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Beginner Bass Brands! $700 Budget! Advice Needed!

What Beginner Bass Brand Would YOU Pick?

  • Cort

    Votes: 9 4.4%
  • Squier

    Votes: 42 20.6%
  • Ibanez

    Votes: 64 31.4%
  • Dean

    Votes: 1 0.5%
  • Sire

    Votes: 53 26.0%
  • G&L

    Votes: 60 29.4%
  • Yamaha

    Votes: 39 19.1%
  • LTD

    Votes: 11 5.4%

  • Total voters
    204
I picked Ibanez and G&L (might have picked Sire if I'd had a chance to play one in person). None of these is what I'd probably pick myself but they're what I might direct an intermediate/beginner player towards if they were looking to drop $700. If I had 7 bills I'd look for a used Skyline.

In truth, I'd probably not direct anyone to a general brand so much as a more specific model or product line depending on their prefferences.
 
I'd add also that if you're a beginner or intermediate make sure that the bass you choose is somethign that visually appeals to you. The sweetest playing and sounding bass in the world isn't going to help you as much if you see it across the room and it doesn't inspire you to pick it up and play.

Luckily, we're living the golden age of affordable instruments and for $7 bills almost any bassist can get a bass that plays well, feels comfortable, sounds great and looks hot.
 
Started with an LTD bass, at that time I was deciding between that and an Ibanez SR. 10 years in, I swapped for a Sterling, Jazz bass and a P bass, before deciding to get a second-hand Ibanez SR. Immediately wished I had done so earlier. But of course it is always up to preference!
 
Out of your list, Yamaha BB

But I would still buy a used Fender P, especially for what you want to play.

Don't know what your specific reasons are for not wanting a fender, but if it's not a family vendetta thing (which I suppose it's not since you listed G&L), maybe you should think and consider how many people have recommended it... as someone once put it to me "get a P and be done with it", not to mention you won't loose money on it should you not go further than beginner, which will not ne the case on all your choices.
 
Having tried all those basses it's surprising that something hasn't jumped out at you! Do you feel that your playing is not competent enough to feel and hear what is working for you?

If that's the case all you can focus on is feel. The neck, ergonomics, balance. Forget Name, color, electronics.

The costs of the new instruments on your lists start pretty low, probably $200 or so and range up to $6-700. There is a big jump in quality from the bottom to the top, but the lower priced instruments can offer a beginner a great tool to learn on. If you lean Squier I would recommend the VM and CV lines for better quality and consistency. I recommend you buy new from a reputable place that will throw in a setup and be responsible if a warranty issue arise. Only if you have access to a qualified person to help you appraise and set-up or possibly repair should you consider used. One thing for sure yo can get really nice, giggable instruments within your price range. If you are unsure about your need or if you will stick with bassing buy a popular choice so you can flip when you want to upgrade or need to sell.
 
Having tried all those basses it's surprising that something hasn't jumped out at you! Do you feel that your playing is not competent enough to feel and hear what is working for you?

If that's the case all you can focus on is feel. The neck, ergonomics, balance. Forget Name, color, electronics.

The costs of the new instruments on your lists start pretty low, probably $200 or so and range up to $6-700. There is a big jump in quality from the bottom to the top, but the lower priced instruments can offer a beginner a great tool to learn on. If you lean Squier I would recommend the VM and CV lines for better quality and consistency. I recommend you buy new from a reputable place that will throw in a setup and be responsible if a warranty issue arise. Only if you have access to a qualified person to help you appraise and set-up or possibly repair should you consider used. One thing for sure yo can get really nice, giggable instruments within your price range. If you are unsure about your need or if you will stick with bassing buy a popular choice so you can flip when you want to upgrade or need to sell.

So far the Ibanez SR505 is the most comfortable bass for me. Sounds great too. Pretty sure I'll be getting that.
 
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yes, there is an invented market called "Beginners Bass" and, by proxy, there are guitar models marketed as such....... but, really, there is no such animal.......pick something you like that is going to inspire you to play it, regardless of pricetag or how its marketed

my vote is also Sire or G&L (I have a Sire V7 and a G&L ASAT)