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Choosing a bass on a budget... help!

H

hayleyclough

Sep 2, 2007
5
0
#1
Hi guys! I am not a bass player myself but have decided to buy my ever-skint boyfriend a new bass to replace his battered squier p-bass. one problem - I have no idea whats good whats not and what the differences are!!

so... the guy in our local shop seems to think I should go for one by vintage with wilkinson pickups, tuners and bridge, as he says on my budget (£200-300 - then i find it cheaper on the net!) thats the best ill be able to get whilst still getting something much better than the squier. so what do you lot think?

he plays in a rock band, but likes things to "sound chunky" (his words!!) and likes playing some heavier stuff when he can.

Ive been looking at the vintage models, and have seen some nice ones, but don't understand for example the differences between styles of pickups.

these are the ones i like the look at (with my non-expert eye!) so far...
Vintage Advance AV4SBB Boulevard Black
Vintage EJM96BK Black
Vintage V940B

been told to go for 4 string cos although I think hes quite up for gettin a 5string apparently for rock 4 string is better and its much harder if hes not played 5 string before??

please can someone give me some good advice!
thankyou so much!
Hayley
 
#2
If chunky is what he likes then a p-bass is where to start. Look at some of the different made in America models if you've got the cash. However, the bass a person plays is a really personal thing and you might want to find a way to get him into a music store and have him help you pick it out for him somehow without him knowing what you're up to.:)
 
#5
If you just happen to break up with your boyfriend, I'm available and my birthday is this month...9-24-51...and I'll tell you what kind of bass I would like. LOL. Just kidding around with ya. Get one of his guy friends to pick his brain about what he would like, and within your budget. Make sure he doe's it in a casual way just to ward off any suspicion. Best of luck to both of you. Also, I'm really gassing for a 4 string......:D :D :D :bassist:
 
#6
I would take the advice of this forum and get him involved. Maybe you can get on of his musician friends to get him to a music store. You of course go along and observe. Also, what makes you think he is not a member of this forum? :ninja:

Anyway, It's a nice thing your doing for him. Also, you may find a great deal on some used basses. You can find a great bass used for the price of a okay bass new and it will be new to him and still from you.
 
#8
Thanks for your advice guys!

Ive done some undercover work and it seems he's seen a yamaha rbx 374 at a music shop near us that he liked the look of a lot, whats your opinion on this.
http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha...s_guitars/20_rbx_basses/65_RBX_374/index.html


I also went to another shop where i was recommended to get a tanglewood rebel - its a passive bass and was reduced by a crazy amount - does anyone know much about these? Link Removed

cheers
 
#9
either of those basses would be good. Does he like the Yamaha coz he could possibly afford it or does he really LIKE it?? Tanglewood-I've HEard good things about..but being in Aus. I've had no experience of 'em sorry. But that Tanglewood does LOOK GREAT! I'd like it more than the Yammy, BUT remember thats just ME!! Maybe try downloading some pics of some basses & working 'em into a conversation somehow, but the feel of a bass IS important-SO the Yamaha could be the go. U can be sure Yamaha will be a well made bass & retain it's value!
Maybe take a guitarist or better still - a bassist - with U so they can check over the bass.
If U R buying it yrself, look at neck join-No Gaps!! Neck is straight(very slight bow under strings OK) body /paint-even. Plugged in- all controls are functioning, smooth & noise free, & of course plays well at every fret position.

Good luck!!
 
#12
I would recommend a Dean 'Edge 01', they are great discount basses with a nice resonating sound that will make him happy.

Goodluck. He will love it.

(Buy it at SamAsh.com or wherever fits your needs).
 
#13
The BB 414 is a great bass. I played a 415 and it's a really nice bass for the price, and the B is great. I'm not a fan of the looks though. And soundwise, it's more towards the Jazz than the P.

Also, the Ibanez RDs have a similar vibe.

EDIT : My bad. It's a P/J. I confused the tone a bit with the RD. Been so long! :)
 

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