Beginners first bass guitar.

[user234082]

Tune Bass Maniac1

• user234082
• Apr 11, 2019
• my bass tune bass

Tune Bass Maniac2

• user234082
• Apr 11, 2019
• my bass tune bass

Hi, Everyone!

I’m 38yo drummer and i’m starting to learn how to play bass.
Last time i had a bass guitar in my hand was back in ´96.

I finally made my mind and after some reading on line, i bought a bass guitar. (I don’t have any speakers yet). I bought used Tune Bass Maniac made in Japan in ´86.
Would you consider this one a good guitar for learning?

I’m going to start by taking lessons from a professional and i was wondering should i go to library and find books on how to ”maintain” my guitar, i.e. how to change strings, tuning, the notes, ”the slang” for the aforementioned or is internet my friend on this too.
Thanks a lot for your answers, and moderator can feel free to delete this, if this is on wrong thread.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

More than a beginner bass! Nice score, play it in good health.

 

[bholder]

You could do a whole lot worse than a Tune Bass Maniac! I've been trying to score one of those for a couple of decades now! Excellent choice!!!

 

[bholder]

Oh and on learning how to maintain your bass guitar: everything you need to know is in the Hardware and Setup page sticky thread here: ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

 

[two fingers]

Welcome to TalkBass!!!!

That thing is MUCH nicer than the first bass I owned. It's more than adequate.

 

[lz4005]

Would you consider this one a good guitar for learning?

I’m going to start by taking lessons from a professional and i was wondering should i go to library and find books on how to ”maintain” my guitar, i.e. how to change strings, tuning, the notes, ”the slang” for the aforementioned or is internet my friend on this too.
Thanks a lot for your answers, and moderator can feel free to delete this, if this is on wrong thread.

Tunes are interesting. Most instruments are set up so the strings go on the side of the post away from the tuning key. Tunes are the opposite. When you learn how to change them, they go this way:
Link Removed
Whomever put the strings on yours didn't do it correctly. They should be as straight as possible coming out of the nut. No sharp left or right turns.

Also, stop calling it a guitar. It is a bass or a bass guitar. Not a guitar.

 

[user234082]

Thanks, guys!
I read a lot from here and vast majority was saying that my first bass shouldn’t be the cheapest one. Mainly the value stays the same if you spend a little more on your first and decide to sell if everything goes south...
Some people recommended a ”jazz bass” for first because the neck is slimmer but this one felt good in my hand when i got to test it before purchace.
Have many of you taken lessons or are you self educated?
If the latter, did you learn by ear, or did you have books etc.?

 

[user234082]

Tunes are interesting. Most instruments are set up so the strings go on the side of the post away from the tuning key. Tunes are the opposite. When you learn how to change them, they go this way:
Link Removed
Whomever put the strings on yours didn't do it correctly. They should be as straight as possible coming out of the nut. No sharp left or right turns.

Also, stop calling it a guitar. It is a bass or a bass guitar. Not a guitar.

Sorry! I’ll keep that in mind =)
I’m from finland and here the word ”bass” means many instruments and some speaker elements.

 

[lz4005]

Sorry! I’ll keep that in mind =)
I’m from finland and here the word ”bass” means many instruments and some speaker elements.

No worries. Languages are weird.

 

[Maxdusty]

NO...it's a terrible bass to start with! In the spirit of international peace and bass brotherhood, I will be willing to exchange a far more appropriate bass, a First Act for your Tune Maniac. Now, there's a bass to learn on.
Just kidding!
That Tune is an awesome bass for any level of bass player, it's comfortable and of great quality - I do suggest perhaps having someone look at the bass and perhaps do a setup on it (and watch how they do it). Make sure string height is set, neck is straight, and it's intonated properly for you before you start lessons.
Congratulations and welcome to TB. I have a Korean Tune bass and love that thing, the MIJ ones are even better. The neck on these basses are terrific.

 

[Bass V]

Thanks, guys!
I read a lot from here and vast majority was saying that my first bass shouldn’t be the cheapest one. Mainly the value stays the same if you spend a little more on your first and decide to sell if everything goes south...
Some people recommended a ”jazz bass” for first because the neck is slimmer but this one felt good in my hand when i got to test it before purchace.
Have many of you taken lessons or are you self educated?
If the latter, did you learn by ear, or did you have books etc.?

people say a lot of weird things so let me add to it... cheap vs inexpensive; even cheap basses CAN be great lifetime basses, inexpensive basses are often great basses at affordable prices, like many on TB I've got a room full of primo examples of both. the Jazz Bass has been the most over-touted bass in recent years, especially if it says Fender, but if it suits the bill then who's to argue, I've got a few of that style I'll keep forever. resale is a non-starter for the most part cos people tend to pay too much then grumble when they can't recoup their investment after the honeymoon wears off, buying smart is what it's about and the options are infinite. what music do you play, what sound do you want?

 

[bholder]

The Tune Bass Maniac shape is one I find to be among the most comfortable and ergonomic I've played. Still don't have a real Tune, but I have several of the licensed copycats.

 

[B-Mac]

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Tune Bass Maniac1

• user234082
• Apr 11, 2019
• my bass tune bass

Tune Bass Maniac2

• user234082
• Apr 11, 2019
• my bass tune bass

Hi, Everyone!

I’m 38yo drummer and i’m starting to learn how to play bass.
Last time i had a bass guitar in my hand was back in ´96.

