Hello, I'm wondering wether I should buy a real bass guitar for my recordings or keep on using plugins such as EZbass. I'm very impressed by EZbass . When I program my midi carefully I get very realistic basslines.
Do you think recording the real instrument is still worth the hassle ?

 

EZBass is a wonderful program that I proudly own and use, but there are times when a "real" bass comes in handy. I have an old Fender hanging on the wall . . . waiting to be played.

 

Last edited: Feb 6, 2021

You mean, you can play bass but you don't own one?

If you're good at it there're still some things no plugin can do.

 

Yes, I don't own a bass for the moment. As a guitar player I am a very average/mediocre bass player. I'm considering buying one or saving money ...

 

Last edited: Feb 5, 2021

is EZ bass better then modo?

 

There are less possibilities with ezbass but the sound quality is better

 

Comparing a sampled bass to a modelled bass there.
Just saying.
They are different. Neither "better" imo.
Do you only use one brush when painting?

 

Buying a bass is always worth it.

 

I used all those virtual instruments, but borrowed a Jazz to be able to play in the lines, and that was it, bought my own. For me as a guitarist too, my bass playing is far more convincing than my keyboard playing emulating bass playing!

I do think those “EZ” instruments have a place though, especially if you are more proficient on other instruments and need a way to flesh out your productions and cannot get real players involved. I have also used them to create parts when messing about and found they drive my own ideas from them.

 

As a bass player, I would strongly encourage you to acquire a bass.
Especially if you're willing to spend some time with it, I promise you that aside from getting better at it, your creativity for bass lines will increase too. Or better yet, come up with a bass line using EZBass and challenge yourself to track it with the real thing.

Sire's Marcus Miller basses are great for the money. I have their 4-string Jazz Bass (although I upgraded to Aguilar pickups and Sadowsky guts), the stock pre and pickups are really good.

 

i would buy a trout guitar instead.

 

have to say, it’s a very good point, rather rather just playing root notes, the timing on a bass is different to guitar, since playing it myself it is definitely adding to my sense of rhythm. Because I am not playing live I have done far more recording than ever, and played less Guitar. So whilst my attempts at emulating Slash, Satriani and Hammett have suffered, my overall musical skill and knowledge has grown leaps and bounds.

 

Last edited: Feb 5, 2021

Wow. Tell it like it is!
Don't hold back.

 

“overall” musical skill

 

@RitchieM
Sorry. You obviously could have done with a 'lol' or a smiley there, to show you that I knew already. Hence having to make a joke out of it!

 

Ahhhhhh, wasn’t sure if the subtle self-depreciating use of the word “attempts” was overlooked

 

Glad to hear it!
Practicing your own midi created lines is a great workout. Not really being proficient but rather being acquainted with the instrument you're trying to add to your track, you'll always be more free with midi accessibility-wise so you're able to create and emulate more complicated stuff that you probably couldn't think of, let alone play on the said instrument. So, this really gives you something to work for and it's great for expanding your technique, timing and creativity.
My favorite thing is actually trying to emulate synth bass lines as best as I can. All the little ghost notes, getting every note spot on regarding sustain, accenting etc.

Here's an example from a track I've been working on (just a rough mix):
https://voca.ro/1bEDDTbHsSvw
The bass line was all midi at first and then I practiced playing it until I got it right.

 

Last edited by a moderator: Feb 5, 2021

I'm in a similar situation and for me there's no definite answer. When I need a clean, no-frills bass line then Ample Sound bass virtual instruments and Scarbee bass libs for Kontakt work quite well for me.
I'd pick up the real bass when it's more about expression and articulation. Even a relatively cheap bass guitar with sane mechanical quality will give you a lot more possible playing styles of course. I prefer to have both

 

And note length! Most important with synth bass. I guess "sustain" covers that, but the word relates to a slightly different thing with synths, when release is more relevant to being able to produce short, tight notes.

 

Yes, that's what I actually meant thanks
Sorry english is not my first language so I mess up the terms sometimes