LeftyBassist.com

I've recently started a band and until this point all we've been doing is a little songwriting/recording. All of the bass parts of the songs are just pitched down processed guitar for now until I find a good bass. Our band will consist of a bassist (me), drums, and synths.

I am searching for a bass anywhere between 0 and 700 USD. I am looking for a bass which I can get the high mid/treble-ey tones (Mark Hoppus) which punk rock specifically is known for. I need one that basically gives some actual thumping bass, but fills the mid range and some high end as well. Basically, the tone I want is one that fills in the void between low, low bass and the high freq synths.

I am LEFT HANDED, so my options are very limited.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Is the Hofner Icon good for this if I put roundwounds and play with a pick?

I also see the Schecter Stilettos but they are a little high for me.

The Mark Hoppus Signature would be perfect for me (and I would pay that much since it is) if it was left-handed, but unfortunately it's not.


I'd really like the best bass I can get for the money -- not just some crappy bass that is...er...crap.
Something that is great for recording but most importantly gigging.

I appreciate your opinion.

Thanks!

i am not familiar with Hoppus' music (don't shoot me!). But I'll venture to guess that his amp contributes a lot to his live sound. You should allocate some of the budget $$$ towards an amp, unless perhaps you can run your bass thru the P.A. and get near the sound you want?

The sound basically has some mids and highs in it... fills the void between really high stuff and drums. Even sounds like a guitar (distorted-ey sound) in songs without guitars, only bass.

i think maybe your after that punk type sound you should get a P bass
probably the most versatile for recording, if you are only looking to buying one type of bass.

I'd say PBass. If its any help, his Fender signature bass has a Seymour Duncan quarter pounder PBass pickup with just a volume and no tone control. I don't know what amps he uses for sure, but I think Ampeg SVT. Play with a pick. Boom.

The only problem is: where am I going to find a lefty P bass?

P bass all the way. Can go as raw and gritty as you want with the prerequisite thump.

eBay. Any online retailer. Any Fender dealer. Not hard, seriously. We just don't have the luxury of always being able to play before we buy because we are lefties.

You can also check the schecter PBass copy (model T or Diamond P) that would do the trick. It's around $700 for a new one and you can order it from Adirondack guitar for example. There a few peeps on the forum who owns those. Definitely a PBass type of bass is what you need. Keep in mind as it is for any electric bass or guitar, the quality of the amp is critical to get a good sound

Here's the scoop from his Wikipedia page:

For live sound, Hoppus plugs his basses into three Ampeg SVT Classic bass heads running into two Ampeg 8x10 SVT bass cabs. Prior to the use of the all-tube SVT Classic heads, Hoppus used two Ampeg SVT-4 Pro heads which only feature a tube preamp.

Matt's on the money again... BOOM indeed!!

If you're going to be in an ironic punk band:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Daisy-Rock-Left ... 5aea9b5fb4



pete

I think a pink bass would be cool in some situations, but that is really pink... and glittery.

lol

Ha - I was just kidding, but not on this - this is what you want:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lefty-Peavey-Fo ... 43b8d3415e

I just bought one with a maple neck and love it.

pete

Gotta love the leather f-hole on that Foundation.......

Hells yes! It adds character...


pete