Absolute Beginner... Look for my first bass - please advise.

[hrodbert696]

Hello folks,

@hrodbert696 I'm still reading and checking. ,)

Thanks so much to you all for the advice and tips. What a super cool and helpful bunch your are.

I'm going back to the UK for Xmas tomorrow and will scout a few Guitar Shops on the 27th to have another play with the basses and make my choice. Xmas sales should be on and I might bag a bargain.

I do like the look of the Thunderbird, but the weight and neck dive seems a little off putting and I don't fancy drilling new neck strap points into the body to achieve a better balance on my first guitar.

From what I'm hearing and the style of music I like, I'm leaning towards a P bass or the Yamaha BB424X. It feels like I can't go wrong with a P bass though.

Next thought... I have poor finger control/strength and have had RSI before from using a computer mouse too much, long story... So, I'm thinking of learning to play with a pick. Does that make a difference to what I should choose?

Once again - thanks for the help. Wow, a community that really gives good tips and genuine comments - brilliant!

Merry Xmas,
Doylum

No rush, I was kidding around.

A P bass is always a solid choice to start with (but I really like Yamaha....).

You can use a pick on anything. By the way, if anyone ever gives you grief over it, they are ignorant and you can ignore them. Lots of TB threads on how people hear "real" bassists don't use a pick, but the fact is that lots of great bassists do, like Paul McCartney and Chris Squire. Anyway, the only area that makes a smidgen of difference is string spacing at the bridge. Slap bassists tend to like it wider, pick bassists are often more comfortable with it narrower. But it's only a slight difference, and with either a P bass or a Yamaha BB you'll be fine.

 

[Lobster11]

I used to play electronic drums, but since moving to an apartment I can't as it's just too thumpy on the floor with the bass pedal. I've always liked bass, so here we go.

I have never played guitar in my life, I'm an utter newb.

Your experience as a drummer is gonna be a big help in learning to play bass. If you already understand rhythm and know how to groove, the rest is just notes. Knowing when to play a note (or not) is almost always much more important that knowing which particular note to play.

 

[sean_on_bass]

My recommendation would be to buy a Fender or Squier Jazz or Precision model. Generally feel good in the hands, and can easily be upgraded in the future.

 

[hrodbert696]

Oh by the way, regarding the RSI - stretching out your hands, warming up, and good technique are important to protecting the health of your hands. It matters on your fretting hand as much as your plucking/picking hand. Carpal tunnel and tendonitis are risks for stringed-instrument musicians if you aren't careful, but easily preventable if you are.

Check out -
http://chriskeuken.nl/

and

(he also has one on right hand, that I'm not as psyched about)

and

 

[Chris Ferguson]

Since you are talking 4 string and it's your first bass, Do not buy a "value pack" from a retail outlet. Buying a new bass from a store is like buying a new car, worth way less once you take possession of it. I'd get a used Mexican made Fender off of craigslist or something like that. They are well made and you can get it cheap and the headstock will say Fender.

 

[Doylum]

Hi Folks,

I finally bought a bass.

It's a second hand Ibanez SR300. Perfect condition with gig bag and nice strap for a good price. Hopefully it will be good enough to get me going.

It plays fine but there is a quite a bit of fret buzz on E string. Is this normal? How do I fix it? Should I have a go myself or take it to my local store for a setup?

Thanks guys,
Doylum

 

[T_Bone_TL]

Whether or not you come out the far side doing it yourself, I strongly suggest going and reading the things linked to in the "hardware, setup and repair" section's stickied posts at the top of the page about "all basic setup questions answered" - there is some link-rot there, but enough of it is still good; then you can ask yourself if this seems like something you should do, or not. I'm personally a big fan of doing it myself, but I'm also a firm believer in the quote oft attributed to Henry Ford - "Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't, you're probably right."

 

[Lobster11]

If it's only that one string buzzing, and otherwise it "plays fine," just try adjusting the saddle to raise that one string a bit. It should't be hard to figure out how to do, and the process is easily reversible if it doesn't really solve the problem.

On the other hand, it certainly wouldn't be a bad idea to bring it to a pro for a complete setup -- or at least an inspection -- before you start digging in.