Help me choose my first bass

[izpak]

I would get an American Standard P-bass. They are pretty cheap right now.

Maybe in the US. In the UK and Europe, they are still pretty expensive. Also OP doesn't seem to have that high of a budget.

 

[Madhouse27]

I think the road trip is a good idea. You really want to try some different necks and figure out what feels good to you. If the selection isn't that great, you may at least learn what you don't like. When money is a little tight, it's even more important to make a smart decision.

 

[nerkoids]

I don't see how it wouldn't, it's only about 120km (70ish miles). Also I think it would be wiser to invest in one of those Yamahas/Deans/Ibanezes(or whatever it's plural is) instead of settling for the SX anyway. But hey, I have 0 experiences with basses...never even played one so...what do I know right?

The SX (assuming it's a P-bass or J-Bass or even Jag-Bass copy) would be easier to upgrade.

 

[sikamikanico]

Ideally, play in person and get the one that speaks to you. That said, I'd keep it passive and with a precision pickup - that's been a standard for a long time, so cheap precision-style basses are imo quite good. I guess they figured out how to make them on large scale Of those listed, I'd say Yamaha. Ibanez TMB and Squier Affinity were also very good for the money the last time I tried them. My personal picks would be between Yamaha and Squier, whichever played better.

Here's some links to Thomann, they seem to be roughly in your price range.

• Invalid Link Removed
• [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
• [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
• Yamaha TRBX 174EW NAT

But, in this range, it's much better to try in person, to find a good one and avoid lemons.

 

[Ric5]

Hi guys,
so I've wanted a bass for the longest time, but never got around to buying one for myself. With Christmas on the way I want to buy one for myself.
I've been thinking of buying a bass to headphones adapter (idk what u call those) because I live in a flat. I'd like to know your opinion on whether or not it's a good idea.
Main question tho...which bass do you recommend out of these (or if you have any more suggestions feel free to say so) :
Yamaha ERB 070U2
Yamaha TRBX174
Yamaha RBX170
Ibanez GSR200
Ibanez GSR180
Ibanez GSRM20
Dean Guitars Z Metalman
Dean Guitars Edge 1

I'd like to spend less than 250€ on a bass if possible. Also these are pretty much all the available basses I found in my area under 250.
Also I listen mainly to metal and rock so that's what I'll be playing on bass most of the time. I think at least.

Thanks!

Get a 5 string ...

Go to a music go round find a used bass you like and buy it.

 

[Josh Kneisel]

cant go wrong with Fender imo

 

[wintremute]

Get a 5 string ...

Go to a music go round find a used bass you like and buy it.

The dude's in Slovakia. I don't think that's an option. You should read the thread.

 

[wintremute]

I found a store in Bratislava (capital of Slovakia) that shows promise I'll go check that out first, try a couple basses and see what they have to offer.
Also, if anyone knows if there's difference in sound between Dean V Metalman an Z Metalman or if it's just the body shape I'd like to know.
Thanks

Welcome to TalkBass!

Those both sound pretty much the same. Even though the V gives you better access to the upper frets, for the me the Z was much more comfortable to play.

Regarding some of your other comments and questions:

I have large hands with long thin fingers, and I absolutely prefer the Ibanez necks. They're not too small for me. Everyone has different feelings for what is comfortable to them, so (as everyone else is saying) try out as much as you can before you buy. That being said, I'm an Ibanez fanboy, and I'll say that Ibanez are great for metal. Of course, pretty much any bass can be great SOUNDING for metal. It all depends on how you do your settings, your play style, etc.

From the Thomann website, you can get the GSR200 in black for 249 euros. The reverse P's on it sound great. Then, for a few bucks more, you can get a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. That's similar to what I mainly play. One more on that website that caught my eye is the Invalid Link Removed. The necks on those may be more your style.

The SX basses have a pretty big following here on TalkBass, so don't discount them just based on their name. They're definitely a budget bass, but many here swear by their quality.

Yamaha, like Ibanez, make quality instruments at all price levels. If a Yamaha feels good to you, don't be hesitant to purchase it.

You probably already know this, but I'm saying it anyway: Whatever you get, have it professionally set-up (if you can't do it yourself). A quality set-up is going to make a good bass sound great.

Finally, whatever you get, come back in here and make an NBD (New Bass Day) thread. Post pics, tell us what you got, where you got it, and why you got it. We're all nosy like that.

