Help for an absolute beginner

[adronchase361]

Just like the title says, I'm an absolute beginner. I know a few things about bass, but overall I do need much more help. I originally come from a piano forum (hence I'm a pianist) but bass guitar has really caught my interest and I'd like to take it up. I'm going to start in about a week or so, and for now, I need some tips about buying a bass.

What's your recommendation on a bass? Preferably 1600 USD and below.

The difference on a Fender Jazz Bass and a Precision Bass? (I've always wondered about that..)

Does every wood produce a different type of sound (as in body and such)? And which wood makes a good sound (eh, just like a fun fact).

Amp recommendations?

Of course, there are more questions I have, but for now, I'd just start off with these couple of questions. Any type of advice would be helpful right now, thanks!

[Dogbertday]

the search function on the top of this site will give you more information than we could ever provide in this one thread

[adronchase361]

Originally Posted by Dogbertday

the search function on the top of this site will give you more information than we could ever provide in this one thread

Oh, I didn't know that, I'm new to this forum. But thanks for the tip.

[ErebusBass]

Wait a minute... You're just starting to play bass and you're looking to spend $1600?!?!?!?!?!? Why do you need such an expensive bass?

[CanadaMan]

The differences between a Jazz and a P-bass are mainly: 2 single coil pickups as apposed to one split coil pickup (Different sound, the P is a little thumpier/muddier/warmer). The neck profile is different, with the Jazz having a thinner neck while the P-bass has a beefier neck. The body is also different, with the Jazz having a bit more balance (IMO). Also the P came out in 1951, the Jazz in '63 I believe.

Different woods do make different tones, although if you're just beginning you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart. Neck woods are usually for feel more than sound, although some claim otherwise, while body/tone woods effect sound more drastically. Lots of people prefer Alder/Ash in Fenders, although there are MANY MANY different woods that all sound great.

As for recommendations - Look used, you'll find a much better deal. MM Stingray, Fender Jazz/P's, Lakland Skyline series, Ibanez, Yamaha, anything really you can find within that price range that catches your eye. Although I suggest before spending a whole wack of money, a) Put some away for a decent amp. You'll be glad you did. b) Play before you buy, you may not like the tone/sound you get out of the bass you pick.

Other than that, have fun and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

[milljo]

Agree with Erebus. Why are you spending $1600 on a bass to learn on? With that kind of money anything you buy will probably be a great bass. I suggest you spend some time at your local guitar shop and pick up as many as you can. Stick with one amp and find a bass that feels comfortable in your hands and sounds decent.

[D.Don]

Originally Posted by adronchase361

Just like the title says, I'm an absolute beginner. I know a few things about bass, but overall I do need much more help. I originally come from a piano forum (hence I'm a pianist) but bass guitar has really caught my interest and I'd like to take it up. I'm going to start in about a week or so, and for now, I need some tips about buying a bass.

What's your recommendation on a bass? Preferably 1600 USD and below.

The difference on a Fender Jazz Bass and a Precision Bass? (I've always wondered about that..)

Does every wood produce a different type of sound (as in body and such)? And which wood makes a good sound (eh, just like a fun fact).

Amp recommendations?

Of course, there are more questions I have, but for now, I'd just start off with these couple of questions. Any type of advice would be helpful right now, thanks!

For $1600 there's LOTS of good bass axxes, just go out there and try everything that you find within the budget and you will sure find something that suits you well.

D.Don

[D.Don]

Originally Posted by ErebusBass

Wait a minute... You're just starting to play bass and you're looking to spend $1600?!?!?!?!?!? Why do you need such an expensive bass?

If he's been a player for a while, maybe the idea is to get good and to have good tools from the start. I started 5 months ago, playing bass, but I've been a keyboard player for 20 years, and on and off a geetard during that time as well, and I can totally understand the idea if you already are ahead with everything (reading, ear training etc.) and just need to pick up the techniques for applying it to the bass. That's pretty much where I am at as well (though I don't have $1600 to spend on a bass) ... hehehe



D.Don

[adronchase361]

Originally Posted by ErebusBass

Wait a minute... You're just starting to play bass and you're looking to spend $1600?!?!?!?!?!? Why do you need such an expensive bass?

LOL sorry if I didn't make myself clear... I meant like way way way below. Of course I'm not planning on spending $1600, that's just crazy. I really don't need an expensive bass and where's the edit button for my post...

Exaggerated the title a bit too much for this. While I haven't even bought a bass yet, been researching a lot during my spare time. So I'm not a complete, totally lost newbie, glad for that much lol.

--------------------
Yay a keyboardist lol. I meet one in the swarm of bassists ^^". Wow 20 years. You're probably pretty good.

[Parabolic Box]

For those who only pick up key words from a post, he does say he has a background in piano, so we can all assume he has enough dexterity, finger strength, and musical knowledge to not be a total n00b. And there is nothing wrong with buying a good starting bass. It allows learning on a quality instrument, and not needing to upgrade because something is felt to be lacking.

Anyway, don't go to the full $1600 on a bass (unless you have an amp budget as well), because putting some money into a quality amp can make the difference between your bass sounding mediocre and great.

-e-
Oh, saw your edit.

