Thinking about starting up bass...

[yukihiro]

Hey, my name's Brandon. I'm 21 years old from southern California. During the past few years, I've not-so-seriously been thinking about learning how to play bass. I don't know how to read music and have never played an instrument (besides those required elementary school classes). Since Christmas is coming up, I'll be able to get some money to pickup some stuff.

Two days ago, I decided to look up a bass forum since forums seem to be excellent sources of information. I've learned a lot from the other forums I'm active on. The first and (I think) the largest bass forum I stumbled upon was TalkBass. I've been reading the forum for about 15 hours total now in 2 days (no joke). I'm planning on going to a couple stores soon to look at stuff in person.

I think my semi-sudden desire to learn bass was sparked by my current headphone hobby. I noticed how awesome bass sounded through higher-end headphones. Bass just seems so friggen awesome.

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I'm still having trouble deciding on what to get as my first bass though. If you happen to read my intro thread and are willing to take the time to reply, I'd really appreciate your opinion.

I don't plan on playing in a band. I want to learn bass mostly for myself to enjoy as a hobby and maybe play around with my friends who play guitar (not many). If I feel like I'm really liking it, I'll probably start up lessons after a month or so of playing around. My girlfriend also said she would help me learn how to read music and stuff (she played guitar and piano). I know people say to buy something cheap to start and then upgrade later, but I don't really plan on upgrading (maybe modding in the future though). I just want something that will last and won't break the bank. I know it shouldn't be that much of a factor, but I really feel like I should like how the bass looks.

People say SX from Rondo, but I'm not so sure. I'd rather buy from a store for this kind of thing. I looked at most of the "beginner bass" threads and have narrowed it down... I'd really love to have a MIM Fender J Standard if I can find a used one, but I've also been looking into the Squire J Standard and the Ibanez GSR200. Don't really like how the Yamaha's look and don't really like other brands, although I'm open to any more suggestions. What do you guys think about the ones I have my eyes on, and which do you think would be better? My target budget is $200-500 for everything (bass, amp, strap, cable, bag, tuner). I plan on buying just a practice combo amp (probably the peavy max). I don't really want to go any more than that because I'm also trying to save up for a trip to Japan. Thanks for any advice in advance!

[Stumbo]

Welcome to TB!

I suggest you post your bass purchase question in the "basses" forum.

Google search is also good at helping you find previous posts on the same topic. Check out:
http://www.google.com/custom?num=100...w.talkbass.com


Here are a few links that I've collected along the way that I've found enlightening and hope you will as well.

Getting the most out of TB
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Read as many of the FAQ's as you can. Lots of good info there.

If you haven't already, fill out your "User Profile", especially the equipment you own. Many TB'rs will check out your equipment list and music influences before posting an answer to a thread you create.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.ph...#faq_faq_slang Slang/abbreviations, forum usage, TB maint., posting.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/faq.php TB rules, Website questions, Membership, Terms of Use

**Note: On TB, GAS means Gear Aquisition Syndrome.

Searching TB
------------------
So many topics have already been covered on TB, that it is always suggested that you try a search before you create a new thread. The internal search feature of TB is limited to words 3 characters or more. There is always the Google search option that utilizes Google search features. One of the best ways to search Talkbass.com is to use Google's Advanced Search parameters. Putting the year in your search terms is one way to limit the number of responses to a search. You can check it out at Google.com.

Subscribing to TB threads
----------------------------------
Note: in your "MyTalkBass" control panel, there is a menu selection "Edit Options". When you click on "Edit Options", one of the choices is for "Default Thread Subscription Mode".

I find it usefull to choose "Daily email notification" mode. What this does is to send you an email for each thread you post a reply to so you can follow subsequent replies without having to log on to TB. You can susbscribe to individual threads manually as you come across info that interests you but doing it manually takes time.

For threads that interest you for which you don't want to post a reply, post a reply with "subscribed" in the reply box. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Receiving email notification of Private Messages
------------------------------------------------------------------
Also within the "Edit Options" page, you can setup TB to send you an email when you receive a Private Message (PM). This is very helpful if you don't log on regularly. I've received replies to a PM I sent months later just because of this situation.

Must reads:
If only I knew then what I know now... If I only knew then
Best musical advice you ever got Best musical advice
Things every bassist should know? Things every bassist should know
Most common mistakes? Beginners common mistakes/where to start
http://www.google.com/custom?num=100...w.talkbass.com First bass advice
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ Introductory Bass Lesson (click on Beginners)

Learning stuff
Practice Practice Practice How to practice bass
Pacman's sure-fire scale practice method How to practice bass

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/creating-bass-lines-8154/#post80043 Creating bass lines
Bass Line Construction: Target Approach Creating bass lines - Target Approach
what is in front of/behind the beat? Playing behind/ahead of the beat

Circle of Fifths Question Key signatures/Circle of 5ths/Cycle of 4ths
Reading Music Learn to read music
I need to learn how to read music for bass, how do i do it? Learn to read music
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f22/sight-reading-486398-post6521582/ Improve site reading
Need help reading bass clef Read bass clef
Modes...How to use them practically in music. Using modes
Newbie learning modes! Learning modes

