Getting back into bass

[jd56hawk]

I just bought an L2000 Tribute and it arrived Monday. I own a US L1000 CLF and had an early L1000 at an earlier part of my life. G&L's are the ticket at so many price points. You can get an JB Tribute for under $500 brand new if you buy right (Musician's Friend often runs 10% off deals and AMS and Zzounds will match or do them one better). I paid $660 for my brand new L2000. I was planning on waiting until after the holidays for a US version but couldn't resist the sunburst bass I bought. I've been playing it for hours each night since it arrived and can't get over how good it is. The range of tones you can develop from these L2000's is incredible. The quality of build for these Indonesian Tributes is also extremely high. Straight out of the box, I was comfortably playing after spending about 15 minutes adjusting string height and checking intonation.

I like that they came out with a few more colors for the L2000 Tributes awhile back...especially with the maple fretboards...but I have to go with one of the metal flake USA models when I find just the right one.
I can definitely see myself playing the one I posted above.

 

[overit]

I'd try as many as possible and pick the one that makes you want to play.

 

[tjh]

Hello friends,

Here's the scoop. I started playing bass when I was 12 years old (I'm almost 26 now) and my first and only bass to this point has been one of those First Act ones from Walmart....

... aching to get back to playing. Wouldn't necessarily be in a band, but that's not ruled out... I don't want something trash or one that needs a lot of setting up or work... Budget isn't really an issue either, but I'd like the best value for my money. I've been researching and exploring other options, which are listed below. So if anyone could provide constructive insight, I'd appreciate it.

Ibanez GSR200
Ibanez Mezzo SRMD200
Yamaha TRBX304
Fender Player Series Precision Bass
Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass
Fender American Series
Lakland Skyline 44-64 Custom PJ

For starters, coming from a Walmart First Act, anything on your list will be more than a 100% improvement .. with that said, I will not comment on the Ibanez, Yamaha or Lakland on your list, as my experience with all of these has been to 'go back to Fender', but that is likely having played some type of Fender for almost 50 years, and for no other reason, where I am most comfortable … I will toss out a few comments on the Fender's you have listed … the one caveat inline with your wanting the 'best value' for your money, is to buy a well cared for, good quality used instrument from a reliable source ...

The Player Series is a recent evolution from the Fender Standard Series (MIM) basses … one of the main differences of the Player Series, is that Fender has begun using Alnico pickups instead of the ceramic models used for years in the (MIM) Standard Series … neither is necessarily 'better', just a matter of preference … with that said, I would definitely recommend you consider the value of a used (MIM) Fender Standard Series bass … just be aware, there are 4 distinct era's of (MIM) Standard Series offerings, and although you will find a LOT of happy owners using basses from each era, you will also find a LOT of people slamming (MIM) Standards solely based upon his/hers experience in the past with something from one of the era's, and suffice it to say that not all era's are the same, and that is in components as well as specs … ALSO, be aware that there are SEVERAL other models of Fender basses that are Made in Mexico (MIM) ...

The Fender Aerodyne is offered in several different configurations, and both as a P/J and as a Jazz … all are a product of Japan (MIJ/CIJ) … the two biggest options of Aerodyne's are what comes to the US market, and those 'not intended for export' (from Japan) … the easiest way to tell aesthetically is the US market version comes with no fret markers on the fretboard and no pickguard … 'not for export' models have fret markers on the board and pickguard … Aerodynes can be very light basses, quality is quite consistent … necks tend to be a smaller profile, and use a smaller 7 1/4" fretboard radius, again a matter of preference for users hands … a neat thing about the Aerodyne line, is that the 'non-export' version can also be found in a 32" scale Jazz vs.the standard 34" scale … all Aerodynes for the US market (no markers/pickguard) are 34" scale …

You have 'American Series' listed, but I am assuming you mean in general a 'Made in America' (MIA) model … I am clarifying this, as the 'name' American Series is a specific Fender model/series of basses used from 2000 to July of 2007 … these were in essence the result of a name change by Fender, where the name American Standard was not used for a period of time … be aware, there are SEVERAL models, and even different ERA's of those models out there available for Made in America (MIA) basses … you may run across (in the used market) American Series and American Standard (as mentioned), Highway 1 or Highway ONE, American Specials, etc., etc. … all which can be great 'bang for the buck' buys which will hold their value when purchased used … and, it is not out of the question to at times find a MIA bass in the $500 range, it is a matter of knowing what you are looking at (or knowing people that do, like us here ) …

