Boogie/ Disco Bass guitar?

Question

I"m in love with boogie and funky bass guitar lines, I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on which basses would get me closest to that sort of sound, besides using the slap technique. A fender Precision bass, or jazz possibly?

Answer 1

Both. It's how you play it that will help you get that sound. You can use a humbucker or two to get a nice fat thump and pluck sound. P has a fatter sound than a Jazz. I use a jazz and P combination bass and can pan back and forth or use a combination of the two. If you get a jazz you will have a smother liter sound. All the funk groups use every type of bass there is. Back in the 70's the jazz bass was more popular because it was more available. I would rather have a P than a jazz, but get a deluxe P&J together and that will solve all problemes.

Answer 2

The P-Bass is a great choice, but how about this: go with a Fender made P-Bass, but get crazy by purchasing a cheapie: Squier, MIM, something like that.

Then, throw in a super high-quality pickup, like an EMG active set or the like. Between what you wuold pay for a top-of-the-line P-Bass, and what you will be paying for a less expensive bass with nicer electronics, you'd pay about the same;

but you'll be able to contour the sound a lot more with your pick-up selection (if you don't want to slap).

That would be your best bet, I'd say; I think that active bass picku-up sound much 'brighter' and more defined than standard-issue single coils.....but you can't beat that Fender shape and neck profile.


My $.02

Answer 3

Use the Jazz, or a Music Man Stingray. Put on extra-heavy gauge strings, like a .130 for a low E, and a .45 for a G string. Downtune 1/2 a step, start slappin' and yer there!!!