• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

First bass

T

Teddytron

Jun 19, 2010
3
0
#1
Hi guys i am new here and as you can see from the title, i am wondering about a good first bass. I was originally looking at an Epiphone viola bass as my first, due to the fact that it is not the most expensive, and i hear the fretboard on violas are thinner therefore easier to move around on, which i figured would be good to learn on (plus they just look incredible). However, i heard some people say that you can not slap on it at all and finger tapping is difficult, I do not know if that is true but if so I do not think this would be a good bass to start out with right? Do note that i am a drummer and so the bass will not be my only instrument and i do not need something perfect, i just love the sound of a bass and think it would be a lot of fun to learn seeing as how our band has no official bass player. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
 
#2
If you're looking for an affordable bass that's still going to last then I suggest getting a MIM standard jazz or precision bass depending on the type of tone you like better. If you like a thin neck then a j bass is the way to go. If you want a *really* thin neck then go with a mid-range Ibanez like a SR500 or 600. They have the thinnest necks around and aren't anything to scoff at. If you want something to just play around on then go with a Squier vintage modified or classic vibe. They're pretty decent for the price tag.

I've played a few of the popular Epi basses when I was shopping around recently and I can't say I like them. The Thunderbird Pro-IV was the only one I liked. The Viola just felt like a toy to me. It's probably due to the laminated top and I swear that tail-piece was plastic too. That's just my opinion though. If it fits you and you're style then go for it. Make good use of the reviews section here too. There are a lot of valuable opinions floating around on TB. Happy shopping.
 
#3
If you were buying a drum set for a bass player, what would you get? I bought a $399 Pearl Shell Set Plus everything Else for under $1000.....Nice beautiful set......OK , with this thought how about a Fender P bass in the $750 range as if you were getting it for another drummer ? Good for any situation ...My point is Fender vs. Epiphone = Fender...IMO....good luck :cool:
 
#4
I've played the Epiphone viola bass, and while it was a fun little bass to mess with, I don't think it would be great as a first bass, because it's so unlike most other basses that when you decide to upgrade/ get other basses, it'll probably be hard to adjust.
If you're looking for a good starter bass, I'd reccomend a made-in-mexico fender jazz or precision bass (the model depends on personal preference- try to play the different models before you buy.). They can be found used for $300-400 if money's an issue. The Squier Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe series are also good basses for the $$, you can find them for around $300 new. If you have small hands and REALLY want a short-scale bass, then the Fender Mustang bass is also nice, but more expensive at around $750 new(correct me if the price has changed recently).
Ibanez also makes a lot of good basses for beginners such as the SR300( $300 new), and their basses are known for having thin, comfortable necks.
Good luck!
 
#9
I say find something here in the TB classifieds (http://www.talkbass.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=126). There are a lot of reasonably priced instruments available with photos and descriptions of how they feel and what the owners like and dislike about them. Chances are high that the instrument has been well loved and you'll get a good deal.

The other thing to consider is whether you're they type of person who wants to fiddle with your tone endlessly. If you are, buy something active with as many knobs and switches as possible. I think that can interfere with learning to play, so I would go with a bass with passive electronics.

Of the instruments you find in the TB For Sale section, the Squiers and the SX's ("Essex" for search purposes) should be quite playable. The SX's will, more likely than not, be upgraded.

Good luck!
 
#10
Teddytron said:
Hi guys i am new here and as you can see from the title, i am wondering about a good first bass. I was originally looking at an Epiphone viola bass as my first, due to the fact that it is not the most expensive, and i hear the fretboard on violas are thinner therefore easier to move around on, which i figured would be good to learn on (plus they just look incredible). However, i heard some people say that you can not slap on it at all and finger tapping is difficult, I do not know if that is true but if so I do not think this would be a good bass to start out with right? Do note that i am a drummer and so the bass will not be my only instrument and i do not need something perfect, i just love the sound of a bass and think it would be a lot of fun to learn seeing as how our band has no official bass player. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Click to expand...

