Buying my Second Bass!

I don't own that bass, but I have played it in a store and I owned it's predecessor a couple of years back. Nice instruments that sounded good, were versatile and played nice. I did however find them a bit on the heavy and chunky side, but that's just personal preference.

I would check out more basses before making my decision. Try some Ibanez models, like the SR305 and SR505. They are lighter with slimmer necks and tighter string spacing, and superb instruments in their own right. Some people (like myself) prefer that. There are also some 5-string Squier models that might suit your fancy if you like the bass you already have.

 

If the shop owner is willing to do that, it sounds like he/she is a good person to do business with and build a relationship. Remember, not every model of a bass is the same weight. What's wrong with the mdel in the shop?

 

I'm not sure what part of the world that you're at, but the Sire P/J is an amazing bass. I just got a 5 string and it's amazing. Plus is comes with a very nice gig bag.
[ Estimated shipping date : 15th December 2017 ] SIRE MARCUS MILLER P7 BASS GUITAR 5ST (ALDER) BLACK COLOR – Sire Webstore-USA

 

A good strap would definitely help with your current bass. FWIW, your Squier isn't that heavy, and 8 pounds is light for a solid bodied bass.

Basses are like candy bars - everyone has a different fav. I know plenty of people gigging with Squiers, and those unhappy with $1500 basses. I don't know your budget, but Yamahas are generally good basses for their price. If you are happy with the floor model, see how good a price you can get for it.

 

This is the thin edge of the wedge, the camel's nose under the tent, the slippery slope......if you're like most of us, make sure you've enough disposable income to support this habit. Other than the dough, it's a harmless addiction.

 

Try before you buy!


I dont even remember with 100% certainty what my second bass was, and it was only 14 years ago. Thats how slippery the slope becomes!

I think:

1. Fender MIM Jazz (still have it)
2. Hohner B2adb headless (neck warped after a few months)
3. Godin SD (not bad, put Bart pickups in it)
4. SX Fretless P bass (uneven fretboard spots, killer for the money)
5. Spector Q5 (just didnt like it)
6. Musicman Sterling USA (loved it for years)
7. Musicman Stingray 5 HH (never vibed with it)
8. Musicman Stingray 2 band Fretless (never vibed with it)

in no particular order at this point


Parts P bass 1982 Fender Neck unknown body
Parts P bass Squier PJ Special, vintage modified fretless jazz neck
Parts P bass MIM fender neck/unknown body
MIJ SQ Squier P bass
Fender Japan Fretless Jazz, Jaco esque
Yamaha PJ
Warwick Rockbass 5 Fretless
Peavey T40
Gibson G3 (x2)
MIJ Fender Bullet
Ibanez ATK300
Gibson Ripper Fretless
MIJ JV P bass
MIJ Ibanez Roadster 80's
'78 Fender P bass
Matt Freeman Squier P bass
Classic Vibe Squier 60s P bass
ESP LTD 214 PJ bass
Squier Musicmaster Vista Tone
Fender Musicmaster
Squier SS Jaguar
Fender Mustang


may be 1 or 2 I am forgetting

Something like that

and whats my main player this week/today? A squier PJ! (dimarzio pickups, gotoh bridge). Great feeling neck from an affinity P bass (made in china, slab board), body from a indonesian PJ special, walnut satin.

Ive had basses that cost nearly $2000 and this one costs $200!

Collecting basses is a wonderful journey that teaches you a lot. You learn so much about your own preferences, other people's perspectives, manufacturing, quality control, subjectivity..

I only own a couple now. Lots of these were sold to fund the next thing!

 

Like I said , if weight is important to you, check out Ibanez. Sore shoulders won't be a problem.

 

And if the TRBX is your thing, check out this review.

 

I'm not familiar with it, but I think that an active 5 will compliment your passive 4 very well. That's typically what I always recommend for people looking to get a second bass

 

I see that your thread is aimed at buying a new instrument.
I am an advocate that used market gets you a better instrument for the same money if not less.
As for some of the options posted I will give you my personal opinion,
I owned a Sire 7 bass, the positive is that the preamp is dialed to give you great tone. The downside was the weight and neck profile.
From both the neck profile was the biggest gripe for me, the neck felt like a baseball bat and did not taper while moving up the register. The profile at the nut felt huge particularly. It was real heavy too, I could have lived with the weight if the neck felt right.

A wide strap will help with the shoulder for sure.
I would be looking at MIJ Fender or other reputable brand, I would also consider Lakland Skyline if I needed a complimentary active bass, Skylines have amazing neck profiles to me.
G&L's can be bought for real low prices, my gripe is the string spacing on their 5ers, some basses have narrow string spacing. I am partial to 19mm just like a regular 4 string.

I love old yamaha's but the string spacing on their 5ers is narrow.

 

Until you have your kids on the sidewalk with a cup and a "My dad spent all our money on gear" sign around their neck.

 

You are looking for an upgrade. I can't say if the Yamaha is an upgrade compared to the VM Precision. Have you - besides the number of strings and weight - given a thought to which specific difference/upgrade are you looking for? Not that I choose that way. I mostly buy unprepared and in blind ruled by irrational feelings such as "does it look cool"

 

This is how it starts. I am up to 35ish. I don't even know anymore.

 

You are usually ahead to buy locally when you can.