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Finding the first bass

T

ThomClaire

Dec 31, 2012
135
1
Asheville, NC
#1
So, I am in the middle of shopping for my first ever, personally owned bass guitar and am looking for guidance. With how many different bass guitars there are out there and the fact that most of them are titled with numbers, it's pretty difficult to know where to start. I'm a double bassist that has doodled with bass guitars before, and I want to find a versatile bass for funk slap (think victor Wooten) but also a nice smooth jazz sound. I've played a lot on my father's G&L2000, but that's above my price range. I've also played a bit on am Ibanez ATK800e in a store. I definitely liked this bass, though the tone was a bit bright/metallic (maybe that's a matter of a good choice in strings?) And the frets stuck out a little uncomfortably for me.

With that, what can you tell me? What should I know?
 
#6
ThomClaire said:
So, I am in the middle of shopping for my first ever, personally owned bass guitar and am looking for guidance. With how many different bass guitars there are out there and the fact that most of them are titled with numbers, it's pretty difficult to know where to start. I'm a double bassist that has doodled with bass guitars before, and I want to find a versatile bass for funk slap (think victor Wooten) but also a nice smooth jazz sound. I've played a lot on my father's G&L2000, but that's above my price range. I've also played a bit on am Ibanez ATK800e in a store. I definitely liked this bass, though the tone was a bit bright/metallic (maybe that's a matter of a good choice in strings?) And the frets stuck out a little uncomfortably for me.

With that, what can you tell me? What should I know?
Click to expand...

An obvious note would be that if you are versed in double bass, would you possibly be interested in a fretless? You did mention uncomfortable frets... There are some reasonably priced fretless basses out there made by Fender Invalid Link Removed but I'm sure there are a few other basses of different brands in this price range. You won't be able to play them until they arrive from being ordered on-line, but as long as they have a return policy...

Link Removed Just saw this one - looks like a very decent bass for a good price. I owned an Ibanez 5'r and thought it was a lot of bass for the money.
 
#7
I actually really don't enjoy the fretless guitars. I also thought I would because of upright bass, but an upright bass and bass guitar truly are completely different instruments. So it's kind of like saying, I like to play fretless mandolins because I'm a violinist. I got to play my friends fretless fender jazz and while it's an amazing bass with amazing sound, the lack of frets became a little disorienting. I connect guitar and bass guitar much more than double bass and bass guitar.

Anyhow. My budget is not set yet, I am choosing to not look at price tags very closely until I have played a few different basses that interest me.
 
#8
Maybe a straight-up Jazz bass would be a good start? The stronger mid-range might serve a "funk/slap&pop" style better, especially with some bright-sounding strings. Also, it sounds like you've had a little experience with Jazzes before.

Check out this comparison vid. It might show off the capabilities and similarities between different models.
 
#9
In all honesty, I don't find myself at all attracted to the fender jazz basses. I couldn't give you a tangible reason, but my eyes and ears have never gravitated towards them.

I went back to the local guitar center, and played the ATK again today. I liked today more than I did when I picked it up the first time. I'm going to make a roadtrip to Haynes music (if any of you know the area) and possibly further to the closest "big" city to play some other basses so I can have something to compare to. What else should I pick and play, besides the fenders? Any suggestions on a music store in Greensboro or Charlotte NC?
 
#10
I dont know what you like ofcourse but my first and only bass is an Ibanez SR500.
They offer a lot of versatility for the money you spend on them. Passive PU, active electronics with a 3 band EQ on board. That's basically what you need. Apart from a good practice amp. I suggest Line6 LowDown for that.

They have cheaper/more expensive basses too... they are the same price/quality as TAMA is in drums. wide range of products !
 

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