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Good bass for a beginner?

M

_Miaow_

Aug 22, 2009
3
0
#1
Can someone reccomend a good bass for a begginer?
I'm interested in learning bass and thought- what better place to ask this question than a forum full of bassists?
Should I get a really cheap one just to try it out?
Or a kinda decent begginer one?

(I hope I posted this in the right place.)
 
#3
You can get decent low cost basses like Squier, SX, a used G&L Tribute, a Mexican Fender, etc. Just make sure that you have it set up by someone that knows what they're doing. A good setup makes all the difference in the world. I would rather play an inexpensive well setup bass than a poorly setup expensive bass.

How much are you looking to spend?
 
#5
I'm pretty big. I want a full scale bass.
I live in Ireland, and there'es no GUitar Centers here-there's not many big music superstores here, and definitely not any near me.

You can get decent low cost basses like Squier, SX, a used G&L Tribute, a Mexican Fender, etc. Just make sure that you have it set up by someone that knows what they're doing. A good setup makes all the difference in the world. I would rather play an inexpensive well setup bass than a poorly setup expensive bass.

How much are you looking to spend?
Click to expand...
I don't really want to spend much, maybe around 200-250euro...
I think that's like 300 dollars- that's including a practice amp aswell.
Where would I get it setup- in a music shop or something?
 
#9
I'll have to recommend the Ibanez SR500.

This is a very high quality bass for the price paid. Has nice Bartolini pickups, neck is fast and easy to play. Most of all it has great tone! I just picked one up in a trade and I'm loving this bass. You could easily gig and record with this bass. Lots of bang for the buck! You might find one used that fits your budget.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-SR500-Soundgear-4String-Bass?sku=515055

I also like the G&L Tribute L2000, as well as a good Jazz bass like a Fender (made in Mexico) or an SX jazz bass from Rondo Music.
 
#10
Top of the mornin' to you Miaow.

1) Shop your local bass stores, then before you buy go here: http://www.thomann.de/gb/index.html
This of course is online, so you can't try the bass... but you will know what to pay for one and get a great overview of what's out there.

2) Fender's second brand is Squier and they make solid instruments. Thomann lists a Squier jazz bass for £245 which is very reasonable.

3) Considered used as well. My first bass was a Fender Jazz in very good shape for a reasonable price from an online auction.

4) Heads up: a basic decision to be made will be choosing between a P-style and J-style (jazz) bass. P-style will be a little more low end with a fatter neck, J-style will give you more mid-range tones (putting you further in front in the mix if you play with a band) and a thinner, faster neck. Each style has different pickups.

5) Here is a good introductory article on Wikipedia as well: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_guitar

Finally, to echo a point made above, don't go too cheap, but instead look for something that feels, looks and sounds good to you... you will enjoy it every time you play.

Enjoy, let us know what you decide!
 

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