A Bass for Christmas

[TrevorR]

Suggest you go for a day trip to Manchester and try out as many basses in your price range as you can in the following shops... PMT (yes, really!) Invalid Link Removed , and Forsyths Invalid Link Removed . If you fancy a day out in Cheadle (there's a phrase no one has uttered before in the history of the universe) then there's Sounds Great Shopping for Bass Guitars? We Have You Covered

Go without preconceptions of what brand, specification, scale length etc and just see which ones you find attractive visually, and which ones "feel right" in your hands (and on a strap) when you're playing them. They when you've got a short list from the first two categories, which ones sound best to you (as much as you are able to tell at the moment).

As others have said its the subtitlies like neck profile, balance, weight, ergonomics which make a huge difference to how you get on with a bass - particularly at your stage. Rather than brand, pickup type, scale length etc. Since you've already played guitar you'll at least be partly able to try things out with some discernment.

And enjoy it as a day out. Hopefully it should help you draw up a short list of basses that are real contenders for your Christmas pressie...

 

[JZQuantum]

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That G&L Kilo is calling out to be bought and rocked. What an awesome looking bass.

 

[sissy kathy]

@DevonteRhys2003 That Gretsch is a short scale so keep that in mind. It will have a much different reach than a standard 34" scale bass. Nothing at all wrong with that but something to consider.

Looking at the website you provided, I would consider any of the Yamaha's - they are good quality for the price, especially the ones with two humbuckers and a Fender Player or Standard Precision or Jazz bass. Something like a Yamaha TRBX304 or 504 will give you a variety of tones. But it is always tough to beat a Fender simply because they are so simplistic and recognizable.

Be advised, having a short scale severely limits you string choices. Instead of having hundreds of choices you will have more like 20.

 

[jd56hawk]

That G&L Kilo is calling out to be bought and rocked. What an awesome looking bass.

Right price, too.
Saw one on reverb that was just a bit darker and richer looking than most of the others.
I just wish the Sonic Blue was blue, instead of barely blue.

 

[CallMeAl]

Iam 15, 16 in March and average height and skinny

Thanks for all the replys theres lots for me to read and learn. Invalid Link Removed might try one of these because you said yamaha is good.

do basses suit types of music like guitars, or are they more versatile? I don't want a 'metal' bass when we i won't be playiung anything too heavy. Thanks, Devo

There are some classic bass combos (like p bass for punk, jazz bass for slap) but that bass would be pretty versatile. If that one is calling to you, I think it would be great. Just read up on actives; you have to mind the battery and unplug when you're not playing.

The band instrument store in my town (you know, the one that sells clarinets and violins) only Carries Yamaha basses. I guess they've decided it's the best bass for a beginner.

 

[Kice]

Hi jd56hawk

Thanks for replying. I think something i can get good with. Not too expensive. I'm in the UK so 400/500 is good money here. You can get basic epiphones for under 200. I love the look of rickenbacker but too much money maybe one day ha ha

Playability/quality/budget ratio = Ibanez
That would be my starting point
Pick the model

 

[Leo Thunder]

The band instrument store in my town (you know, the one that sells clarinets and violins) only Carries Yamaha basses. I guess they've decided it's the best bass for a beginner.

Or they got an advantageous deal with one manufacturer and can't be bothered making things more complicated than they must. I don't believe a minute any general store goes through the work of finding out "what the best brand for beginners" is.

 

[CallMeAl]

Or they got an advantageous deal with one manufacturer and can't be bothered making things more complicated than they must. I don't believe a minute any general store goes through the work of finding out "what the best brand for beginners" is.

Yeah that did occur to me too. I happen to think it's a good brand for beginners so I turn a blind eye

 

[wintremute]

I always thought you frequently see Yamaha in general music stores because they make different types of instruments which are all probably carried at that store.

And yeah, Yamaha makes some very good basses.

 

[wintremute]

do basses suit types of music like guitars, or are they more versatile? I don't want a 'metal' bass when we i won't be playiung anything too heavy. Thanks, Devo

No, basses don't really specifically suit any one type of music. Your playing style, the pickups.,strings, amp, and effects will mostly determine that.

An Ibanez Destroyer could be used to play country songs, but because of the way it looks you probably won't see it in that space.