First Electric Bass purchase - advice

[twiceshy]

Hi,

I'm an guitar player by experience. I picked up an acoustic bass (Tacoma Thunderchief) about five years ago to add something to an acoustic duo I was playing in. Needless to say my bass skills a somewhat limited but i can get around a fret board with enough ease to be listenable.

I'm going to sell my acoustic bass to buy a proper electric bass. The only band I had ever been from college included a bass player who had a Rickenbacker Bass. I loved the sound but I am un-willing or better incapable of playing $1600 for a bass guitar.

Are there respectable brand / models that come in around $750 (new or used?)

Also my Thunderchief plays nicely through my California Blonde amp for practice purposes. Can I continue to use this or do a need to buy some other amp?

Any advice would be great. I still plan to play guitar 75% of the time but I'd like to augment with a sturdy bass guitar.

Thanks, MT

 

[zachoff]

Tons of basses under $750 & no... I wouldn't play bass through guitar speakers for any extended period of time. What kind of music do you play? What kind of sound are you looking for?

 

[5string5fingers]

If you're just going to get a bass to study on the side, I see no reason to spend 750 on an instrument that wont get used a whole lot. Go with the squier Vintage modified or classic vibe basses. A jazz may feel more comfortable for you,but try the P basses as well. They're excellent quality,sound great,feel great,and even look great.

And unless you don't like your guitar amp...DO NOT play your bass through it.

 

[JxBass]

If you're just going to get a bass to study on the side, I see no reason to spend 750 on an instrument that wont get used a whole lot. Go with the squier Vintage modified or classic vibe basses. A jazz may feel more comfortable for you,but try the P basses as well. They're excellent quality,sound great,feel great,and even look great.

+1. More than just "starter basses". Excellent quality and playability for the money. You can never go wrong with a P-Bass, IMO.

 

[madmatt]

If you're just going to get a bass to study on the side, I see no reason to spend 750 on an instrument that wont get used a whole lot. Go with the squier Vintage modified or classic vibe basses. A jazz may feel more comfortable for you,but try the P basses as well. They're excellent quality,sound great,feel great,and even look great.

And unless you don't like your guitar amp...DO NOT play your bass through it.

I like the Classic '50's bass. If I were to get one of this series it would be the '50's version...
I saw a demo on Youtube and this guy was playing a Classic Vibe, a Sting and another single coil '50's style P. To me the Classic Vibe came in second place.

 

[gitlvr]

If you're just going to get a bass to study on the side, I see no reason to spend 750 on an instrument that wont get used a whole lot. Go with the squier Vintage modified or classic vibe basses. A jazz may feel more comfortable for you,but try the P basses as well. They're excellent quality,sound great,feel great,and even look great.

And unless you don't like your guitar amp...DO NOT play your bass through it.

+1 to every single syllable of this post.
However, if you think you'll do more with the bass in the future, or you just want the nicest you can afford, in the used market the world, as they say, is your oyster. If I had that much money for a bass, I'd look at used MIA Fender.
Another thing to think about is an amp. You could go with a Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe Squier, and have enough for a decent amp as well. Just like guitar, the amp is half(or more) of the equation.
If it were me and I had the cash, I'd keep my Squier Affinity P(all the bass I need right now) and spent the cash on an amp.

 

[twiceshy]

Thanks for the tips.

So it sounds like I should go for the Fender Jazz and Precision bass, correct? Could I get a bass and amp for under $750? If so what kind of amps are nice to have.

I play post-punk rock/pop type music. However, right now, I've fallen back in love with the Clash though and with Paul's elementary bass lines, I'm finding a rich source to learn from. I feel the same way about Adam Clayton because both were self-taught and managed to do a lot with little technical skill.

I will take a trip to local Guitar Center to try of few out but will likely try to purchase on craigslist or ebay when I'm decided.

Thanks.

 

[iri5h_punk21]

Gibson Grabbers are on ebay. They have a similar aggressive tone to the Rick (although in my opinion just a bit rounder). They usually go from $600-$900. I've only recieved compliments on mine from both guitar players and bass players alike, they all love the neck!

 

[zachoff]

Thanks for the tips.

So it sounds like I should go for the Fender Jazz and Precision bass, correct? Could I get a bass and amp for under $750? If so what kind of amps are nice to have.

I play post-punk rock/pop type music. However, right now, I've fallen back in love with the Clash though and with Paul's elementary bass lines, I'm finding a rich source to learn from. I feel the same way about Adam Clayton because both were self-taught and managed to do a lot with little technical skill.

I will take a trip to local Guitar Center to try of few out but will likely try to purchase on craigslist or ebay when I'm decided.

Thanks.

Simmonen and Clayton both play Ps. If you go used you can find deals all day on Squier VM Ps... Usually around $150-$200. As far as amps go, I'd say find something that's 300W+ and at least a 2x10. I'd be more apt to get a head & cab and that can pretty easily be done for less than $500 if you're not too jumpy.

 

[peledog]

If your budget for bass and amp is $750, then buy used. You can find great deals here on TB.

If you're gigging, you need the bass amp to be a lot more powerful than the guitar amp. The higher the wattage, the cleaner the sound - usually. Personally, I'd invest more in the bass first, rather than the amp.

See if you can find a nice P bass for under $500 and look for at least a 150-200watt amp/combo with at least a 12" or 2x10". The new GK combos http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...x15-200W-Ultralight-Bass-Combo-Amp?sku=581052 are nice as are the the Carvins ( Invalid Link Removed which is what I use). I've also used Behringer combos - their great for the money, especially on a budget, but I wouldn't gig too much with them. It should be ample power in the meantime, while you search for a sturdy amp setup.

