Beginner To Semi Decent Bass

[CallMeAl]

@hrodbert696 is spot on, +1 to all that.

I’d recommend a P bass (the Red Squier you posted above is a P bass, referring to that 2-piece pickup.) I say that because it’s a classic, can be used for anything, and the simple electronics lets you focus on playing.

however, IMO the differences are subtle and there is no wrong choice because you have no frame of reference. You can go back to a music store in a year or so, try all the basses, and have a better idea of what all these specs mean.

you’ll want a practice amp too. I’d recommend 50-100w Fender, Ampeg or Peavey combo.

And set aside some money for a pro setup. (This is where they tweak and fine tune all the moving parts. These things shift over time, and is probably the #1 factor for playability.) $100 should be plenty.

good luck!

 

[CallMeAl]

A more modern squire PJ bass with small amp £239( seems abit pricy) Cherry Red

Can you post a link? Also, what’s your budget?

personally I like the sound and look of Fender basses. But I started on an Ibanez, and it was a great bass too.

the thing about the Affinity line is QC is so spotty. You could get a lemon, or you could save some cash. CV (or VM line) is just a safer bet. Stretch that budget just a little, and get a used MIM Fender, and you’ll get better resale protection.

but at the budget level, Ibanez, Peavey and Yamaha all have better QC than Squier Affinity

 

[Dana R Gregory]

You can also check out Dean basses. I played a 4 string and a five string model and they are among the most comfortable basses I have ever played. The body is made of light weight basswood and the frets are well dressed. They sound great. They run for around $200. Worth a look.

 

[kbakerde]

Look for a used made in Mexico Fender. Solid basses, play and sound good, able to be upgraded easily and can be had for $300-$350.

 

[LT131]

Thanks for the info. Ive found the above squire £150

A more modern squire PJ bass with small amp £239( seems abit pricy) Cherry Red

Ibanez Gio GSM200 (I think) £120 (Walnut)

With that info, what would you guys be drawn too. I’m going to go see them all in the next day or so.

thanks

Are you in the UK? Are those prices new or used? The Squier Affinity and Gio are essentially beginner but can function fine. QC may be varied.

If you have access to any selection of new or used I'd say look for the Squier VM or CV, or the Yamaha and IBBY mentioned above.

 

[Beginner Craig]

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[Beginner Craig]

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These are the 3 options I have available

 

[Beginner Craig]

Are you in the UK? Are those prices new or used? The Squier Affinity and Gio are essentially beginner but can function fine. QC may be varied.

If you have access to any selection of new or used I'd say look for the Squier VM or CV, or the Yamaha and IBBY mentioned above.

those are all used basses

 

[TuneIn]

Try some out and see which one feels, plays, and sounds the best and buy it. You won't find a good answer here...

 

[NikosP75]

What is your budget for both Bass and amplifier. Used is better value of course if you can get it from a reputable company. I don't suggest getting a used one from a private seller if you are completely inexperienced.

 

[Beginner Craig]

What do you have t

Can you post a link? Also, what’s your budget?

personally I like the sound and look of Fender basses. But I started on an Ibanez, and it was a great bass too.

the thing about the Affinity line is QC is so spotty. You could get a lemon, or you could save some cash. CV (or VM line) is just a safer bet. Stretch that budget just a little, and get a used MIM Fender, and you’ll get better resale protection.

but at the budget level, Ibanez, Peavey and Yamaha all have better QC than Squier Affinity

What do I need to watch out for with affinitys

 

[selowitch]

I like used Sterling SUB basses made in Indonesia for around $200-$250.

 

[rtslinger]

Welcome to TB,
I suggest SX as a bass to start out with, great quality at decent price point you can find them at
Rondo music.
Not to discourage you, but you are just starting out and if you decide that bass playing isn't cut out for you, you want to buy something that at least isn't so cheap that you can't get some of your investment back.
I know a lot of people suggest used, but again you are just starting out and if the bass needs to be setup you will be struggling to play it comfortably and that will detrimental to your goal of learn to play bass. Best of luck in your future as a bass player and know there are a lot of good people on this site that will help you. RTS

 

[dalkowski]

Used Squier
Used Yamaha
Used Peavey
Used Ibanez

 

[scottfeldstein]

Lots of good advice here. I will only add that whatever you get, it's important that it is "set up" correctly. Electric guitars and basses are machines. They aren't complicated machines, but they have several parts to them and those parts have to work together just right. They need to be properly adjusted to within a few thousandths of an inch for them to play right.

Experienced players will know the instant they pick it up if the set up is off. The main thing you're looking for is string height. If they are too high off the fingerboard it's going to be very tough to play. If they are too low it won't play right, either.

This is where it can be really helpful to take along someone who knows guitars. Because it doesn't matter what the make and model is, if it doesn't play right you won't be happy.

Of course most instruments that aren't set up correctly can be adjusted to play right. But that requires expert attention.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Go out and look and play everything you can find. There are a lot of options for playin bass, and they are not always revolved around finding something that looks like a Fender P or J bass. So don't limit yourself to that paradigm.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PERF4MBL--spector-performer-4-metallic-blue

 

[groooooove]

depends on your budget completely.

a used squier can be pretty darn cheap and those are quite good. a new one is great value as well.

 

[groove pump]

those are all used basses

I think I've only bought one or two brand new basses in all my days as something of a hobbyist with a persistent musical itch . If you're shopping the used world for your first bass, I think you're being smart - better potential bang for your buck (punch for your pound?).

I rather like that red P/J, but my opinion doesn't really matter. Our pals above encouraged you to be picky in terms of which bass feels "right" for you. The one best judge of that particular best fit is you.

In your travels through these waters, you'll see some instruments with necks that are a little more wide and chunky (typical of Precision basses) while others will have necks that are more narrow and/or shallow (not so much wood under the fingerboard). What's better for you is entirely up to you and it doesn't matter what size hands you have or what style of music you want to play. A chunky neck might be awkward, but a neck that's too small can be very strenuous for some players, too.

So try them out and don't be surprised if they all feel pretty good. I also encourage you to try them for a few minutes each while wearing them on a strap. Some basses can feel fine on your knee while sitting down, but they might be forced into a more awkward position when hanging on your shoulder. It should also balance rather naturally without needing your fretting hand (probably your left hand) to hold the neck up. But if it exhibits significant "neck dive" while on a strap, that can be a serious nuisance - maybe a deal-breaker.

 

[PSPookie]

I vote Ibanez or G&L Tribute

 

[JZQuantum]

Big thumbs up on the Squier or Fender P or J bass.

I'd start with a P bass. If that doesn't feel or sound right, then you're probably going to like the J instead. The P has a wider, but still comfortable neck.

The tone of each is outstanding for any genre, but for different and usually personal reasons. Depends on the player.

Look for a used one, or even look at getting a used Warmoth. It'll likely have superior quality materials in the build.