Bass Shapes

[KeithAlanK]

If it's your first bass and you are years away from playing for money, buy whatever you like.
As mentioned before, you will play it more if it's attractive to you.

If you're already famous or a prodigy/virtuoso, shape means nothing because you'll be accepted as a great player.

For everyone in the middle, a more conservative instrument makes sense depending on where you live and what others on the same scene are playing.
If everyone in your city playing the same venues as your band has pointy guitars, a P-bass might be considered odd.

 

[Count Bassie]

If it's your first bass and you are years away from playing for money, buy whatever you like.
As mentioned before, you will play it more if it's attractive to you.

Good point. (Get it? )

If it's your first, it's all about vibe. What's the one that makes you feel really good about playing? Looks are nothing, because you can't really see it while you're playing. But it'll be right from where you stand.

 

[KeithAlanK]

Looks are nothing, because you can't really see it while you're playing. But it'll be right from where you stand.

When I was first took up guitar and bass, I stood in front of a mirror while practicing (up to 8 hours a day) and I doubt that human nature has changed much over the years.
Playability is very important (as is sound), but looks matter.

 

[Mastermold]

Just buy a Fender. You'll probably want one eventually anyway, but they go with virtually anything so it's a good choice to start with.

 

["Q"]

Go with a sunburst Fender w/white pickguard. It never looks out of place except for maybe metal but, at the same time, no one will ever say your bass looks ugly.

 

[Muaguana]

But whatever you want, and enjoy it. Then, further down the road, you'll want a Fender just to shut people up. Happened to me (though I saved money by buying a Squier.)

 

[JimmyM]

Just buy a Fender. You'll probably want one eventually anyway, but they go with virtually anything so it's a good choice to start with.

as much as many people on here love to say it's not true, the truth of the matter is that the fender precision and jazz basses are the most universally accepted basses on the market and you can use them for any type of music out there and never look or sound out of place, bar none. now a lot of bass players do play other types of basses and seem to do just fine in their situations without a fender, but the only times i've ever been asked to bring a specific bass to a gig or a recording, it's been a fender. i know plenty of working musicians who have had that same experience, and i know plenty who have lost out on money because they didn't have one. not everyone will care, but there are enough people out there who do care that even bassists whom you never ever see playing fenders will keep a fender or a copy of one in their bass stash just in case.

however, i do agree that in the beginning stages it's not as important as it is just to have a bass that inspires you to play. still, if you go too far into left field with the body shape, it can have a negative effect with some people.

 

[thrashingbass]

I agree in principle. But I just don't care for the kind of people who would judge you because of your bass.

If you dig the Explorer, go for it, taking everything into consideration (sound, comfort, SIZE, coolness factor, wood, etc.) Just play with confidence and joy, not thinking "is this the right bass for rock"?

All the "metal" shaped basses were metal since the 80s. Most are old shapes that didn't catch on as much as the "real metal" basses, which ARE the Fenders. Ironic, isn't it? I like Fender Ps, but too much is being made of the bass you play. Explorers and Flying Vs are old, neutral shapes, and NOT "for metal." Play whatever YOU like and enjoy, friend.

 

[Spleenface92]

You can use a fender p for anything. My high school's jazz band has one (although it's a pretty bad one), I've got one, Steve Harris has one, James Jamerson has one, heck there's even a picture of elvis with one.

 

[thrashingbass]

For sure, that's what I meant too. Fender P is universal, and it's a proven (and great sounding) workhorse. But, in my own narrow view, ALL basses are universal. There's no such thing as a best bass for metal, OR for funk, jazz, etc., at least to me. Almost the same with pickups. You don't need EMG's for metal, you don't need vintage pickups for "old school" blues, rock, etc. The player is more important than all of those (admittedly relevant) factors.

 

[spade2you]

All the "metal" shaped basses were metal since the 80s. Most are old shapes that didn't catch on as much as the "real metal" basses, which ARE the Fenders. Ironic, isn't it? I like Fender Ps, but too much is being made of the bass you play. Explorers and Flying Vs are old, neutral shapes, and NOT "for metal." Play whatever YOU like and enjoy, friend.

The major downside of "metal bass shapes" is that they're often uncomfortable from a neck balance, first position reach, overall ergonomics, etc. Any pointy section of the body and/or headstock is extremely prone to chipping. IMHO, the concept of metal basses being pretty fragile somehow blows my mind.

Overall, metal basses are simply harder to play. Neither neck dive, points, nor weight make a bass sound any better, so why beat yourself up? The unconventional shapes also mean that you might have to lug around a much bigger and heavier case with gig bags not always being available. When you start playing/practicing a lot, going to gigs, carrying stuff up and down stairs, you start to notice these things.

I think visually, a lot of the stuff looks cool, but they're just not terribly practical.

On a side note, I'm surprised professionals haven't made the move to some modern ergonomic shapes. With sound not being changed by these shapes, I'm amazed it's not catching on. I get the whole vintage everything theme, but playing sub 8lb basses has me spoiled.

 

[thrashingbass]

I agree that a Explorer might be cumbersome to lug around, but I just don't consider any shape "metal." That's my probably flawed premise.

Marketing is why Dean names their Metalman basses series metal. Shape has nothing to do with the music played.

