Should I get this bass guitar?

GrimRaper · #1 08-08-2010, 10:44 PM

http://www.amazon.com/MTD-Kingston-G...327704&sr=8-10

It seems like a good deal but I don't know too much about bass guitars so any advice would be great!

billiam5billion · #2 08-08-2010, 10:46 PM

You should go to your local music shop and try everything out. Don't start your habit online.

Jon_West · #3 08-08-2010, 10:50 PM

You have balls for wanting an MTD as a first bass.

But seriously, Billiam's right. Go to the shop and try out some of the basses there. Get to know what feels good in terms of neck width, string spacing, weight, etc. then buy a cheap bass to learn on.

TolerancEJ · #4 08-08-2010, 10:55 PM

MTD is a great choice, but I have to go with the others in this matter. Nothing beats personally testing/playing a few basses in a store. Everyone's tastes are different, so you should test if it feels/sounds right to you. If you're still kinda new to bass, maybe you could bring someone with you that has some experience.

JehuJava · #5 08-08-2010, 10:55 PM

No buy first bass online!

You go to shop and play every variety!

GrimRaper · #6 08-08-2010, 10:56 PM

Thats what my friend told me to do but how would I know whats good if I am a beginner? I think that advice would be better if I had already played for a couple years and know what I find to be important in a bass guitar. I find that your first guitar is pretty much what you grow into and get used to. Also, the price of this particular bass is almost the same price as the beginner basses I find in stores (just a tad bit more expensive).

TolerancEJ · #7 08-08-2010, 11:00 PM

Can your friend come with you to help test?

If you have to do it yourself, before even plucking a note... Put a strap on the bass & test it standing up. Does it feel too heavy? If you join a band, you will hold this instrument for several hours at a time. Does the scale (i.e. neck length) feel too long for your fingers?

billiam5billion · #8 08-08-2010, 11:03 PM

Even as a beginner with no context at all, you can feel comfortable or uncomfortable with a variety of different basses actually on a strap on your shoulder.

TolerancEJ · #9 08-08-2010, 11:03 PM

When testing the bass in a store, don't automatically go the biggest or best amplifier there. Any bass will sound great in the top amplifiers. Choose a mid-sized one to test your bass.

sarnz · #10 08-08-2010, 11:03 PM

the starter basses at stores near you are $1100?!?!

i would definitely get a cheaper bass... to make sure you even like it. if you have the money to spend, an american made fender will hold its value... if you shop around and get a decent deal you will most likely get your money back or take a small loss.

this is coming from a bassist who turned guitarist who now just plays both to write my own music

GrimRaper · #11 08-08-2010, 11:11 PM

Well i read the reviews for this particular bass and there was absolutely no negatives about it. I'm also not planning on performing but just casually playing it whenever i have the time. I normally play my instruments sitting down anyways so standing up and playing isnt really going to be much of a problem. The statistics for this instrument is also listed and it seems pretty dam light if its only like 8.2 pounds. (its also only 505 bucks without the added fees so its not that pricey)

EagleMoon · #12 08-08-2010, 11:46 PM

I've had one of those basses and I highly recommend it. That's an awesome price for the Z. About half off any price you'd get it retail. If you do have a Guitar Center near you though, I'd try one out first. They feel great, but like any bass they're not necessarily for everyone.

Jim Carr · #13 08-09-2010, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrimRaper

Well i read the reviews for this particular bass and there was absolutely no negatives about it. I'm also not planning on performing but just casually playing it whenever i have the time. I normally play my instruments sitting down anyways so standing up and playing isnt really going to be much of a problem. The statistics for this instrument is also listed and it seems pretty dam light if its only like 8.2 pounds. (its also only 505 bucks without the added fees so its not that pricey)

I am with Eaglemoon on this one. I don't think you will go too far wrong with this instrument at that price. However, don't forget you will need to budget for an amp.

Bongolation · #14 08-09-2010, 03:24 PM

I would not get a first bass from Amazon because about 80% of the instruments they sell are factory seconds, returns, rejects and other fails...which is not a big deal if you're experienced enough to detect problems and demand a replacement at no charge (Amazon is good about that, even if they do sell crap), but it's no place to be starting out.

I've bought twelve pieces of gear from Amazon in the past month. All but three were seriously defective stuff, some opened and resealed at least three times.

countrybass007 · #15 08-09-2010, 03:32 PM

Trying out a bass is by far the best way to buy. I think everybody will agree that even the same model/manufacturer varies from one instrument to the next.