Good bass for multiple styles?

[theroan]

Warwicks are nice, but they always seem to lack sustain. In addition, they are the best at sounding like Warwicks and nothing else. If he wants a more modern sound, the Ibanez prestige basses are awesome. Neckthrough, bartolini pickups and some of the most comfortable and playable basses out there. Don't let the metal endorsers sway you, they are great instruments.

That said, I've been playing for almost 14 years and I've had Warwicks and Spectors, Ibanez all with actives. I now have a 4 string Fender Jazz and 4 string Precision both with maple boards for extra cut and I've discovered thay they are standards for a reason. None of the fancy basses I've had could match the rich slap and finger tone that a Jazz has. A precision is a great rock bass, and lends itself to playing with a pick, but not as versatile as a jazz.

35' scales are huge for most players and I'm a big guy.

A MIA Fender Jazz is my vote for sure. I'd say start with a 4 string. I thought for a long time that I HAD to have 5 string, after 5 good years of playing 5's, the B rarely got used.

Sting ray's are nice too, but if you A/B one with a passive Jazz, you'll see that the Jazz comes out on top.

[Tanqueray]

Originally Posted by theroan

That said, I've been playing for almost 14 years and I've had Warwicks and Spectors, Ibanez all with actives. I now have a 4 string Fender Jazz and 4 string Precision both with maple boards for extra cut and I've discovered thay they are standards for a reason. None of the fancy basses I've had could match the rich slap and finger tone that a Jazz has. A precision is a great rock bass, and lends itself to playing with a pick, but not as versatile as a jazz.

Sting ray's are nice too, but if you A/B one with a passive Jazz, you'll see that the Jazz comes out on top.

I feel the same as theroan. I have had Music Man's, Warwick, Steinberger, Kubicki, and others. Now I am using a P Bass, Std Jazz 5, Fretless PJ because they work the best. All of the others are packed up in their cases or sold.

[Bevo]

You guys have some great points, lots of good advice here.
If you don't need that B then no sense in that 35, have been seeing lots of people go back to 4's.

Two guitars is another great option and I would second that, have one as a classic P or J. The other one should be different maybe active just so you cover more basses...joke get it!

[theroan]

I agree. I got my P and J for $1500 ish. Then your son would really be set.