Beginner needs help with picking a Bass

[Lil Mo]

OP: It’s too bad that so many here are not reading your posts before replying. Sorry for that.


At the beginner stage you needn’t sweat most of the differences in bass design. A P-neck vs. a J-neck will be noticeably different but neither is going to impede or accelerate your progress; solid body vs. hollow or semi-hollow will differ enough to notice but all of them will serve you well. Short-, medium- and long-scale are different enough that you’ll probably feel the difference even as a beginner. As with the others, though, none is superior to the others and moving from one to another in the future will be difficult only if you make difficult.

Most of the barriers we face in life are of our own doing.

For your bass I recommend mid-priced (€250 - €550) Ibanez, Cort, Sire (if you can get it) or Washburn. For the amp, I like the Ibanez Promethean series. Most others I like are probably unavailable to you. Look for Traynor, G&K, Hartke and Trace Elliot. All good ‘uns.

Good luck in your quest!

Sorry, but a neck profile can impede speed and progress. So can the setup (high / low action, string spacing, rolled edges ). An uncomfortable neck or any uncomfortable feature of an instrument makes it harder for the progress even if just a tiny bit it is still an impediment.

 

[Lil Mo]

I recommend buying used. I’m not sure why certain brands aren’t “available” to you, but if you buy used then it’s any brand you like assuming the seller ships international (and many do).

Otherwise, I’d recommend a Precision bass. Doesn’t have to be Fender. But that design is the gold standard and will do just about anything you want.

I recommend buying used. I’m not sure why certain brands aren’t “available” to you, but if you buy used then it’s any brand you like assuming the seller ships international (and many do).

Otherwise, I’d recommend a Precision bass. Doesn’t have to be Fender. But that design is the gold standard and will do just about anything you want.

This is true and the look of the bass fits most genres. However if he is a lead guitar player he may like something he can run up two octaves for a tasty fill which in that case he may like 24 frets (ibanez warwick etc). I don’t think he was looking to buy something just good for the transition and I can only imagine what a guitar player may find more familiar

 

[SJan3]

I'm s complete beginner at bass but I have some six string guitar experience quite a few years ago. I've always wanted to learn bass and now have the opportunity being retired with time on my hands.

What do I get? A cheap model like a Ibanez, Cort, Vintage or the like or a better more expensive one? I've been advised if buying a budget bass it won't be worth much when I come to sell. I'm not too worried about that, what I want is playability. I know some better models have better pick ups and hardware which gives a better sound but I'm not worried about that, just something I can get along with.
Any advice?

Fender player series. Not too pricey but have the essentials and resale will likely be good.

 

[DanAdams]

I would get one that looks cool and feels good in your hands. That's all. cheap is fine.
Here's the little truth that gets overlooked around here... All bass guitars sound like bass guitars.
More importantly, find some people play with and have fun.

 

[Frank6816]

I had a Fender J bass special in the early 90’s it was really nice. Currently I play a Yamaha. It’s an older BB series bass. I bought it about 17 years ago for around $300. I’m happy with it. Sets up well enough and stays in tune. I may upgrade eventually. Try to go and play it before buying or make sure you can return from where you purchased.

 

[the harp unstrung]

$60 @ WeePawn...

I will Never let it go.

 

[Blaze Barlow]

I'm s complete beginner at bass but I have some six string guitar experience quite a few years ago. I've always wanted to learn bass and now have the opportunity being retired with time on my hands.

What do I get? A cheap model like a Ibanez, Cort, Vintage or the like or a better more expensive one? I've been advised if buying a budget bass it won't be worth much when I come to sell. I'm not too worried about that, what I want is playability. I know some better models have better pick ups and hardware which gives a better sound but I'm not worried about that, just something I can get along with.
Any advice?

since you mentioned you are retired..surely you should be able to afford and get any bass that you want..with age should come wisdom..I am surprised you are even asking about what bass to get..you may have some brands you like or dislike..if you have dabbled with guitars it shouldnt be square one with you..buy an american fender jazz bass..either new or used and be done with it..I have played them all my life and its the bass to have and hold..

 

[ok-djmiller]

Don’t overthink this. Go to your nearest guitar store and play some Mexican Fender Precision and Jazz Basses (now called the ‘Player’ series). Get which ever one feels better in your hands.

 

[Machiavelli]

I'm s complete beginner at bass but I have some six string guitar experience quite a few years ago. I've always wanted to learn bass and now have the opportunity being retired with time on my hands.

What do I get? A cheap model like a Ibanez, Cort, Vintage or the like or a better more expensive one? I've been advised if buying a budget bass it won't be worth much when I come to sell. I'm not too worried about that, what I want is playability. I know some better models have better pick ups and hardware which gives a better sound but I'm not worried about that, just something I can get along with.
Any advice?

I’ll just point out that if you are buying new and plan to resell, you should buy the cheapest bass possible, contrary to a lot of bad advice you may get.

For example, let’s say you buy a Stingray for 2k. The most you’ll get for it is like $1200. Thats $800 lost. If you buy any bass for less than $800 you would wind up ahead even if instead of selling the bass you drop it off a cliff of a volcano.

Contrary to what you’ve heard, cheaper is ‘better resale’ because reselling a new instrument is a huge loss. It’s a horrible investment, so the less you put into the investment, the better.

If you’re buying used, then it may make sense. But the best deal wont be the pricier ones, it’ll be the ones that are discontinued, but well known.


