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Completely New to this Instrument; Is this a Good Choice?

K

Konstantinos33

Feb 25, 2022
14
23
#1
So, I have been a classical guitarist since I was 14, but for about a year I wanted very badly to learn to play the bass guitar.

Well, it's safe to say that if this burning desire hasn't gone after such a long time, I might as well give it a shot.

But because I'm very fearful and risk intolerant, I am planning to invest as little as possible to find out if this is for me. So, I've got my eye on a Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ BK and Fender Rumble 15 bundle.

Even if you understand my situation here, the most experienced of you will think that this is not a quality choice even for a new player. And I get that; sound quality may discourage someone and turn him off.

But since I have no... ear for quality yet and a lot of players on YouTube say that the quality is higher than the price for that bass, maybe it's not such a terrible choice?

I honestly don't mind leaving it aside and grabbing a much better one in the short-term if I come to like playing the instrument. It's a very cheap bundle anyway; 333 euros in my country.

What do you think, guys? And thanks for taking the time to read this and consider my dilemma in advance.
 
#2
Well, the new Squier Affinity basses are better than they used to be, but I'd suggest buying a Classic Vibe, even a used one.
As for the amp, it will be okay for learning, but you're going to want something like a Fender Rumble 100 or a similar amp. More watts is always the way to go.
Another good choice might be the Harley Benton PB-20 SBK at 129€.
Photo-Collage-20211003-155059615.jpg

As for an amp...
Screenshot-20220404-142849-Samsung-Internet.jpg
 
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#4
That bass and amp combo will work just fine for bedroom learning and practice. You won’t deafen anyone with it, but that shouldn’t prevent you finding it really fun and rewarding. My advice is get it, as long as it appeals to you, and enjoy your new instrument. I’d quite happily use that all day long in a home situation.
 
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#5
Well, there's a reason why they're called the "affinity" series. Absolutely no problem starting with one and seeing if you have an "affinity" for the instrument! They are fine beginner basses and sound quite good, actually. I always say that when it comes to a starter instrument, the only requirements are that it makes sound and can be made to play well enough to learn on. Many will make a huge fuss over their first instrument, but truth is, if it's good enough to get you going, it's perfect. If you stick with it, you will always have the opportunity to get into something more "professional grade" when the time comes.
 
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#7
The preamp in the rumbles sound really good actually across the whole line, the speaker size isn’t as good on the smaller ones, 8 inch, but once the speaker size gets to 10 and above they sound really good. I recommend the 50 watt one or the 100 watt one, both can be found for around 150-200 used. The 15 watt guy is gonna sound like any other 15 watt amp, but a little bit better I think, the preamp is a goodun.

the bass is probably fine too, if it responds too much to climate or stuffs machined weird you can learn to set it up and it’ll play fine. You can get a good used bass for 150, I believe, if you’re gonna buy a cheaper bass though I recommend playing it in person first
 
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#10
ModuMan said:
The important thing is to get a bass in your hands as soon as possible and play. You've wasted enough time already, haven't you?

You can research your first bass as much as you want but it's not worth stressing out over. Just get something that looks reasonable.

If you outgrow the the bass... good!
Click to expand...
Hahaha... You got that right! Truth is I am not the type who does research for more than an hour before he buys something. I was just very busy with work and I woulnd't have the time to play even if I had the instrument.

I literally found the bundle and bookmarked it. A couple of weeks later (the day before yesterday) I was about to order, but something inside me told me I should create a thread to justify my decision. haha

Thanks for the motivation!
 
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#13
Konstantinos33 said:
But because I'm very fearful and risk intolerant, I am planning to invest as little as possible to find out if this is for me. So, I've got my eye on a Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ BK and Fender Rumble 15 bundle.

Even if you understand my situation here, the most experienced of you will think that this is not a quality choice even for a new player. And I get that; sound quality may discourage someone and turn him off.

But since I have no... ear for quality yet and a lot of players on YouTube say that the quality is higher than the price for that bass, maybe it's not such a terrible choice?