Hopefully I helped to give a bit of clarity to your 'vast' array of options, at least within the Fender line ... also, as has been mentioned, don't overlook the Squier line of offerings … post '07 there have been some extremely good quality model/series offerings and values that would also be 100% better than your early First Act piece … I parked my MIA Fenders the last couple summers to play a ($150 purchased used) 2010 Squier Jazz in performances due to its comfort and light weight (in pic to left) …

Do your homework, and enjoy the process of finding your next instrument, but just realize it is not likely to be your 'end all/be all' should you decide to stick with this … and, at this point you really have no clear idea what you (will) like/want/need as you grow in your experience … play everything you can get your hands on, noting the little nuances of things that you find you like/dislike, and after a while you will find yourself not relying on others recommendations ...

JMHO's … as always ..

 

[higain617]

I’d buy used. Check out what’s in the classifieds on here.

 

[Justin Askins]

For starters, coming from a Walmart First Act, anything on your list will be more than a 100% improvement .. with that said, I will not comment on the Ibanez, Yamaha or Lakland on your list, as my experience with all of these has been to 'go back to Fender', but that is likely having played some type of Fender for almost 50 years, and for no other reason, where I am most comfortable … I will toss out a few comments on the Fender's you have listed … the one caveat inline with your wanting the 'best value' for your money, is to buy a well cared for, good quality used instrument from a reliable source ...

The Player Series is a recent evolution from the Fender Standard Series (MIM) basses … one of the main differences of the Player Series, is that Fender has begun using Alnico pickups instead of the ceramic models used for years in the (MIM) Standard Series … neither is necessarily 'better', just a matter of preference … with that said, I would definitely recommend you consider the value of a used (MIM) Fender Standard Series bass … just be aware, there are 4 distinct era's of (MIM) Standard Series offerings, and although you will find a LOT of happy owners using basses from each era, you will also find a LOT of people slamming (MIM) Standards solely based upon his/hers experience in the past with something from one of the era's, and suffice it to say that not all era's are the same, and that is in components as well as specs … ALSO, be aware that there are SEVERAL other models of Fender basses that are Made in Mexico (MIM) ...

The Fender Aerodyne is offered in several different configurations, and both as a P/J and as a Jazz … all are a product of Japan (MIJ/CIJ) … the two biggest options of Aerodyne's are what comes to the US market, and those 'not intended for export' (from Japan) … the easiest way to tell aesthetically is the US market version comes with no fret markers on the fretboard and no pickguard … 'not for export' models have fret markers on the board and pickguard … Aerodynes can be very light basses, quality is quite consistent … necks tend to be a smaller profile, and use a smaller 7 1/4" fretboard radius, again a matter of preference for users hands … a neat thing about the Aerodyne line, is that the 'non-export' version can also be found in a 32" scale Jazz vs.the standard 34" scale … all Aerodynes for the US market (no markers/pickguard) are 34" scale …

You have 'American Series' listed, but I am assuming you mean in general a 'Made in America' (MIA) model … I am clarifying this, as the 'name' American Series is a specific Fender model/series of basses used from 2000 to July of 2007 … these were in essence the result of a name change by Fender, where the name American Standard was not used for a period of time … be aware, there are SEVERAL models, and even different ERA's of those models out there available for Made in America (MIA) basses … you may run across (in the used market) American Series and American Standard (as mentioned), Highway 1 or Highway ONE, American Specials, etc., etc. … all which can be great 'bang for the buck' buys which will hold their value when purchased used … and, it is not out of the question to at times find a MIA bass in the $500 range, it is a matter of knowing what you are looking at (or knowing people that do, like us here ) …

Hopefully I helped to give a bit of clarity to your 'vast' array of options, at least within the Fender line ... also, as has been mentioned, don't overlook the Squier line of offerings … post '07 there have been some extremely good quality model/series offerings and values that would also be 100% better than your early First Act piece … I parked my MIA Fenders the last couple summers to play a ($150 purchased used) 2010 Squier Jazz in performances due to its comfort and light weight (in pic to left) …

Do your homework, and enjoy the process of finding your next instrument, but just realize it is not likely to be your 'end all/be all' should you decide to stick with this … and, at this point you really have no clear idea what you (will) like/want/need as you grow in your experience … play everything you can get your hands on, noting the little nuances of things that you find you like/dislike, and after a while you will find yourself not relying on others recommendations ...

JMHO's … as always ..

