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I want to play bass!

N

norbster

Jun 20, 2009
1
0
#1
Hi guys!

Obviously I am new to this, so please keep that in mind and be nice to me. :) Sorry if this is posted somewhere else, but I did a few searches and I can't find what I am looking for.

I've had this fantasy forever of playing the bass, because I love dance, music, rhythm...

So where do I get started? I want to buy a bass--but I don't know which one. Nothing at the top end of the line, but I want it to be a quality piece that I can really learn on. No sense in buy a piece of crap that I won't like playing, and I don't mind spending a little extra $$.

When I go into the music stores I get really intimidated, because I didn't grow up playing and instrument, and I'm kind of a girly girl. Looking at all the basses makes me wide-eyed, and I feel like I can't trust a salesman to steer me in the right direction.

What are the most important elements to look for when buying a first-timers bass? Are used basses a viable option, or is it better to invest in something new? Are starter kits good or are they usually low quality? If I want to take lessons, how do I find the best instructor? What else should I keep in mind when starting to learn?

Thanks for all your help! Namaste!

~norbs
 
#2
Welcome Norbs!! I think a straight up Fender Squire J-bass would be a great starter bass, I actually had one for a while and did many gigs with it and it sounded killer!! I think Fender is doing some great low priced stuff right now with the Squier line...inexpensive and built really well, with good electronics and OK hardware....hope this helps!!
 
#3
Hey Norbs,

First of all welcome.

There is nothing wrong with buying used. There is nothing wrong with starter kits, you get what you pay for. A Squier "Rock-Star-In-A-Box" was my first purchase.
If it doesn't work out for you the lesson didn't cost you a ton of money.

A little more information will help us to answer your question(s).

Where do you live?
What is your budget?
What kind of music do want to play the most?
Do you play any other instrument?
 
#4
First off, welcome! This is a great place to learn, there's tons of info here. But starter kits are usually low quality,I'd personally avoid them. You could get good used gear for a little more. So if you want some to learn on that isn't total junk, some great basses are SX and Squire Vintage Made or Vintage Vibe. You really can't beat either of those as far as price and playability.
 
#5
You have come to the right place, i wish i had known of TB before i bought my bass.

I'd suggest going to the store and playing around with the basses in your price range and get what you want, but in order for us to help you better we need a bigger picture, what is your price range? what music do you listen to? do you want to replace this bass eventually, or do you want this to be your bass forever? and so on.

In my experience starter kits have descent basses but horrible amps.


Also here's a bass guitar buying guide, add the website to your bookmarks since it is a great resource, and also check out this link and add it to your bookarks, it is pretty much all a new bassist can ask for.
 
#6
Personally I would steer clear of Squiers, I've never ever had any luck with them (or Fender) but...then again your mileage may vary.

And it really does depend on what sort of music you'd like to play - as different bass styles/brands usually cater towards a different "sound".

I can personally tell you that if you'd like a more "modern" tone, some of the Ibanez SR (Soundgear) basses are pretty nice to start on. They have some inexpensive and decently built models, have slimmer necks that new players sometimes find easier to get the hang of, and since they are a popular brand and style if you want to upgrade something on them it's easy to find the parts.

But you may find you don't like the Ibanez Soundgears at all - I think the best advice is for you to go to a few music stores and try out what they have there in your price range. Don't be afraid to ask some questions, but do be aware that sales people are sales people - don't let them shove you into buying something you're not comfortable with.
 
#7
Greetings. A coupla suggestions if I may: It's easy to get taken with used equipment. I suggest avoiding it if possible until you have some experience and know what to look for. Or at least find someone you can trust the help you check it out before parting with cash. It is pretty easy to hide a significant flaw with a musical instrument from a novice. Do you belong to a church that might have a musical director or bass player that might help you?

There are many affordable entry-level basses that are great for a beginner, but even so, try as much as you can to not compromise on quality. Below a certain threshold, and instrument can be discouraging to a beginner just because of difficulty playing or staying in tune or not buzzing out or...

Watch and LISTEN to all of the music you can. Study all you can. Practice all you can. Don't let yourself get frustrated. It takes time to learn, for everyone.

