buying a bass... what to look at?

[greyfloyd]

I am almost coming to the day when i buy my first bass (still decinding betwin VM jazz and squier's too V active)... in many posts i've seen people saying that is important to be aware to certain details that may be wrong in the bass such as the arm... what should i be looking for when i buy it so it will be in nice conditions?

thank you

 

[StarscreamG1]

*Bumb*

I think someone needs to give some pointers here. ^_^

Not sure my opinion counts here but the Squier VMJ is a sweet bass I think. I ended up with one totally unplanned as it just blew me away when I pulled it off the wall to test it out. The neck was like buttah to me, the weight was perfect, the scale was fine, it looked awesome, had a nice sound...just start checking out basses and don't settle for the first one that you like. Check out different models and makes. Get an idea on how different each one can be and if one keeps sticking in your head, well, maybe thats the one for you.

 

[kenjikun]

Watch out for the weight of the bass. My Squier VM Jazz plays and sounds superb but weighs like elephant! I'm asian so I'm a small guy. If I stand up, my shoulder bone will probably break after 2 hours:scowl: I can never take this bass on stage. However, if you are a big guy, weight is not problem.

 

[bmb]

get something versatile. My Squier is all good and all, but it can't do any slap and pop. So I'm trying to learn it but it's a bit hard on a bass that can't do it. Best thing I can recommend if find a bunch of basses you like, try em all out. Do everything to them. Use a pick, finger pluck, thumb pluck, slap pop. tap, all that stuff. If it can do most of it and has a tone you like, go for it. Personally I like some of the cheaper Schecters and Epiphones. Epiphones aren't the best for slap and pop from what I can tell, but they sound a lot better than my Squier.

 

[flipper_gv]

Watch out for the weight of the bass. My Squier VM Jazz plays and sounds superb but weighs like elephant! I'm asian so I'm a small guy. If I stand up, my shoulder bone will probably break after 2 hours:scowl: I can never take this bass on stage. However, if you are a big guy, weight is not problem.

Not to be an arse but why weight I such a problem with people. Sure it may hurt in the beginning but if you have enough patience after 1 or 2 months of practicing the bass while standing up, it shouldn't hurt anymore...

 

[derelicte]

Not to be an arse but why weight I such a problem with people. Sure it may hurt in the beginning but if you have enough patience after 1 or 2 months of practicing the bass while standing up, it shouldn't hurt anymore...

b/c weight is tied to tone, to sustain, to playability

to the OP,

if ur considering only those 2, i guess if they're both used, u should check:

• 
  the neck to see how straight it is
  plug them in to see if the control knobs work
  make sure the truss rod area is intact
  make sure the bass feels good (weight distribution along the bass)

after u get it, make sure to get it a good setup

enjoy!

 

[tyggis]

Try to fins a bass that have a weight good balance when you play it.