Guitar Center online or Reverb.com?

[davidjbass]

As much as I dislike GC I would go with them. Like others here have stated it would be a lot easier to return something at GC than Reverb. You idea of having shipped to store is a good one. That way if you don't like you can return it right there and then.

 

[Jason151]

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!

That’s not a bad idea at all.

 

[Holdsg]

"Setup" involves several adjustments you can make to the bass to make it more playable.
A more playable bass will be more enjoyable to play (which is the reason to own a bass in the first place).
Whereas a poor setup can adversely affect the fun and your sound, which is another reason to own a bass (to sound good playing it)
Most basses, particularly import basses, required setup before you play them.
And believe me, the ones on the wall at GC are not typically setup well (more likely not at all) since they left the factory.
AS a newbie, you have to rely on a tech or luthier to perform a good setup.
Overtime, you can learn how to do this yourself, which is another fun part of being a bass player (for some people).

Setup can include the following (in no apparent order):
Neck: amount of relief (read, "straightness" or "amount of bow") almost all necks have a truss rod in them that can be adjusted.
Frets: are edges sharp/protruding? Are they polished shiny or have rust/gunk all over them, etc.
Strings: most strings you get on a bass are the cheapest possible, not necessarily the strings that will get you good tone. Changing strings is one of the first tasks you should learn how to do yourself.
String height: adjusted usually at the bridge, to avoid strings buzzing on the strings when you fret a note
intonation: adjusted usually at the bridge, so that a fretted note is at same pitch throughout the fretboard.
control knobs: sometimes need to be raised if digging into the body of the bass
battery: not an issue for those P-basses you're looking for, but you should always change the battery in any active bass you buy.

 

[abarson]

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.

Any stringed instrument is mechanical by nature.
A setup is a procedure that aligns certain mechanical parameters to be their optimal or preferred setting for better playability. This includes neck relief (truss rod adjustment), string height, string curvature, intonation and pickup height.
Some new instruments are delivered with good setups, most aren't. Things like climate differences during shipping can affect the instrument's playability as well. This is why it's recommended to have one done, until you get the confidence to learn to do it yourself.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I have no qualms with Guitarcenter, I’m in my local one all the time. I voted reverb, I’ve had nothing but good experiences with them buying and selling. My main point is more than likely your chances of getting a bass that’s set up nice and not a turd seems greater buying from an actual person instead of getting a bass that someone dumped at a guitarcenter for 30% of what you are going to pay for it.
Don’t get me wrong there are good basses used from guitarcenter but there are some real bad ones that come through those stores. I’ve seen some basses and guitars that have to be intentionally left or made to need a set up in GC, so they can get you with a set up before it’s out the door.
Another word of advice is take the time to learn how to set up your own basses, it’s very easy and the videos on YouTube are priceless for learning how to do so!

 

[gln1955]

If I were starting out, I'd get a used CV or VM Squier from GC, slap some new strings on it and have it set up professionally (you can learn to do it yourself at some point). When you are ready for something different you can sell your bass for near what you paid for it. Buying a new lower end bass is throwing money away.

 

[Door County Bass]

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.

I cast my vote for Chicago Music Exchange. I visit every time I’m in the Chicago area. Just purchased a great little Phil Jones amp from them. I’ve never been disappointed.

 

[asparaguspee]

I would by a cheap Affinity and then sell it when you've found "your style" (most likely without losing too much $). Then buy a nice instrument.

As a beginner, I changed my mind several times on my bass preference. I started off like you, doing heaps of research and deciding Jazz basses are for me before buying my first instrument. 6 months later Jazz bases are one of my least preferred so I'm glad I bought a cheapo first.

 

[Jason151]

So its both a preferential thing as well as a necessity in most cases. I have heard of that before. The thing about new bass guitars needing a set up even after taken right out of the box due to the elements during travel.

New or used, it seems worth having it looked over. In case I go there, are most Guitar Center techs reliable enough to do the job? Or should I maybe look else where?

 

[porterbass]

A very good way to approach this.

I cast my vote for Chicago Music Exchange. I visit every time I’m in the Chicago area. Just purchased a great little Phil Jones amp from them. I’ve never been disappointed.

That toy shop is less than a mile from me. Very dangerous!!!

P.S. Congrats on your new Phil Jones amp! Which one did you get?

 

[Matthew Davis]

So its both a preferential thing as well as a necessity in most cases. I have heard of that before. The thing about new bass guitars needing a set up even after taken right out of the box due to the elements during travel.