Don't worry about being a novice in a music store (jeesh you should see the clowns at the local GC! At least you're tryin'!). Ask for assistance and privacy. Most stores have studio rooms that you can go to to try it without the whole store watching.

And everyone--even LowDown Hal--looks great wearing a bass, even better if they're playing it! It makes you, um, "more".
 
#8
I suggest just going to all the local music stores, trying all the basses in your price range and buying the one you like best. I don't see how you could go wrong with a nice sounding, comfortable to play bass, but read reviews before buying if you have doubts. For your first bass, stick with 4 strings and don't get a fretless; no reason to make learning harder than it should be. I've only been playing bass for a few months, but I still like my Washburn XB100, it's a good starter bass and I got for under $200.

Don't buy an instrument without trying it first. See what you like.

Good luck!
 
#10
First bass? My suggestion is a Fender Mustang.....Tina Weymouth (who is one of my favorite all time bassists) put out some killer groves with the little, short scale bass. They are good quality and easy to learn on. Also try Rondo....they have good quality stuff for not alot of money, including quite a few shortys.
 
#12
You'll have a blast. Just look for basses that first, you like how they look, then check the price, if it's within your range, then pick it up and play with it. Buy the one you like best based on those 3 things, but mostly, how it feels in your hands. Have alot of fun while you're at it.
 
#14
No question that Fender has decided to upgrade the Squier line immensely over the last couple of years. My son has advanced from a beginner to an intermediate player, and that's what I'll likely get him next. Not the "Affinity", though,, but the better of the Squier models. At some point a pickup upgrade may be in order, but the quality, fit and level of finish is outstanding, IMO.

Buy an SX, and you just about have to start modding right away to get a decent bass. Again, my opinion, but I think with an SX you just about need to keep the neck and body and go new with everything else. And I'm not crazy about the necks.
 
#15
LCW said:
www.rondomusic.com
Click to expand...

That'd be where to get the bass. For the amp, Guitar Center distributes a line of amps called Acoustic, and they're really good, solid amps. Fairly cheap, too. I'd go for the 12" or 15" combo, but that's just me.

For the instructor, do a bit of research. Contact local teachers, and if there's one that you feel like you gel with, set up a few lessons and see how you like it.
 
#16
I think you should try to locate a store that sells Yamaha basses. They are not real expensive, but they offer a great value for your money. Solid build quality and even the low end Yammies will carry you a LONG way toward proficiency.

I think we've all been where you are and struggled with the same issues. Don't let'em back you down! Get what YOU want and have fun.
 
#17
I'd suggest a solid wood bass, 34" scale, nice playability and weight, as I think these are the factors that keep you enjoy playing the instrument. There are lots of brands that offer this on a lower budget. Try in different stores and don't be shy to ask some personnel for help.
 
#18
I think the teacher is more important than the bass you buy.
I have had a number of teachers over the years, and most are
not real music teachers. They are good players and will show you how to play "Money" , but starting off, you need someone who will insist you learn good technique with both hands and that you learn the neck thru a series of exercises which improve your basic skill levels, rather than just showing you licks. Ask at music stores, then do a lesson and ask the person about their teaching approach. They need to be in control of the learning process, not you(even tho it seems more fun the other way), if you want to become a good player,with good versatility, as quickly as possible.
 
#19
I agree on the Rondo. I have one and it's a good solid instrument that's certainly gigworthy when the time comes.

Don't forget to set aside some money and especially time for lessons/practice....that's the work part.

Oop, almost forgot...learn to read bass clef.
 
#20
oldrookie said:
I think you should try to locate a store that sells Yamaha basses. They are not real expensive, but they offer a great value for your money. Solid build quality and even the low end Yammies will carry you a LONG way toward proficiency.

I think we've all been where you are and struggled with the same issues. Don't let'em back you down! Get what YOU want and have fun.
Click to expand...

+1
I wish I had actually listened to advise very similar to this when I started just recently. I wouldn't have wasted $100 on an Ibanez. That money could have gone to a better amp.

As for picking an instructor... I found good luck with just starting to email instructors that I found online (many various sources). See if the responses feel ok to you. If so, give it a shot. If you get there and you don't like them, move on. No harm, no foul.
 

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