By American Series, I was referring to the Performer, Professional, and Elite models in the American line. Thank you for your information and input.

 

[Justin Askins]

I’d buy used. Check out what’s in the classifieds on here.

Buying used is something I'm not sure about (used anything, not just basses). Part of me doesn't wanna get burned like with my first bass. But you aren't the first person to say that so it must mean something

 

[Justin Askins]

I'd try as many as possible and pick the one that makes you want to play.

I like the sound of that! I've been trying out several

 

[B-Lo]

Buying used is something I'm not sure about (used anything, not just basses). Part of me doesn't wanna get burned like with my first bass. But you aren't the first person to say that so it must mean something

You have valid reason to be concerned, but I'd also encourage you to consider buying used from reputable sellers. The classifieds here include the seller's feedback rating so it's pretty easy to see if you're dealing with a stand-up guy/gal.

I recently traded basses with a guy on here whose positive feedback rating had over 600 transactions with 0 negative ratings. I felt pretty confident executing that trade

 

[Admiral Thrawn]

Buying used is something I'm not sure about (used anything, not just basses). Part of me doesn't wanna get burned like with my first bass. But you aren't the first person to say that so it must mean something

I always buy new everything when possible, but when it comes to a bass, I want a new bass because I want a bass that may have only been demoed at most, not owned, by someone else. To me, there's just something weird about playing an instrument that was broken in by someone else. Call me crazy--I've heard worse from better!

It's a weird quirk I have, but I also understand where you're coming from about trying to avoid getting burned. HOWEVER, I have found the Classified on TB to be pretty reliable in the sellers being on point. Reverb I've heard is also a good source for used gear as they can help you sort out a problem should one arise with the gear you bought.

Make sure you post the bass you end up getting!

 

[dramatwist]

I always buy new everything when possible, but when it comes to a bass, I want a new bass because I want a bass that may have only been demoed at most, not owned, by someone else. To me, there's just something weird about playing an instrument that was broken in by someone else. Call me crazy--I've heard worse from better!

It's a weird quirk I have, but I also understand where you're coming from about trying to avoid getting burned. HOWEVER, I have found the Classified on TB to be pretty reliable in the sellers being on point. Reverb I've heard is also a good source for used gear as they can help you sort out a problem should one arise with the gear you bought.

Make sure you post the bass you end up getting!

...I get it... but for me, used is the way to go. Why? $$.

 

[tjh]

Buying used is something I'm not sure about (used anything, not just basses). Part of me doesn't wanna get burned like with my first bass. But you aren't the first person to say that so it must mean something

.. completely depends on the bass, the source, and the person you are buying it from … there are probably hundreds of used basses changing hands on this forum on a yearly basis ... those of us with extensive feedback and have had periods of going through many, many, many (a lot!) of basses pass on good (or great even!) buys, easily like money in the bank should a buyer decide to pass it on again in the future …

The key is to educate yourself, both on basses, models/components/values/etc, and recognizing reputable sellers that have a history of passing on good quality (not highly modified) pieces, at realistic used market prices (or below), that aren't afraid to answer questions in an honest manner … we are out there, but without doing the legwork to find out who is who, buying used can be a cr@pshoot …

JMHO … as always

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hello friends,

Here's the scoop. I started playing bass when I was 12 years old (I'm almost 26 now) and my first and only bass to this point has been one of those First Act ones from Walmart. Well it worked fine when I was a beginner and knew nothing about music or bass, but once I learned about setting up instruments (maybe at like 18 or 19), I found that the bass I had been using was set up terribly and couldnt be adjusted because the truss rod was rusted/broken (according to the guy at Guitar Center).

Bottom line is I sold that bass and have been aching to get back to playing. Wouldn't necessarily be in a band, but that's not ruled out. Would mostly be for noodling and writing songs at home. So my question is: what are basses I should consider to get back into it? I don't want something trash or one that needs a lot of setting up or work, but if those are the only two criteria, doesn't that make my options pretty vast? Budget isn't really an issue either, but I'd like the best value for my money. I've been researching and exploring other options, which are listed below. So if anyone could provide constructive insight, I'd appreciate it.

Ibanez GSR200
Ibanez Mezzo SRMD200
Yamaha TRBX304
Fender Player Series Precision Bass
Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass
Fender American Series
Lakland Skyline 44-64 Custom PJ

Any other ones I should consider?

