First Bass-Which Will It Be?

[BlueAliceOasis]

Alright. Well, I haven't gotten my first bass guitar yet, however hopefully I start before my next birthday or before next year.

However, this has given me good time to think and ponder. By early September, I had come to the conclusion of wanting an Fender Aerodyne Jazz, with the Fender Modern Player Dimension as backup. However, since then, I have also added the Warwick Rockbass Corvette-4 and MTD Kingston Saratoga-4 to my list of considerations.

Now, I get that as a beginner, I shouldn't care to get some fancy-looking, expensive bass, but the lightness of the Aerodyne Jazz would be much easier on me and c'mon... In terms of sound and looks, the thing is SEXY. Plus I have a keen, gut feeling that the Aerodyne Jazz (godforbid) is to be discontinued soon and then won't be found ANYWHERE. It just looks like one of those kinds of basses, so I want to get it before that comes to fruition, if it happens to.

I'm not feeling the Fender Modern Player Dimension as much as I was before, yet it is not off the list. I'm just not as big on it. I still like it though. The Triplebucker sounds pretty impressive, IMO.

It would be my dream to own any kind of MTD bass, and being that the Kingston Saratoga is not neccesarily unaffordable and an MTD version of a J-Bass, it is definitely up for consideration.

For the Warwick Rockbass Corvette, I like its sound, look and the former bass player of one band that I like (R.I.P Paul Gray) used a Wariwick Corvette. I understand that the real, German-made thing far outclasses the Rockbass version, and used ones are pretty affordable, but I rather new basses and I am hoping that cheaper wood material means lighter bass, especially since I heard that Warwicks can be pretty heavy.

Anyways, looking forward to the input of you more experienced folks so that I can get started and become one of you guys.

 

[Gilmourisgod]

My first bass was a Rick 4001, and I'm convinced my aesthetic obsession with it made me play more and improve faster. I see no point in struggling against the limitations of a cheap bass with lousy action as some sort of "dues" payment. Go for the Aerodyne. It's a gorgeous and superb playing and sounding bass, and the light weight will save your back. The only caveat is the lightweight is achieved by using a basswood body, so it will dent or chip easily. Baby it a little.

 

[godofthunder59]

I second the Aerodyne! You will be all set for years to come, don't try to learn on a POS. Plus it's a Fender always a good thing come audition time, I say this as a life long Gibson player.

 

[jd56hawk]

Do you mean the Japanese Aerodyne?

Or the plain one?

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I love the sleek no pick guard look, but the lack of position dots might make it slightly harder to navigate the fingerboard for a beginner. The finish will hold up better with a PG too. In the OP's shoes, id get the Japanese version, though they are harder to find and a bit more expensive.

 

[jd56hawk]

Fretboard decals!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

When I was first learning, I got a bunch of yard sale circular price stickers and wrote the notes in them at each position. Now you can buy a whole set of note markers as stickers. I've always gassed for an Aerodyne with a blocked and bound neck.

 

[jd56hawk]

Always nice for your bass to look just a little bit different, I've always thought, and for $10 or $20 it's relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to do.

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

Do you mean the Japanese Aerodyne?

Or the plain one?

Aren't they both made in Japan?

 

[jd56hawk]

Sorry, I should have written "non-export" or "export" model.

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

Sorry, I should have written "non-export" or "export" model.

Oh. Honestly, I think I'm going to stick to the export model. I like the sleekness, plus all the non-export models are used and more money than I can afford.

 

[ZenG]

By the time this thread is over you'll be the proud owner of an MIA Fender P....

 

[spvmhc]

I can't speak to the quality of the first three basses you named. I've been very impressed with the features of the Warwick Rockbass. The company included technology from their German-manufactured basses, e.g. an adjustable nut, a locking bridge that is very adjustable, etc. with the Chinese-manufactured Rockbass models. I've also been pleased with the finish and workmanship.

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

By the time this thread is over you'll be the proud owner of an MIA Fender P....

That's an awfully foolish assumption to make.

 

[bolophonic]

Aerodyne Jazz basses are never going to be "unavailable." All of the basses that the OP mentioned are high quality instruments that could last forever. Sounds like its time to stop thinking and just pick one.

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

Aerodyne Jazz basses are never going to be "unavailable." All of the basses that the OP mentioned are high quality instruments that could last forever. Sounds like its time to stop thinking and just pick one.

If I could've I would've.

 

[wraub]

Notice-Stock answer ahead:

Play them all, as many examples of each as possible. Go to all the stores you can. If possible, bring a friend with more knowledge/ability than you, for support and advice. Try other brands for comparison's sake.
If necessary, buy online with good return policies, and try them all, as many as possible.

Find the one that says "Be with me and play with me all the time!"
This one is yours.

Good luck.

 

[DavC]

i look for a used MIJ Aerodyne .. !!

 

[Bodeanly]

These Aerodynes are so beautiful. Never played one though.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I, too, shall chime in on "The Almighty 'Dyne". But, in the interest of full-disclosure, I will again admit that it was my first-ever bass. Maybe I just lucked-out and it was a perfect, ergonomic fit for me. If you get it, I hope it is the same for you.

Speaking of ergonomics…the sharper-edged binding might dig a bit into the underside of your forearm. Don't be dismayed. Instead, use that as a physical reminder to keep your forearm slightly elevated and not rest so heavily upon the body. It might make your right shoulder a little cranky at first, but it will strengthen up as time goes on.

Plus I have a keen, gut feeling that the Aerodyne Jazz (godforbid) is to be discontinued soon and then won't be found ANYWHERE.

No worries, my friend. They're not going away anytime soon. The idea that all Japanese Fender production was coming to an end was an understandable error of perception. The previous joint venture was dissolved, but now Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) has taken over production. There are still a number of "Japan Exclusive" models still being produced, including the various Aerodynes.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Do you mean the Japanese Aerodyne?

Or the plain one?

Plain?!!?! I could give you such a pinch!

I love the sleek no pick guard look, but the lack of position dots might make it slightly harder to navigate the fingerboard for a beginner. The finish will hold up better with a PG too. In the OP's shoes, id get the Japanese version, though they are harder to find and a bit more expensive.

Side-dots, dear sir…side-dots shall be it's salvation!
(It certainly kept me from leaning way over to gander at the face-dots when I started learning!)

And yeah, the softer wood combined with their particular finish does lend itself towards "chipping/denting" and "fingerprint magnetism". Don't kick yourself if it gets some mojo early on. I thought about getting mine refinished, but a few local musicians convinced me that it's just fine. One even said, "Dude, some people will pay actual money to get that kind of mojo!"