First Bass purchase advice?

[Corsair]

I'm a guitar player (the other kind ). I'd like to take up learning bass. I'm confident I want a Fender P-Bass to start. I've already gone to multiple stores trying them out to get a feel. I've also been lurking the forum while doing my own research.

I've been looking at the Fender Player Precision and American Professional Precision. As someone starting out, should I wait until I'm farther in the journey before considering the more expensive basses? I can afford an American Professional but I'm not sure if I should dive in like that, yet. The American Professional was my favorite of the ones I tried. The Fender Player I tried was a close second.

I'm curious what the more established bass players think.

 

[Gorn]

If you played it, liked it, and can afford it, you should get the pro, IMO. Being a guitar player you can already play the thing more or less and if spending the money isn't at all an issue, I say go for it. The player is fine too. I think I'd have different advice if you weren't already a musician but that's not the case.

 

[MCS4]

IMO the concept of someone not being "good enough" for a particular instrument is nonsense. If you want it and can afford it, there is no reason not to buy it... and certainly springing for an instrument you are excited about and that may be better quality than cheaper alternatives might help you to enjoy playing bass and progress more.

I would say, though, depending on how close the budgeting issue is and how committed you are to learning bass, that it is fair to consider whether *you personally* might find it to be better to buy a cheaper bass and keep some money set aside for, say, another (non-bass) guitar, if that would give you better enjoyment in the long run. But that is a question of personal money priorities, not a question of there being anything inherently bad about buying a quality bass to learn on.

 

[Rib 13]

dont overthink it: get the one you like the best that you think feels like you......

 

[TerenceE]

But used. Why throw $$ away on a new USA p when there’s dozens of used ones for half the price

 

[Stumbo]

IMO, a quality pro instrument that feels good to you will make your practice much easier and not be an obstacle to anything you want to learn.

I wish I had that choice starting out.

 

[B-Mac]

I'm a guitar player (the other kind ). I'd like to take up learning bass. I'm confident I want a Fender P-Bass to start. I've already gone to multiple stores trying them out to get a feel. I've also been lurking the forum while doing my own research.

I've been looking at the Fender Player Precision and American Professional Precision. As someone starting out, should I wait until I'm farther in the journey before considering the more expensive basses? I can afford an American Professional but I'm not sure if I should dive in like that, yet. The American Professional was my favorite of the ones I tried. The Fender Player I tried was a close second.

I'm curious what the more established bass players think.

But used. Why throw $$ away on a new USA p when there’s dozens of used ones for half the price

^THIS^

 

[TolerancEJ]

If you can afford the American Professional Precision, go for it.

Now consider, there's a slight possibility of looking this cool while playing a Precision bass:

 

[James Collins]

I would go with the American. At worst, no matter what you do, you are out a couple hundred dollars should you end up selling it. But honestly, I would go with a G&L JB2 or a Warwick Dolphin.

No wrong choices though.

 

[gln1955]

How does an amp fit into your budget? Playing through one of your guitar amps is OK for low volume practice, but you'll need a proper bass amp to play with others. If funds are limited, I'd go Player P bass and a nice amp.

As others have said, used is a great option too.

 

[-Stingray]

I'd go with a good used American over a new Mexi every time.

 

[smcd]

Always buy the best instrument you can afford.

 

[Dincrest]

If you can afford it and inspires you, go for it. And if you can find the bass you want preowned, even better. I'm also an advocate of getting a nicer preowned instrument for the same price as a meh new one. Both my basses are preowned and they are phenomenal for what I paid for them.

You can never go wrong with a good P-bass in any musical setting. There is a reason why it's still the most recorded bass ever.

 

[Paulabass]

I don't think anybody ever regrets moving up a step.

 

[Gorn]

I was thinking about this. $1500 right? I could technically afford a $1500 bass right now, but it's not throwaway money I have. I could make it happen but it's not a small purchase. But if the $1500 was nothing, that's a different kind of affording. Now I'm thinking you should spend about $800 on a used American Standard, unless you just have the 1500 plus tax laying around. You could play that bass for the rest of your life without problems.

 

[BassGH]

Most important—Buy what feels and sounds right to you.

As a side note, there’s lots of inexpensive stuff—used and new—that gets the pbass job done, especially if 4 strings is plenty. Just look for that staggered pickup mid-body and it will probably have everything you actually need. If money is an issue at all, I’d spend less on bass and put the savings into more amplifier than you think you need.

 

[REMBO]

An American made Fender P Bass Will Hold It's Value!!
any P bass you purchase will have that fantastic tone!!

 

[Mustang Surly]

Can only speak for myself, but having the nicest instrument(s) I can afford encourages me to play.

Don't know how old you are, but if , as I am, you're "getting up there", when a really nice bass comes along you might want to ask yourself, "if not now, when?"

That said, there may be other priorities in your life that would make moderation the prudent path.

Only you can answer those questions.

 

[43ManSquamish]

Since you're experienced in playing bass, I'd say buy what you want. You're not a noob to playing, and if $1500 doesn't hurt, go for it. But in case the bass don't grab ya, go for a good used one. They're easy to find in the stores and you won't lose that much in case you think it's not for you.

 

[dalkowski]

How does an amp fit into your budget? Playing through one of your guitar amps is OK for low volume practice, but you'll need a proper bass amp to play with others. If funds are limited, I'd go Player P bass and a nice amp.

As others have said, used is a great option too.

+1

Shop used Squier, Ibanez, Yamaha, and Peavey basses.
Drop the hundreds you'll save into quality amplification.
Experience happiness.