First Bass

[peterbata]

Hello all. New member here who is very pleased to be part of this community. Thanks for having me. This will also be my very first post so please go easy on me

Bass is not my first instrument (Guitar was/is). Although, I have found myself playing bass (not mine) on some of my earlier original compositions. That would have been some 40+ years ago. Yes, I am old / older now. Wiser? Not so sure.

I have finally put together my own small project studio and was thinking of picking up my own / very first bass. For no apparent reason O should add. I came across two gentleman who are selling their Ibanez SR750. This would be on Facebook Marketplace. by the way. One turned out to be a royal scam artist so that leaves me down to the one.

His SR750 appears to be in excellent shape (in his words Mint). It comes with with an Ibanez fitted hard case and was set up and dress fret by Weston Instruments.

Again, I do not know much about the model other than it was discontinued in 2017 and the last retail price then was $899 CAD.

He is asking $900 and claims that his asking price reflects the fact that the fret job alone cost him $400

I have never played this model so I know absolutely nothing about it other than what I have read and heard in YT videos.

Which brings me to the crux of my post. What should I be looking for in the purchase of my very first bass and possibly the last. I am looking to spend something in the vicinity of $1000 -> $1200 (Canadian dollars).

Your time and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Peter

For those of you that wish to see the Ibanez SR750 mentioned in my post please visit my shared folder.

494.1 KB folder on MEGA

 

[CallMeAl]

Welcome! Since no one is here yet, I’ll take a crack at it. At least I’ll give you a bump

I wouldn’t pay the “new” price on a used bass, even with a fret dressing. IMHO a fret dressing is the cost of ownership, and needs done at some point. Getting the frets dressed before selling doesn’t really add value, it simply gets the instrument in a condition fit for selling. But since you play guitar, you may already have this conclusion or different opinions on the matter. Unless you are dead set on this particular bass (and yes Ibanez makes great instruments,) I think there are so many options out there it’s probably not worth it.

Can you get out to music stores to try basses? Again, Since you play guitar, you have a great frame of reference. You know what holding a stringed instrument feels like and what kinds of tones you might like. The comfort of the neck, how it feels in your hand, and the overall feel of the instrument is most important. You can certainly record with an active bass, but if you totally feel lost I’d vote for a passive precision or Jazz style bass. Simple and classic.

beat of luck and happy hunting!

 

[jd56hawk]

Hello all. New member here who is very pleased to be part of this community. Thanks for having me. This will also be my very first post so please go easy on me

Bass is not my first instrument (Guitar was/is). Although, I have found myself playing bass (not mine) on some of my earlier original compositions. That would have been some 40+ years ago. Yes, I am old / older now. Wiser? Not so sure.

I have finally put together my own small project studio and was thinking of picking up my own / very first bass. For no apparent reason O should add. I came across two gentleman who are selling their Ibanez SR750. This would be on Facebook Marketplace. by the way. One turned out to be a royal scam artist so that leaves me down to the one.

His SR750 appears to be in excellent shape (in his words Mint). It comes with with an Ibanez fitted hard case and was set up and dress fret by Weston Instruments.

Again, I do not know much about the model other than it was discontinued in 2017 and the last retail price then was $899 CAD.

He is asking $900 and claims that his asking price reflects the fact that the fret job alone cost him $400

I have never played this model so I know absolutely nothing about it other than what I have read and heard in YT videos.

Which brings me to the crux of my post. What should I be looking for in the purchase of my very first bass and possibly the last. I am looking to spend something in the vicinity of $1000 -> $1200 (Canadian dollars).

Your time and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Peter

For those of you that wish to see the Ibanez SR750 mentioned in my post please visit my shared folder.

494.1 KB folder on MEGA

Sorry, but that one's not even worth considering at that price.
For that kind of money you can find something new, something yours.
As mentioned above, get out there and try as many basses as possible.
Some will look good, some will feel good and some will sound good.
Try enough basses and you'll find one that does all three.
(By the way, is that actually what people are paying for a fret-dressing job in Canada? You can get a bass refretted here for that much.)

 

[peterbata]

Welcome! Since no one is here yet, I’ll take a crack at it. At least I’ll give you a bump

Getting the frets dressed before selling doesn’t really add value, it simply gets the instrument in a condition fit for selling.

Can you get out to music stores to try basses?

beat of luck and happy hunting!

Thank you so much for chiming in. And, thank you for the Welcome. My thoughts exactly on the fret dress. So,basically the seller wants $500 for the bass and have the seller pay additional $400 for the fret dress which in reality was due to wear and tear brought on by the player / seller. I think that I am going to rule out "Used" all together. Have a safe and wonderful weekend. Peter

 

[peterbata]

Sorry, but that one's not even worth considering at that price.
For that kind of money you can find something new, something yours.
As mentioned above, get out there and try as many basses as possible.
Some will look good, some will feel good and some will sound good.
Try enough basses and you'll find one that does all three.
(By the way, is that actually what people are paying for a fret-dressing job in Canada? You can get a bass refretted here for that much.)

