Bass buying help?

[I Need a six...]

Is the $1000 strictly for a bass, or does it need to cover an amp too? If it does include an amp, what does the amp need to be able to do - play live with a heavy rock drummer, or just at home for practice? If you need an amp to keep up with a band, I'd say you need at least 200 watts into a 1x15 or 2x10, and that's going to run you maybe $500 new or $300 used, meaning a bass in the $500-700 range. If you're only playing at home for now, you can do all right under $200 new, and have $800 for a bass. If you don't need an amp, then you've got $1000 for just the bass.

Why are you looking at the Rickenbacker? Have you tried one yet? There's no such thing as "too much" bass for a beginning player - you can learn just as easily on a $5000 boutique instrument as a $180 Squier. Maybe easier. It's just a matter of what you want and what you can afford. The thing about Ricks is that they're very particular - some people love them, some hate them. There was a whole thread here on "basses you wanted - until your played one" and Rickenbacker was the most common one named. Try before you buy - true of any bass.

Go to some stores and try stuff out. No one bass is the perfect bass, otherwise there wouldn't be so many of them. It's a matter of what suits YOU. But, some things to think about and look for:

1. Look. Don't buy a bass you think is ugly and uncool, you won't be motivated to practice.
2. Sound. Plug it into an amp and fiddle with knobs. Make sure it sounds like the bass tone in your head. Beginners needn't be too picky, but still. Some basses are a little warmer and have more "thump" in the tone; others are brighter and have more "zing" or "growl." Some have an active preamp built in, others have straight passive electronics.
3. Feel. MOST important. Some basses have thick round necks, others have skinny "fast" necks. Neither is better, just people have their preferences. There are narrower or wider string spacing, or different curvature of the fretboard, flat slab bodies or rounded body edges. Balance is important. Get the store to give you a strap. Does it hang without the neck diving for the floor? How is the weight? All this is just making sure you actually feel comfortable with your instrument.

In the $500-1000 price range, there are lots of choices. A Mexican Fender would be the standard choice - a Jazz (J) bass for a slim neck and growly tone, or a Precision (P) bass for a thicker neck and thumpier tone. You could also find a used American Fender toward the upper end of your budget ($1350 new, often used for $800-900). Among used basses, Carvins are often a great deal. They sell everything custom ($900+ new), but resale values tend to be low (because you're buying someone else's custom bass). If you stick to basic options you could order a new Carvin for under $1000. I'm also a big fan of the Yamaha BB series. High quality at a good price. They have hot passive electronics and a neck midway between Fender Js and Ps. Balance well, but a little bit heavy. A BB424x would be a great all-rounder for just about anything. Ibanez has lots of models in that price range for slim necks and active electronics.

If you go the carvin route , research the specs and play a similar bass, that's how you can do it for any made to order bass or guitar.

 

[Yolly111]

Well, I am probably the only one, but before Fender I would personally choose G&L.

If you want a great bass at a great price, check the G&L l-2000 Tribute. You can probably find for $350-400 used, and they are phenomenal. Try and see if it fits you!

The Tribute is the Korean, less expensive version. Otherwise you can also look at the US version, probably $800 used.
That being said and having both versions, try the Tribute first, very close to the US version, and if you like you can purchase the US version in the future!

 

[Dan Bass]

Welcome to TalkBass, Guy!

I have an ergonomics-themed question; Have you ever played a Stratocaster and did it feel comfortable to your fretting hand? If so, a Precision bass might work for you. If I read the specs right, most of them have identical nut-widths and fretboard radii. Something to consider, yes? And to that effect…



…if those ergonomics suit you, then I'd recommend looking at that American Hot-Rodded Precision. It may be a matter of personal taste in sound, but I'm a big fan of Precision/Jazz configured basses. I find they are capable of a wide-ranging sonic palette…from mellow to aggressive, depending on how you adjust the pickup's respective volumes.

Oh, and for the record…only the coolest kids on the block rock an Aerodyne Jazz! Not that I'm biased at all.

Hey, that black one looks just like Duff's Bass from Guns n Roses, and Velvet Revolver. Yes that is what he uses.

 

[wintremute]

Go to a few stores and play a few. See what you're comfortable with. Honestly, I think that once you're in the $800-$1000 range you really won't have a bad instrument, just one that some would prefer more than others.

I haven't seen anyone say Ibanez yet. Since you play guitar, you may find their lighter weight and slimmer necks more comfortable.

Whatever you get, save some of the money to have it professionally set-up. It makes a world of difference.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Hey, that black one looks just like Duff's Bass from Guns n Roses, and Velvet Revolver. Yes that is what he uses.

I can't name EVERY bass he's ever rocked, but I know of two for sure; his original Fender Japan "Jazz Bass Special", actually a P/J Precision with some extra circuitry which was the basis for his signature model, and somewhat recently a Geddy Lee-sig neck attached to a Reggie Hamilton-sig P/J Jazz body. (Reggie himself confirmed that here on T.B.)