New or used, it seems worth having it looked over. In case I go there, are most Guitar Center techs reliable enough to do the job? Or should I maybe look else where?

I personally don’t trust GC techs at all, but I suppose it can be a local thing.

As far as buying new, Sweetwater is the way to go. They have the best customer support, and they have a workshop where they meticulously examine every instrument and the electronics. I knew someone that worked there when I lived in Indiana, and he said it’s intense.

 

[Door County Bass]

That toy shop is less than a mile from me. Very dangerous!!!

P.S. Congrats on your new Phil Jones amp! Which one did you get?

Double Four BG-75. Great little practice amp for a trio (bass, guitar/vocals, cajon). Should work well in the coffee shop gigs. Otherwise, my Ampegs or Bassman 10 are more than adequate.

 

[Greyfin10]

I wrote a book... but it boils down to you won't know what you really like before you buy your first bass. That's why everyone is recommending the entry level Squiers and similar. You won't be able to play the difference for awhile... the only upfront benefit of a MIM (I'm guessing, but I suspect I'm right) is they look more "authentic" due their their headstock decals. I'm not saying they aren't better, they are, but one thing about starting out is that those distinctions will probably be hidden from you for awhile. And... you may ultimately decide you want to go in a totally different direction, leaving you out less money. The good news is how much better entry level basses are these days. Even the ones with poor set up are SO much better than the Kay I bought new in 77 or so (insert "walking to school backwards, uphill, and through the snow" story here).

TL;DR; - For the first bass, new entry level might be best choice... GC is a safe bet for that. But having an instrument that excites you is important too... and if that means MIM, by-all-means, go for it

I must be the only person who is over Reverb... I found them to be of zero help when the stuff hits the fan. And, at least in my experience, they seem to have a high percentage of scams. My sample size is admittedly small, but I doubt I'll ever do business with them again.

 

[Jason151]

I would by a cheap Affinity and then sell it when you've found "your style" (most likely without losing too much $). Then buy a nice instrument.

As a beginner, I changed my mind several times on my bass preference. I started off like you, doing heaps of research and deciding Jazz basses are for me before buying my first instrument. 6 months later Jazz bases are one of my least preferred so I'm glad I bought a cheapo first.

Well that’s why buy multiple basses. To transition between sounds when you feel like you need it most. I’m only joking, sort of. I get your point though, there is still a possibility of that happening. Although I’m still less likely to buy a new affinity by itself or even from the starter kit. The only way I’d consider getting an affinity is if it’s used. One that has already suffered through depreciation.

 

[asparaguspee]

Well that’s why buy multiple basses. To transition between sounds when you feel like you need it most. I’m only joking, sort of. I get your point though, there is still a possibility of that happening. Although I’m still less likely to buy a new affinity by itself or even from the starter kit. The only way I’d consider getting an affinity is if it’s used. One that has already suffered through depreciation.

yeah.... I have 5 basses at the moment... I sold my first two but now I play and really enjoy the ones I have.

 

[Jason151]

yeah.... I have 5 basses at the moment... I sold my first two but now I play and really enjoy the ones I have.

What do you own now?

 

[asparaguspee]

What do you own now?

took me about 6 months of playing around to find out what I really like/don't like, but here's my current line up.
Ibanez SR500E
Yamaha BB734A,
ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless
Sire Marcus Miller U5
Sandberg Classic Booster

 

[kmon]

So its both a preferential thing as well as a necessity in most cases. I have heard of that before. The thing about new bass guitars needing a set up even after taken right out of the box due to the elements during travel.

New or used, it seems worth having it looked over. In case I go there, are most Guitar Center techs reliable enough to do the job? Or should I maybe look else where?

IMO the GC techs are good enough to iron the kinks out of an inexpensive bass. Lots of us on here do it ourselves, a basic setup isn't rocket science. Even better, google "guitar repair"...depending on where you live, you'll likely find some competent guitar techs who can do a great setup.

You don't need a setup before you play it or anything, but I'd highly highly highly recommend getting it checked out by one of these folks ^^. Little adjustments can make a huge difference in the playability of an instrument, and you want to start with a bass that's as comfortable to play as possible.

Get the best bass you can afford, a CV or a MIM(or 20 others in that $400-600 price range) is absolutely great to start with, and get the pro setup. You'll have a quality, comfortable, playable bass and that's a solid place to start from. Good luck!

 

[jkazam]

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!

Hah I just ordered on from GC used today. Should’ve shipped to store. I’ve bought used in store before and they’ll usually throw in some strings for free.

 

[BASSKADET]

Buy from someone on here.