Crayon Sky Music

will this bass sound like mark hoppus?

I really like the sound of mark hoppus’ bass, however i dont have 900 dollars for his custom fender bass, so i was going to get a new bass http://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier-Vintage-Modified-Precision-Bass-103726642-i1166456.gc and put in these pickups http://www.guitarcenter.com/Basslines-SPB-3-quarter-pound-P-Bass-Pickups-100311864-i1127441.gc with these strings http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ernie-Ball-2833-Hybrid-Bass-Slinky-Round-Wound-Bass-Guitar-Strings-100083420-i1122357.gc

You don’t need to kiss his ass that hard. Nothing wrong with that bass you’ve got in mind, but I wouldn’t bother changing out the pickups. That’s like putting rims on a beat up old car, what’s the point? And I can’t argue with using Ernie Ball strings, that’s what I’ve been using for years.

All those parts together aren’t gonna sound exactly like his bass. First of all, just about any Fender bass cranked to ten should do the trick. Second, you’ve completely overlooked amplification, which makes a huge difference in sound. Third, why Mark Hoppus? There’s a ton of great bassists out there… Whatever, I’m not gonna rip on you (too much) for who you like. The point is, once you’ve been playing for a while you should try to find your own sound, and not just bite off of someone else. Because even if you use all the same gear as someone, you’ll never be them. And it’s lame to want to be someone else too bad… a little bit is fine, but you’ve got to know where to draw the line between flattering imitation and creepy emulation. I’m not saying you’ve crossed that line, I’m just puttin’ it out there….

I’d say get that bass, and keep the pickup it comes with. Keep the stock strings, too, until it’s time to replace them, then go with the Ernie Balls and you’ll be fine.

SX SST 62 + CS ’54 pickups + FAB Distortion + Hellhound