 

[jamro217]

First, welcome to TB. As you probably noticed, you have many knowledgeable people here eager to help. There are many quality basses available in your price range. Always inspect the instrument thoroughly being buying. If you don't feel confident you have the ability to do it yourself, bring someone with you who can. This will save any possible heartache with major issues, such as a broken truss rod. My advice is to go try as many as you can to decide what features you like/ don't like. Neck profile, ergonomics, weight, and layout all matter when choosing an instrument you're comfortable with. Within limits, the sound can be enhanced or at least altered with replacement pickups. Bear in mind that no two basses are exactly the same, even consecutive units off an assembly line, so play more than one of each model to get an overall opinion of them, if possible. Precision basses have different neck sizes available starting with the letter "A", which is the thinnest. Most are "C" necks. Rics have different sized necks from year to year, so be patient trying to find one that suits you. That may be later on, due to your budget. Visit pawn shops, yard sales, local music shops, and everywhere else you think basses could be found, play every one, and if you get one with a good neck that you're happy with, get it. The name on the headstock is not as important as how it makes you feel when you play it. Hope this helps, and enjoy TB.

 

[gnarlyWarlock]

In the used market: a Fender Jazz. You can find an MIA one under 1k no problem, and you get a very diverse palette of sounds to play with; it works with any genre, it's ergonomic and tonally, can sit both in the rhythm/groove section, as well as be a bright lead.

 

[Lo-E]

Welcome to TB, neighbor!

While it's a pain to practice in a NYC apartment*, you do have the advantage of there being a lot of music stores in town. Use this to your advantage! Go and play everything in (and above) your price range at Sam Ash, GC, 30th Street Guitars, Rogue Music, Rudy's, East Village Music, Umanov's, Carmine Street Guitars, Rivington Guitars, Ludlow Guitars, First Flight Music, the Warwick/Framus shop, Main Drag music, etc... there are several I'm missing - that's how many options we New Yorkers have!
There are very few places where you have so many music stores in which to try things out as you do here. Take advantage of this and get a feel for what kinds of basses you like. Then hit Craigslist and the TB classifieds and get a good deal on something used once you've narrowed down the options.

As has been said here on TB many times, any bass can be used for any style of music. What's most important when you're starting out is having an instrument that feels comfortable and sounds good to you. It also helps if you think it's cool, because you'll want to play it more.

I second the suggestion to look at G&L Tributes, but not to the exclusion of anything else. Play everything you can get your hands on and see what they feel like. We're living in a great time to buy a bass; modern manufacturing has made it so that almost any bass in any price range will play well. Because if this, don't rule out basses that are cheaper than what you plan to spend - you might find your soul mate at half the price you expected!

Enjoy the search - it's fun to shop for an instrument, and don't worry about getting the "wrong bass". There is no wrong bass. Just get something you like and rock it.

*Your plan to practice with phones at first is a perfectly good stop-gap until you can get an amp. You can use your AC-15, too, as long as you keep the volume low, but understand that it won't be your best tone and you'll probably get a better sense of your sound through the phones.

 

[Lo-E]

... oh, and you still didn't tell us what the p.o.s. was. Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Gospel Bass Player]

Looking for some input on the instrument, here, and I'm much obliged for any help. I'm primarily a performing singer and guitar player, but I picked up the bass last year and started fiddling around with it, and have started to get serious about practicing and playing this year. Up to now, I've been using a total p.o.s. that I inherited from a friend to practice at home, but I don't think I'd be able to take it into a room with other people, let alone on stage. So, I'm in the market for something new. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a gear guy, especially on the bass front. Thus, I'm here for advice.

What I'm looking for: something up to $1,000, although I could push past that a bit for the right instrument. I play mostly classic rock, indie rock, powerpop, that kind of thing. I'm fairly new, but I am serious about getting good on the instrument and want to eventually play in live settings, record (including home recording), whatever.

I keep looking at the Rickenbacker 4003, but it's out of my price range and, besides, I feel like it might be way too much instrument for someone at my level. Any expert help and/or advice in terms of where I could/should be looking, make-and-model-wise, would be much appreciated.

I recommend the Marcus Miller Signature bass from Sire. Here is a pix of my MM V7 Ash Sunburst 5 string http://www.talkbass.com/attachments/628825/

 

[GBassNorth]

Looking for some input on the instrument, here, and I'm much obliged for any help. I'm primarily a performing singer and guitar player, but I picked up the bass last year and started fiddling around with it, and have started to get serious about practicing and playing this year. Up to now, I've been using a total p.o.s. that I inherited from a friend to practice at home, but I don't think I'd be able to take it into a room with other people, let alone on stage. So, I'm in the market for something new. Unfortunately, I'm not much of a gear guy, especially on the bass front. Thus, I'm here for advice.