[adronchase361]

Originally Posted by CanadaMan

The differences between a Jazz and a P-bass are mainly: 2 single coil pickups as apposed to one split coil pickup (Different sound, the P is a little thumpier/muddier/warmer). The neck profile is different, with the Jazz having a thinner neck while the P-bass has a beefier neck. The body is also different, with the Jazz having a bit more balance (IMO). Also the P came out in 1951, the Jazz in '63 I believe.

Different woods do make different tones, although if you're just beginning you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart. Neck woods are usually for feel more than sound, although some claim otherwise, while body/tone woods effect sound more drastically. Lots of people prefer Alder/Ash in Fenders, although there are MANY MANY different woods that all sound great.

As for recommendations - Look used, you'll find a much better deal. MM Stingray, Fender Jazz/P's, Lakland Skyline series, Ibanez, Yamaha, anything really you can find within that price range that catches your eye. Although I suggest before spending a whole wack of money, a) Put some away for a decent amp. You'll be glad you did. b) Play before you buy, you may not like the tone/sound you get out of the bass you pick.

Other than that, have fun and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

Thanks for the tips. Besides the different pickups, I didn't know that the necks were different too. As in beefier, do you mean thicker or slightly wider? If it was wider, then wouldn't that bass be troublesome for people with smaller hands? And I'll keep my eyes out for used, plus I'm definitely going to put some money away for an amp.

[Parabolic Box]

Usually just wider, but some models of the Jazz also have a thinner neck than the Precision. And, no, it does not make it more difficult for people with smaller hands. (I play a Precision and have small hands.)

[D.Don]

Originally Posted by adronchase361

LOL sorry if I didn't make myself clear... I meant like way way way below. Of course I'm not planning on spending $1600, that's just crazy. I really don't need an expensive bass and where's the edit button for my post...

Exaggerated the title a bit too much for this. While I haven't even bought a bass yet, been researching a lot during my spare time. So I'm not a complete, totally lost newbie, glad for that much lol.

--------------------
Yay a keyboardist lol. I meet one in the swarm of bassists ^^". Wow 20 years. You're probably pretty good.

Ah, $1000, well, that's still a lot of good basses, though of course you need an amp as well, but if you aint thinking of goin live, you wont need a lot for the amp if it's just a practice amp you need.

Well, my main fields are (where, I rarely play live anymore) electro-mechanic keys (hammond, rhodes, clavinet etc.) and synths, I kind of suck on piano (I can cheat my way thru), and I was never into hard core jazz, but lots of blues and swing/rock (and pop, funk etc. etc.)



D.Don

[adronchase361]

Originally Posted by Parabolic Box

Usually just wider, but some models of the Jazz also have a thinner neck than the Precision. And, no, it does not make it more difficult for people with smaller hands. (I play a Precision and have small hands.)

Ok, thanks for the advice.

Lots of people usually want fast necks... does the J-Bass or the P-Bass have that?

[adronchase361]

Originally Posted by D.Don

Ah, $1000, well, that's still a lot of good basses, though of course you need an amp as well, but if you aint thinking of goin live, you wont need a lot for the amp if it's just a practice amp you need.

Well, my main fields are (where, I rarely play live anymore) electro-mechanic keys (hammond, rhodes, clavinet etc.) and synths, I kind of suck on piano (I can cheat my way thru), and I was never into hard core jazz, but lots of blues and swing/rock (and pop, funk etc. etc.)



D.Don

Yeah, still some good quality basses out there within a 1000 dollar price range. No, I'm not going live, I just need a regular old practice amp.


Nice stuff. I'm the opposite of you though: Classical and others. Never really got into much keyboard, pretty much stuck with the real acoustic upright piano (that annoys the heck out of me now since it's so darn old) so yeah.

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by adronchase361

Ok, thanks for the advice.

Lots of people usually want fast necks... does the J-Bass or the P-Bass have that?

The J would have the "faster" neck.

[adronchase361]

Originally Posted by Parabolic Box

The J would have the "faster" neck.

Hmmm but from checking out some of the J bass reviews here, it doesn't sound very durable. And plus the P bass has a warmer sound so I'd prefer that, even over the faster neck.

What's your opinion on this?

[CanadaMan]

Couple things - 1) Jazz's are durable, you have to remember there are lots of different manufacturers of Jazz's. The MIM Fender Jazz's aren't that great, but for $1000 used a GOOD Jazz can be found. Might a suggest a Geddy Lee jazz, which can go for about $650 used. And it has a rediculous fast neck.

Unless you're sure what you want, don't rule out Jazz pickups. I thought I'd love P-pickups but they're not really my thing as it turns out. Again, go try some basses out or you'll never know for sure.

[Dogbertday]

well there's tons of P vs J threads on here. I play P basses..

look at some bassists whose tone you like and see what they play.. or list them here and we can help you pick a abss to match the sound....

also there are many many recomendations for the basses found here

www.rondomusic.com

[Parabolic Box]

Originally Posted by adronchase361

Hmmm but from checking out some of the J bass reviews here, it doesn't sound very durable. And plus the P bass has a warmer sound so I'd prefer that, even over the faster neck.

What's your opinion on this?

J Basses are plenty durable.

I play a P Bass, so I might be biased. I would love a J bridge pickup on the bass, though, to give it a little extra bite. I would suggest going to a local music store to try the differences for yourself.