A couple questions for a beginner bassist.

ShadowAsylum · #1 09-08-2010, 11:36 PM

Alright, a few weeks ago I was going to buy a Fender P bass off of Craigslist, but the guy must have sold it, and ended up not getting back to me after talking to him for a bit.

Either way...quality wise, how are Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass or Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass for a first electric bass?

Also, why do Jazz basses have the metal part on the controls? Why isn't it a plastic pickguard part like most basses? Personally, the metal where the volumes/tone/input are is one cosmetic thing about it that makes me not really like the body type as much.

5string5fingers · #2 09-08-2010, 11:41 PM

it's just how the jazz basses have been made since thes 60s,maybe you should ask leo fender

. You're one of the few people who doesnt like the chrome control plate lol,but in the 90s they made jazz basses with a full pickguard. The VM squiers are excellent basses for the money,they get tones of love around here.

JimmyKickButt · #3 09-08-2010, 11:45 PM

Cuthbert · #4 09-09-2010, 04:01 AM

I don't like the control plate of the Jazz either, that's the reason why I think the Jazz Plus of the 80s is much more stylish...in general I can say that leo liked chromed control plates, one of the earlier Stratocasters had a black pickguard with a small chromed control plate like a J, that was how he meant the Strat to be, but Carson complained that the pickguard blackened the hands so he had to switch to the white one.

lamonica78 · #5 09-09-2010, 05:56 AM

Squier vintage basses are definitely great starter basses for the money. What's your price range? Brubaker Brutes are also amazing basses for under $500 if you want something with a little more versatility

ShadowAsylum · #6 09-09-2010, 01:30 PM

I only want to spend $300 for the time being, because I need to get an amp as well. I want to make sure that I want to stay with bass, that's why I'm spending $300 and not a lot more.

edot3021 · #7 09-09-2010, 01:34 PM

I've been playing for a while and although I already have the japanese jaguar, I've been thinking of picking up the new Squier version. I think they are good buys.

C.Linton · #8 09-09-2010, 02:03 PM

Any one of the Squier Vintage Modified ($279-$299 new) and Classic Vibe ($349 new) models should do quite well.

Jackson Groove · #9 09-09-2010, 02:08 PM

When I decided to try fretless, I picked up a Squier modified fretless Jazz for about $300. I've been very pleased with the playability and tone, and have no reservations about gigging it. Fretted Squiers - maybe $200-250? You might also look at an entry level Ibanez.

becker4567 · #10 09-09-2010, 02:20 PM

Both Squier basses you mentioned are good, solid, basses that will serve you well for alot of years and either will make a great first bass. If you don't like the look of the J bass, then go for the P, but hold each one and feel the neck before you decide based on looks. The P and J are different animals with different neck thicknesses, so try not to decide on looks alone.

brickerenator · #11 09-09-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowAsylum

I only want to spend $300 for the time being, because I need to get an amp as well. I want to make sure that I want to stay with bass, that's why I'm spending $300 and not a lot more.

Craigslist.

Catbuster · #12 09-09-2010, 02:59 PM

I almost walked out of the store with a CV Jazz in white w/ brown tort pickgaurd last friday. Awesome bass.

I liked that way it felt better than the MIA Jazz in the store, if that says anything.

ysand · #13 09-09-2010, 05:34 PM

VM P.

Not only an entry level bass

Mike19 · #14 09-09-2010, 05:49 PM

I think Squire basses are excellent value for the money - beginner or not! I have a short scale Bronco.

However, do consider spnding $350 to $400 on a used MIM (made in Mexico) Fender P Bass or a used MIJ (made in Japan) Fender Aerodyne J (which has P and J pups and, in the US version, no pickguard or knob plate).

martyman5000 · #15 09-09-2010, 05:55 PM

Squire bass is fine...go to the store and pick up one that you like and have a tech set it up so the strings are as close to the neck with out making too much fret noise. Amps are a huge deal for me and as a beginner I wished I had of just bought a quality amp so if you can't afford one buy a Sansamp and a mixer and save up for something with some balls.

ShadowAsylum · #16 09-09-2010, 06:04 PM

Well...I did check Craigslist and the only bass I found that was in my price range and I actually liked, fell through as a purchase. I don't know if I'll be able to hold the basses before purchasing. I don't have any stores nearby that sell Fender or Squier products. Which bass would be the better choice overall for the following 11 songs? I picked 11 different artists to try and get different sounds.

Pearl Jam-Rats
Nirvana-Love Buzz
Alice in Chains-Nutshell
The Clash-Guns of Brixton
Led Zeppelin-When the Levee Breaks
Our Lady Peace-Whatever
The Cure-Pictures of You
Iron Maiden-Hallowed Be Thy Name
Rise Against-Give It All
The Beatles-I Saw Her Standing There
Shinedown-Sound of Madness

M.R. Ogle · #17 09-09-2010, 06:43 PM

Definitely go to whatever music store you have nearby and get your hands on as many basses as you can so you can feel and understand the differences between a P-contour and a J-contour neck... and others as well.

Then, you can scour Craigslist or the 'Bay for one in your price range with a much better idea of what you're buying.

**Staccato** · #18 09-09-2010, 07:33 PM

You've got to demo them, and see what sounds right to your own ears...

My MIM P was $200 'used' in a music store last Summer '09, in its Midnight Blue glory. And, I was really working to find a scratch, or bump. Have MIM prices gone up that quick?

MyWifeBoris · #19 09-09-2010, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5string5fingers

You're one of the few people who doesnt like the chrome control plate

I'm another.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShadowAsylum

Well...I did check Craigslist and the only bass I found that was in my price range and I actually liked, fell through as a purchase. I don't know if I'll be able to hold the basses before purchasing. I don't have any stores nearby that sell Fender or Squier products. Which bass would be the better choice overall for the following 11 songs? I picked 11 different artists to try and get different sounds.

Pearl Jam-Rats
Nirvana-Love Buzz
Alice in Chains-Nutshell
The Clash-Guns of Brixton
Led Zeppelin-When the Levee Breaks
Our Lady Peace-Whatever
The Cure-Pictures of You
Iron Maiden-Hallowed Be Thy Name
Rise Against-Give It All
The Beatles-I Saw Her Standing There
Shinedown-Sound of Madness

Honestly, it all depends on what you like, which is why you should demo as many as you can. There is no one bass that is perfectly suited to one genre. You could even use a Daisy Rock Disney Princess bass for playing death metal. Sure people will scoff, but who cares, fight the squares!

Jayhawk · #20 09-09-2010, 07:55 PM

No major complaints about my VM P. I've done some very minor upgrades and it's a very playable bass. I own better, but for the price level it's pretty darn good.