What should I look for in a bass?

[loldrummer]

Hey, I know I made a few threads about stuff like this but I kind of missed my thread and couldn't find it.. sorry.
So tomorrow I am gonna buy my first bass guitar, My budget is about 350-400$ for the bass guitar ONLY. So I wanted to ask, What will I like for in the bass guitar when I will choose one? It's sound? If it's Comfy? I know I should try as much as bass guitars as I can but I am going to one big music store tomorrow and there's companies like Lekong, peavey, Fender, Warwick, Washburn, Cort and a few more which are not quite cheap.

I already trained like 2 weeks or so on a classic guitar using the bass techniques and I learned how to play a song called smoke on the water which you all know. So, It might be too soon to buy a bass guitar? Although using a classic guitar as a bass guitar is extremely uncomfortable.

What do you think I should do? and how should I "Check out" a bass guitar?

Thanks a lot for the help

[CORBS]

Since you are just starting out i would try to find something that is comfortable to play more then anything else. Play it sitting down and with a strap standing up, make sure it's not too heavy and try to find one that does not have " neck dive " which is when the neck is heavier then the body and it is unbalanced. Hope this helps!

[ghostdog93]

Here are your previous threads:

Instrument decisions

Where should I start?

Bass for beginner

Maybe you could reread them.

[C.Linton]

What should you look for in a bass?
Hidden reefer stash under the pickguard.

[tangentmusic]

1) How does it look to you?
2) How does it feel in your hands?
3) How good do you think it plays?
4) How does it sound to you?
5) How's the price?
6) Does it make you happy?
Buy it

[pcake]

first off, how does it feel. if it isn't comfortable, you aren't going to want to play it. definitely try it with a strap as well as sitting down - last time i was trying basses, i bought a cheap strap that came in at under $10. it comes in very handy. even if you can't play a note, wrap your fingers around the neck. see if it feels comfortable. and check out every bass in your price range, above and below. sound is important, but if you're just starting out, you probably won't know how to dial in various tones from each bass and amp. you can always have a sales guy play a couple of your favorites to hear them in action.

have fun and happy playing!

[ghostdog93]

Originally Posted by C.Linton

What should you look for in a bass?
Hidden reefer stash under the pickguard.

Ok, I laughed. Cliff...you gotta tell me. This ever happen to you?