Im not really just starting out, just starting to take it serious, can I slap...Negative......can I play jazz..nope....but I can play pretty well for the time I been playing! I was looking for someone in my area to give me lessons but to tell you the truth, the guys at my local music store know less than me and I can smoke them if I had to! I know all my modes, chords..ect. , dont need them to tell me!! So I will take you're advice and look further into lessons, maybe I will post an ad or something on CL! I also will hit the store and play a few...only one I can NOT try out is the road worn, not in stock anywhere near me! Thank you for your help!!
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 GOOD bass help!
- Thread starter jarrydee
- Start date
Im not really just starting out, just starting to take it serious, can I slap...Negative......can I play jazz..nope....but I can play pretty well for the time I been playing! I was looking for someone in my area to give me lessons but to tell you the truth, the guys at my local music store know less than me and I can smoke them if I had to! I know all my modes, chords..ect. , dont need them to tell me!! So I will take you're advice and look further into lessons, maybe I will post an ad or something on CL! I also will hit the store and play a few...only one I can NOT try out is the road worn, not in stock anywhere near me! Thank you for your help!!
The only thing I dont like about this VM is to my ears it has this weird Mid range I dont like when I turn the tone knob.....I have D'addario chromes on it right now!
PS. in case it matters I am playing classic rock in a cover band!
Why not GC? That's the first place I'd suggest. They will certainly have the American Standard, as well as probably any other Fender P made. You're looking to try, they offer access to a huge range of models. Where you buy is up to you, but I would not reject GC if I were looking to try a certain model, especially Fender. MHO.
By the way, if I had the cash, IMHO I'd go with the American Standard hands down.
It could be the strings, I tried chromes for a while and didn't like them for that reason. I moved to Thomastik-Infield Jazz Flats (didn't like them either) then Pyramid nickel flats (great tone for classic rock, but expensive!) and now have settled on LaBella Nylon Tapewound Flats. For me its blues, R&B/motown, a little jazz. They kill for that.
It could also be amp eq, but I doubt that its the bass.
Endless possibilities!
I would defiantly try them out at GC, I just like to support my local "mid michigan music" chain! and guitar center is a half hour away in Saginaw MI, mid michigan music is 4 blocks away!! So you would go with the AS over the road worn or the special?
I think your right....I dont think I am digging the strings! as for the eq, I have been messing with this dang amp since I got it a few days ago and still have not been able to settle on a tone, I keep changing things and am always afraid to turn the bas knob up because I might blow the speakers...I am just a worrier!
With a 4-10 you shouldn't have to worry about the speakers. Don't worry about messing with the eq, it takes time to get your sound right. strings are a whole other story-
I would, yes. Especially if we're talking P bass. In numerous threads on this board, the current crop of AS P's have gotten glowing endorsements.
As to the Roadworn, not trying to start anything, but I personally do not like the look. I prefer to "relic my own" through use. I will not pay the price asked for a new bass that doesn't look new.
That's personal opinion, and may not have anything to do with your's or anyone else's.
really was not KEEn on the look either, I have just read that they were nice basses! OK...I found a like new AS on CL for $900.00 that is 5 years old...should I do it or go for new? Your guy's help is invaluable to me!!
With used you get a lower price, with new, you get a warranty. Depends what the warranty is worth to you. For me, if I had the cash to spend, I'd go new.
Also, no matter which you buy, the advice to play it first still applies. My advice, or anyone else's on this forum, is only as good as my personal experience goes. It's really your experience and opinion that matters most in the end. We can try to point you in the right direction, but ultimately the destination is up to you.
One more thing: The price you quoted for the used AS should include a case. If he wants that for just the bass, without case, IMHO that's not a very good deal at all.
Also, no matter which you buy, the advice to play it first still applies. My advice, or anyone else's on this forum, is only as good as my personal experience goes. It's really your experience and opinion that matters most in the end. We can try to point you in the right direction, but ultimately the destination is up to you.
One more thing: The price you quoted for the used AS should include a case. If he wants that for just the bass, without case, IMHO that's not a very good deal at all.
they guy said it does come with the hard case... but I dont know, seem like I could find a new one for a grand if I tried hard enough....or not?
Agree with bherman-play as many of these as you can. Personally, (I've got my helmet on) I absolutely hate 99% of the modern Fenders I've played-modern being about 40 years old and less. Then again, I'm spoiled-yeah, I own "THAT" one, and no you guys can't play it, see it or even point at it.
HOWEVER! If you are patient, you will find one that is awesome. BTW, Lakland makes a custom made P-Bass model that is better than any new Fender I've played. A "tad" more expensive. Keep looking, and enjoy the trip.
HOWEVER! If you are patient, you will find one that is awesome. BTW, Lakland makes a custom made P-Bass model that is better than any new Fender I've played. A "tad" more expensive. Keep looking, and enjoy the trip.
Thank you for you advice!! I will get out and play a few at mu local music store, bad thing is that I called them (they know me) and asked on a price for an AS bass, now when I go in to try one they are going to hound the sh%t out of me, they have already been calling me!! And of course they told me that they are trying to clear out there american SPECIALS and have been pushing that on me for 3 days now!
I prefer rotosound flatwounds myself. I have heard good things about DR's as well. I use DR strings for my roundwound needs. I would say unless you have to have a Fender look at other brands with p-bass"esque" designs. They may not be better than the fenders you try....but they might. I found my Lakland Bob Glaub used at a pawn shop and was able to talk them down to not much more than a VM p bass goes for in stores.
Also, I tried to like chromes but they are definitely not for me.
I will do just that!!! I am new enough that I dont know the other brands that may be good! I will defiantly look for a NON fender p bass..anything a local music store would have in stock that I could look at that may be cheaper and almost as good?
Hey Jarry:
LET the salesmen hound you-the more time they have invested in bugging you, the better possibility of getting a decent deal when you do find something you like. Remember though, you gotta speak up....
Works with the charming salesmen at the auto dealership too!
LET the salesmen hound you-the more time they have invested in bugging you, the better possibility of getting a decent deal when you do find something you like. Remember though, you gotta speak up....
Works with the charming salesmen at the auto dealership too!
I think your right....they are calling my house and everything because they know I have the cash right now!! But I am going to look for the best deal I can get, I would not have a problem buying used, but it is hard to find the color I want, I dont care for the reds and blue or white, I really like the sunburst...I know they will all play the same but I would really like to enjoy the look of it also! I am thinking of heading down there soon, I just get nervous when salesmen bug me, like I almost feel I have to buy because they have put the time in with me.....see, I am getting worked up already and I am not even there yet!
I have a MIM in Mexico P and a AS Jazz both Fenders. Both play very well, both have never let me down, The AS is better made higher quality parts, but the MIM bass I have is a better bang for the buck if you ask me. Just make sure if you buy a MIM bass play it first I've heard they are notorious for Fret buzz and intonation problems. That being said just go to your local guitar store and play a bunch of different Basses till you fall in love with one.