Introduction to Scale and Chord Theory Intro to scale and chord theory
I need basic music theory help... Learning Theory
Book list for GI Theory Links Theory Book Links
Music Theory/General Instruction Links TB Gen. Instruction Theory links list

Knuckleheaded question of the day Learning to play jazz
jazz scales? not played bass in over a year Jazz Scales
Theory Forum FAQ and Links Theory (from the DB side of TB)

Blues Turnarounds Blues Turn arounds
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdiction...ogression.html Blues Progressions explained with samples

Free online lessons
A LOT of Free Lessons, how to's and other stuff from me! Dman has videos
Who do you think has the best lessons on youtube? Who's the best youtube bass teacher?
http://www.studybass.com/ Complete bass studies including online metronome, fretboard printer, bass clef tutor and more.
http://www.activebass.com/ Tab based lessons by members for members covering all types of bass instruction.
http://www.playbassnow.com with MarlowDK including videos.
http://www.thelibster.com/bass/ bass guitar site includes lessons, arrangements, transcriptions, a beginners' guide, technical advice, solo pieces, fingerboard familiarity drills, bass oriented sound files, playing tips, a Q&A section, links and much more.
http://www.musicdojo.com/index.asp Online bass course (5 day free trial)
http://www.cliffengel.com/ Free and paid lessons

Books and instructional materials
http://www.bassbooks.com/shopping/default.asp Books, DVDs, all styles and methods
looking for "the bass guitar bible!" Looking for the Bass "Bible"
http://playbassnow.com/recommended-learning-materials/ MarlowDK's recommended books
Best Theroy book "Best" theory/harmony book

Online study of music theory/ear training.
http://www.teoria.com/ Check out the tutorials, exercises and reference dictionary
http://www.good-ear.com/ Ear training
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...lineScreen.swf Test your ear
http://www.musictheory.net/index.html Excellent visual Beginning Music Theory (Power Point type lessons), ear trainer, chord calculator, more

College music
Colleges? So you want to be a music major in college
Solfege - What's the Point? Solfege
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/ Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Dictionary

Learning the bass clef
http://www.download.com/NoteCard/300...-10004005.html Downloadable program for learning the bass clef. (as recommended by AlphaMale)
http://www.playthebass.com print flashcards for learning bass clef, print staff paper

Free Jam tracks
http://www.freejamtracks.com/index.html

Teaching bass
Lesson Plan for Bass Teachers
To teach or not to teach

Finding a bass instructor
For bass teachers, and students seeking them

Software for transcribing/slowing down songs/Looping software/metronome,etc.
Software for Transcribing? Transcribing software
A way to slow down MP3s without altering the pitch? Slow down software
I need software to slow down a song so its easier to learn Slow down software
The Big Free Music Related Software Thread Free music software thread


Funk it up
Old School funk song suggestions... Funk, groove and R&B bass players
Funk 101 Funk 101

Band stuff:
Aspiring band newbie seeks craigslist ad advice Advertising yourself.
Need help in the world of cover bands! Covers vs. Originals
Power Trio Playing in a 3 piece
How good do you have to be to be in a band How "good" do you have to be to play in a band?

Starting/managing a band
Starting a "Top 40" type band. some questions Starting a cover band
Starting a cover/tribute band from scratch Starting a new band- how to audition
How to run Guitarist Auditions? Auditioning a new member for your band
Getting Suckered Auditioning: red flag stories
Is your band a democracy? or the opposite? Running a band: democracy or dictatorship?
How to fire someone from a band How to fire a band member

Band Reheasal/Gigs
Band Practice Tips? Rehearsal tips
Band practice efficiency Rehearsal efficiency
How often does your band rehearse? How often to rehearse?
Noodling/Showing-off between songs To noodle or not to noodle?
Bar Manager Refused to Pay Us! Now what? Being asked to turn down the volume

Band names
Coolest and Dumbest band names you've played under... Best/worst real band names
The Infamous Band Name Thread Infamouse band name thread
http://www.bandnamemaker.com/
http://www.1728.com/bandname.htm

Guitards '-)
Guitar players as bass players...... Guitar players switching to bass

Other bass forums
http://forums.musicplayer.com/ubbthr...w_Down_Lowdown
http://basschat.co.uk
http://www.thestringnetwork.com/
http://www.bassgear.com

Cool rigs, equipment and info
Portable amps, cabs and combos Light weight cabs,amps, combos
The "I love my rig" Club Happy with my rig.
happy with my rig Happy with my rig
Your Ultimate Rig (with sort of a twist) Ulitmate fantasy rig
Mini Rigs of Doom-Let's see 'em!l Mini rigs of doom
RIGS OF DOOM - Ch. 3 Rigs of doom

Building Stuff
bass cabinet plans? cabs
DIY Lightweight Composite Cab Build light weight cab

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...76#post5176976 cab dolly
Great gig dolly cab dolly
how do you move gear with a bad back? cab dolly

Accessories
Light for fretboard Lights for your fretboard.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/can-anyone-recommend-good-headphone-amp-494539-post6634274/ Headphone amps/mixers/trainers
Need advice on best headphones Recommendations for good headphones

Upgrading
Which would you upgrade first? An amp or a bass? Upgrade bass or amp first?

