Choosing a new bass

[CheekyViking]

I've been enjoying bass lessons and I want to get a new bass to jam with my friends and just chill with at home.
I've been looking at three bassguitars in particular:
The Squier affinity Jazz bass
Yamaha TRBX174
Squier vintage modified

I'd hope to get some insight as to why and if there are any special things to note about these bassguitars

 

[pacojas]

the Affinity is for people who are not sure they even want to play, imo. the VM is a much better way to show you care. YMMV

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I know nothing about the Yamaha. I do know that Yamaha makes some good instruments. I have a Yamaha acoustic guitar that I really like.
The Squier VM will have better hardware and electronics that the Affinity. I had a VM J V for a while that I really liked. I would say that if you go for a Squier, get the VM.

 

[Brother Goose]

consider an Ibanez SR if you like a modern sound...

Otherwise, the VM is an awesome bass and Yamaha products are almost always excellent quality.

Tell us more about what kind of music you enjoy or wish to emulate!

 

[The Chuck]

Out of those, the VM. I have one and I can tell you that it is a great bass.

 

[CheekyViking]

consider an Ibanez SR if you like a modern sound...

Otherwise, the VM is an awesome bass and Yamaha products are almost always excellent quality.

Tell us more about what kind of music you enjoy or wish to emulate!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I'm going to be playing, a lot of different things: rock, pop,(country), blues

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

I'm going to be playing, a lot of different things: rock, pop,(country), blues

Squier VM. They are excellent basses for the money. They play well and sound good. You will not be disappointed.
Even if you decide you want something different, they have a good rep and are easy to sell.

 

[jlepre]

These are the best basses for the money on the planet period. For $399 plus shipping, you can't go wrong. Many colors to choose from.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[garp]

Don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices for the stated mission. You'll find tons of praise for the VMs and the Yamaha here on TB.

As for the Affinity, a friend of mine has an Affinity Jazz V sitting in the corner of his studio, and I've toyed with it on occasion. While on many measures, it doesn't quite measure up to some of the other choices in the Fender spectrum (ka-ching, ka-ching), it's a perfectly playable instrument.

 

[CheekyViking]

Thanks for all the help! Was my first post so really appreciate it

 

[CheekyViking]

Btw. do you know the difference between jazz and precision bassguitars?

 

[jlepre]

Btw. do you know the difference between jazz and precision bassguitars?

Yes Jazz has a thinner neck with (2) single coil pickups, while a Precision has a thicker neck with a single split pickup.

 

[CheekyViking]

Yes Jazz has a thinner neck with (2) single coil pickups, while a Precision has a thicker neck with a single split pickup

What does that exactly mean?

 

[jlepre]

What does that exactly mean?

Jazz Bass:

Precision Bass:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[CheekyViking]

Jazz Bass:

Precision Bass:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Nice, but what does it mean for the sound?

 

[jlepre]

What does that exactly mean?

Jazz: Fender Jazz Bass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Precision: Fender Precision Bass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[rujulian]

I recommend the Squier VM p/j bass...it's nice enough for a casual player.
I play a Squier CV pbass 70's and I really like it..

 

[Mechayoshi]

Nice, but what does it mean for the sound?

P bass: plug n play, perfect tone for everything most of the time, thick sound

Jazz: More tonal options, abit more in your face, but ymmv a thiner sound, may also have single coil hum

That's my generalization. You would be fine with either really.

 

[johnson79]

Out of those I'd go with the VM, or if you can find a Classic Vibe those are also very nice.
The Yamaha model has the cheapest tuners imaginable; I'd skip that particular model.
Affinity models are probably fine for a beginner, but I imagine they're pretty chintzy.

A jazz or precision are good starter basses. Simple electronics, reliable sound, simple to maintain. Also, they're good platforms to modify if you're so inclined.

 

[Liam4003]

If you are set on Fender, they are solid basses. Don't know much about the Yamaha, but you may be able to get a wider variety of tones out of it due to the P/J pickup configuration. I recently sold a nice Fender Geddy Lee Jazz bass, played great, but the tone just wasn't what I personally like.