First off, let me welcome you to the bass playing world and Talkbass. You're right it is a lot of fun.

Next question: How much are you looking or willing to spend on the bass?

Ibanez is a pretty safe play. If you want a very slim neck then something in the SR series might be for you. If you want a more traditional neck then the BTB would probably suit your liking better.

Another good, inexpensive bass is the Peavey Millenium BXP or AC BXP. The AC BXP has active electronics so you can refine your tone more than you can with the passive AC BXP model.

The Fender Standard Jazz and Precision are pretty decent basses too. I just don't think they sound good enough to warrant the $600 and $550 price tags that come with them. IMO, you can find something that sounds just as good or even better for the money, something like a used Fender Deluxe Active Jazz bass would be a better call IMO.

Yamaha RBX 170 and RBX 374 are also well built, comfortable, and good sounding basses for their prices. As are the BB series they offer. However, if you can find an used older BB series you'd be better off snagging that if the price is within your budget.

The best thing you can really do though is to get out there and start playing all different makes and models and go with the one you feel sounds and plays best to you. That's really the only way you're going to know 100% for sure what you like and what to expect from the bass.

Much Love
Mama Cass:bassist:
 
#11
In addition to all of the above: if at all possible, get your hands onto a bass first before you buy it. Or at least listen to someone else playing it. It's amazing how different some basses sound.

If you opt for a passive bass as recommended by marcss, keep in mind that you'll probably need an amp with built-in equilization (or another type of eq) to achieve the sound you like.
 
#12
My advice would be to go bass shopping with an unbyassed player, but as you can see in the above posts, they are hard to find.

Besides many advantages, a major drawback of many Fenders and Squiers is neck diving. Never buy a bass that does not keep hanging in the correct position when you let go off it with your hands. Definitely no neck supporting with your fretting hand!

Many Ibanez, Yamaha, Dean, Peavey and other brands will serve nicely. But do mind the next step. Once you're hooked (or should I say: strapped) the wish to step up to something nicer will come soon enough. Hence my advice to buy something very cheap and easy to start with. Used, why not, take it to a guitar tech, have it checked and balanced and restrung if necessary. Later, buy a decent bass and maybe sell your cradle bass to the next newbee.
 
#15
fender fender fender... bah ... get a 100.00 Dean Zone XM Bass Guitar ... it's a simple/cheap/ decent beginner bass... don't pay full price for it at GC they will discount it for you... or even better wait for a sale. Put some decent strings on while your there and ask if them to give it a once over to see if it might need any kind of adjustment.

Don't leave the store with a newly purchased bass that needs a setup...
 
#16
turbo chicken said:
Don't leave the store with a newly purchased bass that needs a setup...
Click to expand...

Is setup something that GC (or similar) typically offers as part of a new purchase?

If not, what should I expect to spend?

I bought a new bass a few weeks ago, but after making my decision, had to rush out of the store to get my kids. I now wonder if the action might need to be adjusted.
 
#17
No it is not offered as part of a new purchase.
It is a service you usually have to pay for... usually around 30 bucks for a simple setup. (i think)

3 out of the 2 basses i purchased at GC when i asked they happily obliged when i purchased strings with the bass ... (and why wouldn't you buy good strings?)

but you left the store... so they are going to think you messed with it and got it out of wack and will probably charge you.

that being said... it's very simple to do a setup on your bass if you do some research...
 
#18
Well i appreciate all the great advice so far! I was planning to go up to guitar center some time in the next week and mess around with some of them to see which one feels right. I will try to bring along one of the guitarists in my band as he knows a bit about bass, and after I have made a decision, I will start shopping around a bit! I will make sure to check out the jazz/precision bass's for sure though. Something so highly recommended i doubt can be terrible. I will also see if they have an ibanez or two there. I am looking forward to finding the right bass for me.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back