What do you think, guys? And thanks for taking the time to read this and consider my dilemma in advance.
Click to expand...

I got back into playing on a similar package and I think it is an OUTSTANDING value for the money. If it turns out that you don't care for it, it is my opinion that you can easily resell it fairly quickly.

The Affinity of today is really nice I would not be concerned if I were you.

EDIT: Ah! Look at me late to the party as usual.

Glad to hear that you ordered it. I think you will find it more than adequate.
 
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#15
Hey, guys! I got the bass yesterday and I completely fell in love! In fact, it's better than a girlfriend. There's a joke about plugging/unplugging waiting to be made here but I won't say it. :D

Anyway, I had the almost insignificant misfortune to triple on the cable and bend the cable's connector. I thought the amp died on me since it was on when I tried to play. I then noticed the bent connector and was relieved. Turns out I can just reposition it and it works, but it can be easily bent and stop working from now on.

Whatever. At least I didn't triple so bad to throw the bass from my bed to the floor. And I digress!

I am not familiar with listening to bass live so I am very content with how it sounds. I almost don't want to get spoiled by playing with a better setup to not spend any more money. lol

The only thing that negatively surprised me was the weight. I didn't expect it to be lute-heavy but it's a bit uncomfortable for me. My lap gets easily tired. Same for playing with a strap when standing up. My shoulder gets uncomfortable after a couple of minutes; no idea how players can play live for hours! :eek:

Anyway, I might find something to put on my lap and under the base so I can relieve the pressure a little.

Overall, I love the sound and how easy it is to tune. I have many questions regarding playing, but I guess I should create new threads to not derail this one.

Thanks for your answers once more. I feel very excited to further participate in this forum with you, guys! :hyper:
 
#16
Konstantinos33 said:
Hey, guys! I got the bass yesterday and I completely fell in love! In fact, it's better than a girlfriend. There's a joke about plugging/unplugging waiting to be made here but I won't say it. :D

Anyway, I had the almost insignificant misfortune to triple on the cable and bend the cable's connector. I thought the amp died on me since it was on when I tried to play. I then noticed the bent connector and was relieved. Turns out I can just reposition it and it works, but it can be easily bent and stop working from now on.

Whatever. At least I didn't triple so bad to throw the bass from my bed to the floor. And I digress!

I am not familiar with listening to bass live so I am very content with how it sounds. I almost don't want to get spoiled by playing with a better setup to not spend any more money. lol

The only thing that negatively surprised me was the weight. I didn't expect it to be lute-heavy but it's a bit uncomfortable for me. My lap gets easily tired. Same for playing with a strap when standing up. My shoulder gets uncomfortable after a couple of minutes; no idea how players can play live for hours! :eek:

Anyway, I might find something to put on my lap and under the base so I can relieve the pressure a little.

Overall, I love the sound and how easy it is to tune. I have many questions regarding playing, but I guess I should create new threads to not derail this one.

Thanks for your answers once more. I feel very excited to further participate in this forum with you, guys! :hyper:
Click to expand...

Congrats!

If you're struggling with weight, it's well worth investing in a good quality strap.

I would suggest one that's 3 to 4" wide, has a good amount of padding, and has good length adjustability. Whether it's leather, or something like a Mono Betty or Comfort Strapp, it could really make a big difference. It's an investment but a good strap will last for years, and will really take the strain off your shoulder.
 
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#18
Wow! Thanks, guys! I had to search online for players using a strap while sitting to believe this is a thing for bassists too.

I guess the idea is to distribute the weight between the shoulder and lap? I just wore mine (5cm) and it's already much better.
 
#19
I've rarely used a strap that way when sitting, but it makes sense. When standing, a wide strap is a blessing. I've seldom* had problems with my back or shoulders from wearing my bass, even after 2-3 hours of rehearsal. My P is not especially light, neither is my Ray34. I use a wide leather strap padded with thick sheeps wool, I believe.

* I have some back and shoulder issues, so I sometimes feel the pain if rehearsal is after a hard day at work. Still, i can get through rehearsal without much issue. I love that strap.
 
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