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Help me choose a first bass...

awfulguitarnois

awfulguitarnois

Jan 22, 2014
107
92
59
Ohio
#1
I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but I'm not very good at searching the forum and plus, every situation is different. Okay, so I've been playing guitar for about 5 years and I love it, but I've always had the itch to play bass. My initial desire would be to do some home recording along with my own guitar parts. But if I really take to it, I'd love to join a band at some point. So, the basses I'm considering are (in order of preference):
  • Fender cabronita - I like the simplicity, classic styling
  • Fender reverse jag pawn shop - Okay, this one is mainly styling... it just looks cool... I'll admit that... but I'm curious about the 32" scale
  • Fender bass vi - I'm attracted to the idea of the standard tuning as it might help me pick it up more quickly
I'm open to suggestions, but of course none of these are around for me to try, so I can't make a decision the way I normally would: play them.

Any input would be great, and sorry if I've broken any written or un-written forum rules!
 
#2
It's really hard for us to suggest what you're going to like or dislike. We don't know what kind of tone you really want out of a bass, and then everybody has their own preferences as far as a bass' feel.

The cabronita has a wider neck, which may affect how you like it - 1.625". Some people love those big P necks and others don't. Tonally you're looking at a single humbucker and passive tone control.

The pawn shop bass has the same wide neck, two pickups so more tone options, and a slightly shorter scale. You might find it a little more comfortable, but 2" spread over 20 frets isn't really all THAT different IMO. With that body shape, I would wonder about neck dive.

The bass VI is a unique beast. Scale is shorter still, it would feel the closest to playing guitar. Tone tends to be twangier than on the other basses, though you can tinker with EQ if you don't want that. It's got much closer string spacing than regular, which affects playing style - more like playing guitar than traditional bass. At that same time, it doesn't usually work too well to just strum traditional chords on it like a guitar - too muddy. You really need to tackle it as an instrument of its own.

If those were my choices for a first bass, I'd probably go for the cabronita, though I'm not a thick-neck guy, I like 'em slim. I would do a traditional jag or a jazz. But that's me.

You might choose your vendor for return policy - someone that would let you do a full no-questions-asked return within a trial period. Then you could try one out and still be able to get your money back.
 
#3
#4
Yeah, it's hard for us to pick for you. Nothing wrong with asking, but really the choice comes down to your preference.

Hrodbert already listed pretty much all the specs, so that's that. My recommendation would be to YouTube the basses, some demos and stuff, to rule out any basses that you dislike sound wise. Good luck!
 
#5
Thanks all, that's great info! I know this is all really subjective, but hrod's great rundown is really exactly the input I was looking for. I sold one of my acoustics today, so I'll be getting something soon. I actually prefer the bigger necks, as that's what I have on all my guitars... the big ole' TRO-FAT 1"... I just find they are more comfortable even though I don't really have big hands. I'll let you guys know... and really, I'm sure I'll dig any, but I'm leaning very heavily towards the cab.
 
#7
Just bought a Cabronita in CAR off Reverb! I got it for a good bit off of their asking price, and it still has the full warranty, etc... I'm REALLY excited! Tried to post a pointer, but the forum won't let me since I don't have enough posts yet. But it looks just like a Cabronita. Thanks for all the input, and I'll post pics and a review when I get it.
 
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#8
awfulguitarnois said:
Just bought a Cabronita in CAR off Reverb! I got it for a good bit off of their asking price, and it still has the full warranty, etc... I'm REALLY excited! Tried to post a pointer, but the forum won't let me since I don't have enough posts yet. But it looks just like a Cabronita. Thanks for all the input, and I'll post pics and a review when I get it.
Click to expand...
Congrats dude! Good luck with learning!! :D
 

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