Buying a bass

[henry_arthur]

Hello everyone... Well... where do I start?? I'm a 15 years old bass player, and I absolutely love playing the bass ... I just have a Washburn WB44 bass... yeah, I know, it isn't the best bass I could get, but has served me very well, but I'm looking forward to upgrade it, I have like 500 bucks to spend, but I could save a little bit more.

I mostly play Victor Wooten and Red Hot Chili Peppers kind of songs, and sometimes punk, rock and that kind of things... Have no idea of what kind of pickups I would need, or what kind of sound... Please recommend me a bass, I would be very pleased

 

[PunkBassist00]

You should really just go around to stores and play basses. Your not going to know what you like or how certaint necks feel and how different pickups work for you. Thats what I did and i still play that first bass.

 

[Klopp18]

possibly a fender jazz

 

[MIJ-VI]

You should really just go around to stores and play basses. Your not going to know what you like or how certaint necks feel and how different pickups work for you. Thats what I did and i still play that first bass.

+1

Keep trying basses (of all price ranges to get a feel for whats available) until one clicks.

 

[Mike19]

Henry -

Stick with the Washburn for now and spend the $500 on lessons.

 

[A-Step-Towards]

I would say a classic vibe squier jazz or a used mexican fender jazz, just by who you listed as liking.

 

[funkmangriff]

Henry -

Stick with the Washburn for now and spend the $500 on lessons.

+1, indeed

it may sound boring but spend half of it on books and learn to read, best advice i had.

its boring, its slow, its frustrating, but you'll be surprised on what you can learn from it.

 

[henry_arthur]

Thank you all very much for the advices... I think I'll save up a little bit and then go to stores... btw, I'm already learning how to read, and my parents will buy me tons of books like a reward for putting dedication on bass... thank u all again

 

[XtheDeadPawn]

I think after you know all the basic stuff you should look for a good Stingray style bass Flea slaps and pops and recently strated using pick for Stadium Arcadium. He sorta is a all-around-guy now. I think slaping and poping is best done on a bass like a stingray so try that route.

Also good luck on your bass learning. I am self taught so I admire other self taught students. Have fun!

P.S. Here's a free tip to better keep time tap your foot or bang your head to the beat. I am in a punk band/metal hybrid so that's how I keep time.
There saved you money on a metrenome. Ha Ha just kiding you proabaly will want one of those.

 

[henry_arthur]

I think after you know all the basic stuff you should look for a good Stingray style bass Flea slaps and pops and recently strated using pick for Stadium Arcadium. He sorta is a all-around-guy now. I think slaping and poping is best done on a bass like a stingray so try that route.

Also good luck on your bass learning. I am self taught so I admire other self taught students. Have fun!

P.S. Here's a free tip to better keep time tap your foot or bang your head to the beat. I am in a punk band/metal hybrid so that's how I keep time.
There saved you money on a metrenome. Ha Ha just kiding you proabaly will want one of those.

Thanks for the advices , and I actually do the foot thing xD... and if the song is kind of slow I move the bass up and down and at the sides, hehe, it looks nice x)... And I would love to have a stingray bass... but aren't they expensive??

 

[VinKreepo]

Thanks for the advices , and I actually do the foot thing xD... and if the song is kind of slow I move the bass up and down and at the sides, hehe, it looks nice x)... And I would love to have a stingray bass... but aren't they expensive??

Every good bass is expensive. You don't have to go try out basses at stores then buy them.... try some out and look for a deal on that bass. Sometimes you'll find deals at the store, but usually you'll find them on ebay or craigslist.com or even here in the classifieds. Just make sure that you don't waste a music shops time; they can be very loyal to you if you are loyal to them.... (unless it's a Guitar Center >.> ).

 

[DrPepper09]

Every good bass is expensive. You don't have to go try out basses at stores then buy them.... try some out and look for a deal on that bass. Sometimes you'll find deals at the store, but usually you'll find them on ebay or craigslist.com or even here in the classifieds. Just make sure that you don't waste a music shops time; they can be very loyal to you if you are loyal to them.... (unless it's a Guitar Center >.> ).

Not true. Some MIMs can play better than MIAs, it just depends on the feel to the bassist

To the kid looking for a new bass: I played my Squier (granted it wasn't an affinity) for 5-6 years, started when i was 12 and just recently upgraded. I would keep the washburn and keep saving up until you start playing with others regularly. Then you should have enough to buy a stingray, which would probably fit you quiet well. I also recommend a Fender Jazz bass.

Best of luck!

 

[VinKreepo]

Lol, expensive to me is more than say $300.... I guess a better way to put it is that unless you buy used, you will have to invest some money in a bass. If you spend less than 300 then you either got a great deal or a cheaply made bass. And personally I like MIM Fenders better.