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Danelectro 63 Longscale?

#2
Uncreative_ said:
Hey, I'm new to bass, only played a few of my friends and such, but now I'm looking for one of my own but have no idea what to look for in one, the only one I've found that is in my price range and seems positively reviewed is this one, http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=516194 I just need to know whether it is a good option or not, thanks.

:hyper:
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Well, I love those Danelectro reissues. I'm going to buy the Danelectro Longhorn real soon.

But I must advice you to look for something else.
Those Danelectros are fine instruments, but they are more collector items than serious instruments. Especially for beginners.


With a lot of members here we can sum up about a thousand basses ideal for beginners, with good price quality. But that wont help you make a choice.

Best thing to do is go to a music store and try a couple out within your budget. Hopefully you'll get a helpful salesman who can guide you in testing basses out, and will not look down upon you because you are a beginner. (We all were newbies at one point.)

There are a lot of great brands that offer cheap quality instrument ideal for beginners.
Yamaha, Ibanez, Squier, Peavey, SX,...
edit: also wise to check out the used market


But, in good spirit because it's fun suggesting a bass as a seasoned bassist I'll throw my recommendation in. :)

Squier Classic Vibe 50s Precision bass.
Invalid Link Removed
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-CLASSIC-VIBE-Precision-50s-Bass-Guitar-?sku=519743
I wish I had one of those when I started on bass.

BTW, what style do you want to play. What famous bassists do you know and inspired you to pick up bass?
This info will help us guide you.


Welcome to TalkBass. :) And welcome to the world of bass.


edit: Oh, and thanks for letting me know once again that everything is cheaper in the US. :spit:
:D:D;)
 
#3
I didn't know much about Danelectro, just that it was cheap. I've poked around a few music stores but they were all selling higher end ones (Most of the ones around me are more like boutiques). I'm looking to play thrash, hardcore punk, ska, indie and the like.
 
#4
Okay, I just see your price range is lower than the Squier Classic Vibe.


Might I suggest this:

Yamaha RBX170
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-RBX170-Bass?sku=511081

I bought one a half year ago when I already had an impressive little collection of (some expensive) basses myself.

Good price, and it's a Yamaha. Awesome quality.
I still have 4 Yamaha RBXes in my collection.

Very good to learn on.


Uncreative_ said:
I didn't know much about Danelectro, just that it was cheap. I've poked around a few music stores but they were all selling higher end ones (Most of the ones around me are more like boutiques). I'm looking to play thrash, hardcore punk, ska, indie and the like.
Click to expand...

Then my Yamaha suggestion is one to consider.

Or find a cheap precision bass. There ain't nothing more punk than that.
 
#6
That's a nice one, the only thing I was thinking was that since I'm starting maybe a value packed one would be nice because it would have it all as well as being fairly cheap. I'm not worried about quality too much, just being able to play. I was thinking maybe this if I save up some more; http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Affinity-Jazz-Bass-Amp-Pack?sku=513295 , because I know a few people that have bought the same amp out of there to replace others so I'm guessing it's decent and the bass is nice too (I love jazz bass bodies). I know that package deals are generally bad quality but I'm more looking to just be able to play and have fun without too big of a dent in my money (er... my dad's money) while learning.
 
#8
Uncreative_ said:
That's a nice one, the only thing I was thinking was that since I'm starting maybe a value packed one would be nice because it would have it all as well as being fairly cheap. I'm not worried about quality too much, just being able to play. I was thinking maybe this if I save up some more; http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Affinity-Jazz-Bass-Amp-Pack?sku=513295 , because I know a few people that have bought the same amp out of there to replace others so I'm guessing it's decent and the bass is nice too (I love jazz bass bodies).
Click to expand...

Okay, so forget my Precision Bass suggestions then. :D
(I prefer precision basses myself BTW)


Yeah, that package seems a good deal.
Keep in mind that those package don't have a lot of resale value in the future.

A Squier Affinity Jazz bass would be a very good choice for you. Since you already expressed that you like that type of bass the most and you will learn your way around a Jazz.

Who know, after some years of playing you might come to the conclusion that you are not a jazz bass guy (like I went through) and that you prefer another type of bass.
But that is nothing to worry about now.
The important thing is getting started.


You can also still look around at buying bass and amp seperate (and cable and tuner).
Lots of great small practice amps.
 
#9
Melodicgroove said:
But that 63 long scale sure does sound good.
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I bet it does. :)
I'm getting the shortscale longhorn myself. :)
Prices are great.


But it's not an obvious choice for someone who is still clueless about different types of basses. No offense Uncreative_. ;)
But frankly that's the point where you at right now.

There's noone stopping you from getting a Danelectro, if you really think you'll be happy with it.

Safe bet is find a cheap Jazz Bass. :)

my 2 cents
 
#11
Uncreative_ said:
That's a nice one, the only thing I was thinking was that since I'm starting maybe a value packed one would be nice because it would have it all as well as being fairly cheap. I'm not worried about quality too much, just being able to play. I was thinking maybe this if I save up some more; http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Affinity-Jazz-Bass-Amp-Pack?sku=513295 , because I know a few people that have bought the same amp out of there to replace others so I'm guessing it's decent and the bass is nice too (I love jazz bass bodies). I know that package deals are generally bad quality but I'm more looking to just be able to play and have fun without too big of a dent in my money (er... my dad's money) while learning.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the bottom!:cool: For now, if you're completely starting fresh, I'd say go for the combo deal there.