Aging guitars/basses
http://www.grguitars.com/pick%20guards.html
http://www.grguitars.com/parts_5bass.htm
http://rchildsrelics.com How to make a bass look old and well used?

For fun
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...=480666&page=1 Gadgets and Gizmos
Tips/tricks for living, what are some you've found over the years? Tips for living
Ways to save money that you know. Ways to save money

Learning Live Sound mixing
Anyone know of beginners books for live sound?

[yukihiro]

Haha, thanks for the welcome. I think I've read the majority of the first bass threads from the past few years. I pretty much have my eyes on some sort of used MIM Fender now. I'm excited.

I see you've been posting your long list of helpful links to other members. I'll definitely check them out. (:

[Chopstick]

If $500 is your upper limit, you could get a NEW MIM Fender Jazz. Seems like you're in the same situation I was in 3 months ago and I LOVE my new instrument. Still, if you could save a few bucks on a used one, that's more money you could put into an amp or pepperoni pizzas.

[yukihiro]

lol, yeah. well $500 is more like my budget for everything including an amp. So a new one would be a little out of my price range.

I actually went to a pawn shop today and saw all of the basses that I was thinking about getting except for a MIM. After looking at them for the first time in person, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get a MIM. I liked the Squiers, but would rather shell out the extra cash for a Fender, and I wasn't too fond of the other brands.

I read your intro thread and you said something about a "being too old" attitude. I definitely feel similar since everyone who knows how to play something has been doing it since at least high school or younger. Never too late I guess haha.

[Chopstick]

Originally Posted by yukihiro

I definitely feel similar since everyone who knows how to play something has been doing it since at least high school or younger. Never too late I guess haha.

Kindof depends on who you hang around with. If you have musician friends, then you'll learn more quickly but you'll feel dumber. If you hang around with a bunch of non-musicians like I do, then the slightest bit of musicality will be impressive to them, but you'll be on your own when it comes to learning new things and pushing yourself.

[yukihiro]

Originally Posted by Chopstick

Kindof depends on who you hang around with. If you have musician friends, then you'll learn more quickly but you'll feel dumber. If you hang around with a bunch of non-musicians like I do, then the slightest bit of musicality will be impressive to them, but you'll be on your own when it comes to learning new things and pushing yourself.

Most of my closer friends aren't musicians at all. We grew up playing sports, not playing music haha. Most of my friends who do play some kind of instrument have been playing something (usually piano) since they were really young. I don't really have any friends in between, which does kind of suck since I don't have anyone to develop with to make the learning experience a little more fun or whatever.

I absolutely don't know anyone who plays bass. Ever since I graduate high school, everyone I know wants to learn to play the guitar. I admit that I thought about the guitar, but there's something about the bass that I just love. Learning to play the guitar would've been much cheaper too since I could have just borrowed my girlfriend's MIM Strat. My girlfriend said she would help me with reading music though, so I guess that's good.

[Chopstick]

Yeah reading music... great, whatever. What will really make this "phase" you're going through stick is finding some tabs and playing a song together with your girlfriend. I'm telling you, the first time you do this, it is totally magical.

[Chopstick]

And before anyone yells at me thinking I've dismissed standard musical notation in favor of tab, just let me clarify... I think it is most important that you have fun FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.

[bass12]

Hey Yukihiro,

First of all, don't worry about your age. Lots of fantastic bassists got a late start (including one of my favourites, Mark King). Besides, you don't seem to want to do this professionally, so what's the hurry? The important thing is that you have fun and don't hurt yourself! When it comes to equipment, I think it's really important to have an instrument that won't limit you. Unfortunately, this often means spending a little more than what you might want to. When I started playing, I had this cheap short-scale bass with a neck like a banana. I was really into the sound of slapping, but no matter what I did, I couldn't get the sound I wanted. For ages I thought the problem was me, until I played someone else's bass! Whatever you buy, make sure it's something which inspires you to play. I don't like tab much but I agree with Chopstick - keeping it fun is important. If you're not having fun at the start, you're not going to stick with the instrument. Anyway, good for you for pursuing your passion. It doesn't matter if you never end up playing in a band - the experience of enjoying playing an instrument will enrich your life and give you a deeper appreciation of music. I played bass for eight years alone in my bedroom and living room before ever joining a band. I love playing with other musicians (well, some of them) more than anything else, but I still had a hell of a lot of fun (and learned a lot) just playing along to records on my own. One thing I did miss out on during those eight years, however, was a certain type of interaction with other musicians, meaning that it was only in university that I found out how to build a chord! I could play really well by ear, but didn't know a thing about music theory. No matter what you do with the bass, keep in mind that learning some basic theory will really help with your understanding of both your instrument and music in general. Good luck and have lots of fun!