action. The pickups are 62 reissue.

I know that this bass plays great sounds wonderful - and it is a passive bass - but do not let that deter you - it is a steal. Besides you can always make it active with one of those pop-in active preamps on the market - aka J-Retro, Audere.

This model new sells for about $800 - used between $500 and $650. Be careful - the tone is catching.

[Bill Doss]

Originally Posted by Christopher Rhodes

If you can use a 4 string bass - I highly recommend the Fender Geddy Lee Jazz model. The maple neck is so comfortable - very thin - with good action. The pickups are 62 reissue.

I know that this bass plays great sounds wonderful - and it is a passive bass - but do not let that deter you - it is a steal. Besides you can always make it active with one of those pop-in active preamps on the market - aka J-Retro, Audere.

This model new sells for about $800 - used between $500 and $650. Be careful - the tone is catching.

You are right, the Geddy lee is one of the best J basses out there. I had one with an Audere Preamp and it was great. My problem comes in switching basses and adjusting to the scale, spacing , and radius. Some people have no problem doing this, to me it is a pain.

Thanks for the input.

[Bob Faulkner]

Originally Posted by Bill Doss

My problem comes in switching basses and adjusting to the scale, spacing , and radius. Some people have no problem doing this, to me it is a pain.

I can sympathize. I regularly practice on a 5 string 35" scale unlined fretless beater bass and when I switch to my 4 string lined fretless Smith I can feel the change in scale. I much prefer the 34" scale. Once all my debts are paid off a Smith 5 fretless is in the cards..

It takes me about 2 minutes to adjust from 35" to 34" and be comfortable, and it takes about 5-10 to go back to 35"..

[Bill Doss]

Originally Posted by Bob Faulkner

I can sympathize. I regularly practice on a 5 string 35" scale unlined fretless beater bass and when I switch to my 4 string lined fretless Smith I can feel the change in scale. I much prefer the 34" scale. Once all my debts are paid off a Smith 5 fretless is in the cards..

It takes me about 2 minutes to adjust from 35" to 34" and be comfortable, and it takes about 5-10 to go back to 35"..

Some people have no problem transfering. My wrists and thumbs begin to ache if I play a 35 for too long.

Ohh well. I might have to get a new Smith and use my current one as a back up .