Thank you for the prompt response. Much appreciated. I agree, something new is the "New" direction I am heading in. For some reason or other we Canadians really get hit with high pricing when it comes to specialty work like that. Eg. I just had the woofers on my JBL 4333B Studio Monitors reconed. It cost me an arm and a leg. But, that's a conversation best left for another audio forum.

By the way, after having posted my original message I came across an Ibanez bass which appears to compare closely to the SR750 that I first mentioned. The issuethat I am seeing is that a great majority of basses that I search for online on the website of one of our largest musical instrument retailers (Long & McQuade) are not not in store to be tried. And, usually take 3-4 weeks to arrive in store assuming of course that the manufacturer has one to ship out.

Ibanez - SR600E SR Standard Bass - Antique Brown Stained Burst

 

[ADHD librarian]

so....

now you've decided not to take that bass, you need to work out what bass you will buy.

There are a few things to look for, but the most important one is a tort guard. Get the right tort & you'll be fine.
Sure, since people will go on about nut width, split P vs Jazz vs humbucker, tone wood, rosewood boards....

That's all window dressing, the tone is in the tort!

 

[peterbata]

so....

now you've decided not to take that bass, you need to work out what bass you will buy.

There are a few things to look for, but the most important one is a tort guard. Get the right tort & you'll be fine.
Sure, since people will go on about nut width, split P vs Jazz vs humbucker, tone wood, rosewood boards....

That's all window dressing, the tone is in the tort!

Thank you sir. Much appreciated. Alright so it's time for me to look like a Total Noob. What's a Tort. Google search here we come!!!

 

[Mighty Thumb]

Nothing wrong with used. I’ve acquired a number of fine used basses from right here in the classifieds. $900 will get you a lot of bass in the used market.

 

[peterbata]

Nothing wrong with used. I’ve acquired a number of fine used basses from right here in the classifieds. $900 will get you a lot of bass in the used market.

I don't doubt that there are fine instruments to be had on the used market. In my case I would probably have to bring along a Bass playing chaperone who could help me sort through the good and not so good. Unfortunately, I am not in such a position at the moment. Not to mention not having the energy at my age to be making those classified visits. Thank you so much for your valuable input. It means a lot. Peter

 

[jd56hawk]

Just some options from Long and McQuade...hopefully, some of these are readily available. I'd start with either of the two Squiers...I have nine basses and don't need anything else, but I can't help considering them myself. One more thing, I think the Orange O bass is an incredible bargain at that price...same price here in the USA.
(By the way, that "tort" post is just a joke. Tort is short for tortoise shell pickguard, something to be avoided if possible.).)

 

[CletusMarley]

Welcome to TalkBass! Lots of great advice so far on a first bass!

 

[Mighty Thumb]

I’ve never played a bass that I’ve bought from the classifieds before buying. So there is an inherent risk, but there is also a wealth of knowledge and experience on this site to lean on. You’re off on the right foot by starting this thread.

We’re I in your position - small project studio, bass is not your primary instrument, $1000 ish budget - I would be watching the classifieds for a good Precision or Jazz style bass. That may sound contrived and tired, but those are among the two most recognizable recorded basses so either would serve you well.

 

[CaribooBass]

Welcome to TalkBass!
It is always a good thing when we get more fellow Canadians.
There is a Vast amount of knowledge and good people here.
Yes the “Tort” posts are very humorous and it seems that most of the tort supporters are in the U.S.

I would never add to the tort debate myself but ….. in matters of taste do not trust a Nation that does not put gravy and cheese on French fries, where pineapple on Pizza is a sin and has never heard of a Montreal smoked meat
sandwich.

I also shop at Long and Mcquade and there is nothing wrong with buying used.
I purchased both my Warwick and my G&L used and they are great basses.

Go in and try what they have,and try all that you can. You will find the bass that will speak to you!
As I have said before here on T.B the bass you leave with is often not what you thought it would be.
Rent it and try it at home and see how it fits in your studio. If it works welcome to your new bass. If it does not then try another one.
Talk bass is always a serious place to be for bassists just making sure you know this even though in the States there is a lot of naked Tortoise's.

Clayton

 

[ejaggers]

Welcome aboard Peter,
There are a lot of good and knowledgeable people that hang out here,
so stick around and enjoy the ride.

