Choosing first bass guitar

[Marcin_3005]

Hi, I'm planning on buying my first bass guitar. My favourite music genres are r&b, soul, hip-hop and funk. I'm trying to decide between Sterling Stingray 4, Yamaha Trbx 304 and Trbx 305 (found used one for 415$). I know that for these styles the best option would be a P Bass, but I don't like the neck on squier classic vibe guitars (too sticky). Maybe you can suggest me some other options in similar price range and I'd also like to know if the yamaha is suitable for these genres.

 

[Bent77]

Hi, I'm planning on buying my first bass guitar. My favourite music genres are r&b, soul, hip-hop and funk. I'm trying to decide between Sterling Stingray 4, Yamaha Trbx 304 and Trbx 305 (found used one for 415$). I know that for these styles the best option would be a P Bass, but I don't like the neck on squier classic vibe guitars (too sticky). Maybe you can suggest me some other options in similar price range and I'd also like to know if the yamaha is suitable for these genres.

Look at some of the other classic vibe models, some don’t have the sticky neck.

Also, lots of people use basses other than the P bass. Use your ears and find what you want to play

 

[jd56hawk]

I'll still suggest the Squier Classic Vibe...best bet.
As for sticky necks, easiest problem to solve.


I've used it on the neck of a $2,000 bass, if appearance is a concern for you.

 

[GTHintz]

I know lots of pbass fans are going to say just get this one or get that one. If you're only considering based on tone then keep in mind that many basses can cop a great precision tone but not many precision basses can cop a stingray or a trb tone due to not having the pickup placement. Try out as many different things as possible and see what feels best and then see what tones you get. You might find that you want a pbass sound for certain things but also want some other options and I think the Yamaha would serve you best or a stingray if it's dual pickup. If you want a smoother neck Ibanez or Warwick might even be a good option. A stage 1 streamer has a p pickup and so do lots of Ibanez basses. Also if you like that fender look check out a PJ bass. I played on a pj fender copy that was awesome. I still have my first bass which is pj configuration. They can do everything a p bass does but also add its own thing when you turn up the rear pickup. Good luck and have fun on your bass search.

 

[Jrod1917]

I’d play them all and then go home with the Sterling.

 

[Mudder]

You can use the above mentioned scotchbrite pad or some steel wool to take the sticky off a neck. So I would just go play a bunch and see which one you like.

 

[theduke1]

You can’t go wrong with a G&L
Duke

 

[Fender_Bender]

If you can tolerate the wider neck, I’d go with a 5 string to start off with.

 

[Indiana Mike]

The 304 and 305 are active with no passive capabilities. Batteries required.

The Ray in a HH configuration sounds great , but is it active only as well.

 

[hypercarrots]

I suggest a yamaha bb

 

[Titch]

Whatever you buy, after trying out as many bases as possible, get something of reasonable quality that will have good resale value if you find bass guitar is not your thing.
If you do find bass is not your thing then at least you can recoup a large chunk of your $$ back.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

Hi, I'm planning on buying my first bass guitar. My favourite music genres are r&b, soul, hip-hop and funk. I'm trying to decide between Sterling Stingray 4, Yamaha Trbx 304 and Trbx 305 (found used one for 415$). I know that for these styles the best option would be a P Bass, but I don't like the neck on squier classic vibe guitars (too sticky). Maybe you can suggest me some other options in similar price range and I'd also like to know if the yamaha is suitable for these genres.

Yamaha BB series.

 

[CallMeAl]

At the end of the day, you’re the one that’s got to play it. Pick a bass that feels great in your hands.

If it’s Motown and old school soul, I’d say P bass. But with that genre spread I’d say a 2 -pickup bass. Neck for warmth , bridge for stank.

TRBX would be good, or the BB series. Check out G&L too, tons of great offerings.

 

[GreyBeard]

I'll still suggest the Squier Classic Vibe...best bet.
As for sticky necks, easiest problem to solve.
View attachment 4602390
View attachment 4602391
I've used it on the neck of a $2,000 bass, if appearance is a concern for you.

Scotch Brite does wonders with a sticky neck.

 

[hypercarrots]

Yamaha BB234 Bass Guitar - Yellow Natural Satin x3509 | Manchester Music Mill | Reverb
Brand new $335 shipped

 

[Johnny Fingers]

If you don’t want to scuff the necks of basses in the store, a little talcum powder in the palm of your fretting hand could be a temporary solution to a sticky neck.

 

[jastraw]

BB434 or BB435. Done.

 

[Joybass]

Out of the three I'd choose the TRBX304. Other than that, the Yamaha BB range as mentioned in multiple posts (BB234, BB434). I don't think you need a 5 string bass (yet).

 

[sonojono]

Get a jazz bass or three

 

[Marcin_3005]

Thank you all for the answers! After considering all of your suggestions I'm probably gonna choose the yamaha bb234 cause it seems to be the most versatile. I have one last question. How well does the yamaha stand in terms of quality against the squier cv series and sterling ray 4?