So now that I have my new bass...

SamTheCannibal · #1 07-10-2011, 05:03 PM

I ordered my first "real" bass the other day so that I can jump right into the amazing world of music. Won it in an ebay auction and should be shipped on Monday. So to pass the time is there anything I should know before I even lay my fingers on my new toy?

pic related. it's my Silvertone bass i bought.

(also on a side note, when i write "real" what I mean is that I purchased a bass prior to this a few years ago from some kid in my town for $10. It was missing a string, horribly out of tune and the pickups were missing. Not to mention he has converted it to a fretless. So basically i could learn jack on it...)

BlueTalon · #2 07-10-2011, 05:06 PM

How much do you already know?

WilliamSandoval · #3 07-10-2011, 05:10 PM

Don't throw it in a lake, try not to use a jig saw as a pick, uh... what else?

SamTheCannibal · #4 07-10-2011, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueTalon

How much do you already know?

alright, how do i put this.......uhhhh....."I know nuzzing! nuzzzzziiiiing!"

no but seriously i'm a bass newb. the only instrument i've played is a trumpet.

WilliamSandoval · #5 07-10-2011, 05:26 PM

Trumpet to a bass, eh? Well, learn the parts of the bass first... Bridge, Nut, Headstock, etc...

Read everything you can on TB. I learn about 3 new things everyday. I would put up some money and get your bass set up professionally.

When you do play, your fingers will hurt after a while. Just keep playing. the next day, your fingers will still hurt, but play anyway to build up calluses on your fingers. bass takes some strengths, so your forearms and thumbs, yes thumbs, will get tired and maybe even sore. Look around you tube for the different techniques people use.

Most importantly, ask questions on TB.

AgIdoc · #6 07-10-2011, 05:44 PM

while listening to your favorite music, specifically pay attention to what the bass is doing. buy a tuner, they're cheap. go to youtube & search for videos like "how to tune a bass guitar", and "how to play bass guitar"

a few quick searches & this is a good video to start (basic parts of the bass guitar, how to hold it, how to attach the strap, etc): YouTube - ‪Free Online Absolute Beginner Bass Guitar Lesson Number 1‬&rlm;

MonkeyBass · #7 07-10-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

Read everything you can on TB.

Most importantly, ask questions on TB.

Careful... there are a lot of "experts" on here that don't know excrement from shoe polish.

Stilettoprefer · #8 07-10-2011, 06:00 PM

As said above, really listen to what the bassists are doing when you're listening to music. What helped me a lot was memorizing every note on the fretboard and really paying attention to the patterns that the notes make. A tuner helps a lot with that. And you'll want a nice tuner, not one of those crappy $5 ones that just show a light that says if you're flat, sharp or "in tune".

Watch a bunch of YouTube videos of your favorite bassists (or search here for some guys to check out) and really pay attention to their hand technique and how the hold the instrument.

But most of all, HAVE FUN! Music is awesome

Bluechain311 · #9 07-10-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyBass

Careful... there are a lot of "experts" on here that don't know excrement from shoe polish.

+1

Marko5657 · #10 07-10-2011, 06:10 PM

Do you have an amp?

Bob C · #11 07-10-2011, 06:18 PM

Get a few lessons from books, DVDs or youtube just to learn your way around the instrument.

Don't overdo it, but do expect your fingertips to get a little sore in the beginning.

Don't overlook the importance of a good setup to aid in the ease of playing. This will cost well under $50.

Practicing through an amp, even if it's a tiny one is good advice. You'll get a truer idea of whether your technique is good or not.

SamTheCannibal · #12 07-10-2011, 06:22 PM

in answer to previous questions, no I do not own an amp. I need a tuner as well.

pica · #13 07-10-2011, 06:28 PM

I'd start looking for a good instructor.

**pacojas** · #14 07-10-2011, 06:36 PM

what kind of bass is it? i'll bet you bought a Sadowsky NYC.

WilliamSandoval · #15 07-10-2011, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacojas

what kind of bass is it? i'll bet you bought a Sadowsky NYC.

betcha 9 million bucks it's a silvertone.

SamTheCannibal · #16 07-10-2011, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

betcha 9 million bucks it's a silvertone.

dear god you're a mind reader.

WilliamSandoval · #17 07-10-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamTheCannibal

dear god you're a mind reader.

I can't read minds... Just words.

BogeyBass · #18 07-10-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamTheCannibal

I ordered my first "~~real~~" Jazz Bass copy, the other day so that I can jump right into the amazing world of music.

There you go you have to put emphasis to the, amazing

ahhh mazzz ingg world of music!!

should work for yah

The correct spelling for "real" is Fender

i like the way the fret markers are on the neck.

rock dah bass ...woo

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

Don't throw it in a lake, try not to use a jig saw as a pick, uh... what else?

What What
is this possible jig saw pick?

SamTheCannibal · #19 07-11-2011, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogeyBass

There you go you have to put emphasis to the, amazing

ahhh mazzz ingg world of music!!

should work for yah

The correct spelling for "real" is Fender

i like the way the fret markers are on the neck.

rock dah bass ...woo

What What
is this possible jig saw pick?

I figured it was a copy since it was a brand that I had never heard of before, but I've read pretty decent reviews and it's my first working bass considering I'm a newb, so either way i'm excited.

SamTheCannibal · #20 07-13-2011, 07:41 AM

So after anxiously waiting for the bass to ship on Monday......it hasn't even shipped yet, and it's Wednesday morning. Sometimes I hate ebay....