[first bass] advice on things to check when buying second hand.

[arakiri]

another update: finally i got to trade a behringer multifx plus some 30usd aprox for an epi accu bass. looks late 80s earlu 90s for what ive looked around. gonna check it out i hope everythins ok

 

[WebJunk]

another update: finally i got to trade a behringer multifx plus some 30usd aprox for an epi accu bass. looks late 80s earlu 90s for what ive looked around. gonna check it out i hope everythins ok

Personally I would stay away from those Epi Accu basses. You'd be better off with an SX. Knew someone that had one that was I think late 1980's. The bridge was garbage made of cheap metal. The pickups were horrible almost not bass sounding. There was also a used one at my local Guitar Center for it seemed like a year so forget about reselling it. That was during the period when Epiphone was trying to be simply a budget brand. Cheap parts. Made in whatever factory was the cheapest. I own & like recent Epiphones as they have tried to offer quality as almost a separate entity from Gibson. But the late 80's, early 90's was not a good period for them.

 

[arakiri]

Personally I would stay away from those Epi Accu basses. You'd be better off with an SX. Knew someone that had one that was I think late 1980's. The bridge was garbage made of cheap metal. The pickups were horrible almost not bass sounding. There was also a used one at my local Guitar Center for it seemed like a year so forget about reselling it. That was during the period when Epiphone was trying to be simply a budget brand. Cheap parts. Made in whatever factory was the cheapest. I own & like recent Epiphones as they have tried to offer quality as almost a separate entity from Gibson. But the late 80's, early 90's was not a good period for them.

yeaah i researched and learned that epi was a budget epiphone sub-brand. anyways the seller ghosted me abt the trade so i guess its for the best?? im still lookin around 4 an SX so maybe i'll get lucky.

 

[WebJunk]

yeaah i researched and learned that epi was a budget epiphone sub-brand. anyways the seller ghosted me abt the trade so i guess its for the best?? im still lookin around 4 an SX so maybe i'll get lucky.

Pretty much all Epi's around that period are budget or even sub-budget. It was the business model at the time. Hardware & workmanship is sub-standard. That also means when buying used the hardware, unless its been upgraded may be in need of replacement.
In recent years CNC machines & automation has reduced labor, therefore labor costs yet producing identical instruments. They can then use some of the savings on better hardware. That is why even inexpensive instruments are now of decent quality. And why a recent SX will be better than an older Epi. IMO

 

[patrickj]

I had that scorpion bass. Terrible bass but it took me from Baltimore all the way to Los Angeles, so fond memories of it. Met its end in a funeral pyre.

If you are looking for a great beginner / first bass, check out Archer.

Archer SB10BK P-Style Electric Bass, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OYWW54/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_dZ0DCb2HXD2CA

My daughter has one, I play it all the time, great inexpensive instrument.

If you want a jazz bass, get this Ivy.

ivy IJBA-200 NA Bass Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Natural https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0107B8AUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_B10DCbPTGESHT

If in doubt between the two, get the Archer.

 

[arakiri]

I had that scorpion bass. Terrible bass but it took me from Baltimore all the way to Los Angeles, so fond memories of it. Met its end in a funeral pyre.

If you are looking for a great beginner / first bass, check out Archer.

Archer SB10BK P-Style Electric Bass, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OYWW54/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_dZ0DCb2HXD2CA

My daughter has one, I play it all the time, great inexpensive instrument.

If you want a jazz bass, get this Ivy.

ivy IJBA-200 NA Bass Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Natural https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0107B8AUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_B10DCbPTGESHT

If in doubt between the two, get the Archer.


View attachment 3339236 View attachment 3339240

NOOO WHY DID U BURN IT TOT

 

[arakiri]

I had that scorpion bass. Terrible bass but it took me from Baltimore all the way to Los Angeles, so fond memories of it. Met its end in a funeral pyre.

If you are looking for a great beginner / first bass, check out Archer.

Archer SB10BK P-Style Electric Bass, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OYWW54/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_dZ0DCb2HXD2CA

My daughter has one, I play it all the time, great inexpensive instrument.

If you want a jazz bass, get this Ivy.

ivy IJBA-200 NA Bass Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Natural https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0107B8AUI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_B10DCbPTGESHT

If in doubt between the two, get the Archer.


View attachment 3339236 View attachment 3339240

thx for ur recommentadion but that archer isnt available around here, at leasst not used, and new i just cant afford it. im abt to probably get a sell done that i wasnt expecting!!! lookin at the ibanez tmb100 talman if i get that money, seems better than SX's from what ive read around here

 

[skaine]

thx for ur recommentadion but that archer isnt available around here, at leasst not used, and new i just cant afford it. im abt to probably get a sell done that i wasnt expecting!!! lookin at the ibanez tmb100 talman if i get that money, seems better than SX's from what ive read around here

SX is a kind gamble, especially more recently manufactured ones. I had seen an SX sounds better than a regular Fender bass before, its an exception ofcourse, but still can happen. If you go for an SX try the very same and similar models that matches the bass you like. The quality of the wood is all that matters and you might find a lucky bass (thats what i call low budget basses that have luckily quality wood). My first bass was a Classic Vibe Squier and it sounded better and more comfortable than the most MIM Fenders i had tried to play. Also some vintage modified basses may surprise you, again the lucky wood.

Dont mind the brand of the bass you buy, "unless" you plan to sell or trade it with another one later on. If you write Fender on a piece of timber, you can sell it sooner or later, even in its in a bad condition. Brand is the abiity to sell the same or inferior product for a higher price (marketing lessons).

 

[Eric Nelson]

Bass Guitar Checklist


Does it have fret sprout?
Can it be tuned and stay tuned?
Does it have any rattles? Play open strings and every fret hard - let ring and listen.
Neck fits body OK?
Bridge attached OK?
Nut condition good?
Neck back smoothness?
Fret wear?
Fingerboard wear, dings?
All pick guard screws original?
All knobs original?
Wrench marks on neck bolts?
Pickups loose?
Output jack loose?
Knobs noisy?
Finish checking?
Major Dings - especially on neck or fretboard?
Strap buttons present?
Serial number visible?
Top of headstock smooth?
All screws present and in good condition?
Truss rod end in good condition?
Obvious neck shim?
What modifications have been made?
Saddle height/intonation adjustment screws maxed out?
Intonation OK or capable of being adjusted?

 

[Eric Nelson]

And finally - has it been burned in a funeral pyre?