It's cool that you gave us your budget but a little more info would also be helpful.
i.e:
- short, med, or long-scale preference
- active or passive
- tone preference (Pbass, Jazz, Hollowbody, Ray,...)
- style of music (basses handle multiple styles but I wouldn't recommend my Coronado for slap)

Personally,
I gravitate more to my shorties, although I own sub-short, short, med, and long-scale basses.
Shorties have always been easier for me to play while singing,
possibly because that's where I started years ago.

Wow!!! @jd56hawk,
The MSRP for those Contemp Jazzes went thru the roof.
I've seen them used on CL sit for weeks at nowhere near that price.

057912

BTW, Tort stands for Tortoise Shell Pickguard,
which is an absolute must if you want to be a real bassist

 

[NotAGardener]

I would never add to the tort debate myself but ….. in matters of taste do not trust a Nation that does not put gravy and cheese on French fries.
Clayton

Let's get the important stuff out of the way first: Gravy and cheese on fries??? Ok, understand this; you don't violate First Principles, except at your peril: The Earth is not flat, entropy rules, S*&t runs downhill....and French Fries = 'Taters, hot oil, salt (plain old salt; iodized is acceptable). Period.

Gravy and cheese on what started out as FFs does not = FFs. It's something, but it ain't FFs. As an aside you don't mess with ales; you don't put strawberries in'em, or whatever the whacko new age ingredient dujour intended to make your beer stand out from the rest, is. The W Europeans/UK got this stuff figured out a long time ago. Don't mess with, just improve execution.

QED

My first instrument was Trombone; second, quite a few decades later, drum kit, third (recently), bass. Since I didn't have a guitar background, test driving would have been pointless (and difficult to arrange); the OP has a guitar background so it seems to me that test driving would be very worthwhile if reasonably feasible. I know nothing but, First Principles again, how could one go wrong with a P or J-base? For me though, when I read that Leo left Fender in '60 something and ended up building G&L during his increasingly older (and presumably wiser and more knowledgable) years I just decided "G&L"; and for some reason that evades me right now plus nice reviews I snagged a Kiloton (Tribute Series). I still know next to nothing, though my fingers are starting to move around the fretboard better, and I love that bass (and I'd doubtless love a bunch of others). I will cop to serious lust at the countenance (and six bolt neck) of the Fullerton Kiloton in orange metallic with fake tortoise shell PG.

 

[Isaac_James]

Hello all. New member here who is very pleased to be part of this community. Thanks for having me. This will also be my very first post so please go easy on me

Bass is not my first instrument (Guitar was/is). Although, I have found myself playing bass (not mine) on some of my earlier original compositions. That would have been some 40+ years ago. Yes, I am old / older now. Wiser? Not so sure.

I have finally put together my own small project studio and was thinking of picking up my own / very first bass. For no apparent reason O should add. I came across two gentleman who are selling their Ibanez SR750. This would be on Facebook Marketplace. by the way. One turned out to be a royal scam artist so that leaves me down to the one.

His SR750 appears to be in excellent shape (in his words Mint). It comes with with an Ibanez fitted hard case and was set up and dress fret by Weston Instruments.

Again, I do not know much about the model other than it was discontinued in 2017 and the last retail price then was $899 CAD.

He is asking $900 and claims that his asking price reflects the fact that the fret job alone cost him $400

I have never played this model so I know absolutely nothing about it other than what I have read and heard in YT videos.

Which brings me to the crux of my post. What should I be looking for in the purchase of my very first bass and possibly the last. I am looking to spend something in the vicinity of $1000 -> $1200 (Canadian dollars).

Your time and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Peter

For those of you that wish to see the Ibanez SR750 mentioned in my post please visit my shared folder.

494.1 KB folder on MEGA

Hi Peter, welcome to Talkbass and to the world of bass playing! I think you'll find that bassists are the most handsome, intelligent, and above all, most humble of all musicians! You are in good company.

I think you've already landed on your answer here, so at the risk of being redundant (which is also a fine and long-standing tradition here alongside arguing about tone wood and taking personal preferences about pickguard colors way too seriously), consider this: would you have bought a used but mint condition (aside from fretwork) bass that sold for $900 new no less than 6 years ago for just over half that price, knowing that it needed to have the frets redone, and knowing that you would not be able to return it if you didn't like it?

There is no good reason to spend full price on a used (not vintage) instrument, even if it's in excellent shape. You assume some risk buying used, the instrument is out of warranty and unless the seller is very generous (guessing no if he wants $900 for this bass) he will not have a return policy.

If you have $900 to spend you have a lot of options for very good mid-level instruments new. I would suggest starting by playing some basses at a guitar store and seeing what feels good. If you find one there that speaks to you in your price range, go for it. If not, at least you walk away with a little bit better of an understanding what you like or don't like in a bass.