Thanks guys and rock on

I read a few responses on this thread where the poster’s biggest priority is in how it feels. I’m not going to say that is not an important consideration, but IMO the most important thing is how does it sound. Will it’s voice fit the music I play.

Always let your ears guide you. Keep in mind, being a bassist isn’t all about comfort. If it were, we’d all just sit at home in our pajamas. Your number one job is the voice you bring to the gig. Let that be your primary consideration.

Any of those Basses you listed should be able to give you a usable voice. I have a preference for Fenders, mainly because I’m an old fart the grew up in 50s and 60s and pretty much, it was ingrained into my minds ear.

Best wishes and good hunting.

 

[dkelley]

"Getting back into bass"

Do you think you'll fit?

 

[FDR Jones]

If you really don't have a clue what you like and don't like in a bass, well, personally I would start with something cheap and buy used so it can be sold later for roughly the same price. It took me 3 or 4 tries before I landed on a couple keepers. I started on a Squier Jazz, then I had a EB-0 copy, then an Ibanez semihollow, and now I have a Hofner and a Supro.

I'd say that there's a decent chance that whatever you buy now (regardless of the price) won't be what you want in two or three years.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Look in the classified here. You can get a good price, and likely a bass set up better than anything you will get on line or in a store.

But it's worth learning basic set up and maintenance skills. Saves you money, and as you get better, you can set it up the way you want.

 

[BarfanyShart]

I like those new Player Series Fenders, and I nearly bought a Lakland recently myself. If you like p-basses, and you want a partner for life, go hunting for a Fender that speaks to you.

 

[mrcbass]

If budget is not an option (and even if it is), go get your hands on as many basses as you can. This will help you to determine what fits you the best. Having no severs budgetary restraints will certainly help if you find that the one that loves you is at the higher end of the scale. But you may be surprised at how many low-mid range basses play very well once they are set up properly.

 

[Admiral Thrawn]

Since you mentioned that budget isn't a major thing, I'd suggest playing as many StingRays as possible, too.

There are three tiers: SUB, Sterling by MusicMan, and then MusicMan StingRay. The SUB line comes in below $500 for the most part; Sterling by MM comes in around $500-1200 depending on what the bass has going for it (such as being a 5-string); MM StingRays (including the new short scale ones) come in around $2000+.

I play a MM StingRay5 and love the feel and tone of the bass.

Just thought I'd throw out something other than a P or J bass for consideration.

Regardless of what you get, make sure you post pictures of your new set up!

 

[Justin Askins]

The 4 I've narrowed it down to are the Lakland, G&L, Fender American Elite, and Ernie Ball.

Expensive taste, I know, but go big or go home. Now to just go check them out somewhere

 

[dmt]

Hello friends,

Here's the scoop...if anyone could provide constructive insight, I'd appreciate it.

Ibanez GSR200
Ibanez Mezzo SRMD200
Yamaha TRBX304
Fender Player Series Precision Bass
Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass
Fender American Series
Lakland Skyline 44-64 Custom PJ

Any other ones I should consider?

Thanks guys and rock on

Fender Player Series Precision Bass

Why? Well, I don’t know all those models you listed, but I’m sure they’re probably all decent enough basses. Like you said, the problem isn’t having enough options, the problem is that there are too many options! Accordingly, I gravitate right towards the classic, Fender. If classics aren’t your thing, then the first name that pops to mind is Ibanez. Meanwhile, if neither of those do it for you, there are lots of options — but then we’re back to the original problem

Okay, so Fender. Now you’ve got two main choices, Precision ("P") or Jazz ("J"). If you’re still onboard here, try playing both and see which you prefer. I prefer the simplicity and great sound of the Precision; others prefer the slim neck and more sound options of the Jazz. Series-wise, an American Performer could be great, but they really are quite a bit of money - especially if you haven’t settled on which model (P or J) is your favorite yet. Accordingly, before going all in on an American (MIA) model, I’d start off with a more reasonably priced MIM (Made in Mexico) one - they’re good basses. That’s what I did anyway - started with an MIM Jazz, switched to an MIM Precision, added an MIA P and MIA J to my little collection, but that old MIM Precision is still the one I play the most. YMMV

Anyway, you should get the one that appeals to you the most somehow. If none of the above sounded like it fit you and you have nothing else to go on, I’d start with looks. Try a few well-known basses that look cool and are available to try out, and then when you actually get them in your hands, of those, pick the one that "speaks to you" somehow, get it set up at the shop before you leave, and then take it home and enjoy. Good luck!