What exactly determines the variety in pick-ups. I don't really understand what the action is, either. I'm looking to buy a new bass and I keep hearing all this stuff about the "action" and "EMG pickups with a 2-band active EQ circuit!" But I have NO FREAKING CLUE WHAT THAT MEANS!!! I know what a humbucker does, and I'm DEAD SET on getting a bass with them. (My bass now doesn't have them and everytime I set it down with the amp on I gradually get that damned HUM that I can't stand!)I want a bass that has NO buzz (when the string hits the frets), and can play a range of music (Alternative, rock, metal...but I want to be able to have a SHARP sound if I want it). I want to be able to tune my bass down and STILL not have any buzz. I want to barely have to touch the string to make a sound, but I don't want a lot of unwanted sound being picked up if I'm not muting the string. So. I'm currently looking at a Dean, Schecter, two Epiphones (EBO-3 and Firebird), and a Fender (aerodyne). I can't spend much more than 500-600 dollars.Any suggestions? And an explenation on the pick-ups and action questions would be appreciated too. Thanks!
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For Guitarists and Bassists
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Basically, if you're just starting off buying a bass then I wouldn't worry about customizing your pickups. I'd actually recommend perhaps a yamaha rbx series, I'd probably not get an Epiphone, deans are actually very nice. The fenders can be good, make sure to check where its made (mexico vs. us vs. japan) . I don't understand what you mean by "what exactly determines the variety in pick-ups". The difference between standard pickups and custom (i.e EMG's) are the quality of the copper coils, and wiring. Different pickups will allow for different tones, to an extent. If your price range is 500-600$ you might want to just chill with standard pickups for a bit, especially given that EMG's can run you $250. (You could always put them in later)In regards to your dislike of fret buzz, there are a large number of reasons for this. Most guitars experience it at some time (it's generally not a big deal). A few ways to deal with it are actually humbuckers; since the two coils of a humbucker are of reversed polarity and reverse-wound and connected in series, noise and interference is significantly reduced (less 'buzz' when amped); a higher action (strings higher; less vibration with the frets); truss rod adjustment or perhaps a warped neck. Ideally you should have your guitar/bass set up every 3 months by a professional (I'd often do it myself, but it's rather time consuming). If you are getting a buzz when amped, and you've checked out the aforementioned problems, you could have a shoddy wire connected to your pick-up. Also easily fixed, and usually taken care of at the shop. Depending on your guitar, it can be easy to adjust your action by yourself, but liek I said, best to get it set up professionally every once in a while. Hope that came out making sense, haven't really thought much of guitars in a while, but used to be work at the local shop here and be in a few bands.Edit: Ah! When setting the bass down, usually (especially when playing shows) you turn the volume on your bass all the way down, and then you can just turn it back up when you pick it up. Prevents the humming, which is natural.
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I wasn't very specific.I meant I don't like the string sapping the first fret when I pluck it...but I fixed that.And I still don't know what the 'action' is??
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The "action" refers to how easy the guitar is to play. Generally, as I've heard the term used, a guitar in which the strings are close to the frets and which requires less pressure on the string to get a clear note would be said to have good action. I think this is generally more of an issue with acoustic guitars which often require a little more pressure on the strings.
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Don't know much about basses, but I have a Schecter semi-hollowbody guitar, and it's bloody awesome. Not exactly a Gibson, but for half the price, I'm not complaining.But, just based on what I know about the brands you've mentioned from guitars i've played, i'd either go for the Schecter or the Fender. Deans are crap, and Epiphones are mediocre... a Fender or Schecter'll probably cost a hundred or two more than an Epiphone, but i think it's worth it. You might also want to check out some Ibanezes, they're usually not bad for the money.Of course, the best thing to do is go into a guitar shop and play with them all.