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Bass Recommendation
- Thread starter MaidenVT
- Start date
If you’re a big Maiden fan, Steve Harris uses a Precision with Rotosound flats
I’d look used, both here in the classified and on FB or Craigslist. You really should try as many basses and amps if possible, to see what YOU like
I’d look used, both here in the classified and on FB or Craigslist. You really should try as many basses and amps if possible, to see what YOU like
This. Basses feel different. You can change out the strings and the pickups and the electronics, you can even change the necks on some models. But it really should feel good to you from the start. You can play metal as easily on an Ibanez or Yamaha as you can on a Fender, so don't let brand identity be your deciding factor.
You should also be aware that playing bass requires different technique than playing guitar. The thicker strings are going to stress your hands more than you're used to, so if you have a bass that's uncomfortable from the beginning, hand/wrist/arm fatigue will just make things worse.
Trying out as many basses as possible is definitely the way to go, but you can start off right or start off wrong.
Right...wrong.
Right...wrong.
Right...wrong.
Right...wrong.
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Depends on how much you're willing to spend. Ibanez SG models and Yamaha TRBs are great in the mid 100s, but for cheaper stuff ($100-300) nothing really beats Harley Benton, and they have a fairly wide selection of styles and models. I wouldn't really spend more than that even if you have it, just so you can get a feel for what you like and want before getting something expensive.
This is subjective, and I understand your sentiments. I'm not sure on that thunderbird though. I started on a non-reverse thunderbird. Gave me bad habits from bad neck dive. So I'd put that one in the "wrong" category.
@Heavymetallord - Lots of opinions here, but one thing is fact. The bass should fit you. Bad habits from a bass that doesn't fit are hard to get rid of..... That's one thing I'm an expert in - bad bass habits.
My personal opinion is that a starter bass should be a 2 pickup bass, just to give some flexibility in tone, as the player hasn't figured out what they like in their sound just yet. But again, that's my opinion. Many on here see the Sterling Ray4 as a great starter -- and it is. You could easily mod it out to sound like a "DarkRay" as LowendLobster did.
I appreciate all your help. I decided to go with the Squier 70s CV Precision bass.
Good choice. I have the CV 70's P bass too and they are very, very good indeed and Ive owned vintage/new, Fenders and other Squires.
- Apr 20, 2009
- 2,620
- 4,666
- Disclosures
- Endorsements: your name could be here, Mr. Sadowsky!
That's awesome the first two names are my favorite Bass players. Thanks!
I've never experienced neck dive with any of the Epiphones I've owned, not to mention the Vintage Pro has one of the best T-Bird necks I've ever played...rolled fretboard edges are a nice touch for a bass in that price range. Other than that, it's one of the basses I learned on...I was never one to believe in the T-Bird comfort issues nonsense, and I have small hands.
Other than that, looks like the OP's decided on the Squier CV P bass, so, good luck to him...nice choice.
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I started out on a Precision and played them pretty much exclusively for 20 years, they're a great bass to learn how to get different sounds by varying your technique, you can go anywhere from very deep to very trebly. I have Rotosound Swing Bass 66's on a Fender P/J and with a mute it sounds like a blues bass, with a pick I can get it to sound almost like a Rickenbacker and anywhere between.
Good thing is with the Steve Harris sound you can get there very easily. I would recommend a p bass like he plays and a good fender rumble combo or getting a dedicated 4x10 cab and head would work so you have a live sound for jamming. I like Gallien Krueger amps but if you want something good but cheap go for a used set up. Hartke, GK, SWR, Mesa, Ashdown, TC, Ampeg, Mark bass are all great brands. I won't get into the small details of each but look for something that you can plug your peddles and effects into and the sky is the limit. With preamps and everything you have lots of room to build a tone so getting something decent and reliable is all you need. For basses I'd seriously recommend a Warwick I think they have a damn good tone and build quality and mine is probably the most ballsy sounding bass I've ever had in my hands. The rockbass line can be a good starting point because you can find them cheap used but sometimes you'll see a German built one under 1k even. I would seriously start looking up who plays what in the bands you like and start seeing the common things. Ibanez, Ltd, Spector, Peavey, Carvin, Yamaha are all great and it's just a matter of seeing what looks good to you and what will give you the general tone. They all are a bit different and the good thing is that you don't have a feel that you're trying to replicate yet so just try as many as possible and listen to the different players playing that bass. Just fyi basse tones can vary a lot by different strings and how you hit them much more responsive than guitar strings so bare that in mind when listening to bass tones. I like Warwick so 311, Mudvayne, Job for a Cowboy, early grunge Nickelback have some nice examples of the Warwick type tone. Look up Stu Hamm. Very talented legend who plays Warwicks. Hopefully I've been helpful. Good luck and have fun with whatever you wind up getting!
perhaps yours was better. Mine was the Epi non-reverse sunburst one with PJ pickups (from early 90's?). It's weight was so off that it would cause my left arm to go numb. I had to buy a padded strap. I also didn't know about swapping for ultra-light tuners and heavier bridge to fix the neck dive. I put a few scratches on the head just from letting go. I haven't played many examples, but I know my old one was terrible with neck dive. I suppose newer ones may be better. I'm still correcting bad left hand technique from playing on that bass and holding that neck up. It was bitter sweet selling it as it was my first bass (worked all summer at a farm for that money). But I never played it because it was a diver. In the end I'm much happier.
To anyone reading.... This is why you either need to put your hands on the bass, or ensure they have a good return policy. It's very possible that Epiphone made bad basses for a few years in the early 90's when mine was made, and then fixed those errors.
