First bass?

NeutralDepth · #1 05-14-2011, 10:52 PM

Guitarist looking to start out playing bass, yet I haven't the first clue what to get first, I went to 4chan and asked them and got told to get a great bass and a small practice amp, but I'm still skeptic of their advice, would like an experienced players input.

**Staccato** · #2 05-14-2011, 11:17 PM

Welcome NeutralDepth!

Keep in mind that players choosing an inexpensive beginner bass, sometimes-choose a bass that is difficult to set-up, or parts wear out-due to low quality. In the US, the $350 price range and up (new bass) improves the selection for dependability of parts, or quality control at the factory. IMO, if beginners start around $350 (US) as a minimum, chances are better that they will find a good beginner bass. What I've found is that basses priced up to $500 (new) can be found for about half that price on the used market. If a used bass looks like it has been well cared for, then, it might be worth considering. What you'll find on Talkbass is quite a few members that are not hesitant to shop for a used bass. Among the lower priced basses that are popular among beginners, check out the Ibanez models, or Squier (CV model in particular). It's amazing what you can find used on occasion, where the seller has tried one out or played it for a few hours, and it has barely been played.

Small speakers will leave much to be desired. Lots of beginners start with a 10" speaker in their first amp. Take home an Acoustic B20, Roland Bass Cube 30, or search TB for popular alternatives.

Have fun on your quest for a bass & amp...

Stumbo · #3 05-14-2011, 11:24 PM

Welcome to TB!

Check out the link in my sig. below for some great TB links that will help you along your bass journey.

Good luck.

omnimutant · #4 05-14-2011, 11:28 PM

Ibanez offers this beginners "package" at Guitar centers, I've seen from time to time. Comes with a starter bass, amp, tuner and strap (I think) for like $200. There's lots of starter packages with similar setups from all brands actually. All are a pretty good deal. Wish they had stuff like this when I started, the price is right, and your not wasting a pile of money on something you may not like in the end.

MalcolmAmos · #5 05-15-2011, 06:09 AM

It's been well covered, I'll just add the following:

Give some thought to a five string. Why? The B string is not that much more difficult to learn and you get another string of low notes what will come in handy when you play using standard notation from piano sheet music (long story ask at the music store). If you do not see yourself playing from standard notation the four string will be fine.

Think about your family and make sure your amp has an earphone jack so you can practice and not bother the rest of the family. I have a VOX headphone amp for practicing, it's battery operated, which means you are portable - can move easily to another room, outside to the deck, etc. should you like. http://www.voxamps.com/amplug/ $50 +/-

Other than that go to a music store with a bass buddy and try out everything in your price range. I have a Yamaha 4 string $350 bass that does everything I ask of it - except I would really liked for it to be a five string.

Welcome to the bottom end.

turbo chicken · #6 05-15-2011, 08:17 AM

Dean Zone XM and an acoustic B20 ... all the bass and amp you will need to start out.

hrodbert696 · #7 05-16-2011, 03:28 PM

For your first bass, make sure you actually hold it, and that you like the way it feels and the way it looks. As a newbie, you aren't really going to know much about what kind of exact tone you want, whether you prefer active or passive electronics, a fat neck or a fast (slim) neck, any of that. You just need to have an instrument you LIKE so that you're motivated to keep practicing. Any little amp will do because all you need is to hear yourself.

Get your starter bass, and work away at fundamental techniques. Read around this forum a lot, bass player magazine, watch youtube videos, and most importantly get some lessons if you can possibly afford them, at least for a few months to get you started. That's going to start giving you a sense of the different kinds of feel and tone that are out there. When you know what you really want in a bass and amp, and have the money saved up, you can invest in an instrument that meets your specific wishes.

NeutralDepth · #8 05-18-2011, 05:14 AM

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply but you guys have in fact helped me a lot, I did in fact go into the music store on my own, no one I know plays a bass, but I loved the look of a Schecter bass, but it didn't feel as great but I had a particular interest in a Squier vintage modified Jaguar bass or jazz bass, both felt great, I think that's what it was called, but as hrodbert696 said, a slim neck does sound enticing but I'm not 100% on weather it was a slim neck on that bass, I could also buy a "build your own bass' pack and build a replica of the Vintage modified bass for $150

hrodbert696 · #9 05-18-2011, 10:42 AM

The VM Squier jags and jazzes do have pretty slim necks. Unless money is prohibitive, I would buy one ready-made (and have the guitar shop set it up for you -- they can explain the options, like high or low action). Save building your own for when you know more about how it's supposed to fit together.

Which Schecter did you try? The Stillettos are pretty affordable and they have slim necks too (hence the name). Was it an Omen or something?

BassPenguin22 · #10 05-23-2011, 10:21 AM

You asked for bass advice on 4chan?!?!?!? Loooooool

oniman7 · #11 05-23-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeutralDepth

Sorry it's taken me so long to reply but you guys have in fact helped me a lot, I did in fact go into the music store on my own, no one I know plays a bass, but I loved the look of a Schecter bass, but it didn't feel as great but I had a particular interest in a Squier vintage modified Jaguar bass or jazz bass, both felt great, I think that's what it was called, but as hrodbert696 said, a slim neck does sound enticing but I'm not 100% on weather it was a slim neck on that bass, I could also buy a "build your own bass' pack and build a replica of the Vintage modified bass for $150

I'd hold off on building your own. Can you set up a guitar? If not, you won't know how to set up the new bass, and given that you're putting it together from scratch, it will most likely be horrendous until it's set up. Even then you won't know what you want to have it set up to.

Also in refernce to my last question, if you know how to set up a guitar, you can play around with the settings on the bass. For the longest time, I liked my action really high, but now I have it set as low as possible.

My first bass was a Jay Turser that I bought form a pawn shop for $175. My bass now is a used Ibanez BTB with a custom refinish that I got from Guitar Center for $230. Defeinitely go to a bunch of guitar shops and play a bunch of the basses there. CHances are, most of them will be almost unplayable, but find the ones you like to play. Play some guitar riffs on them. Make sure it doesn't hurt your hand to do stretches.

I don't believe you need a $400 or $500 bass, but the quality will be higher. If you get a used bass, or even a decent new one, you'll be fine. Spend the extra $60 or so to get new strings and a set up, and i will play like a dream. Good cheaper brands are Ibanez, BC Rich, Dean, Squier (some models -- I've had bad luck with others) Epiphone, etc. Definitely get it set up.

As far as amps, I've never tried the Acoustic B20, but I do have it's much larger cousin, the B200, and I love it. I think the 20 will suit you well. Also, I'd move this to the Basses section of the forum.