• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Any brands to AVOID as a first bass?

Michael Campbel

Michael Campbel

Aug 11, 2008
246
1
60
Alpharetta (Milton) GA Georgia
#1
Have been shopping local teachers and will probably either order an SX this week, or maybe a Squier from one of the local shops (or something else from local Guitar Center?)

Anyway, due to my small size, I think I'm going to be looking for something with a smaller neck; probably a Jazz.

Seems most brands have their followers and detractors, but is there any common wisdom on what to avoid as a first bass, with me not being ABLE to "try before I buy" since I don't know what's good and what's crap. And/or, things to look out for when I do start looking? (IF there's a thread about this, I haven't found it - apologies if my search-fu is weak - but please point me to it!)

Thanks
 
#6
I'd recommend the ESP B-50 that I have. I saw it on Musician's Friend for $200 I think. Very versatile bass, very thin, fast neck, quite a small body which may be comfortable for smaller people being that there isn't so much to sling your arm over :P

I think it's made in Indonesia, but the build quality is very good for such a cheap instrument (though I paid like 2 or 3 times that price), everything's very tight and controlled.

I'd buy another one if I could get it for $200, and convert it to fretless, maybe put some cooler pups in it or something...
 
#8
anything in that price range will usually need a decent set of strings and a setup. Thou I haven't owned either the SX or Squier, I have had a chance to play them. I thought the SX had chunky necks but they do have short scale basses if you need something smaller.

Also you might want to keep an eye out on the used market. An old Peavey Fury, Millenium or Patriot would be nice. They have thin necks and sound great. I have a T40 but would not recommend it because of it's weight. Search the Peavey posts for the old USA models on this forum and you will find many users who have found them to be great and highly underrated basses.
 
#10
EliasR said:
I've gotta say a Wal or Alembic would be your best choice.
Click to expand...


I respectfully disagree. I wouldn't recommend that anyone spend a small fortune for his first bass. He needs to play for a while to figure out what he really wants. He probably has no idea right now what neck he would eventually be most comfortable with. Personally, I would recommend a cheaper model, maybe even two, say, a Jazz type and a Precision type (2 Squiers or 2 SX's might set him back $500 or so). Down the road a year or two he'll have a much better idea what he wants.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Watchootognbout and Giffro
#11
mrjim123 said:
I respectfully disagree. I wouldn't recommend that anyone spend a small fortune for his first bass. He needs to play for a while to figure out what he really wants. He probably has no idea right now what neck he would eventually be most comfortable with. Personally, I would recommend a cheaper model, maybe even two, say, a Jazz type and a Precision type (2 Squiers or 2 SX's might set him back $500 or so). Down the road a year or two he'll have a much better idea what he wants.
Click to expand...

i·ro·ny1 Audio Help /ˈaɪrəni, ˈaɪər-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -nies.

1. the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning


;)
 
#12
mrjim123 said:
I respectfully disagree. I wouldn't recommend that anyone spend a small fortune for his first bass. He needs to play for a while to figure out what he really wants. He probably has no idea right now what neck he would eventually be most comfortable with. Personally, I would recommend a cheaper model, maybe even two, say, a Jazz type and a Precision type (2 Squiers or 2 SX's might set him back $500 or so). Down the road a year or two he'll have a much better idea what he wants.
Click to expand...

That's my thinking too. Right now I know a couple things; jack and ****, so... just looking to not get jerked around out of the box. I want to know that my abysmal playing is MY fault and not that of the instrument, because THAT I can fix.

And, if I do spend much on this, I'll be camping with one of you guys, since I'll be thrown out of the house.
 
#13
It really doesn't matter the style you choose when starting out.
Thin necks thick necks, its mean nothing when its the first bass your starting out on.
The reason is because one your start practicing on them you get used to them and they become what you lean twords later in life.

I started out on P Bass and used that for over 15 years.
The day I switched to a Jazz I hated it for the next month or so.

These guys are right stay away from Department stores.
Its like buying a telescope, department store musical instruments will kill your interest.

I would suggest buying a used Fender P-Bass or Jazz.
Only because you rally can't go wrong with either and you can find great deals on them.
 
#16
When you are buying an instrument, look at the risk cost - how much it costs minus resale.

A cheap instrument might have a low upfront cost, but you won't get anything for it when you sell it, so the risk cost is high.

A used fender will have a higher cost, but you will get back most of the money on resale (if you do plan to sell it. Most guys keep their Fenders if they are decent).
 
#17
Spending as little as you can for a beginner is probably your safest bet.
Brands and models shouldn't be part of the decision making here. Get something that you like the looks of (like a color you don't hate) and offers some tonal variety to get your creative juices flowing.

In the end if you don't like playing bass or that particular bass you won't have buyers remorse. Buying used is never a bad idea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Watchootognbout
#18
What you need to do is go to a local music store with a friend who plays bass. Then Have him or her pick up every bass in your price range. If you find one you like take it home. I would recomend yahama as a starter bass. A friend of mine who just started got a yahama 170 for 130$ at guitar center on the 4th of july sale. I was very impressed with that bass for 130 and The pickups are pretty good too. I just recently got a squire vm p bass and love it. It plays better then my mim jazz bass. And neck shape really doesnt matter the p bass neck shape feels better to me and I have been playing a jazz bass for 5 years before I got my p bass. Another good bass for you would be the squire classic vibe series. How much are you allowed to spend? that would give us a good idea of what to reccomend you go checkout. And do you already have a practice amp?
 
#20
spaz21387 said:
What you need to do is go to a local music store with a friend who plays bass. Then Have him or her pick up every bass in your price range. If you find one you like take it home. I would recomend yahama as a starter bass. A friend of mine who just started got a yahama 170 for 130$ at guitar center on the 4th of july sale. I was very impressed with that bass for 130 and The pickups are pretty good too. I just recently got a squire vm p bass and love it. It plays better then my mim jazz bass. And neck shape really doesnt matter the p bass neck shape feels better to me and I have been playing a jazz bass for 5 years before I got my p bass. Another good bass for you would be the squire classic vibe series. How much are you allowed to spend? that would give us a good idea of what to reccomend you go checkout. And do you already have a practice amp?
Click to expand...

*allowed* to spend? Probably nothing =) But since I'm the main breadwinner here, I can go $150 or so, maybe. Maybe a little more. Looking seriously now at the SX line.

And I don't have an amp, no. Since it's not like I'm going to be gigging or anything, I didn't figure a big one would be worth buying now; just something I can hear myself with.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back