GC store managers are equipped to make everything a ok. Recently bought a Bass that was on sale from GC online which was the last one of its type in the country. Since it was on the floor, they put new strings on it and did a decent set up and I got a 'new' Ibanez sr500 for $240 delivered.
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I have not read the entire thread, so maybe this has been said. It is worth finding a reputable and independent person to set up your bass. You might also ask that he spend a little time with you, maybe before the set up, to explain what he see's in your bass, what he thinks should be done and asks what your preferences might be. It is a good lesson. It'll give you a point of reference. Do not get a set done with Guitar Center. I have only once met a GC employee who appeared knowledgeable. Good luck.
Most of my best gear has been purchased from Guitar Center's internet retailer Musician's Friend. It's cool you can call them and ask for a discount. Most of the time they will hook you up with a little something, sometimes it takes speaking to 1 or 2 agents but it works. They also have really good deals come up throughout the year. If you are a rewards member you get extra member only discounts and 8% back in rewards points for every purchase. No hassle returns, free shipping.
I use Reverb for unloading gear fast but have not purchased anything from the site. It's too expensive for me.
I use Reverb for unloading gear fast but have not purchased anything from the site. It's too expensive for me.
Hey Jason! Welcome to TB! 
1. Pretty much.
2. Debatable. Quality has improved across the board over the last decade or so. So it's pretty hard to find a truly bad bass these days. Wasn't always the case. But it's pretty much true today. and FWIW I've found Squier's Classic Vibe series construction to be at least on par with most MIMs I've played. And even some MIAs depending on the year they were built since Fender went through some bad stretches during its history.
3. Depends on what you like. Pickups are easy enough to swap out if you want a different sound. Just be aware that with a PB the differences will be pretty slight most times.
4. Ok…"Fender"…???
The CV Squiers are very nice basses. They're well made and sound good. But if, deep down inside, you really want a Fender then by all means just get yourself a Fender. It's important you really like the bass you're playing. So when you're starting out you'll want to own an instrument you'll be constantly motivated to pick up and play.
I've got a Fender and a Squier PB.
The Squier (Matt Freeman signature model) is the one I like more. But that's me. I'm not thinking about resale value or whatever name happens to be on the headstock when I buy a bass.
So bottom line: get the best Fender PB you can afford since that's what you seem to really want. The most important thing is to get yourself something and start playing. And the sooner the better.
In the meantime, welcome to the forum. You're among likeminded friends here. Glad you could join the conversation.
1. Pretty much.
2. Debatable. Quality has improved across the board over the last decade or so. So it's pretty hard to find a truly bad bass these days. Wasn't always the case. But it's pretty much true today. and FWIW I've found Squier's Classic Vibe series construction to be at least on par with most MIMs I've played. And even some MIAs depending on the year they were built since Fender went through some bad stretches during its history.
3. Depends on what you like. Pickups are easy enough to swap out if you want a different sound. Just be aware that with a PB the differences will be pretty slight most times.
4. Ok…"Fender"…???
The CV Squiers are very nice basses. They're well made and sound good. But if, deep down inside, you really want a Fender then by all means just get yourself a Fender. It's important you really like the bass you're playing. So when you're starting out you'll want to own an instrument you'll be constantly motivated to pick up and play.
I've got a Fender and a Squier PB.
The Squier (Matt Freeman signature model) is the one I like more. But that's me. I'm not thinking about resale value or whatever name happens to be on the headstock when I buy a bass.
So bottom line: get the best Fender PB you can afford since that's what you seem to really want. The most important thing is to get yourself something and start playing. And the sooner the better.
In the meantime, welcome to the forum. You're among likeminded friends here. Glad you could join the conversation.
+1
meets your criteria, and Sweetwater is a pretty decent place to do business with. Used GC is a good way to go if you insist on used.
I've had a great deal of success buying used gear from GC, although it's been a few years since my last purchase. I think the key here on either Reverb or GC is you need to be patient for the right bass at the right price to show up. The major difference with GC as opposed to Reverb is you get a 30 day money back guarantee, and an option to buy a reasonable cost extended warranty. The other is that if they have a bass listed as excellent, and it shows up with some minor defects, you have some leverage to negotiate a better price. The last thing the manager want to do is to pack up said instrument and ship it back to the store of origination out of his store's profits.
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- Sep 4, 2010
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As a very beginner, i'd go with a new bass, from Sweetwater. You can count on a decently setup and well-checked bass that will keep you happy for a while
Used instruments can be great deals, - if you know exactly what to look for and/or how to recognize and fix minor issues. However, especially now, prices are high on 2nd hand instruments, not including high shipping cost coming on top.
In your situation I would play for a while and make sure I understand the instrument, my own needs and preferences better before I'd venture into the 2nd hand arena,
Used instruments can be great deals, - if you know exactly what to look for and/or how to recognize and fix minor issues. However, especially now, prices are high on 2nd hand instruments, not including high shipping cost coming on top.
