Sure its been asked.

[Snipersunset]

Hi all,
I'm thinking of starting to play rockabilly bass.
I've been through so many pages of stuff that my head is scrambled so i'm going to ask you guys to try and get some conformation.

Right i live in the UK have upto £500 (the very most) to spend on a bass and i want to play rock and roll, rockabilly and maybe a bit of jazz so the questions are,

1 - What make?
2 - What size?
3 - Can i teach myself?
4 - is there anything else i need to know?

Cheers

[Feral Feline]

Yes, it has been asked. Search around these forums some more and you'll find all you seek. Also check out the forums at "Double Bass Chat" (formerly Rockabilly Bass.com) and also the threads in "The Art of Slap Bass", another forum. So, from one noob to another...

1) Given your budget, I would buy used. Given your location, keep an eye out for Thomann or a Shen. There are plenty other brands to keep an eye out for. Go to shows, befriend a player who can steer you away from junk. Not all Chinese basses are bad, but Caveat Emptor.

2) Get a 3/4

3) Get a teacher. You can teach yourself some things, but to avoid injury, I highly recommend a teacher to get you started. Finding a good one is the crux.

4) Yes, Tons. Keep reading, researching, playing and dreaming...Once you're addicted, there is no turning back.

Good luck!
FF

[Snipersunset]

Cheers Feral just the kind of straight to the point info i'm looking foor
Anyone know of a good place to look for second hand bass? Is there any info in what to look for in a second hand bass, and what to avoid?

Does anyone know of any tutors in the leicester area?

Cheers.

[Snipersunset]

What do people make of this?

http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_kon...s_111e_tbl.htm

or this?

http://www.thomann.de/gb/thomann_kon...illy_black.htm

[duckyincarnate]

Oh, and don't forget to check into the double bass side of UK-based bass chat

There are some very good players there and some people who might be able to give you pointers on where to find a nice bass. There are occasionally some nice basses on Ebay in the UK within your budget. However, it is important to get some input from 'trained eyes' before you make the jump. If you can take an experienced player with you when you go to check out basses, all the better of course.

Where are you based?

Perhaps this is of interest?

[Snipersunset]

Another question, what are cut away bass used for? I understand why they are cut away as i play guitar, just wondered what style of playing needed the cut away and does it make a big diffrence to the sound?

Cheers

[PaulKing]

It's a gimmick mate, certainly in cheaper basses.
It just looks whacky and cool.

The theory is it makes playing up in thumb position (high notes way up the fingerboard) much easier.
And most rockabilly players do loads of that right?