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Buying a bass - could use some advice

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darkendes

Apr 16, 2008
7
0
#1
This looks like the right place to find some good advice!

Right now I'm looking at a few low-budget basses that are in my price range. I've done some research, read some reviews and I've checked my local guitar shop already. They didn't have the models I'm looking for so I couldn't get any hands-on time with any of them yet. I plan to travel a little out of my way once I find a shop that has them in stock, but unless they can beat the price, I'll likely be purchasing my bass online in the end.

I played casually for a couple of years several years ago. Had a Squire P-Bass that I used to teach myself the basics. Ended up having to sell it. Now I'm looking to get back into playing and dive deeper into learning how to play properly, but my budget is still tight. I want to try something other than a Squire this time. I'll likely stick to playing as just a hobby in my apartment, but I'd still like to get a decent bass that sounds good and won't flake on me in a couple years.

Right now I have 3 models from 3 different manufacturers. I'd really appreciate some advice from anyone who knows about or has any of the following:

1. ESP LTD B-50: I've heard really good things about this bass. Decent thin neck, good sound, solid build, well balanced weight, versatile. For it's price ($200), it seems like a heck of a deal. It's the one I'm trying to hunt down most in a shop, as I'm leaning towards it at the moment. Does anyone here know of any serious cons with this one?

2. Ibanez GSR200FM: Apparently this is one of the most popular starter basses. I've heard some good and bad things, but in general, it's been mostly good stuff. It's priced between the other two at $240. This is probably my least favored choice at the moment, though.

3. Epiphone EB-3 SG: I love the look of this bass. It's a bit more pricey than the others though ($299), so if there isn't a big difference in quality, I might consider passing on this one for the ESP. About the worst thing I've heard about this bass is that the headstock is a little heavy. And it's an attractive beast, too. Anybody have any good or bad experiences with this one? If it really outperforms the other two, I'd be willing to pay more for it.

Again, I'd really appreciate any information about these guitars! Which is the best choice in general? Which would give me the best bang for my buck?

I'm also open to recommendations for other basses in the same price range. I don't think I can afford more than $300 for the bass itself since I have to buy an amp and accessories, but I'm looking for a good versatile bass that's suited for a range of different music from classic rock to metal to alternative to jazz.

Thanks in advance!
 
#5
The main difference I can see between the ESP and the Ibanez is that the Ibanez has 2 tone knobs, while the ESP only has one. Both use a J-style pickup at the bridge and a P-style at the neck, which gives a pretty flexible sound. The Gibson, on the other hand, with dual humbuckers, is a completely different animal.

For that price range, I'd get another Squier - but hey, I'm not you. Try out as many basses as you can, in all price ranges, so you get an idea of what different pickup configs will do for you. And also to give you an idea what you might be missing when you buy an instrument in your price range.
 
#9
Unless you particularly want the EB-3 sound and vibe, I wouldn't choose it as my only bass.

The other two are more versatile and will probably reward you more as your playing improves. You should definately look around more though - one of the mistakes that we all make is buying something that happened to be conveniently there, rather than waiting for something that we really wanted. Better quality secondhand stuff (Fender, more upscale Ibanez, Yamaha) pops up all the time, you just need to keep your eye on the classifieds.
 
#10
Thanks for the help, guys.

Seems like it's still a split decision. I really wish I could get my hands on these guitars and compare them in person. I'll definitely put more thought into the Ibanez though.
worker201 said:
The main difference I can see between the ESP and the Ibanez is that the Ibanez has 2 tone knobs, while the ESP only has one. Both use a J-style pickup at the bridge and a P-style at the neck, which gives a pretty flexible sound. The Gibson, on the other hand, with dual humbuckers, is a completely different animal.

For that price range, I'd get another Squier - but hey, I'm not you. Try out as many basses as you can, in all price ranges, so you get an idea of what different pickup configs will do for you. And also to give you an idea what you might be missing when you buy an instrument in your price range.
Click to expand...

I plan on going out this weekend and trying out different pickup styles to try and get a better feel for what does what.

