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Any brands to AVOID as a first bass?

#21
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.
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:bassist:
1) Cort basses. Their Precision clones are the same as the Squier Standard, same factory, and the Corts have a nicer all maple neck, (IMHO).
2)Heritage basses are fantastic for the value and craftsmanship.
3)Ibanez GSR200, the best vaue and sound, the Indonesisa ones, very comforatble neck, they blow Squire away all around.
Stay away from Lyon (washburn), and Hondo.
4)Look in pawnshops for for old Squier II, made in korea; great necks but sadly:bawl:, plywood bodies. Best of Luck
 
#22
Michael Campbel said:
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
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If you really want something small, why not a violin bass? 30" scale is the smallest that I know of. If you want a 34" or 35" scale, then I would go with the Jazz neck.
 
#24
I'd probably try to go a bit higher to 200$, but that's just me. 150$ budget is very limiting - good opinions about SX basses not withstanding.

One other point that I don't think anyone has made - at the price range you're looking, the best thing you can do for whichever bass you wind up with, is to get it set up by a pro (or someone who knows what they're doing). Playing on a difficult playing bass is a sure fire interest killer.
Also, don't skimp on strings.
 
#27
Link Removed

If your price limit is really $150 for everything you're gonna need to get started on bass, this is your best way to do it. I don't think you've thought about all the little things you're going to need to make some noise come out of that bass. Amp, cable, and whatever little other things you need to be comfortable. It all adds up. That starter kit would be right in your budget, and would do the trick until you learn a little bit.

Also, I've had both an SX and a Squier, and IMO the Squire was twice as expensive, but the SX played and sounded worlds better.
 
#29
I think you really can tell what bass would feel good to you, even when you're first starting out. Just by holding the bass you can tell whether it fits you...sitting down especially. I remember holding different basses before I knew how to play and inevitably, I ended up picking the best quality bass. My advice would be to sit down with as many basses as you can and see how they feel to you. Just because a bass looks cool doesn't mean it'll be one you'll enjoy playing.
 
#30
Some people will disagree with me on this, but I wouldn't get any bass less than the MIM Fender Jazz bass or similarly priced bass ($400 to $500 range). Build quality in this price range (new) is usually decent and you get a warranty.

My nephew's first bass was an Ibanez BTB 4-string quilt top. He speant about $500 on it ($200 was from me - birthday present). He did get to try his out first and thought about it overnight before buying.

Not being able to try it first (as you stated), I would order through MusicianFriend.com, Zzounds.com or other reputable online store to utilize their 30-day or 45-day return policy. That way you can make sure it's the bass you want and that it is in good working condition.

Good Luck!

Post pics of your new bass (whatever one YOU decide to get). ;)
 
#31
Michael Campbel said:
*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.
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S.X. will be a good choice.
 
#33
Michael, I know there aren't any shops in Milton but there are several in Roswell. In fact, Atlanta Discount Music and Ken Stanton Music are on opposing corners of Alpharetta Hwy and Holcombe Bridge Rd.

I'd start at Ken Stanton. Usually they carry 90% beginner basses and not a bad selection at the Roswell one. Atlanta Discount used to carry more good stuff, but now it's mostly Dean basses. I would try to stay away from those.

Try them out and see what you like even if you plan to buy online. I have spent a lot of time at both and haven't bought that much equipment from them, it's not like GC where they whine at you to buy something.

Good luck to you.
 
#37
Vorago said:
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


;)
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LOL!
 
#39
Sorry, I cannot recommend which basses to avoid. But, whatever you decide to purchase, take it to a trusted musician or his favorite music store for a good set up. That includes setting the intonation, possibly adjusting the truss rod, setting the string height, and general "fine tuning" of the instrument. It is well worth the money until you learn how to do it yourself. In fact, some music stores will let you watch and ask questions about what they are doing.
 

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