In your situation I would play for a while and make sure I understand the instrument, my own needs and preferences better before I'd venture into the 2nd hand arena,
You left out the only option that makes sense. Play a bunch and buy what feels good to you.
You don't need to know how to play anything. Hold it....is neck comfortable? Does it feel good in you hands?
Also why are you limiting your choices? There is better quality for money out there than Fender. I would buy a G&L Tribute over
Any classic vib or MIM fender.
What if a Yamaha feels better in your hands or a Jazz?
Don't limit yourself and who cares what someone tells you to buy.
And try other amps as well. I had a Rumble 40 and couldn't get rid of it fast enough.
A few thoughts...
I agree it's important to love what you have so if a Fender feels right and a Squier feels like a compromise... hey, it's only money. That said I have a nicer-than-the-cheapest Squier and I am very happy with it. I think my own playing will have to improve a lot before I can benefit from moving on.
I've never bought from the TB classifieds, but I have another hobby that involves big, heavy, expensive, complicated, fragile objects and I have ALWAYS had a great experience buying from other collectors. I would not hesitate to buy from a TBer.
I'd also look at the used stuff near me but I would adjust my price ceiling down compared to TB ads or a used item that can be returned to a seller... because as a total beginner it is hard to evaluate what you are getting. I did buy my bass used on Craigslist and I was lucky that the previous owner wasn't a yo-yo because the only things I could check myself when I inspected were glaringly obvious flaws like a twisted neck. Hard to make a wise used purchase when you cannot even play a note yet.
On amplification... I think as a new bass player there is one major decision to be made, and that is, do you have any interest at all in guitar, too? If so, there is a very strong argument to be made for not purchasing a traditional bass amp/cab, but getting a full-range PA and a multi-FX/modeler box. Even if bass is your only interest, that route will give you amp/cab simulations, and give you access to common pedals that bassists do use, like compression, overdrive, and octave. None of that is essential to a new player but if you are the kind of person that wants maximum flexibility, and really wants to explore the range of sounds possible from either instrument, it is a great way to go... especially if you want to dabble in guitar too. And there are such great cheap guitars these days, why wouldn't you? Sometimes I want to be Geddy Lee, sometimes I want to be Dick Dale.
I agree it's important to love what you have so if a Fender feels right and a Squier feels like a compromise... hey, it's only money. That said I have a nicer-than-the-cheapest Squier and I am very happy with it. I think my own playing will have to improve a lot before I can benefit from moving on.
I've never bought from the TB classifieds, but I have another hobby that involves big, heavy, expensive, complicated, fragile objects and I have ALWAYS had a great experience buying from other collectors. I would not hesitate to buy from a TBer.
I'd also look at the used stuff near me but I would adjust my price ceiling down compared to TB ads or a used item that can be returned to a seller... because as a total beginner it is hard to evaluate what you are getting. I did buy my bass used on Craigslist and I was lucky that the previous owner wasn't a yo-yo because the only things I could check myself when I inspected were glaringly obvious flaws like a twisted neck. Hard to make a wise used purchase when you cannot even play a note yet.
On amplification... I think as a new bass player there is one major decision to be made, and that is, do you have any interest at all in guitar, too? If so, there is a very strong argument to be made for not purchasing a traditional bass amp/cab, but getting a full-range PA and a multi-FX/modeler box. Even if bass is your only interest, that route will give you amp/cab simulations, and give you access to common pedals that bassists do use, like compression, overdrive, and octave. None of that is essential to a new player but if you are the kind of person that wants maximum flexibility, and really wants to explore the range of sounds possible from either instrument, it is a great way to go... especially if you want to dabble in guitar too. And there are such great cheap guitars these days, why wouldn't you? Sometimes I want to be Geddy Lee, sometimes I want to be Dick Dale.
I'll vote GC. Nice prices and inventory and a good return policy. The setup crew most likely won't be expert, but should be competent. You could always look for independent techs/ shops to go to later, if you have a bad vibe from the GC folks. Shouldn't void your return to get a second opinion.
I HIGHLY Recommend familiarizing yourself with setup procedure. Even if a tech does it you should know what's going on. Ask if you can watch, you'll learn a lot. Later you can put together a tool kit for 50 bucks or less, and do it yourself, it's pretty easy.
I'll also vote Fender. It sounds like that's what you want and nothing wrong with wanting one. I'll agree with many posters that Squier basses are quite good and you wouldn't go wrong with that route either. But buying used in the first place (vs new) insulates you from resale loss, more so than Fender vs Squier, IMHO
good luck!
I HIGHLY Recommend familiarizing yourself with setup procedure. Even if a tech does it you should know what's going on. Ask if you can watch, you'll learn a lot. Later you can put together a tool kit for 50 bucks or less, and do it yourself, it's pretty easy.
I'll also vote Fender. It sounds like that's what you want and nothing wrong with wanting one. I'll agree with many posters that Squier basses are quite good and you wouldn't go wrong with that route either. But buying used in the first place (vs new) insulates you from resale loss, more so than Fender vs Squier, IMHO
good luck!
