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Complete noob

C

Cobra Was Here

Aug 4, 2009
7
0
Huntsville, TX
#1
Not quite sure where to start, but I believe I'm posting in the right place. I'm really interested in learning bass, and my friend will be teaching me. It looks like I won't be going with an amp just yet, but using a USB interface to play through my computer. Right now I'm looking at a Schecter Stilletto Custom-4 (vampyre red) vs the Schecter Stilletto Extreme-4 (blue). As far as looks go, I really like the custom. Any info will help, and I've decided to start with a decent bass because I plan on learning as fast as I can. Also, I'm looking to play metal/hardcore if that helps. Thanks in advance guys!
 
#4
You're not going to get many replies... don't worry though, it's just because we get this type of question a lot :).

Let me next say, welcome to TB!

Things to consider and your budget, and what you've played. Being that you're new to bass, more of the former of the two.
However, with that in mind, hit a local music shop and get your paws on everything they have. Then, hit the not-so-local shop that has other brands and models, and try those too.
Find the one that, for now, your hand says "hey this feel pretty damn sweet" and your ears say "Hey, this sounds pretty nice too!". Don't worry so much about what amp you're playing them all through, just be consistent and try to play them all through the same thing.
 
#5
Yeah, that's a good choice but not for someone who is just learning. Go to your local music shop(or not so local depending on where you live) and play around on a few. Luckily for you metal is very open on what bass players use for it. I've seen pretty much every bass in hardcore music. I've been recently playing an epiphone thunderbird and works just fine for the metal music I've been playing and I am way past the intermediate stage. Just watch your money, the problem with the high end basses to start with you wont appreciate or even understand the tone of the bass until you have been playing for awhile( well I guess you could but it is unlikely ).
 
#7
you should invest in one of the starter packs. most of the mass builders have them. its a very good investment as they usually come with a practice amp. u can also plug a headphone into the amp so you dont get the neighbors angry. best way to start out. if you get a bass and no amp u are stunting your learning. lot easier to learn when you can hear your errors. also, as you become more familiar with the bass, your taste will change and you will not be saddled with a bass you dont like. when i started, i was interested in a particular style and make of bass. i started with a starter pack, as it was cheaper, by the time i started getting comfortable i was into a different type of bass. there are things you dont know about right now, like what woods make what tones, 4 or 5 strings, what type of bridge and other hardware <yes this all matters>, what type of electronics, active or passive, how much weight is comfortable when strapped up. these are all things you will learn as you play and get more familiar. trust me here. i have been where you are now.
 
#10
you should first try out a high end bass (probably a warwick in your case) so you have something to compare them to

then try out the basses in yor price range and find the one that sounds and feels the best

and try not to focus on looks more then sound and feel
 
#13
I do have to agree that my tbird is awkward to say the least, you have to have a good strap and understand that as soon as you let it go the head will fall to the ground. Irishryno has got it right, go with a starter kit thats how I would say most of us got started.
 
#15
I say invest in a good amp and a decent bass. based on your choice of the stilleto I'd say your budget is...$500? I would get a decent amp like a fender practice amp or one of the smaller line 6 combo amps and find a good starter bass (used fender, schecter, or epiphone). Or you could go with a starter pack. Most starter packs don't have great amps though.

I find that a good amp and a crappy bass sounds better than a good bass through a crappy amp. Good luck!
 
#16
thanks for the support sawgydawg. the biggest point is to get something that is going to keep your interest in practicing. you are going to get awfully tired of just hearing your bass on comp speakers when you can feel it, even on the cheap starter amps. oh and welcome to a wonderful world. bass is the unsung hero in music. if music is a body, you are embarking on a journey through the heart and soul of it.
 
#17
Funkout5 is also right. go to several music stores and try out every bass you can get your hands on. dont worry about being embarassed. play on every amp you can plug into. if you want to hear a song on it, ask one of the salespersons, they love to show off their leet skillz. the more you learn about tone, the easier it is to get the right beginning equipment. most of all....HAVE FUN!
 
#19
Cobra Was Here said:
Well my computer speakers are nice 2.1 logitechs, and if I really pick this up I plan on getting a very nice amp setup down the road. Will those computer speakers not do it justice?
Click to expand...

I'm going to say no...won't be able to handle the low end. I played my bass through my 100W system when I was btwn amps, and while it's better than nothing, it won't be as good as a decent amp.
 

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