Beginner - Should I buy a used or a new Bass?

buy used

 

that is a better question than most begginer "what bass" questions. Answer: Hell yes save the money. you will need it for peripheral things like strings, straps, cables, beer, tacos, condoms. Come on, becoming a rock star takes a little cash.

 

Those packs are AWFUL.

Used is *always* better. But if you have to buy on credit, http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars4.html

And those amps that come with those packs are crap - no value at all. Better to get a headphone amp so you can play along with an ipod to learn tunes.

 

+1 for used. Much better deal for the money, and you usually get to try it out first which is always a plus.

 

In your case here, I'd say go used!

Why not spend half the cash to get the same bass that's only been played for a couple of years along with a better amp?

Save your $$ for the GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) pains that will inevitably follow...

 

used. no question. A bass is not like a car - it loses whatever value it is going to lose as soon as it is one day old, then stays at that value forever - unless it goes up in value for some strange reason (like vintage Fenders).

Then take the $266 you are saving, sell that "better amp" you are getting from your friend, and use the extra money to buy a GOOD amp - something with 200 watts or (hopefully) more and at least a 12" speaker. Buy the amp used, too!

 

That used bass may have a better "broken in" feel to it as well. If you aren't sure your going to stick with it either, better to be out 300 bucks than 550. You could use the leftovers to get yourself a little used multiFX processor (like a zoom B series) and see if your into it.

 

+1, amen to that.

Buy used; you'll be more likely to make your money back if/when you sell it. A new starter bass will only lose resale value.

Also, take a knowledgeable friend.

 

used, why not spend half the cash. Then you have some more spending money

 

Used, yes. Absolutely.

 

+1 on used

 

You were correct to ask TB before you did anything at all. This shows great wisdom. The sooner people realize they cannot purchase so much as a replacement strap button without consulting THE FORUM first, the better we as a muscial community will be.

 

Does that go for beer, tacos and condoms, too?

 

of course. Hit up the OT and be prepared for a mega thread on any of the three.

 

Buy used.

I'm a beginner, with pro gear. I play a (heavily modded to my specs by the money I saved) Fender Precision bass through a Peavey 215 fullstack. I also have a hardshell case, straplocks, etc.

By buying gear used/clearance, I have saved so much money it's not even funny. My entire pro-rig cost as much as a beginner might spend. I would never pay full price, when used gear (1973 Peavey 215 -head, cab, speaker cable $400) and clearance sales (last years bass, this years discount, $300) can cost so much less, for the same quality.

 

go used forsure, both my basses i got used. as for amps, one thing ive noticed is moire and more companys switching out to cheaper manufacturing plans *coughAMPEGcough* and the result is a "new" POS. id say your getting the same bass, and a started amp for the same price go with the cheapness

 

USED!! I bought new twice---first bass, then dream bass. Otherwise, USED USED USED!

 

it's up to you, I mean.... I don't like used stuff in general, lol, so it's hard to me to buy a used bass, first, last or whatever, but if you have no problem with that.... that's definitively your option

 

Go for the new one..
Kidding.. Used. They are usually set up, broken in, tweaked.. whatever you want to call it.. As long as your friend didn't abuse it, save your money.. you can put it towards your next bass.