I agree - $200 isn't bad at all to work with! Definitely bring a friend that plays so you can hear it without playing... I've never liked short scales, but that's just my preference.. For brands, Ibanez, Cort, Squier are all good.
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first bass!
- Thread starter proger
- Start date
I have played bass for about 15 years. I love my Ibanez Mikro. Sure, there are some things which should probably be upgraded over time, but for a beginer it would work fine.
My first bass cost about $75 and was made by a company who make starter instruments.
I kid you not, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd frets combined were about the same size as the 1st to 9th/10th fret on any proper bass. Utterly huge. And I was young so had tiny hands.
Wish I had had 200
I kid you not, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd frets combined were about the same size as the 1st to 9th/10th fret on any proper bass. Utterly huge. And I was young so had tiny hands.
Wish I had had 200
Started about a year ago. Only had $200 too. Dont bother with an amp right now. After playing for about a month without an amp finally hearing myself put the biggest smile on my face ever.
I went with Ibanez. Though some people dont like them due to the thin necks (makes it harder to change basses I suppose...?)
But really go for what you feel. I had no idea what I was doing, just "played" (by play I mean held the bass and plucked a string or too as it was my first time actually playing anything).
If it feels right, take it. Any doubts? Would suggest against it.
I went with Ibanez. Though some people dont like them due to the thin necks (makes it harder to change basses I suppose...?)
But really go for what you feel. I had no idea what I was doing, just "played" (by play I mean held the bass and plucked a string or too as it was my first time actually playing anything).
If it feels right, take it. Any doubts? Would suggest against it.
For $200, you won't get a better bass than a Made in America 80's or 90's Peavey (Foundation, Patriot, etc.). A lot of bassists here play them professionally; they're steadily increasing in value so catch them while they're still on the DL!
If you try one out and don't like it, try out a used MiM Fender P/J or a Squier Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe.
I would avoid any of the "starter pack" instruments. If you also need a bass amp, but you're only going to practice at home, you might want to pick up an M-Audio Fast Track used for ~$50 and play through headphones... it's great quality playback for cheap, and you can save up for a desirable amplifier.
If you try one out and don't like it, try out a used MiM Fender P/J or a Squier Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe.
I would avoid any of the "starter pack" instruments. If you also need a bass amp, but you're only going to practice at home, you might want to pick up an M-Audio Fast Track used for ~$50 and play through headphones... it's great quality playback for cheap, and you can save up for a desirable amplifier.
Go to a music store and play as many as you can get your hands on. Figure out what it is you like, then try to find a used one. Stay away from the starter packs.
Since you have an amp and will be able to hear yourself properly, $200 used might have been a $400-$500 bass when new, which will get you the kind of bass you don't have to replace in 3 months if you take to it, while that 'new' $200 starter bass will maybe net you $100 used if you try to sell it later to upgrade.
Since you have an amp and will be able to hear yourself properly, $200 used might have been a $400-$500 bass when new, which will get you the kind of bass you don't have to replace in 3 months if you take to it, while that 'new' $200 starter bass will maybe net you $100 used if you try to sell it later to upgrade.
I don't know what they fetch in the U.S. but over here in the U.K. you can pick up used Yamaha RBX374s all day long for the equivalent of $200. I love Yam basses and I'd say an RBX would be a perfect all rounder to start with.
I bought a Squier Affinity J-Bass starter pack off of craigslist a few weeks ago for $150. The kid I bought it from got it for Christmas and only touched it a handful of times. It will do for now but I would love a higher-end Squier or Fender Jazz bass eventually.
