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Advice on purchasing a bass

#21
Get your hands on the above options, and check the TB want ads, even post a To Buy ad - good chance of getting a player's instrument. Look for basses that have been shielded, at least budget for getting your bass setup & shielded by a tech. You should be able to get what you want & stay in budget.
 
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#22
scg said:
Hi,

I was hoping to get some advice on purchasing a bass. I hope this question is appropriate here.

I'm not a pro bassist and never will be, but I'm thinking about getting a bass for songwriting and recording. Here's some relevant info:

- The price range I'm looking at is $300 or less. I realize that's limiting, but that's my starting point, for now at least. Either new or used is fine.

- The style of music I'd be working on is synth pop with some live elements such as bass and guitar.

- Ideally, I'd like something decent enough that recording actual bass tracks to be used in a professional final product wouldn't be entirely out of the question. Maybe that's too much to ask for $300 or less, but it's my hope. Worst case, I'd use the instrument for composing and recording scratch tracks, and have someone else record the actual tracks.

- I'd likely be recording around computer equipment, so noise/interference might be an issue. I'm guessing this might have implications for what type of electronics I should look for.

- I probably won't be doing any slapping. I also won't be playing live.

- I'm looking for a 4- or 5-string fretted, standard scale. Number of frets doesn't matter.

- I have a few local places to shop, but the selection isn't super-great in that price range. Good used instruments can often be found online in my area though.

Does anyone have any advice on what sort of bass might be appropriate for this? Any thoughts on the Ibanez SR370? (I might be able to get a hold of one of those.) And just out of curiosity, what would be a good choice if budget wasn't as much of an issue?

I know it's a broad question and there's no one right answer, but any advice I can get will help me in narrowing things down a bit.

Thanks :)
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It sound like a Squier Jazz bass will fit your needs and it can also be use in a small to very large gig it is that good.
 
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#24
I would definitely buy used. The biggest problem with most lower end basses are the necks both in straightness and fretwork. Should not be hard to find a solid P bass for $300. Play it first.
 
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#30
My first bass was a Peavey Millenium AC BXP and it absolutely kills, I still own and love it. It was £150 on sale so maybe close to $200? I'm sure you could pick one up for around that still. It has the Peavey VFL pickups that are so punchy and with it being active and having the EQ on board it's super versatile. I can remember my old peri teacher playing a few notes on it, bewildered he looked at the headstock and was like "now that's a nice sounding bass". (I still own mine too!)
 
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#33
If you're going to walk into a Guitar Center and walk out with a bass for $300 or less, the Sterling SUB Ray4 and the Ibanez Talman TMB100 are serious contenders. Both of them sound and play better than their price tags suggest. (And whatever you get, it's worth taking to a music shop for a decent set up.)
 
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#35
Maybe most important to a beginning basser is finding a good starting point. Nut width, neck profile, weight, string spacing and balance all add up to good feel and that should trump tone for a first bass. Unfortunately in most of America it is sometime hard to find much variety to test drive. Even for a first bass, if possible, drive a couple of hours and spend whatever time you need. If you plan to play standing strap up. Neck dive is a technique killer. Something will jump out. If it is a common bass you can then check used. GC is full of basses in that range. Get someone with experience to help if you decide to go used.

Include a couple of things in your budget. Strings, which are higher than you're used to, a decent strap if you want to stand and, most likely whether you buy new or used, a setup.

Probably what you will find in that price range will be a Squier or an Ibanez. They offer very different feel and sound. Personally I would try to stick with a common model in case you want to change.

Then, as your skills evolve, you get to do it again!
 
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#39
foolforthecity said:
Peavey Fury. Used, sub-$200 in the States
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The best answer to your question is Peavey Fury. In my opinion, it absolutely blows Fender Squire out of the water, and is ideal for recording. Get a Fury, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. If you don't like it, I'll buy another...... just kidding, but seriously, you'll really like it and it will be perfect for what you want to do.
 
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