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Best first Bass?
- Thread starter Gerbs
- Start date
Thanks for all the input!I made plans to go to my local Sam Ash later today, and GuitarCenter sometime tomorrow (hopefully). I hear the Ibanez necks don't have a whole lot of resistance, which can be an issue. I wanna try and stay under $250, so, my options are pretty limited, but i I like a bass in the range of the SR300, then I will probably break down and get that. Thanks again for the wise words, I look forward to having community to ask for help.
No problem, Gerbs. We're here to help. Oh, don't forget to check Guitar Center's used database. Sometimes you find a real gem for a more-than-reasonable price.
I should've mentioned it earlier; if a Jazz body/neck profile works for you, look for a Classic Vibe Jazz. The one I scored most recently was a fantastic piece of work fit, finish, sound and feel. GC has a few of them used for $250+shipping/insurance (usually about $25).
Haji
Supporting Member
Brother, you'll be blown away at how good an instrument you can get for $250. Its a pretty magical time in terms of the barriers to entry to playing.
Scroll up and reread what Prietobass and Rip Topaz posted, then read it again.
The hardest part for me was always hearing "stick with a name brand instrument and you'll be fine". That's true, but outside of Fender I didn't really know what a name brand instrument was, and in a lot of ways I still don't.
The Ibanez is a good bass. The GSR200 is what I started back playing on. It is a very thin neck and kinda tight on string spacing, which is one reason I've got that bass listed on Craigslist right now. My hands are too large. However, I also don't like the thickness of Fender necks; its a geometry of the hand thing. If your fingers are longer, it might be exactly the thing for you. In the beginning, though, I was a lot more affected by that than I am now.
I would stay away from the starter "box sets" as a first bass, just because they're bottom of the line instruments and your budget will allow for a better one. Don't get tempted to blow the budget on something with a crazy paint job; do that later after you've got some playing time and some basis for comparison to determine what you like.
If I were to make a recommendation, it'd be a Sterling SB4, Yamaha RBX170 or the Ibanez and then a Fender Squire, at least in brand new instruments. Its almost difficult to go wrong as long as "the sales guy" doesn't try to ramrod you into any one lesser instrument because there's a spiff on it that month.
Scroll up and reread what Prietobass and Rip Topaz posted, then read it again.
The hardest part for me was always hearing "stick with a name brand instrument and you'll be fine". That's true, but outside of Fender I didn't really know what a name brand instrument was, and in a lot of ways I still don't.
The Ibanez is a good bass. The GSR200 is what I started back playing on. It is a very thin neck and kinda tight on string spacing, which is one reason I've got that bass listed on Craigslist right now. My hands are too large. However, I also don't like the thickness of Fender necks; its a geometry of the hand thing. If your fingers are longer, it might be exactly the thing for you. In the beginning, though, I was a lot more affected by that than I am now.
I would stay away from the starter "box sets" as a first bass, just because they're bottom of the line instruments and your budget will allow for a better one. Don't get tempted to blow the budget on something with a crazy paint job; do that later after you've got some playing time and some basis for comparison to determine what you like.
If I were to make a recommendation, it'd be a Sterling SB4, Yamaha RBX170 or the Ibanez and then a Fender Squire, at least in brand new instruments. Its almost difficult to go wrong as long as "the sales guy" doesn't try to ramrod you into any one lesser instrument because there's a spiff on it that month.
for a beginner- a working instrument that stays in tune.
SX may be the answer, but IMO squire really is the best entry-level instrument.. it's funny how quickly a lot of people tend to look down on this "not a real fender" brand, but as far as student models go? these things can be used by pros and still sound great. they're well made and stay in tune, and sound perfectly fine- and quite good, by student instrument standards.
with electric instruments the question of pickups comes into it, but a beginner doesn't know enough for that to really be worth worrying about. front/back pickup sounds are worth worrying about after you can play a bit.
SX may be the answer, but IMO squire really is the best entry-level instrument.. it's funny how quickly a lot of people tend to look down on this "not a real fender" brand, but as far as student models go? these things can be used by pros and still sound great. they're well made and stay in tune, and sound perfectly fine- and quite good, by student instrument standards.
with electric instruments the question of pickups comes into it, but a beginner doesn't know enough for that to really be worth worrying about. front/back pickup sounds are worth worrying about after you can play a bit.
I see you're going to Sam Ash today, so this may be too late, but my $0.02 -
Ibanez is a good company, but the SR200, I haven't owned, but have heard people say that the active electronics crap out after a while. Better to get a passive bass or go for the SR300.
Any bass can be a "beginner's" bass. You can learn on a $5000 Fodera just as easy as on a $179 Squier - probably easier. We only call cheap basses "beginner" basses because they're what you buy when you don't yet know exactly what features you would want, or indeed if you're going to stick with it.
When you go to the store, take into account ...
1) Looks. Yes, they matter. If you dislike your instrument's appearance, you won't be as motivated to practice. Get something you think looks cool.
2) Sound. Have the sales rep plug it into an amp, pluck some strings and fiddle with the knobs. The guitar store will be filled with wankers showing off how amazing they are. Ignore them and don't be intimidated. See if you like the tones coming out of the instrument.
