So.. I'm 45 and don't play an instrument. Little help...

[Wallace320]

Originally Posted by Mike in Chicago

Use the Precision until he asks for it back, he may forget you have it. I recently discovered my old Acoustic 150b that I haven't seen in about 15 years at my cousin's son's house. Guys and family members have stuff of mine all over the place.

What am I gonna do, take it back from the kid?

That's the way musicians are.

+1
I'do like that too: never askin' it back...
That's the way I'm too

Yet a close friend of mine got a borrowed MIM Jazz bass asked back
That's the way "other" musicians can be

Cheers,
Wallace

[ElwoodPDowd]

Originally Posted by Mike in Chicago

Use the Precision until he asks for it back, he may forget you have it.

I wish. He collects vintage Gibson and Les Paul guitars. He doesn't usually loan them. He isn't going to forget That little brother has his PBass.

That being said I probably have a year with it. It is his spare.

[ShowLow]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

If your brother plays bass, ask HIM this question and get the benefit of his experience. Go to a music store with him and get his advice. Lay hands on a number of different basses. You need some exposure to various basses and it takes a while to get a feel for what you like and what you don't.

This.

And know that your tastes will change as you grow as a bassist. You cannot go wrong with a Precision, borrowed or otherwise. My own approach has been to acquire and play a bunch of different basses so that I force my hands to adapt to different profiles, nut widths, strings etc. An equally valid (and arguably even more valid) approach is to stick with one bass and concentrate on the playing. Certainly that's cheaper!

My humble advice: Find a bass you love. Then, pro setup and proper instruction are key. Stay away from the Classifieds! But...if you are going to become a gearhead like me, buy used and don't get too attached. If you want to buy only one bass and price is not a concern, think about an MIA or MIJ Fender. If you can buy two, consider a Precision and a Jazz. IMHO of course!!

Elwood, welcome to the low end.

[BFunk]

If you find that you need to support the instruments neck while standing up to keep it from pointing down, then you have a neck dive problem. A little neck dive is not really a big issue for some of us. Most prefer no neck dive. Often this can be fixed by proper strap adjustment or perhaps a different strap. Your instructor should be able to identify the problem and recommend solutions. In fact your first lesson should include adjusting the strap so the instrument fits you properly. He should be checking that your body, arms, and hands are properly positioned for ease of movement and minimum stress. If he does not review this with you, find another instructor. Posture and positioning are fundamental to good technique. They are also key to preventing repetitive stress disorders in the future.

Originally Posted by ElwoodPDowd

This is exactly what I wanted to say but didn't know it.
I have a hard time with the fret hand when I feel like I am supporting the bass with it also. I just changed the position of the guitar until it was balanced.

I agree that after a few lessons I will be so much more knowledgeable than I am now.

[Kubicki440]

Fender Squire Bullet P-bass was one of my first basses back in the late 80's. if you can't decide go with a Precision/Jazz it covers lots of ground.

Some of the Ibanez basses aren't too shabby either. Let your ears and fingers do the decision making. Many bass guitars that are in the music stores tend to have high string action in my experiences. May have to adjust to suit your tastes.

[RABJ]

The first two times I started bass I failed and the primary reason was having the wrong bass for ME. The thickness of the neck was my problem the first two tries. Thrid time I got online, asked some questions, and then went for a MIM Jazz. That was good enough to get me going. Did more research and got a nice Ibanez SR and it was magic. A bass that just felt perfect for my hands.

My suggestion, try to basses. One with a thick neck and one thin. Use those as a starting point for your search.

[ElwoodPDowd]

What about short scale (32" and below) basses?
Would I regret that eventually?
What are the negative issue I would face?

[Rick Moors]

Originally Posted by ElwoodPDowd

I wish. He collects vintage Gibson and Les Paul guitars. He doesn't usually loan them. He isn't going to forget That little brother has his PBass.

That being said I probably have a year with it. It is his spare.

Another thing to consider is that often a bass that sounds great by itself doesn't always cut it in a band situation.

You probably won't have that problem with a P-bass, but if you can hold off making a decision until you have advanced to the point where you can jam with people, you'll have a much better idea of which bass can do what in a practical setting.

Congrats on your decision to get started!

