Best Bass for Metal
The challenge of playing bass in a metal band involves getting a powerful tone that can keep up with the guitar and drums, and fill the sonic gaps during guitar solos. A lot of the more traditional models don’t really fill the bill, and if you’re going for a specific look, they definitely don’t. But, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of great basses to choose from. As a matter of fact, there are almost too many. Here are my top picks.
Why it's best:
If any bass was ever designed for rock, it’s the Thunderbird, especially these days. Gibson has updated their most popular bass, switching from a mahogany neck to a 9-piece maple and walnut neck. It still runs through the length of the mahogany body, giving it superior... read full review
Price Range:
$1,499.00 - $1,499.00
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zZounds $1,499.00
Same Day Music $1,499.00
Why it's a best pick:
The HH is for the twin humbuckers, and if that’s not enough, there’s a phantom coil that prevents hum in single-coil mode. Add to that 3-way switching on pickup coil combinations, 3-band EQ and a stainless steel bridge for added sustain, and you’ve got more...
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Musicians Friend $1,575.00
Why it's a best pick:
ESP has probably accommodated the Metal community more than any other guitar company, and the Viper is proof. Looking like a lopsided Gibson SG, the Viper has a mahogany body and a set neck, like the Gibson, but the long-scale neck is made from maple and walnut, and it has a...
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Why it's a best pick:
Yes, it’s named after that creepy kid from The Omen. It’s even got little bats inlaid on the fingerboard. But if you look below the surface, there are some features that make this bass a standout. For one thing, it’s got a killer bottom end, thanks to the 3...
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Musicians Friend $499.00
Why it's a best pick:
Looking for something unusual? The LTD-154DX will certainly get you noticed, both visually and sonically. The fast U-shaped, 35” scale neck and maple-topped basswood body give it a strong bottom end, along with two humbuckers and a 3-band EQ to fill in all the other fr...
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Musicians Friend $389.00