What I'm looking for: something up to $1,000, although I could push past that a bit for the right instrument. I play mostly classic rock, indie rock, powerpop, that kind of thing. I'm fairly new, but I am serious about getting good on the instrument and want to eventually play in live settings, record (including home recording), whatever.

I keep looking at the Rickenbacker 4003, but it's out of my price range and, besides, I feel like it might be way too much instrument for someone at my level. Any expert help and/or advice in terms of where I could/should be looking, make-and-model-wise, would be much appreciated.

First of all - welcome to Talk Bass and the wonderful world of bass playing!

You mentioned that you have about a $1000 budget and currently have a POS bass (thats an embarassement to take out in public) and a Vox guitar amp. If that's the case then I'd recommend you use your $1000 budget to buy a proper bass set up. Always buy mint condition used gear when possible. Not only will your dollar go further with used gear but if for some reason you find it just isn't working for you, you can sell it for about what you paid for it.

Spend about $500 on a nice bass - Fender, Squier, Ibanez, Yamaha, Schecter, Spector all have excellent professional grade instruments in this price range. A passive Precision bass will fit just about any setting, a P/J bass will give you a bit more flexibility in sound, something with humbuckers and an active preamp might offer a sound more to your liking or might not. Just try everything you can in your local store to see what sounds, looks and feels best to you. Remember, buying used gear will allow you to potentially get nicer or higher grade gear for less money.

Then spend about $500 on a nice light weight combo amp - GK, Ampeg, Acoustic, Genz Benz all have excellent gigging quality light weight combos that can double as a bedroom practice amp. Look for something that has at least 200 watts and either a 1x15 or 2x10 or 2x12 speaker layout along with a headphone jack (so you can play in silence when needed) an aux input (so you can play along with CD or iPod music) and an extension cabinet connection (so you can add another speaker cabinet for more volume if you progress to the larger gig status down the road). Remember, buying used gear will allow you to potentially get nicer or higher grade gear.

What I wouldn't do is sink my entire wad of money in a bass. At this stage a $1000 bass just isn't necessary and in fact many experts and seasoned professionals on this website will tell you that a $300 Squier or a $500 Fender will play as good or better than a $1500 Rickenbacker and will most likely be more readily accepted from a look and sound standpoint in a band setting.

 

[Malak the Mad]

As has been said here on TB many times, any bass can be used for any style of music. What's most important when you're starting out is having an instrument that feels comfortable and sounds good to you. It also helps if you think it's cool, because you'll want to play it more.

Really?! Cool, 'cause I was getting a little nervous about showing up for my audition with a Monkees tribute band with this bass. Now I feel much more confident about the upcoming try-outs! Thanks, Lo!

Link Removed

 

[Lo-E]

Nothing says "Pleasant Valley Sunday" like Gene Simmons' battle axe.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Nothing says "Pleasant Valley Sunday" like Gene Simmons' battle axe.

Y'see?! Finally, someone gets it!!

 

[Lo-E]

Don't worry about that audition. I'm sure you'll cut it.

 

[GBassNorth]

Really?! Cool, 'cause I was getting a little nervous about showing up for my audition with a Monkees tribute band with this bass. Now I feel much more confident about the upcoming try-outs! Thanks, Lo!

Link Removed

Too Funny!
Malak - you've given me a great idea for a new thread.
Everybody always says any bass will work in any setting. I think there are some significant exceptions - your post is a perfect example.
So I'm starting a new thread titled "most inappropriate bass for a specific genre" where individuals can name the genre and then post a pic of a bass that would be totally wrong for that type of music. It might be wrong because of looks or graphics or sound or shape or whatever. Should be fun.

 

[Malak the Mad]

Too Funny!
Malak - you've given me a great idea for a new thread.
Everybody always says any bass will work in any setting. I think there are some significant exceptions - your post is a perfect example.
So I'm starting a new thread titled "most inappropriate bass for a specific genre" where individuals can name the genre and then post a pic of a bass that would be totally wrong for that type of music. It might be wrong because of looks or graphics or sound or shape or whatever. Should be fun.

First off, many, humble thanks!

Secondly, do-it-do-it-do-it-do-it!!

 

[GBassNorth]

First off, many, humble thanks!

Secondly, do-it-do-it-do-it-do-it!!

Done - quick, jump over to the other thread and post your monkeys tribute band/pic.
Here's the link...
Most inappropriate bass... | TalkBass.com

 

[paparoof]

Yeah I wanna know more about the POS bass too. Tell us what's so "S" about it. It may not be as bad as you think. Lotta DIYers on this site, we might be able to talk you through getting it into playing shape.

But if you're set on spending a grand on a another bass, there are MANY MANY MANY options out there. Especially if you do the smart thing: buy used. research and shop everywhere, including the classifieds here. the more you learn before you make a decision, the happier you will be in the long run.

What kind of music do you want to play? That would help narrow the choices down somewhat. I was recently working with a Blues Brothers tribute band, so of course the P bass was the only option. What are the songs you hear on the radio where the bass jumps out at you and makes you want to play?