I'm a complete beginner and I have only had a few lessons so far, I'm interested in playing punk, rock and maybe so pop songs. I don't tons of cash to spend and I'm looking for a bass guitar that will last me a while. I also need a good amp too. Any good beginner bass guitars you know of?
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Help I have no idea which bass to get
- Thread starter tota_noob
- Start date
There are tons of threads on this topic, but the most common answer you are going to receive is the Squier Vintage Modified line or the Squier Classic Vibe line.
Well most people would tell you to go right to either a squier or an ibanez gsr200. Both are $200 or under and well made. I'm sure there are many other makes and models to consider as well, but those seem to be standard starting points.
I would just stay away from no name brands or basses that are too cheap to consider, especially if you have no idea how to set one up. A poorly built bass does NOT play well and is a great way to turn yourself off to it.
Some good used basses and combo packs out there if you know where to look
I would just stay away from no name brands or basses that are too cheap to consider, especially if you have no idea how to set one up. A poorly built bass does NOT play well and is a great way to turn yourself off to it.
Some good used basses and combo packs out there if you know where to look
My first recommendation to new players is always the Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass. There are actually a few different models, and it's pretty cheap (about $200 Canadian) and they're generally well built. There are probably other good cheap basses out there that other TBers can recommend, but this one is worth considering.
You can easily find secondhand Vintage Modified maple (natural) Precision for $. 200.00 and secondhand Line6
ld150 combo (worth 150w, tiltback construction, with
12" speaker and onboard amp model) maybe $. 300.00
Cheers,
Wallace
ld150 combo (worth 150w, tiltback construction, with
12" speaker and onboard amp model) maybe $. 300.00
Cheers,
Wallace
Might also be worth checking out the Sterling by musicman Sub Ray4. If looks or style matter at all or you wanna play what a lot of punk guys play stick with either Fender/Squier or a Musicman Stingray style bass. If you just want a quality instrument there are tons of choices. Do yourself a favour and find a good music shop to do a setup on it. This will make it easier to play. If your good with your hands at all ask the tech what they did to set it up and do some online research so you can try adjusting it yourself in the future and not have to rely on a tech. I know people that have played for years who still can't change their own strings. Do yourself a favour and learn how your instrument works!
Ibanez Blazer p copy, or generally any old peavey. either a vm or cv squier jazz or p would be a good start, too.
From your statement, I'm not sure what you're able to spend but I'd advise against going out and just buying the absolute cheapest bass you can find. I think a bass that's horribly difficult to play in a new player's hands is a recipe for all kinds of bad habits, slow progress, and even failure.
Your best value will be in a used instrument. Developing a relationship with a local repair shop can really be helpful with this. If possible, buy your used instrument with the agreement that it must pass an inspection by your people. Having the seller's repair people check the instrument out is an completely incestuous relationship that you should avoid. Most repair shops are happy to inspect basses for potential customers. After all, you WILL have the shop setup the bass if you keep it.
As far as specific models/brands... Here's where the real fun starts as there is no way to make blanket statements about basses especially at this price point. I will say that with very diligent shopping, you could find a nice playable instrument in the $350 range. Possible examples could include a MIM Fender Precision Bass or G&L L2000 Tributes. I've seen both at that price point. If you can spend more, I think the instruments improve dramatically at around $700.
i started on a squier P and even though i hate it now, it was a great bass to learn on. theyre simple, they dont sound bad (dont sound great either) and they are cheap so if you dont end up liking bass, you wont be out any more than a couple hundred.
or you could go used. if you end up not liking it, you could sell it for about the same price you paid for it.
or you could go used. if you end up not liking it, you could sell it for about the same price you paid for it.
not too long ago i was in your shoes and had no idea where to start. i have almost 100% free time and i take research to the extreme. here are a few suggestions, in no particular order.
(1) set a budget and stick to it
(2) go online and check out all of the basses you can at the major
retailers.
(3) make a list of any terms you come across and don't understand
neck through, bolt-on, active/passive, humbucker................
(4) research these terms until you understand what they are
(5) make a list of what you think you want in a bass. active/
passive, # of strings, # of pickups, even what colors
interest you.
(6) head back to the on-line retailers with your list of wants
and YOUR BUDGET. print or save everything that fits.
(7) if you have a way to play any of your choices make every
effort to do so before purchase.
(8) when doing research keep in mind things like warranty, a
new bass with a 30 day warranty is no better than a used
bass with a 30 day warranty and the new one may be
harder to get warranty work done on. does it come
with a case? a hardshell is usually around $100 add-on.
most of the on-line retailers have payment plans, on new
equipment, from 90 days to a year. this may help your
budget a little but don't over-do it. used, scratch & dent,
and close outs are a great way to save some money.
unless you have someone experienced to back you up
ebay, pawnshops and craigslist may not be the best place
for your first purchase.
