Guitar Center online or Reverb.com?

[Jason151]

Hello.
I’m looking to buy my first bass guitar. I have no experience with any instrument but I do have a lot of time and money to take learning seriously. I’ve been favoring the bass for years and only now have decided it’s time to finally learn.

I already have an idea on what I want. A Precision bass + Fender Rumble 40 amp. The amp can be found easily, but I’m still on the fence about the bass. Not so much the bass itself but more on WHERE I should buy it. I have a strong preference towards a MIM P.

Here’s a few of the routes I have in mind.
Listed from most likely to least likely:

1. Buy a used MIM p bass online from Guitar Center and have it shipped to the closest store near me. There I can immediately get a refund in case it’s a bad deal or have it fixed/set up if it’s not too expensive. I can also buy all the other accessories needed while I’m in there.

2. Buy it from Reverb. I see that there’s a lot more options available for used than GC. The problem is that not every seller accepts refunds. Is buying a used bass generally safe from reverb? I’ve heard plenty of good things about this website and how most of the sellers are generally honest with the description. I see a few P’s listed between $400-600 in good to mint condition.

3. Buy a new Squier Classic Vibe and forget about any possible issues from buying used. I’ve heard plenty of great things about the Classic Vibe but I still have a greater preference towards the MIM for a few reasons. 1. Better resale value. 2. Generally better built (right?). 3. Small but noticeably “better” sound difference when compared. 4. Fender...

What do you guys think? What route should I take? I don’t mind spending $400-$600 on the bass alone.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

It’s easier to buy from Guitar Center new or used and return it to your local store . I’ve had great experiences with GC. Reverb not so much.
If I don’t like it I return it within 45 days .

 

[Jason151]

It’s easier to buy from Guitar Center new or used and return it to your local store . I’ve had great experiences with GC. Reverb not so much.
If I don’t like it I return it within 45 days .

That does seem like the safest choice. I’ll just have to wait a little while longer until I see something that I like.

 

[B-Mac]

Hello.
I’m looking to buy my first bass guitar. I have no experience with any instrument but I do have a lot of time and money to take learning seriously. I’ve been favoring the bass for years and only now have decided it’s time to finally learn.

I already have an idea on what I want. A Precision bass + Fender Rumble 40 amp. The amp can be found easily, but I’m still on the fence about the bass. Not so much the bass itself but more on WHERE I should buy it. I have a strong preference towards a MIM P.

Here’s a few of the routes I have in mind.
Listed from most likely to least likely:

1. Buy a used MIM p bass online from Guitar Center and have it shipped to the closest store near me. There I can immediately get a refund in case it’s a bad deal or have it fixed/set up if it’s not too expensive. I can also buy all the other accessories needed while I’m in there.

2. Buy it from Reverb. I see that there’s a lot more options available for used than GC. The problem is that not every seller accepts refunds. Is buying a used bass generally safe from reverb? I’ve heard plenty of good things about this website and how most of the sellers are generally honest with the description. I see a few P’s listed between $400-600 in good to mint condition.

3. Buy a new Squier Classic Vibe and forget about any possible issues from buying used. I’ve heard plenty of great things about the Classic Vibe but I still have a greater preference towards the MIM for a few reasons. 1. Better resale value. 2. Generally better built (right?). 3. Small but noticeably “better” sound difference when compared. 4. Fender...

What do you guys think? What route should I take? I don’t mind spending $400-$600 on the bass alone.

Didn’t vote as no carrots available.

I buy from GC, MF, MGR, Reverb, eBay, CME, Bass Club Chicago, Sam Ash, local mom & pop shops, Private sellers on CL both local and distant, directly from manufacturer. Several others I can’t recall.

New, used, NOS, Open Box.

Your first choice is one that I definitely believe in as I’ve done that a few times during my lunch hour when I’m working at the office instead of from home. There’s a GC close to where I work.

 

[Gorn]

I vote for a Squier Affinity from GC. No need to spend more on your first bass. It’s gonna work and serve its purpose. Any concerns about higher quality and resale value can come later.

 

[jd56hawk]

Right now, I have nine basses, only bought one in a store...bought one from eBay, one from Guitar Center online, and the rest from Reverb because they have basses you just won't find anywhere else.
As for you, go to GC and try one of these...yes, even if they have to order it. You can take it home and try it out for 45 days, good return policy at GC.
Still one of the best Squiers made.

As for amps, do yourself a favor and check this one out. I was very surprised how good it sounded and it's only a few dollars more than the Rumble.

 

[abarson]

Sweetwater.com is competitively priced, offer a 30 day return policy and have a strong reputation for customer support.
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass - Olympic White | Sweetwater

GC no longer gets my business. I do my best to buy from local independent shops or haunt Craigslist for bargains.

 

[porterbass]

Used MIM P from GC. I've bought a bunch of used basses and guitars from GC. Some are duds because they haven't been listed properly as far as condition, issues, etc, but I return them and even get shipping refunded if there's an issue. I've only returned a couple I didn't like but the instrument was fine, so I didn't ask for the shipping to be refunded.

Lately, I've been having them shipped to one of 2 local GC's just because it is easier. I'm on zoom calls all day and I don't want to worry about getting to the door for delivery. I've found the upside is opening it at GC and checking if there are any issues there. I just ordered a used bass 2 weeks ago and another today. (I really need to stop checking the GC used section) ;-)))

Local Facebook listings can be good and also check Sweetwater.

