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Advices for a new bass

#21
bholder said:
haha those are both Jack, old and current. He's not unhappy, it's just he's got great "bass face". :D
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I realised that a bit later and corrected it. I'm just a bit different as my first BL made a big deal of always looking like you were having fun as you were putting on a show and you were expected to bring the audience in through your physical performance as well as what you played.

bholder said:
Nothing wrong with preferring short scale, just don't let hand size unnecessarily limit one's choices.
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Yep. God graced me with modest sized hands, but compensated with other areas of my anatomy that are larger than usual *cough*.
 
#24
bholder said:
Ok, could be, but my point is still valid - she's tiny compared to the bass, whatever scale it is. Nothing wrong with preferring short scale, just don't let hand size unnecessarily limit one's choices.
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Your point is valid. I'm not arguing with you. I was just using that video to point out how comfortable that model is. And it sounds very similar to a full scale Ray. It's also passive, which many prefer. It's on a short list of basses I have to talk myself out of from time to time. The Short Scale ray sounds great, and shouldn't be dismissed just due to scale.

I would suggest comfort is one of the bigger factors in buying a bass. I had one that was a submarine (diver) and I didn't play much for years. Now that I sold it for more comfortable bass, I'm enjoying it much more. I'm also having to relearn proper technique as the neck dive on my first bass taught bad habits. Good comfort should prevent some bad habits too.

Edit: my submarine was a 90's non reverse Thunderbird....
 
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#27
bholder said:
Yup, known head-diver there for sure. Holding the bass more vertical and using a wide grippy strap helps, but yeah, if you don't like head diving, not a great bass choice.
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I had a wide neoprene strap, and I did hold it more vertical. After a 2 hour set, my left arm was usually numb. It's the sole reason I loathe neck dive now. Great sounding bass though. I also developed (as I've discovered recently) bad habits from having to lift the neck up.
 
#29
mrperkolator said:
I had a wide neoprene strap, and I did hold it more vertical. After a 2 hour set, my left arm was usually numb. It's the sole reason I loathe neck dive now. Great sounding bass though. I also developed (as I've discovered recently) bad habits from having to lift the neck up.
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run your strap thru your belt or equivalent and you're anchored comfortably
 
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#31
madasahatter said:
Sounds like you're looking for a medium or short scale bass (32"-30" scale). Ibanez is known for their thinner fast necks. You can tale a look at their Mezzo Bass (32" scale) or the Talman short scale (30"scale"). I've played both and they're both pretty decent mid level-ish basses.
If you want to go shorter scale than that, check out the Mikro Bass. 28.6" scale and a lot of fun to play.
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All of this right here. Spot on.
 
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#33
I agree that small hands shouldn't necessarily preclude the use of standard scale basses. However, you could consider a Hofner 500/1 or 500/2, or a Fender Mustang (I'd recommend the JMJ, Vintera or American Performer models). These basses worked great for Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads, though I think she eventually ended up with a full-scale Jazz.
 
#34
madasahatter said:
Sounds like you're looking for a medium or short scale bass (32"-30" scale). Ibanez is known for their thinner fast necks. You can tale a look at their Mezzo Bass (32" scale) or the Talman short scale (30"scale"). I've played both and they're both pretty decent mid level-ish basses.
If you want to go shorter scale than that, check out the Mikro Bass. 28.6" scale and a lot of fun to play.
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This would be a good place to start
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Mustang Bass - Olympic White
You might also consider.
G&L Fullerton Deluxe Fallout Short-scale Bass Guitar - Shell Pink
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GSRM20BWNF--ibanez-gsrm20bwnf-mikro-walnut-flat
This would look and sound killer but it is a bit pricey
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...fallout-short-scale-bass-guitar-olympic-white
 
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#36
Two more votes for changing neck angle: Robbie Merrill (Godsmack) and Robert DeLeo (STP).
R (1).jpg A-452361-1449376246-2702.jpeg.jpg
I find myself doing the same thing on occasion.
 
#37
10emmanuel said:
Hello friends!
Thank you all for being here reading my post.
I am Emma, back as a bassist after 5 years, and wanting to get a new bass"!

But I come to get advices, I need to get "the most compact bass/brand" in market. Why is that?
I have small hands with short fingers and the most of basses are difficult to play to me!
Necks always too wide and thick, or the next its self too long when I hang it, so I need to know based in your experience which bass or brand produce short necks, thin and/or narrow necks.
Thanks!!!
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You came to the right place! Me, personally, I have a younger cousin who is getting into bass. I'm currently on the hunt with her. So far, we have our eyes on:

Yamaha RB series (They're older and they're not her thing, but I've never played something so light. Yamaha just make good quality, good sounding instruments, well worth a look)

Ibanez Mikro (This will never get in your way. Seriously. Neck or weight)

Squier Bronco (short scale, a little chunkier than previously mentioned, but not to a great degree. This guy will see you through)

Danelectro Longhorn (strange shape, but in my opinion, one of the lightest and best sounding basses of its type and price range. Lipstick pickups make me giddy)

Mark Hoppus signature (Pricier and it doesn't have a tone knob, but this ticks the box of GREAT all rounder and light as anything)

Also..

I have to recommend just getting a Fender (probably a Jazz, neck is considerably thinner), and toughing it out. I have tiny hands, and I play a Jazz V. Sure it's tricky at times, but I just can't give up the feel and tone of it.

I hope this helps. Dive deep on this, Em! And welcome.
 
#38
The Ibanez Mikro Bass..it is small and light with a 28.5" scale length.. note most "short scale" basses are 30".. I recommended to a 5ft friend with small hands and its a winner for her..

It is a low cost bass and with some experience may allow you to move up to a 30" at a later date but i wouldn't recommend 30" bass to you to start with
 

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