(9) some of the most important issues to think of: relax and
fun with this. BE YOURSELF! if your first instinct about a
squier is yuck, don't worry there are plenty of other choices
out there for buying a bass. appearance is important, if
you like how it looks as well as plays you are more likely
to pick it up and practice.
(1) set a budget and stick to it
(2) go online and check out all of the basses you can at the major
retailers.
(3) make a list of any terms you come across and don't understand
neck through, bolt-on, active/passive, humbucker................
(4) research these terms until you understand what they are
(5) make a list of what you think you want in a bass. active/
passive, # of strings, # of pickups, even what colors
interest you.
(6) head back to the on-line retailers with your list of wants
and YOUR BUDGET. print or save everything that fits.
(7) if you have a way to play any of your choices make every
effort to do so before purchase.
(8) when doing research keep in mind things like warranty, a
new bass with a 30 day warranty is no better than a used
bass with a 30 day warranty and the new one may be
harder to get warranty work done on. does it come
with a case? a hardshell is usually around $100 add-on.
most of the on-line retailers have payment plans, on new
equipment, from 90 days to a year. this may help your
budget a little but don't over-do it. used, scratch & dent,
and close outs are a great way to save some money.
unless you have someone experienced to back you up
ebay, pawnshops and craigslist may not be the best place
for your first purchase.
(9) some of the most important issues to think of: relax and
fun with this. BE YOURSELF! if your first instinct about a
squier is yuck, don't worry there are plenty of other choices
out there for buying a bass. appearance is important, if
you like how it looks as well as plays you are more likely
to pick it up and practice.
Personally speaking, I'm a big fan of basses with a Precision/Jazz pickup configuration. My first two were P/J's…a Fender Aerodyne (I lucked out on a great used one) and a Squier P-Bass Special (a hybrid P/J, both in electronics and neck/body). Although they don't sound exactly like their "pure-blooded" cousins, they have a great range of tones at your disposal.
Now the former may be a bit beyond your price range (like I said, I lucked out on my Aerodyne…$376 shipped!) and the latter has since been discontinued, but if this sounds like an interesting prospect, Squier just unveiled a pair of Precision PJ's…an Affinity and a Vintage Modified.
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If you prefer a Jazz-style bass, the Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified's get a lot of love 'round these parts. (I daresay the CV gets a bit more props here) I can't weigh in much on Precisions…I prefer the slimmer Jazz necks, but that's just me.
Sadly, I can't weigh in on amps. I live in a place where that level of volume would be…unwelcome. To that effect, I get by on a Pocket RockIt headphone amp. But when I first started shopping for gear, I did notice Squier's Affinity Pack which comes with an itty-bitty Fender amp. Anyone here know if they're worth a damn?
Oh, on the topic of shopping…some people here poo-poo Guitar Center, and I'm certain it's not all without good reason. Any big-ticket retail center will have good and bad employees. For example, the one by is full of awesome guys who are pretty knowledgeable, but don't try to B.S. me if they don't know something. More importantly, they have a pretty darn good return policy, so if an axe isn't working out for you, you have 30(?) days to bring it back.
I hope this is a bit helpful, or at the very least, opens up some doors of thought. Happy Hunting!
EDIT: +1 to everything wcoffey just said right above me!
Now the former may be a bit beyond your price range (like I said, I lucked out on my Aerodyne…$376 shipped!) and the latter has since been discontinued, but if this sounds like an interesting prospect, Squier just unveiled a pair of Precision PJ's…an Affinity and a Vintage Modified.
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
If you prefer a Jazz-style bass, the Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified's get a lot of love 'round these parts. (I daresay the CV gets a bit more props here) I can't weigh in much on Precisions…I prefer the slimmer Jazz necks, but that's just me.
Sadly, I can't weigh in on amps. I live in a place where that level of volume would be…unwelcome. To that effect, I get by on a Pocket RockIt headphone amp. But when I first started shopping for gear, I did notice Squier's Affinity Pack which comes with an itty-bitty Fender amp. Anyone here know if they're worth a damn?
Oh, on the topic of shopping…some people here poo-poo Guitar Center, and I'm certain it's not all without good reason. Any big-ticket retail center will have good and bad employees. For example, the one by is full of awesome guys who are pretty knowledgeable, but don't try to B.S. me if they don't know something. More importantly, they have a pretty darn good return policy, so if an axe isn't working out for you, you have 30(?) days to bring it back.
I hope this is a bit helpful, or at the very least, opens up some doors of thought. Happy Hunting!
EDIT: +1 to everything wcoffey just said right above me!