 

[spade2you]

Shape has nothing to do with the music played.

For the most part, but I'll still argue the point that certain basses like the T-Bird and other shapes with neck dive add a lot of difficulty to play proficiently. If the music gets very difficult or technical, basses of certain shapes will definitely hold the player back a bit.

 

[Low-Bottom-E]

As others have mentioned the so called, conservative Fender, is fool-proof safe and will be a sound investment in terms of tone,quality and resale value.Nonetheless, a design I'm particularly fond of and many find ugly or worse, is the original Danelectro Longhorn.I own a Jerry Jones version, which is a higher end, boutique copy, with better quality material/workmanship.In terms of playability, this bass is stupid light and easy to play,(it's a short scale,small body,incredible upper fret access/ALL 24! & LIGHT in weight).It also boasts a distinctive ,punchy tone,with a surprisingly funky, low end.For recent guitar converts, this instrument comes highly recommended...some can't get past it's aesthetics?

 

[thrashingbass]

For the most part, but I'll still argue the point that certain basses like the T-Bird and other shapes with neck dive add a lot of difficulty to play proficiently. If the music gets very difficult or technical, basses of certain shapes will definitely hold the player back a bit.

That can be true, which is why I am not that crazy about the Thunderbird (actually, it's not the neck dive that bothers me, but the fact that's almost impossible to reach the higher frets, which is ok for those that do not use them!)

"Metal shapes" are uncomfortable only if the shape obstructs the playing. I don't think the Explorer is that difficult to play, although it can be a huge piece of wood to carry around and have hanging over your shoulders. The flying V, to me, has no weaknesses if there's no neck dive, as it's very easy to finger anything on it. I am not going even to address the common "can't play it while sitting down" as you just have to hold it differently.

Some boutique and factory models preserve these "metal shapes" (note that I do not believe in the term) without the "negatives" (as in the neck dive, etc.) In other words, the shape doesn't necessarily warrant the commonly found problems.

I don't hate Thunderbirds at all, they are cool, although I probably will never own one (who knows!) I've seen some that allow for higher fret access. I doubt that such special models will be inexpensive, though.

^Kudos on playing what you know works for you, regardless expectations!

 

[spade2you]

That can be true, which is why I am not that crazy about the Thunderbird (actually, it's not the neck dive that bothers me, but the fact that's almost impossible to reach the higher frets, which is ok for those that do not use them!)

"Metal shapes" are uncomfortable only if the shape obstructs the playing. I don't think the Explorer is that difficult to play, although it can be a huge piece of wood to carry around and have hanging over your shoulders. The flying V, to me, has no weaknesses if there's no neck dive, as it's very easy to finger anything on it. I am not going even to address the common "can't play it while sitting down" as you just have to hold it differently.

Some boutique and factory models preserve these "metal shapes" (note that I do not believe in the term) without the "negatives" (as in the neck dive, etc.) In other words, the shape doesn't necessarily warrant the commonly found problems.

I don't hate Thunderbirds at all, they are cool, although I probably will never own one (who knows!) I've seen some that allow for higher fret access. I doubt that such special models will be inexpensive, though.

^Kudos on playing what you know works for you, regardless expectations!

I'll word this carefully, but with good technique as a backburner item for most musicians these days, most short-horn and unergonomic instruments can basically only be played using poor technique.

Can you hang the bass at about mid gut, which is probably the best place for your plucking hand? Can you play the neck with your thumb down the center and your hand not supporting it? I hate to sound so black and white about technique, but it's hard to have good technique on a bass that won't allow it. From a bassist perspective, you simply don't "see" too many bassists in pop culture that utilize good technique. Most hang it extremely low or extremly high, which both have major disadvantes to playing efficiently.

LOL, I assure you that I use ergonomic shapes purely out of being spoiled.

An example of a favorite of mine is this guy. Perfectly balanced, insanely light, easy to reach the first position and play all the way to the 24th. While you mentioned sitting, the lower bout of this bass feels so amazing that it's definitely worth noting. While a few locals have called it a shop project gone wrong, the comfort factor is nothing short of amazing.

 

[MEKer]

First bass--hmm, you need it to help you, not hinder you.
First thing other than sounding good MUST be balance for you-NO NECK DIVE! You do not need that hassle when trying to play your first bass. You will regret it if your bass dives on you. Don't depend on clingy straps to keep it balanced for you. Go easy on yourself.
Peavey Grind is a good, solid, nice sounding, balanced bass for you that you can find between $250-400 US used/new. There are others----try them out first. But BALANCED, BALANCED, BALANCED. My 2cents------hopes it works out for you.

 

[Dominic D]

I've used my explorer bass in jazz band....

I too used an Explorer bass (Epiphone to be exact) in jazz band while I was in college a few short years ago. The band director loved the retro-futuristic vibe of it. I find it strange that people look at the Explorer and think "metal" when the shape was actually designed in the late 50's to have a futuristic look. My director said the bass reminded him of the Jetsons which I though was an excellent observation.

 

[Funkinthetrunk]

Be a man....get a Star Shaped bass. (see Avatar ^)

 

[LarkinLondon]

I had a b.c.rich warlock that I played in my church youth band, and we played at a LOT of different places. And then I played it at my conservative Christian college.
Everyone, and I mean everyone, thought it was cool.