Here's a Precision on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Standard...r-/270686850127?pt=Guitar&hash=item3f06318c4f
Go with a used Fender Mexico or Japan - the USAs are generally more expensive. The MIJ (made in Japan) instruments are excellent. I've owned a Jazz bass MIJ. Amazing instrument.

You can search craigslist nationally with this
Link Removed

 

[Big Blue Toe]

I haven't played the bass in over 25 years but recently went out and bought one to jam a bit with my nephews who are just discovered what their "crazy uncle" did way back when...

30 years ago the bass of choice seemed to be the Fenders. That hasn't changed all that much. That being said I was shocked at the selection nowaday.

There are a lot of really good basses out there. You don't have to drop no 800 to 1000 bucks either. I spent the better part of two days visiting the shops and playing dozens to find one that felt right. I tried not to be influenced too much by name or where the guitar was made. Feel and sound were the important things.
In the end I picked up a Peavey Grind 5-string. I was surprised that it was made in *gasp* China! Stuff out of China has been suspect but I am really amazed on how well it plays and sounds. All for 400$
Bottom line is, take your time and find the one that feels right and that you like.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

play before you pay
buy used
Buy something you can easily resell, like an MIA Fender.

 

[Daede]

You can get a great bass and amp for $750. If you go used, you can get an even better deal.

 

[bolophonic]

Fender Precision.

 

[GroovyBaby]

Go to Guitar Center and play a bunch of basses to see how they sound and feel. So much of it personal taste. The used Carvin 4 string bolts are a steal on ebay. I like their basses but I don't trust their amps. I've had Precisions and Jazz basses. I like the shape and balanced tone of the Jazz but that is just my taste. The P is a great bass. The Ibanez basses are smaller and lighter. Comfort in the hands is really important and you can only find that out by holding them. For me the Jazz is the most comfortalbe…but I'm playing for 4 hours at a stretch. PLUG them in while there! You will hear the difference in tone and have some idea of what appeals to you when you leave. A used SWR WorkingPro 12 is a great starter amp. Kicks enough but to do a small live gig if you run the direct out into the PA.

 

[azfryguy]

Squier P bass or J bass=$200

Roland Micro Cube Bass RX Bass Combo Amp=$250

Neotech Mega Bass Strap=$30

Dean Markley Blue Steel=$20

Live Wire 1/4" Angled/Straight Instrument Cable= $15

Gear One G40DX Headphones=$15

Musician's Gear Tubular Guitar Stand=$10

Set-up at local music store=$25-$50

Grand total=$500-$650 (if you buy new or used)


You can't really go wrong with a squier or Ibanez. I put the bass amp on there becausr I assume you are not in a band and want to learn how to play bass. I wish I had the because it has a tuner,effects and a drum beat thingy. Once you have yer gear and it's all set up and you absoulutley hate it, you could sell it for about 60% on Craigslist. Also you said you are a guitar player, If you have a stand,head phones,cables and straps that will save you a bit of money. I hope this helps. I really wish someone would have set up and put new strings on my first bass when I got it, Would have saved me so much trouble.

 

[Turock]

Use the money for a MIA Fender, continue to use the California Blonde.
The California Blonde is essentially a bass amp with a bass speaker. Lots of DB guys use them.

 

[BassNoob1]

If you're just going to get a bass to study on the side, I see no reason to spend 750 on an instrument that wont get used a whole lot. Go with the squier Vintage modified or classic vibe basses. A jazz may feel more comfortable for you,but try the P basses as well. They're excellent quality,sound great,feel great,and even look great.

And unless you don't like your guitar amp...DO NOT play your bass through it.

If all he's doing is studying, then he should probably go with the Affinity Series. There's actually an Affinity Series kit that comes with a 15-watt bass amp that's wonderful for bedroom practice. I got mine for a total of $300.00, and I even talked the salesman into throwing in a couple of picks and a guitar stand (not much but hey, free stuff).

 

[WackoStu]

As a new bassist, I want to echo what some here are saying. Go and play every bass they have if you need too. While I was waiting for my New Bass Day, I researched here and on music store sites, and thought I knew for sure what bass I wanted. However, I took the advice here, and went in and played. I came out with a different bass than what I went in for because it had the sound that was in my head. You dont pick a bass, the bass picked me.

 

[oldrookie]

If you're just going to get a bass to study on the side, I see no reason to spend 750 on an instrument that wont get used a whole lot. Go with the squier Vintage modified or classic vibe basses. A jazz may feel more comfortable for you,but try the P basses as well. They're excellent quality,sound great,feel great,and even look great.

And unless you don't like your guitar amp...DO NOT play your bass through it.

This is good advice. You may find that these Squiers don't have the feel you are looking for, but if they do you'll have a very worthy bass to learn on and gig with.

Not sure what things are like in the guitar world, but the name Squier still has bit of stigma to it. Put that aside, Squier is really stepping up. If you try one of these I think you'll find them very nice basses. Try the Squier Deluxe Active series for another very good option.

Leaves more money for an amp than a lot of other gear.

Don't over look the G&L Tribute basses. Will cost a bit more that the Squiers, but they are EXCELLENT basses. Harder to find, but worth the search.

Another option? Take a look at rondomusic.com for some inexpensive basses. I've owned three of their basses and still have one. Sold the others only to fund higher end gear. Do a search for Essex basses (TB search engine can't handle SX) for a lot of opinions on these basses. I've liked mine. Some others haven't. Lot of $ left over for a good amp out of your budget with one of these.

Last thing, nothing says this purchase has to be your one and only purchase. My taste in gear has changed a lot since I started playing, so have my basses.