Also, just get a Squier CV P Bass.

 

[StatesideRambler]

Sorry, but a neck profile can impede speed and progress. So can the setup (high / low action, string spacing, rolled edges ). An uncomfortable neck or any uncomfortable feature of an instrument makes it harder for the progress even if just a tiny bit it is still an impediment.

So it can. The OP stated that he is a beginner looking for something of reasonable quality, ergo it’s unlikely that he’ll encounter a neck so crudely shaped that it’ll interfere with learning to play at a beginner-to-intermediate level.

 

[BurnOut]

Used Ibanez SR300, was my first, nearly 5 years later It's still in the rotation of about 7 other basses. Great bang for the buck.
Welcome to TalkBass
Peace N Chicken Grease

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

You may consider a Squier Affinity Precision (PJ) Bass.
It’s cheap, it can be brought to a reasonably good setup without too many issues, it sounds nice (a bit muddy maybe but the electronics package, not the pickups in particular, may be easily replaced without spending a fortune) and the neck width is only slightly more than that of a jazz bass, being 41.2mm.
I consider this nut width as manageable by a guitarist approaching bass playing.

 

[cnltb]

I'd say try stuff and get what you feel comfortable with.
A P bass will always be a useful choice.

 

[crankypants]

Looks like you (OP) got a lot of useful advice here.

I'd add that your first bass doesn't matter too much. See if it sticks. "It" is you playing bass. "Sticks" is that you stick with it.

If it sticks, then get a bass you really want.

Til then, just play whatever you can get your hands on and afford.

You mentioned Sterling which I assume is SBMM. I'd go with that.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I'd say check out the squier classic vibes tht are coming out now. I was floored by the ones I've been able to get my hands on in stores. They have pretty much any shape you want in several different variations. The sea foam green p bass I played in particular was outstanding.

 

[Cycleops]

I'd say check out the squier classic vibes tht are coming out now. I was floored by the ones I've been able to get my hands on in stores. They have pretty much any shape you want in several different variations. The sea foam green p bass I played in particular was outstanding.

Thanks Erik I would love a Squier but Fender is not available for me here shipped from UK so I am stuck with the brands that are which I listed.
I linked to the models which I narrowed it down to up thread. It's down to the budget models I think although a number of people have said hang the expense and get a Fender. I can't help thinking that Fender might be trading on its name a little here?
This has led me to think rightly or wrongly that other companies can come up with alternatives which are just as good but at a lower price point.
I'll leave that to be answered by the experts on here.

 

[pcake]

of the basses you list, i wouldn't hesitate to grab the SUB ray4. it's a great bass, has some of that stingray sound and a very comfortable neck. looks nice, too. for me - and everyone is different - this bass had the most comfortable neck i've ever wrapped my fingers around.

if you have other ibanez options, the GSR200 or SR300 are nice to play, and even their budget full scale model, the GSR100EX sounds and feels good, and unlike its more expensive siblings, the GSR100EX is passive. but the SUB ray4 is awesome. and if you prefer the look of the ibanez talman, well, you can't go wrong there, either.

some companies that make lower priced alternatives sometimes have to cut some corners, so you might be more likely to get a bass you can't intonate without replacing the bridge or get high frets that have to be sanded down. thinner metal on the bridge. slippy tuners. less people in quality control or customer support. maybe shorter warranties.

 

[pie_man_25]

Plenty of Ibanez basses don't cost much and punch WELL above their price range in terms of quality. Ditto Yamaha. Squiers aren't bad either.

Couldn't tell you about most of those other names, I've heard great things about Cort though.

 

[panzerfaust]

I never recommend a 'beginner bass' (typically one of those horrible bass + amp setups sold in a box at Best Buy, etc.). There's nothing worse to inflict on a beginner than an axe you'll have to fight, sounds crummy and uninspiring, and is something you'll never continue to use as your skill set grows. No throwaways !

Most of us will have a sweet spot where budget and expectations meet, and depending on disposable $$, that can vary quite a bit. So I always recommend a serviceable instrument. Look for a bass that's solidly built, can get in tune and stay in tune, is quiet electronically, and will hold and maintain a setup for a reasonable period.

The good news is that there are a terrific number of gig-able instruments in the $300-$500 range new, and of course you can get an even better bass if you can carefully shop the used market. And get as much amp as the budget allows. And the better you can buy, the better your resale will be should you decide you'd really rather go fly-fishing instead !

You want a setup that inspires you to keep plugging away at it, not something you have to fight and sounds dull or crummy.

yes,....

couldn't agree more with you

so many people who act like "pro older brother" who suggests something very cheap and rubbish in every hobby you wanna begin with,...

i suggest you you buy a good well known brand and there's so many of it with variety pickups,..even you have to work harder and save your money to buy a lil' bit expensive,..it's okay and better rather than you buy a junk of wood that got a market label "for beginner"

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Thanks Erik I would love a Squier but Fender is not available for me here shipped from UK so I am stuck with the brands that are which I listed.
I linked to the models which I narrowed it down to up thread. It's down to the budget models I think although a number of people have said hang the expense and get a Fender. I can't help thinking that Fender might be trading on its name a little here?
This has led me to think rightly or wrongly that other companies can come up with alternatives which are just as good but at a lower price point.
I'll leave that to be answered by the experts on here.

Didn't realize you were stuck to what you listed, my apologies! I'll throw my vote to Cort then, super nice basses for not a lot of money, especially considering what you get!