[JoeWPgh]

The P is a standard. you will get no puzzled looks for using one. The next thing to consider is the size of your hands. If they are small, look at a short scale bass. If they are above average, go P or J. As for easy playability, the more you spend, the better the bass should be set up and ready to go. That said, you can get a lot of value if you factor in a thorough setup from a luthier - set the nut, level, fall off and dress the frets. A "cheap" bass that is thoroughly set up can play circles around an expensive one that isn't. But as everyone else says, start by playing a few.

[LanEvo]

Buy something used off the forums here. Most of us buy a bunch of nice basses on impulse, spend time/money/energy getting them set up just the way we like them...and then turn around and sell them for no good reason.

I'd trust something I bought off this forum over something I bought from just about any music store.

[ibateur]

I started on a Fender P, then went to a P-J for the variety, and now play an SX Jazz. I don't think you can go wrong on a Fender or a good copy of one.

Thing is that you really need to sit down with it (or at least take what position you plan to play it most in). That's for the physical feel of it.

Seeing that you've said "you like the sound of the bass" I would already set aside some money to find the sound you're in love with... you will become more specific.

[Malak the Mad]

Originally Posted by ElwoodPDowd

What I would like is some suggestions of guitars that will be a long lasting joy to play. Not just a get me started. I have the PBass for that. (for awhile anyway)

I am open to entry level and moderate expensive. Though if it is an expensive guitar I will be shopping the used market.

Thanks.

Welcome to the Deep End, Elwood! I, for one, wish you all the best of it. Might I make a suggestion while offering you some dry, white toast and a Coke?

I really lucked out with my first bass. It was a Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass and it has a lot going for it. On it's face, it's very light, weighing in at 8.5lbs. The neck is super-smooth and very slim, so gliding up and down the fretboard is pretty easy. All nice features for someone starting out.

There are other technical aspects that I later came to appreciate, but were unknown to me at the time. The funny thing is, I didn't know much about "what made it tick" when I bought it. I thought it looked super-cool (which it does!), it looked like it'd be a comfortable fit for me and it seemed to have some features unique among most Fenders.

Over time, I've come to appreciate it for it's technical qualities as well. It has a smaller fretboard radius than most other Fenders, which I was unaware of upon purchase, but may have lent some additional comfort while playing it during my early lessons. Also, I've become a big fan if it's Precision/Jazz pickup configuration. Now most of my growing collection (God help me and my wallet!) are P/J's.

In a nutshell, it was a great starter bass for me and I'm proud to own one. Will it be great for you once you decide to get your own keeper? Dunno. It is, after all, just a suggestion.

[ElwoodPDowd]

Not that I am about to buy anything, but please compare these two basses.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...ed-jaguar-bass

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...y4-bass-guitar I like mahogany stain version.

I think they are both great looking. The edge goes to the Jaguar. Mainly because I hate how the headstock on the EB is the maple without any overlay. Petty, I know, but it is an oddball color to an otherwise perfect color scheme. Can you buy covers or overlays for headstocks?
But are either of these instruments that I can start with and enjoy for a long time.

[ElwoodPDowd]

I just discovered that Alvarez is located where I live. How are there electric basses?

[boristhespider9]

I think you should either buy a Music Man Sterling (USA) or a Fender Geddy Lee Jazz.

Interestingly, I happen to be selling one of each of these right now!

[ElwoodPDowd]

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

I think you should either buy a Music Man Sterling (USA) or a Fender Geddy Lee Jazz.

Interestingly, I happen to be selling one of each of these right now!

It is weird how that can happen, isn't it?

How much for the MM?

[BFunk]

Either bass would be a good choice. They sound very different. If you are able to try them in person, I strongly suggest you do so. Also consider the amp you are going to use. How the guitar and amp works together is a very important part of the sound.

Originally Posted by ElwoodPDowd

Not that I am about to buy anything, but please compare these two basses.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...ed-jaguar-bass

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...y4-bass-guitar I like mahogany stain version.

I think they are both great looking. The edge goes to the Jaguar. Mainly because I hate how the headstock on the EB is the maple without any overlay. Petty, I know, but it is an oddball color to an otherwise perfect color scheme. Can you buy covers or overlays for headstocks?
But are either of these instruments that I can start with and enjoy for a long time.

[boristhespider9]

Originally Posted by ElwoodPDowd

It is weird how that can happen, isn't it?

How much for the MM?

A huge bargain:

Music Man Sterling 4HS With Neck Flaming - Mint Condition

[ElwoodPDowd]

Originally Posted by boristhespider9

A huge bargain:

Music Man Sterling 4HS With Neck Flaming - Mint Condition

A bit dear.
But very nice.