Welcome and Good luck!

 

[Jason151]

Didn’t vote as no carrots available.

I buy from GC, MF, MGR, Reverb, eBay, CME, Bass Club Chicago, Sam Ash, local mom & pop shops, Private sellers on CL both local and distant, directly from manufacturer. Several others I can’t recall.

New, used, NOS, Open Box.

Your first choice is one that I definitely believe in as I’ve done that a few times during my lunch hour when I’m working at the office instead of from home. There’s a GC close to where I work.

I vote for a Squier Affinity from GC. No need to spend more on your first bass. It’s gonna work and serve its purpose. Any concerns about higher quality and resale value can come later.

I’m sure many others will agree with you and I do get the point but I feel more comfortable buying something that’s “BIFL” instead of something that I’ll only look to replace sometime in the near future. If I’m buying a Squier then I’d rather get the best that’s available.

 

[Gorn]

I’m sure many others will agree with you and I do get the point but I feel more comfortable buying something that’s “BIFL” instead of something that I’ll only look to replace sometime in the near future. If I’m buying a Squier then I’d rather get the best that’s available.

I had to look that up. Buy it for life? You’ll very, very likely be selling the Classic Vibe or MIM you get, especially if you learn more about basses here. But regardless you should get it from GC for the reasons you mentioned above.

 

[Jason151]

Sweetwater.com is competitively priced, offer a 30 day return policy and have a strong reputation for customer support.
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass - Olympic White | Sweetwater

GC no longer gets my business. I do my best to buy from local independent shops or haunt Craigslist for bargains.

I’ve heard of Sweetwater before. Just wasn’t too sure about their used listings. I might consider them as well.

 

[MynameisMe]

Facebook marketplace is the place to buy a new used bass.
Also for your amplifier needs.
You will probably find some good players that are eager to share information.

 

[jd56hawk]

I’m sure many others will agree with you and I do get the point but I feel more comfortable buying something that’s “BIFL” instead of something that I’ll only look to replace sometime in the near future. If I’m buying a Squier then I’d rather get the best that’s available.

Sorry, forgot to mention this one.
Very nice P bass!
I'd buy it before an MIM, same with the Squier '50s P bass.

 

[Jason151]

I had to look that up. Buy it for life? You’ll very, very likely be selling the Classic Vibe or MIM you get, especially if you learn more about basses here. But regardless you should get it from GC for the reasons you mentioned above.

There’s definitely better basses out there as reflected by the price, no doubt. But I’ve seen many people consider the MIM as a “workhorse” (nothing fancy but plenty of good bass for the money) and very worthy of modding. That’s what I want. A good “workhorse”. I’ll worry about the fancier +$1000 stuff later.

 

[porterbass]

There’s definitely better basses out there as reflected by the price, no doubt. But I’ve seen many people consider the MIM as a “workhorse” (nothing fancy but plenty of good bass for the money) and very worthy of modding. That’s what I want. A good “workhorse”. I’ll worry about the fancier +$1000 stuff later.

A very good way to approach this.

Also, check the listings here on TB.

 

[Jason151]

Used MIM P from GC. I've bought a bunch of used basses and guitars from GC. Some are duds because they haven't been listed properly as far as condition, issues, etc, but I return them and even get shipping refunded if there's an issue. I've only returned a couple I didn't like but the instrument was fine, so I didn't ask for the shipping to be refunded.

Lately, I've been having them shipped to one of 2 local GC's just because it is easier. I'm on zoom calls all day and I don't want to worry about getting to the door for delivery. I've found the upside is opening it at GC and checking if there are any issues there. I just ordered a used bass 2 weeks ago and another today. (I really need to stop checking the GC used section) ;-)))

Local Facebook listings can be good and also check Sweetwater.

Welcome and Good luck!

I’m doing the exact same thing. I always have an open tab on my iPhone for the used section of Guitar Center.

I haven’t checked Facebook too much. I’d have to familiarize myself a bit more on checking for wear on used basses first.

 

[Jason151]

A very good way to approach this.

Also, check the listings here on TB.

I’ll check some of it out in a sec.

 

[kmon]

If you have the means buy a classic vibe or mim. Buying new should theoretically eliminate a number of variables from the equation, but I’ve had great luck with used from both GC and Reverb and everywhere else. Leave budget for a pro setup...treat it as a necessity, you won’t regret it.

For what it’s worth I don’t think you’d notice much difference between a CV and a MIM properly set up. The CV would be a very nice bass to start out on, and maybe to play forever.

 

[sonojono]

Save yourself around hundred on a new CV or a couple hundred on a “used” CV and have some money left over for lessons. Problem solved!

 

[Jason151]

If you have the means buy a classic vibe or mim. Buying new should theoretically eliminate a number of variables from the equation, but I’ve had great luck with used from both GC and Reverb and everywhere else. Leave budget for a pro setup...treat it as a necessity, you won’t regret it.

For what it’s worth I don’t think you’d notice much difference between a CV and a MIM properly set up. The CV would be a very nice bass to start out on, and maybe to play forever.

I’m still trying to understand what a “set up” is. For the most part, that’s just a preferencial thing right? Like some people might rather have aftermarket strings, pickups, bridges, etc. to change the playability or the tone of their instrument. Right?

I’m mostly familiar with how a factory P bass sounds based off the videos that I’ve watched on YouTube with people demonstrating it. Fender channel, Andertons, PMTVUK, Tyler Spicer are a few that I’ve watched.