3) Feel. Some people like their bass heavy and solid; others want something light on the shoulder. Some people like a big round chunky neck to hold onto, others like something slim and fast (Ibanez is famous for slim necks). BALANCE is very important; if a bass has "neck dive," you'll need to be spending some energy just holding it up straight when it's hanging on a strap. Ask the store clerk for a strap and see how it hangs (and how heavy it is) hands-free. You usually can't tell how the balance is without actually trying a strap on it. Some basses balance well on a strap but not on your knee, and vice-versa. Bottom line, you want the instrument to feel nice and comfy when you play, again so that you don't lose motivation to practice.
If your budget is under $250, I'd recommend looking at Squier's Vintage Modified instruments (most of them are $299, but there may be a cheaper one or a used one in the store), and the Yamaha RBX170. But there's no one best choice, just what you find YOU are happy with.
Ibanez is a good company, but the SR200, I haven't owned, but have heard people say that the active electronics crap out after a while. Better to get a passive bass or go for the SR300.
Any bass can be a "beginner's" bass. You can learn on a $5000 Fodera just as easy as on a $179 Squier - probably easier. We only call cheap basses "beginner" basses because they're what you buy when you don't yet know exactly what features you would want, or indeed if you're going to stick with it.
When you go to the store, take into account ...
1) Looks. Yes, they matter. If you dislike your instrument's appearance, you won't be as motivated to practice. Get something you think looks cool.
2) Sound. Have the sales rep plug it into an amp, pluck some strings and fiddle with the knobs. The guitar store will be filled with wankers showing off how amazing they are. Ignore them and don't be intimidated. See if you like the tones coming out of the instrument.
3) Feel. Some people like their bass heavy and solid; others want something light on the shoulder. Some people like a big round chunky neck to hold onto, others like something slim and fast (Ibanez is famous for slim necks). BALANCE is very important; if a bass has "neck dive," you'll need to be spending some energy just holding it up straight when it's hanging on a strap. Ask the store clerk for a strap and see how it hangs (and how heavy it is) hands-free. You usually can't tell how the balance is without actually trying a strap on it. Some basses balance well on a strap but not on your knee, and vice-versa. Bottom line, you want the instrument to feel nice and comfy when you play, again so that you don't lose motivation to practice.
If your budget is under $250, I'd recommend looking at Squier's Vintage Modified instruments (most of them are $299, but there may be a cheaper one or a used one in the store), and the Yamaha RBX170. But there's no one best choice, just what you find YOU are happy with.
Again-
re-read 'PrietoBass's post #11, LOTS of good advice there.
Don't be swayed by 'name brands', you're looking in the right direction.
re-read 'PrietoBass's post #11, LOTS of good advice there.
Don't be swayed by 'name brands', you're looking in the right direction.
Playing Bass is a lot about finding "your sound", but when buying your first bass, forget all that. Go to as many music stores as you can, try everything that's low to medium price, and buy the bass that FEELS the best to you. And it's not shallow to say, don't buy a bass that doesn't look good to you.
Word. Great advice in all respects. GAS got me, too late...watch out! Let us know how it goes.
I personally am not a fan of Ibanez basses....but it's just a personal preference thing. There is nothing wrong with the I banes bass you are looking at. It would make a fine bass to start with.
Epiphone thunderbird or classic vibe jazz. Love my t-bird, it's a classic pro. It's near enough exactly the same bass but for a grand less. I nearly got the jazz, was going to get it til I found out about the classic pro thunderbird's Gibson pickups. The cv precision looks awesome but can't stand the neck on it,
So, then, Ibanez isn't necessarily the bane of your existence?
OP, Ibanez is a safe bet, but you really have to let your fingers do the walking and see what feels best to you. All things being equal, go with the advice here, but spend as much time as you can hands-on in a store and get what feels best.
I would recommend a made in Mexico Jazz bass, a p bass would be nice too, but you can get a larger variety of tones out of the Jazz. You can find a used one in your price range and it will be a great bass that you can play for years on. As far as lessons go, take private lessons, it's 100 times better to have a teacher in person rather than teaching yourself on the Internet. If you really want to be on the fast track to being a decent player and want to start playing in bands, private lessons will get you there far quicker.
Haji
Supporting Member
Bit of a necro, but pertinent. A friend of mine had a bit of cash and wanted an upgrade from his Silvertone (Samick) P. He was drawn to an Axl "jazz" with a crackle finish and aged copper hardware. It had been tagged at almost $300 (!) and was on sale for $189. Luckily there was a used (hardly) Peavey Milestone BXP that was ten bucks cheaper and MUCH more playable. He dug it and ended up buying it...partly because of the Genz Benz combo it was plugged into. LOL! Since we work for the same company we see eachother regularly and he's commented several times that he was much happier with the Peavey, as he was sure the finish of the Axl would have bored him in relatively short order. Not that I know what I'm talking about in terms of bass, but it helps to have somebody you can trust to be honest with ya when yer lookin' for a new bass.
In Baltimore budget and additional $80 for that setup and don't skip that step, as it will probably greatly improve the sound.
okcrum
in your chest
My first bass was an Ibanez GSR200. I wouldn't buy it again. I just picked up a SUB by Sterling stingray and I must say for the price it is hard to beat. They were not available when I started. Do yourself a favor and get one. It will last you a lot longer IMO too.
