Bass for beginner?

[stinkmcgee]

Hello Bass forum

First post !

My wife is about to start learning the bass, and im looking for suggestions for the first bass she should buy.

She's interested in something versatile that can be used for rock/pop, bluegrass, country and the like. She already plays guitar a little and I think she'll stick to it so we are looking for something that would suit a beginner that will last her a few years.

Our budget is quite small up to £200 , but we'd prefer to pay a lot less! I've seen a few Squier bass paks advertised , are they any good?

Any recommendations for makes/models of 2nd hand student basses would be greatly appreciated!

We also need a decent practice amp, nothing too big just something so she can hear herself and maybe play in a jam.. Would prefer to buy electronics new.

Many thanks indeed for any help

S

 

[Mo' Bass 00]

I just bought a SX P Bass and love it, it was $109.00

 

[DanielleMuscato]

+1, check out the SX starter packs, I recommend them to students all the time, and they are quite popular around here even for working pros.

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Squiers are not bad but you are paying extra for the Fender name. SX basses are really terrific and underpriced, according to many on Talkbass.

 

[Dan Kahanamoku]

Yeah... SX.

 

[optikhog]

+1000 SX!

 

[Baird6869]

Or a used Mexican Fender

 

[novo]

i don't know exactly the prices over there but from here(Malta) there are some very cheap ibanez basses which don t sound that bad compared to their price range.

 

[blueskid]

i don't know exactly the prices over there but from here(Malta) there are some very cheap ibanez basses which don t sound that bad compared to their price range.

where exactly is malta?

 

[ksandvik]

Try to get to a local, well-stocked dealer and check out bass guitars.

There are plenty of good Ibanez models, for a modest price, and they are easy to play due to the neck construction.

As for amps, it depends if you want a loud system or a medium sized one, there are plenty of cheaper combo models you could start with.

--Kent

 

[low-endz]

I would go for a used Ibanez gsr200 they are much lighter than any SX and comfortable to play, it has a 1.5" neck ( jazz bass) but a more narrower profile. The bass boost active pre is-ok.

I got mine for a back-up or take along bass on ebay for $100 including shiping gig bag strap with straplocks.
Easy to adjust truss rod that stays in place even after I added x-heavy guage EB Power Slinkys 55-110.
My fav super cheap bass that is a keeper!

 

[Darkstrike]

I just bought a SX P Bass and love it, it was $109.00

+1, check out the SX starter packs, I recommend them to students all the time, and they are quite popular around here even for working pros.

Link Removed

Squiers are not bad but you are paying extra for the Fender name. SX basses are really terrific and underpriced, according to many on Talkbass.

Yeah... SX.

+1000 SX!

Can't agree more here, I still love mine like crazy, a great bass for the money, and will give you everything you need to start if you buy a pack.

I just brought mine to a session whith a player whose been playin for 30 years, he didn't want to give it back, said it was the nicest bass he ever played.

 

[GeddyisGod]

My first advice would be to get out to a local store and have her find one that she thinks feels comfortable and sounds good.

But if price is prohibitive, then SX is somewhere to look. I just got one and am quite satisfied.

 

[artistanbul]

SX is good. I have one, customarily defretted after a while. Still I think there are many excellent cheap basses. I think the most important thing is the neck and the overall ergonomics. Check some out. Buy one that's comfortable.

 

[TeeMartin]

SXs are good. They go by a different name in the UK though. Jim Dean or something like that. The amp won't be good enough for jamming with drums.