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Bass Questions

P

P. Lacey

May 15, 2008
91
0
#1
heyy guys, hows it going?

bit of a long story, just hang in there for a moment

today i found myself in a great position. i was in my local guitar shop with my old man and brother, and i was in the middle about sharing my thoughts on one of their basses, i cant remember which, but someone heard me and must have assumed that i work there, because she proceded to ask me a few questions about fender jazz basses.

anyway, cutting a long story short, i gave my honest two cents on them, told her that i have one and i adore it, best money i have spent, all that stuff, and the manager, who i didnt realise was standing behind me at the time, was really impressed. lucky for me i had my resume in the car, so i dropped it off, and i reckon im getting the job there

now, im a naturally caring and honest guy, i know i wont feel right if i lie to someone about a bass just to make a sale.
whenever i go to buy a bass, i always do my research, and know what i want going in, but i want to help people who arent quite sure

so my question is, what are some of the most often asked questions regarding basses, and what should i know off the top of my head to help people who arent sure?

cheers guys, if read all of that, u deserve a medal

Mud
 
#5
difference between precision and jazz
what kind of bass does ______ use
flats vs rounds?
another one i've heard a lot (i don't work at a store or anything) "should i play bass or guitar"
what kind of bass should i get for (insert play style and/or music style here)
congrats! now where's my medal?
 
#8
I wouldn't be too worried about being honest with people. Most of the time any thing you tell them is going to just be your opinion anyway. Just make sure you give them the chance to try many things in their price range, and try to steer them right. Fact is, in a given price range, most all basses are fairly equal and it all comes down to personal preference.
 
#11
Having worked in retail before I do have some advice for you. It was not in music, but in my second love. Anyway, it is important to remember that people have needs and wants that differ from yours. You may know so much about each and every bass, amp, whatever. You will make all sorts of judgements about what is good and what is not. This is natural because you have access to the gear and all the printed material.

So after you make all these judgements about what you like and why. Pause and remember that other people have different ideas. Their needs and likes have equal value. Helping people find things that make them happy is really quite fun. Good luck
 
#12
Good point tanslacks. And all the other responses.

Most questions won't be about the bass. They will be about store policies. Learn them, live them. :)

1. Can I bring this back and get my money back if I don't like it?
2. Will you take _______ as a trade/how much is my trade worth?
3. Does it come with a case?
4. What is the warranty?
5. Do you take layaway?

Finally, know your products; e.g., what is the difference between bass x and bass y. Also, most stores won't have you work only with basses - again, learn your products.

Hope this helps. :)
 
#13
thanks heaps guys

yeah, thats pretty much what i was thinking, that they will want to know more about the differences between basses, sounds, etc.

again, thanks for your input everyone

really appreciated, and it really does help :bassist:
 
#14
Great answers and advice in this thread. Good luck with your new job!

The only thing I might add is the value in distinguishing between customers who want to learn and hear different opinions and those who just want to show what they know and who have something to prove to you or the people they are with. Don't waste your time on the latter; humour them and don't argue, and spend your enthusiasm and knowledge on those who are receptive and deserve it.
 
#15
One Drop said:
Great answers and advice in this thread. Good luck with your new job!

The only thing I might add is the value in distinguishing between customers who want to learn and hear different opinions and those who just want to show what they know and who have something to prove to you or the people they are with. Don't waste your time on the latter; humour them and don't argue, and spend your enthusiasm and knowledge on those who are receptive and deserve it.
Click to expand...

Ah, you speak of the ever present, self proclaimed, bass gimps. nah, i love those guys, i reckon its gna be great to see them. they are a constant reminder of why I practise, learn scales, and dont crank the amp to full and play a horrible rendition of higher ground while looking around to see who i have impressed

lol, gotta love them. but yer, i know what you mean, and i think your 100 % correct about how to deal with them. nothing worse then someone who showboats just for the hell of it. even if theyre insanely good, it still gives me the sh**s, ive seen guys grab a bass off the wall right as a young kid, who obviously didnt have alot of confidence in the first place, was about to grab it. thankfully, i havnt seen that in a while
 

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