BUT... If your friends (I noticed you said you've messed around on their's) can either loan you an amp (if they have an extra cheapie, for instance) or sell you one for cheap, you should use the amount of $$ from what the combo costs and find a better bass. I can guarantee you WILL like it, and you'll get addicted.

Whether or not you care about quality, you really don't want a piece of junk. Quality does come into play quite a bit as how well the bass will sound, how well it stays in tune, durability, etc. The better the quality, the better the bass will treat you, and that's pretty important in the fun-factor! You don't really have to pay a lot for quality either.

Best advice, go to a music store and check them all out. Play the ones in your price range and play more expensive ones as well. You may even figure out how some basses out there are overpriced. Good luck! :bassist:
 
#12
C'thulhu said:
I bet it does. :)
I'm getting the shortscale longhorn myself. :)
Prices are great.


But it's not an obvious choice for someone who is still clueless about different types of basses. No offense Uncreative_. ;)
But frankly that's the point where you at right now.

There's noone stopping you from getting a Danelectro, if you really think you'll be happy with it.

Safe bet is find a cheap Jazz Bass. :)

my 2 cents
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I'll come right out and admit I know nothing about basses, I really was looking at it because it was so cheap. :ninja:

The more I think about it saving up for a couple more months and getting the package would be good because...

A.)It's designed for beginners and seems halfway decent.
B.)I'm a pack rat, I sell nothing, throw out nothing so I'm not gonna be worried about resale.

I like P-basses too, but prefer Jazz's, It's the off set waist that I like, and I've (In my very limited experience) found that It's easier for me to get my hands around a jazz bass.
 
#13
bottomfeedins said:
BUT... If your friends (I noticed you said you've messed around on their's) can either loan you an amp (if they have an extra cheapie, for instance) or sell you one for cheap, you should use the amount of $$ from what the combo costs and find a better bass. I can guarantee you WILL like it, and you'll get addicted.
Click to expand...

It wasn't really much, just one guy I talk to has a few basses (his dad collected them at some point) and I tried a couple once. As far as amps go most people I know are just starting out like me.
 
#15
Uncreative_ said:
I'll come right out and admit I know nothing about basses, I really was looking at it because it was so cheap. :ninja:

The more I think about it saving up for a couple more months and getting the package would be good because...

A.)It's designed for beginners and seems halfway decent.
B.)I'm a pack rat, I sell nothing, throw out nothing so I'm not gonna be worried about resale.

I like P-basses too, but prefer Jazz's, It's the off set waist that I like, and I've (In my very limited experience) found that It's easier for me to get my hands around a jazz bass.
Click to expand...

You are very realistic and sober about this. :)

Yup, at this point now you can't know what is going to suit you.
I'm playing for ten years and only now (a year ago) I have found what is the best bass for me, and what is the best amp for me.


Jazz basses are fairly easy to handle... as so goes the saying.
The jazz bass was desiged with a thinner neck so that guitarists could easier make the transition from guitar to bass.
But that is not always the case.
Thinner neck does not mean comfort.
I for example have big hands and long fingers... IME (in my experience) a precision bass is more comfortable to me.

Also, you must consider that on average a jazz bass weighs more than a precision.

Soundwise:.....
easiest way to describe:
P bass goes "thump"
J bass goes "grrrr"
(not mine original, I stole this witty remark from another TB member. :ninja:)

And this is just comparing J basses and P basses.

Again, welcome to a world of bass and everlasting bass discussion.

For the record: which one is the best: precision or jazz bass, is not sorted out anno 2009.
 
#18
An added comfort thing for a jazz bass is also the tapered neck.

Honestly, I'd rather pick up the Dano 63 than a Squier, including the Classic Vibes and Vintage Modified series of Squiers. I have a Dano Longhorn RI and its a great bass. I don't use it too often because its strung piccolo, but its extremely fun to play, and very light. It also looks cool as all hell!

The 63 Dano is pretty fun to play as well. They used to be $300 and now they're under $200. It'd be a crime not to get one. I thought they were a great deal at $300 and played better than some basses costing nearly twice as much back then.

As for getting the value pack, save your money. You get a cheap bass, a cheaper amp, and a cheap strap, some picks, etc. Maybe a tuner which will probably be one of the few useful things in there. Its better to buy a bass and then get a used amp on Craigslist or off of a friend.

Personally I wouldn't get the Classic Vibe or Vintage Modified basses. Every time I played one of these I was left unimpressed, although the 50s CV I played did sound pretty close to the real thing. The other two CVs I played sounded bland and uninteresting. This wasn't the out of the box set up mind you, most of the stores local to me to a set up before putting something on the floor.
The Vintage Modified basses I played weren't that great. Admittedly the only one I really want to buy is the Telecaster Bass with the mudbucker, and only as a darkstar project. The VM P-basses are atrocious and every one I played was terrible. I wasn't too big a fan of the VM Jazz (fretted) either. I think maple is a poor choice of body wood because it gets damaged easily.

With all that mudslinging at Squier, this is my experience with them, although I know people love them. I currently own one Squier and its a great bass. I recently just traded another one away.

I think the true champion of the Squier line is the fretless Jazz they offer. Its a great bass. Unfortunately, I don't think the OP is looking for a fretless. :p

/flamesuit
 
#19
C'thulhu said:
Soundwise:.....
easiest way to describe:
P bass goes "thump"
J bass goes "grrrr"
(not mine original, I stole this witty remark from another TB member. :ninja:)
Click to expand...

I would amend that to say...

J bass goes "growl"
bobcat.jpg


P bass goes "ROAR"
roaring_lion_000.jpg


;) Play 'em both through a cranked SVT for proof. :)
 

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