You said you've never played an Ibanez SR (Soundgear) bass before. They are held in high regard by many for being well made (at least at that price point and above) and lightweight. Ergonomically, they're more controversial and it comes down to a matter of opinion. Soundgear bass necks are rather thin and round. You'll hear them likened to broomsticks, which is a slight exaggeration but it's going to feel different than other bass necks and particularly different than a guitar neck. They're sort of the opposite of a P bass in terms of feel.

You also mentioned a home studio set up, does this include a bass amp? Or are you planning to run direct to the audio interface? You may also want to budget for an amplifier or at least a good preamp.

 

[peterbata]

Just some options from Long and McQuade...hopefully, some of these are readily available. I'd start with either of the two Squiers...I have nine basses and don't need anything else, but I can't help considering them myself. One more thing, I think the Orange O bass is an incredible bargain at that price...same price here in the USA.
(By the way, that "tort" post is just a joke. Tort is short for tortoise shell pickguard, something to be avoided if possible.).)

Thank you for these suggestions. No doubt that I will be going to bed a little smarter this evening.

 

[Element Zero]

Pay no real attention to the “tort warriors” lol. It’s a long ongoing joke round these parts. A 60’s P bass with a tortoise shell pickguard and flat wound strings is a very popular choice for bass and some think it’s the holy grail… I’m not one of them.

I’ll mirror what others have said. Get out to some stores and try different basses. In my opinion, feel and tone are the most important with looks being very low on the totem pole in terms of importance ESPECIALLY if you’re just starting out.

Ibanez makes some great instruments. I’d also recommend you take a look at Schecter, Fender, Squire and the Sterling brand by Music Man line not to be confused by the Sterling Music Man model…

There’s lots of other good builders out there but this is just a general list to getcha started. Also, you could try heading over to Sweetwater.com and peruse the basses by price and look at the ratings.

Also… carrots. Another ongoing joke. Welcome to Talk Bass.

 

[peterbata]

I think you've already landed on your answer here, so at the risk of being redundant (which is also a fine and long-standing tradition here alongside arguing about tone wood and taking personal preferences about pickguard colors way too seriously), consider this: would you have bought a used but mint condition (aside from fretwork) bass that sold for $900 new no less than 6 years ago for just over half that price, knowing that it needed to have the frets redone, and knowing that you would not be able to return it if you didn't like it?

No.

There is no good reason to spend full price on a used (not vintage) instrument, even if it's in excellent shape. You assume some risk buying used, the instrument is out of warranty and unless the seller is very generous (guessing no if he wants $900 for this bass) he will not have a return policy.

True

If you have $900 to spend you have a lot of options for very good mid-level instruments new. I would suggest starting by playing some basses at a guitar store and seeing what feels good. If you find one there that speaks to you in your price range, go for it. If not, at least you walk away with a little bit better of an understanding what you like or don't like in a bass.

I walked into a local Long & McQuade store recently and noticed how stock levels were so low. Must have something to do with the pandemic. Or, the time of year

You said you've never played an Ibanez SR (Soundgear) bass before. They are held in high regard by many for being well made (at least at that price point and above) and lightweight. Ergonomically, they're more controversial and it comes down to a matter of opinion. Soundgear bass necks are rather thin and round. You'll hear them likened to broomsticks, which is a slight exaggeration but it's going to feel different than other bass necks and particularly different than a guitar neck. They're sort of the opposite of a P bass in terms of feel.

No amp yet. I don't even have an amp for my '67 Tele. I have been going direct into my digital mixer via Radial DI box. This project studio is my attempt at making up for the last 40+ years spent raising a Family and paying the bills. I feel like it's "ME" time.

You also mentioned a home studio set up, does this include a bass amp? Or are you planning to run direct to the audio interface? You may also want to budget for an amplifier or at least a good preamp.

 

[peterbata]

Pay no real attention to the “tort warriors” lol. It’s a long ongoing joke round these parts. A 60’s P bass with a tortoise shell pickguard and flat wound strings is a very popular choice for bass and some think it’s the holy grail… I’m not one of them.

I’ll mirror what others have said. Get out to some stores and try different basses. In my opinion, feel and tone are the most important with looks being very low on the totem pole in terms of importance ESPECIALLY if you’re just starting out.

Ibanez makes some great instruments. I’d also recommend you take a look at Schecter, Fender, Squire and the Sterling brand by Music Man line not to be confused by the Sterling Music Man model…

There’s lots of other good builders out there but this is just a general list to getcha started. Also, you could try heading over to Sweetwater.com and peruse the basses by price and look at the ratings.

Also… carrots. Another ongoing joke. Welcome to Talk Bass.

Thank you @Element Zero Wow! Tort and Carrots. Obviously, I have been living under a rock for the last four decades give or take. I appreciate the list of possible contenders. Also sounds like I have my work cut out for me. Have an awesome weekend.