starting out

[vingtsun3]

Hello to everyone. I am interested in learning the bass. I wanted to ask for some help in finding out what is the best bass to start on. I have a little experience on the electric guitar. The type of music I am interested in learning is a wide variety. Also what is a good amp.

thanks!

[Phalex]

Starter basses are generally not the best, and the best basses are generally not for beginners.

Go to a music store, and try some basses out. You'll have to do a little hands on to figure out if you like wide string spacing vs narrow string spacing fat neck vs thin...........

You can get a cheapy bass that feels and sounds great, and you can get a high end bass that you absolutely hate.

Go out to a few music stores with no intention of buying anything. Just check stuff out for yourself.

That being said, Ibanez makes some very nice stuff for low dough. Yamaha also makes some low price point stuff that ain't too bad either.

[Kieran-clinch]

For my first bass yes, i have to say i got a Ibanez GSR190 which is quite a solid guitar for a starter pack model. im sort of new to the game as well but i can spot a good bass

[McGroovin']

+1

Go to some local stores and try some out. I have a cheap Bently from the 80's or so that plays as good if not a little better than my Conklin Groove Tools 4.

[nortonrider]

You could talk to Yngwie4String.
I'm betting he is not going to be using his anymore, you might be able to pick it up cheap.

[scottice]

That's just mean.

[beyondhairy]

Originally Posted by Kieran-clinch

For my first bass yes, i have to say i got a Ibanez GSR190 which is quite a solid guitar for a starter pack model. im sort of new to the game as well but i can spot a good bass

yea, the gsr-190 is an awesome bass, killer tone and feel too for a beginner bass, id even gig with it if i had to

[jschwalls]

Yamaha RBX170 Bass
We sell these at the store and i have to say, these are really nice for $180

Good tone, nice neck...i few fellow bassists there have bought 'em for a stage spare... I have 4-5 students that use these... nice choice.

[mykroft]

The Sqier Vintage Modified Jass Bass is another excellent bass for a low cost. It's much higher quality than the cheap Affinity basses.

[JeffC]

I have a black Ibanez GSR200. I've been playing for a year and have even played a couple gigs with it. It's a solid bass for the $200 bucks I payed for it. Even with having my Fender and vintage Goya bass I use the Ibanez lots.

[FuturePrimitive]

My first bass was a used Samick I bought for $30 that I played through an old guitar practice amp. That was good enough for this beginner.

In other words, it doesn't really matter what you get to start out with because if you stick with it you will buy another bass. Then another, then another, and another..... etc.

[Audiophage]

Ibanez' are great instruments, I started on one of their $200 entry level basses and still occasionally play it professionally.

[mambo4]

I would say go for a Fender Precision or Jazz Copy. Lots of TB folks like Essex/SX basses from Rondo Music, word is they are quiet inexpensive but a bargain quality wise.

A decent Pbass has the advantage of an idiot proof tone, as well. You wont have to worry too much about getting lost in the mix by poor EQ...

[FuturePrimitive]

Originally Posted by Audiophage

Ibanez' are great instruments, I started on one of their $200 entry level basses and still occasionally play it professionally.

I agree, Ibanez makes great instruments, especially for the money.

[steve66]

My first bass was a Squier P bass. It came as part of their starter pack. I still play the bass today. I made some electrical mods and swapped out the pickups. It also is a great bass to learn how to do your own set it ups since its simple in design.

You need to go out and try some basses. Find out which are comfortable to play.

A decent bass for the money is the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass, or Essex (SX), Ibanez

Also look into the used market. Most important, dont let some salesman pressure you into a purchase.