6 of one, half-dozen of the other.
Reverb will likely have much more to choose from overall.
Guitar Center allows you to actually play something before you buy it - if you live near a store. And if you find something you really like at GC online, but it's currently sitting at a different store, they will usually ship it to your local store for pickup, for free. - where once again, you can play it before you buy it.
So IMHO, unless GC just doesn't have what you're looking for, in store or online, GC has the advantage.
Reverb will likely have much more to choose from overall.
Guitar Center allows you to actually play something before you buy it - if you live near a store. And if you find something you really like at GC online, but it's currently sitting at a different store, they will usually ship it to your local store for pickup, for free. - where once again, you can play it before you buy it.
So IMHO, unless GC just doesn't have what you're looking for, in store or online, GC has the advantage.
I would have to concur with lowdownthump here. I know GC gets mixed reviews from many, but they really do have a great return policy, usually no questions asked, especially with the new guitars. Had to do that a couple of times, and I ended up with the correct instruments, for whatever reason.
You said this is your first bass guitar. GC may be the better option for you. It may cost a bit more than a deal on Reverb or other online places, but GC has a great return policy and they will be able to work with you if it needs any setup or adjustments. Those of us that have been around the block a few times know what kind of details to look for in online sales and are willing to take some risks if the price is right and can fix minor issues ourselves. Until you get to that point, then going through a music store with a local presence has a lot less hassles if anything isn't right.
Might be more information than you're asking for right now, but a setup is just a procedure of ensuring an instrument is in proper playing shape. A setup should make the instrument feel and sound better (to you).
A simple bass/guitar setup checks Relief (setting the appropriate bow in the neck via adjusting the truss rod to allow the strings to vibrate freely), Action (setting the strings the proper height off the frets via saddles at the bridge and, less than ideally, the nut; setting the string height to match the curvature of the fretboard), Pickup Height (distance between the strings and the pickups, usually adjusted with a screwdriver), and Intonation (adjusting saddle position at the bridge to lengthen/shorten the string so fretted notes play at the proper pitches).
These are all things most players can (learn to) do with a good tuner, an accurate ruler, a screwdriver, a couple of properly sized hex wrenches, and the right information (a good place to start is with the manufacturer's suggested measurements, which can usually be found on their site or in guitar maintenance resources, and then those values can be tweaked to match an individual player's preferences ... For a P-Bass, here is Fender's guide: Invalid Link Removed ).
There are other processes in a complete setup like fret-filing and neck shimming, but those are a little more involved -- sort of bordering on repair -- and hopefully won't be something you'd need to do to a newly purchased bass.
As a new player, having this done by a professional is probably the way to go, especially if (as mentioned above) they're willing to give you a rundown of your instrument and an explanation of what they're doing and why.
Over time, however, learning to do your own setups can help keep your instrument in proper shape, saving money in setups and (hopefully) avoiding more costly repairs.
As someone previously posted, TB has an entire section dedicated to instrument setup. If you have questions, there's no doubt someone there will be able to help answer them.
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Unless you're getting the deal of the century to end all deals, don't ever go into "Guitarget".
The one used deal I tried a couple of years ago, I "bought" A used Cabronita bass through GC - I thought it looked cool, and it was reasonably priced. The thing about them is that shipping is something ike $20 - when it gets there, go to the store, try it, and if you don't like it, you're only out 20 bucks; you can get the rest of your cash back right away. In my case, that series of basses had a pickup that didn't really cover the E string well at all. I epxlained why I didn't want it, GC called it a defect, and I didn't even pay the $20 shipping.
The same "deal" (including a return and hassles about that), through Reverb, would have been...much tougher.
The same "deal" (including a return and hassles about that), through Reverb, would have been...much tougher.
i've owned 2 MiM mustangs, and my husband owns a squier CV jazz that i liked so much i got my own CV jazz. and i've played a number of MiM precisions at various stores.
my thought is get a new CV. if you were an experienced player, i might say go used, but as a new player, imo new is the way to go. it was also the way to go for me. my CV 60s jazz needed no set up at all as it has no issues that interfere with playability, and the same is true of my husband's CV 70s jazz. these are actually the only basses i've owned where i didn't bother to change, tweak, tighten or adjust anything.
also both our CV jazz basses are better quality than either of my MiM mustangs and all the many i played in stores. a little better build quality, nicer finish. great sound, too - you wouldn't be compromising on tone with a CV instead of a MiM P.
my thought is get a new CV. if you were an experienced player, i might say go used, but as a new player, imo new is the way to go. it was also the way to go for me. my CV 60s jazz needed no set up at all as it has no issues that interfere with playability, and the same is true of my husband's CV 70s jazz. these are actually the only basses i've owned where i didn't bother to change, tweak, tighten or adjust anything.
also both our CV jazz basses are better quality than either of my MiM mustangs and all the many i played in stores. a little better build quality, nicer finish. great sound, too - you wouldn't be compromising on tone with a CV instead of a MiM P.