What makes the humbuckers so different than the other two? What kind of sound do they produce?
 
#11
Well I own three ESP's and am quite partial to them i frequently sing their praises here on a regular basis....for the money they can't be touched...that said the B-50 is their basic entry level bass made in Indonesia and as i mentioned before for that amount of money thay cannot be touched.

Ibanez Makes a decent quality bass as well and you should be able to find several models in your price range...especially used (I run into more used Ibanez basses that any other brand in my local pawn shops)

Also I'm not a huge Fender fan, but as of late the Squier vintage modified series that they are putting out now deserve a mention as well as a try they are really nice basses for around $280.00 new, and light years ahead of the old plywood squiers they used to push....great starter bass (if you search you will find some love for them here as of late)

also recently i purchased an SX Jazz delivered to my door the price was $170.00 bucks and it arrived in tune with a very decent set-up and i'm amazed at the build quality for the price....i think if my budget was as tight as yours i would invest in a SX and upgrade its compnents at a later date (I intend to put a new bridge, tuners, and pickups on mine in the next month)

Yamaha RBX also deserves a look in this price range, as well as OLP's

it is important to play everything that you can get your hands on in your price range and pick what feels and sounds the best to you....and don't worry about what is on the headstock...or what other players have to say about your choice

I would suggest however that you try to buy used as you will probably get much more for your money than buying new

try the for sale forum here and see what you can find.....

Like what you play and play what you like i always say...

good luck and let us know what you picked!
 
#12
What are your thoughts on the Link Removed?

The body shape is a little unconventional, but I like it. It's priced just within my price range at musiciansfriend.com, so I could swing it. I don't know what the differences between active and passive pickups are, but from what I've seen it seems active is more prefered for versatility.

From the reviews, it seems like something I'd like. I'll add this to the list of guitars I'll look for in shops.

Has anybody here played one before?
 
#14
I own the ESP F-104 and I use it to practice on, as i bought it used CHEAP...

In Concert I use the ESP F-404

The F-104 is just a step up from their entry level bass, it has a two band pre-amp and EMG designed pick-ups....it's not great for slapping on but would work very well for metal grunge or rock, and even blues....

again you cannot go wrong with ESP for the money

and for the record i love the body style, bu then again i own a few B.C. Rich basses as well
 
#15
I use to have the Epi EB-3, I would reccomend avoiding it. It's terribly unbalanced and Epiphone's new necks almost always need a lot of work just to get them to a nice playable point.:( I highly reccommend Ibanez. They're long scale with a fast and narrow neck, very comfy to play IMO. I think that even if you tried all of these you might prefer the Ibanez because of it's neck, unless you have really huge hands / fingers:smug:
 
#16
I bought myself a GSR200 for myself for Christmas. Went into GC and played every Bass. new and used, fell in love with the GSR200 (I was also limited, budget-wise). then ordered one from my local Mom-N-Pop for the same price, $199. I've gotten a lot of positive comments by other musicians (especially guitarists), on how well it plays, sounds, but especially how un-Bass like it is, weight wise. I'm 46 and have enough problems carrying my own weight around. ;)
 
#17
Alright, I got to play a few Ibanez basses at GC and I liked the GSR200. Then I saw they had a 400 used for the same price. It felt pretty nice, but the fretboard had a lot of wear on it; more specifically, the grain looked pretty faded. I don't mind so much as long as it's just cosmetic.

I also tried a budget Yamaha, but I didn't like the fret trimmings. They caught my fingers when playing the G string. I was told I could file them down, but it wasn't worth the effort.

I've been having a h*** of a time finding an ESP dealer in Pittsburgh, so I haven't been able to play any yet. My biggest concern with them is the extra large frets. I'd like to be able to get my hands on at least one ESP before I go with the used Ibanez. As far as I know, there are only 2 stores here that stock them, and neither have any F- or B-104's. They can only order one if I pay for it first.

I'm on file at both locations, so if any come in, I'll be notified. Time to play the waiting game, I guess.
 

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