I finally made my mind and after some reading on line, i bought a bass guitar. (I don’t have any speakers yet). I bought used Tune Bass Maniac made in Japan in ´86.
Would you consider this one a good guitar for learning?

I’m going to start by taking lessons from a professional and i was wondering should i go to library and find books on how to ”maintain” my guitar, i.e. how to change strings, tuning, the notes, ”the slang” for the aforementioned or is internet my friend on this too.
Thanks a lot for your answers, and moderator can feel free to delete this, if this is on wrong thread.

@Tvrtko has a bit of knowledge on Tune basses and also started a club you might want to check out

 

[user234082]

Oh and on learning how to maintain your bass guitar: everything you need to know is in the Hardware and Setup page sticky thread here: ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

Thanks a lot!
This is what was talking about.
I looked a bit and became quite overwhelmed because there are A LOT of different things for just taking care of the neck and fret area. Lots of oils etc =)

 

[CallMeAl]

Oh and on learning how to maintain your bass guitar: everything you need to know is in the Hardware and Setup page sticky thread here: ALL BASIC SETUP QUESTIONS ANSWERED HERE

+1. A simple kit of a capo, string action ruler, screwdriver and Allan wrench set is all you need. Not a bad idea to have a pro do it the 1st time, and you can watch them do it, and then you will know how to maintain it. I learned from John Carruthers YouTube channel, but he does pitch his book on all his videos.

Thanks, guys!
I read a lot from here and vast majority was saying that my first bass shouldn’t be the cheapest one. Mainly the value stays the same if you spend a little more on your first and decide to sell if everything goes south...
Some people recommended a ”jazz bass” for first because the neck is slimmer but this one felt good in my hand when i got to test it before purchace.
Have many of you taken lessons or are you self educated?
If the latter, did you learn by ear, or did you have books etc.?

q
They say Jazz bass in relation to a P bass. There is a good chance yours is = or slimmer than Jazz. If its comfy to you, rock it!

If you're already planning/budgeting for lessons, run with it! It's the best way. Even a few lessons will give you a foundation. Just get whatever books they recommend. I also like YouTube channels:
Talkingbass
Studybass &
Scott's bass lessons

 

[bholder]

Thanks a lot!
This is what was talking about.
I looked a bit and became quite overwhelmed because there are A LOT of different thing for just taking care of the neck and fret are. Lots of oils etc =)

Just my advice - worry about oils and cleaning and stuff later, focus on understanding the basic mechanics first.

 

[user234082]

NO...it's a terrible bass to start with! In the spirit of international peace and bass brotherhood, I will be willing to exchange a far more appropriate bass, a First Act for your Tune Maniac. Now, there's a bass to learn on.
Just kidding!
That Tune is an awesome bass for any level of bass player, it's comfortable and of great quality - I do suggest perhaps having someone look at the bass and perhaps do a setup on it (and watch how they do it). Make sure string height is set, neck is straight, and it's intonated properly for you before you start lessons.
Congratulations and welcome to TB. I have a Korean Tune bass and love that thing, the MIJ ones are even better. The neck on these basses are terrific.

Thanks!
The string setup is one that i have to look up.
I got one comment that said the stings should not make sharp turns.
Should i consider it a rule for 4-string that top two strings go up and around the nut and top two below the nut? The placement of the nuts is unlike i have ever seen in bass guitars.

 

[user234082]

people say a lot of weird things so let me add to it... cheap vs inexpensive; even cheap basses CAN be great lifetime basses, inexpensive basses are often great basses at affordable prices, like many on TB I've got a room full of primo examples of both. the Jazz Bass has been the most over-touted bass in recent years, especially if it says Fender, but if it suits the bill then who's to argue, I've got a few of that style I'll keep forever. resale is a non-starter for the most part cos people tend to pay too much then grumble when they can't recoup their investment after the honeymoon wears off, buying smart is what it's about and the options are infinite. what music do you play, what sound do you want?

Thanks!
I’m looking to play along my favourite songs with headphones on at first and maybe when i learn more, to make something with my Roland electric drumset. Mainly i just want to learn to play =)

 

[user234082]

+1. A simple kit of a capo, string action ruler, screwdriver and Allan wrench set is all you need. Not a bad idea to have a pro do it the 1st time, and you can watch them do it, and then you will know how to maintain it. I learned from John Carruthers YouTube channel, but he does pitch his book on all his videos.

q
They say Jazz bass in relation to a P bass. There is a good chance yours is = or slimmer than Jazz. If its comfy to you, rock it!

If you're already planning/budgeting for lessons, run with it! It's the best way. Even a few lessons will give you a foundation. Just get whatever books they recommend. I also like YouTube channels:
Talkingbass
Studybass &
Scott's bass lessons

Thanks!
I will check them out!

 

[Maxdusty]

Thanks!
The string setup is one that i have to look up.
I got one comment that said the stings should not make sharp turns.
Should i consider it a rule for 4-string that top two strings go up and around the nut and top two below the nut? The placement of the nuts is unlike i have ever seen in bass guitars.

Yes, just looked at your headstock - the strings on the tuners should be wound like this. This is my Tune bass, similar headstock.

Edit: The five string pic above is strung a little differently to accommodate the extra string.
So the low E and A strings go to the right of the tuner when strung to the bass, the high strings D and G are to the left of the tuners.