What is an entry level bass?

[BassPlayer900]

I did some searching but couldn't find anything about this.

Anyway, what do people mean when they say a bass is entry level? I know this is a dumb question, but I'm just wondering what entry level means. Is it a bass for people learning to play or are they basses for people who need a bass to record or gig with?

[Hactar]

To me, "entry level" refers to basses that are relatively inexpensive.
Some people are fine with them, other people want much more expensive basses.

As you go up in price, workmanship generally improves.

As an entry level bass, I really like the Ibanez GSR200. Other people really like the Squire VM.

[tangentmusic]

An entry level bass would be the first cheap bass any beginner would get.
Parents usually buy their kids a cheap or inexpensive bass to see if they take to it.
A common bass in the entry level would be the Squier Affinity series. Their around $179.

[Ibanez Bassist]

Its not a dumb question, I would think if your just starting out and if your not sure if your going to stick with it and on a budget you may want to get one of those combo packs, that will literally give you everything you need.. or you can buy a better bass used and amp separately with all the other stuff you may need, those combo packs are pretty good for beginners though..

[skychief]

The term "entry level" means starting from scratch with no prior knowledge or experience..

So, in relation to a bass, I would think it means a players first bass.

[bassgod0dmw]

To me it means a less expensive instrument. Once someone decides they want to learn an instrument they generally do not want to spend a ton of money just in case it turns out they do not like it.

You'd probably feel much better about "wasting" $300 than $3000.

[carl h.]

Bare minimum to be considered a playable bass. One step above a a BSO - bass shaped object.

[Hankenstein]

The first step to a life of abuse, depravity and disappointment.

[velalv]

I hear what everyone is saying here. However, sometimes entry means the lowest price model that serves as an entry into a line of instruments.

For example, G&L would probably consider their Tribute series to be entry level instruments, as in these are the lowest priced instruments that they make available. Their tribute series basses are definitely basses that even relatively discerning bassists can appreciate for being high quality, but it is the cheapest that company offers.

I would liken it to an entry level luxury car. An Acura TSX or Mercedes C Class are considered the entry points into their line of vehicle (with the hope that you will buy the higher end TL or E class), but they are hardly cars you would want to buy for someone just learning how to drive in most circumstances.

[electracoyote]

Originally Posted by velalv

I hear what everyone is saying here. However, sometimes entry means the lowest price model that serves as an entry into a line of instruments.

For example, G&L would probably consider their Tribute series to be entry level instruments, as in these are the lowest priced instruments that they make available. Their tribute series basses are definitely basses that even relatively discerning bassists can appreciate for being high quality, but it is the cheapest that company offers.

I would liken it to an entry level luxury car. An Acura TSX or Mercedes C Class are considered the entry points into their line of vehicle (with the hope that you will buy the higher end TL or E class), but they are hardly cars you would want to buy for someone just learning how to drive in most circumstances.

We don't want to confuse terms like "price point" and "entry level." They are not the same.

G&L may have a lower price point bass (the Tribute), as do many manufacturers, but it may still be a very, very nice bass and still priced well above the typical "entry level" bass.

To me, "entry level" is a term meant to denote something that is a test or trial item, to see if the player is even interested in a serious pursuit of the instrument.

As a teacher, when prospective students call me for lessons and haven't yet purchased an instrument, I point them to several choices that I know from experience have the following qualiites:

1. Is inexpensive (especially for younger students who may get bored with it--no sense mom and dad going overboard at square one)
2. Is functionally stable--can be set-up for ease of playability, intonated, tunes up and stays in tune, and is not cumbursome for the student (correct size and scale).

Squier, SX, and the new Xaviere basses are a few that fit the bill, all for well under $200.00.

Of course, you can spend as much money as you want on your first bass, and call it your "entry level" bass it you want, just like you could buy an Aston Martin as your first car. If you have the money to burn, terminology is a moot point.

[whitedk57]

An entry level, IMHO, is a bass that you can afford in order to "try out" bass playing. It's something that you won't regret plunking down money for, if indeed you don't want to continue the low-end life.

[ksandvik]

Long time ago an entry level bass was a used 59 Fender Precision...

[Ibanez Bassist]

Combo Bass pack to get started..

[khutch]

Entry level is just a marketing term, it means affordable. There are entry level houses, cars, basses, telescopes, golf clubs, ... just about anything you might want to buy is available as an entry level version. Entry level products are there for people who cannot or who don't care to spend a lot of money on the product. Entry level products will usually have fewer features, lesser materials, and often lesser craftsmanship. Entry level does not necessarily denote beginner however. You can learn to drive in a Mercedes as easily as in a Chevy though your parents may prefer that you not learn to drive in a 400 Hp model of either! If you are a beginner and you are sure that you don't mind spending $5000 on a bass that you may just turn around and sell for a loss then there is no need for you to limit yourself to $300 basses.

Ken

[atticpenny]

An entry level bass is what you purchase to introduce yourself to the most awesome instrument on the planet. Warning: entry level basses are known to quickly cause serious cases of G.A.S...

[carlos840]

less than $250

[BassPlayer900]

Okay, now I get it. Thanks!

[hdracer]

Entry Level is what ever you feel like spending on your first bass.

Most new players are young and have no money so cheap has come to mean the same thing.

Most cheap basses are the worst to start on.

My entry level was a Peavey Cirrus
It is much easier to learn on a quality instrument.

[BassPlayer900]

The only bass I own is an entry level that I got 5 months ago. sigh... If only I could go back in time, spend an extra $100, and buy a slightly better bass with a good little amp to go with it.

[251]

This discussion happens often on TB. There are many opinions. Here is my $0.02.

Entry level means an instrument that will not interfere with learning to play & does not cost a lot of money to own. The biggest hazard is not knowing enough to recognize a 'good enough' instrument. Many people have good luck with an inexpensive new instrument. Some get an inferior bass & never know the difference.

The operative word above is 'Cost'. Some people do the cost/benefit/resale analysis & choose a bass that will hold it's value, even with a scratch or 2. If the up front investment isn't a problem, a more desirable bass will let a beginner learn to play, keep the instrument for a long time or sell it for a small loss, maybe a small profit, if things don't work out.

It's a matter of how troubled you will be by the money spent to begin & the effort needed to dispose of a bass, if that is called for. I think it is possible to pay more, sell & wind up spending less. YRMV. So do you know someone who can assist in finding a bass that will last or sell for the price paid, give or take a little?