 

[Inky13]

I think Bratislava would make a cool band name!

 

[draygriff]

Yamaha makes a quality instrument. I own one now. Ibanez also makes a quality instrument. I've owned several in the past. No first hand experience with Dean.

 

[ZenG]

Hi guys,
so I've wanted a bass for the longest time, but never got around to buying one for myself. With Christmas on the way I want to buy one for myself.
I've been thinking of buying a bass to headphones adapter (idk what u call those) because I live in a flat. I'd like to know your opinion on whether or not it's a good idea.
Main question tho...which bass do you recommend out of these (or if you have any more suggestions feel free to say so) :
Yamaha ERB 070U2
Yamaha TRBX174
Yamaha RBX170
Ibanez GSR200
Ibanez GSR180
Ibanez GSRM20
Dean Guitars Z Metalman
Dean Guitars Edge 1

I'd like to spend less than 250€ on a bass if possible. Also these are pretty much all the available basses I found in my area under 250.
Also I listen mainly to metal and rock so that's what I'll be playing on bass most of the time. I think at least.

Thanks!

Playing ampless with phones is a good idea if you want to keep the neighbors happy. Nothing wrong with doing that at all.

Metal/rock.....hmmm... sounds like you could use a P-bass or good P-bass clone. You could get away with a P/J configuration probably too.

I wouldn't buy a bass online without ever actually playing it. I've been burned a couple of times doing that and the basses were returned or traded back in.

You absolutely need to try it out before buying.

 

[Michal_Toth]

Welcome to TalkBass!

Those both sound pretty much the same. Even though the V gives you better access to the upper frets, for the me the Z was much more comfortable to play.

Regarding some of your other comments and questions:

I have large hands with long thin fingers, and I absolutely prefer the Ibanez necks. They're not too small for me. Everyone has different feelings for what is comfortable to them, so (as everyone else is saying) try out as much as you can before you buy. That being said, I'm an Ibanez fanboy, and I'll say that Ibanez are great for metal. Of course, pretty much any bass can be great SOUNDING for metal. It all depends on how you do your settings, your play style, etc.

From the Thomann website, you can get the GSR200 in black for 249 euros. The reverse P's on it sound great. Then, for a few bucks more, you can get a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. That's similar to what I mainly play. One more on that website that caught my eye is the Invalid Link Removed. The necks on those may be more your style.

The SX basses have a pretty big following here on TalkBass, so don't discount them just based on their name. They're definitely a budget bass, but many here swear by their quality.

Yamaha, like Ibanez, make quality instruments at all price levels. If a Yamaha feels good to you, don't be hesitant to purchase it.

You probably already know this, but I'm saying it anyway: Whatever you get, have it professionally set-up (if you can't do it yourself). A quality set-up is going to make a good bass sound great.

Finally, whatever you get, come back in here and make an NBD (New Bass Day) thread. Post pics, tell us what you got, where you got it, and why you got it. We're all nosy like that.

I've watched a couple videos and read a couple articles on setting a bass up, but it probably would be wiser to get it set up for me since I've never tried it myself.

I'll look around the shop when I'm there (probably this Thursday or during the weekend) and see what kind of bass actually fits my hands and posture overall.

I'll make sure to post my bass after I've bought it. It always feels good to brag a bit, right?

 

[Michal_Toth]

Playing ampless with phones is a good idea if you want to keep the neighbors happy. Nothing wrong with doing that at all.

Metal/rock.....hmmm... sounds like you could use a P-bass or good P-bass clone. You could get away with a P/J configuration probably too.

I wouldn't buy a bass online without ever actually playing it. I've been burned a couple of times doing that and the basses were returned or traded back in.

You absolutely need to try it out before buying.

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely make sure to try a bass out before I purchase it. I'll probably buy it online though, as the prices are usually better.

 

[Michal_Toth]

Ideally, play in person and get the one that speaks to you. That said, I'd keep it passive and with a precision pickup - that's been a standard for a long time, so cheap precision-style basses are imo quite good. I guess they figured out how to make them on large scale Of those listed, I'd say Yamaha. Ibanez TMB and Squier Affinity were also very good for the money the last time I tried them. My personal picks would be between Yamaha and Squier, whichever played better.

Here's some links to Thomann, they seem to be roughly in your price range.

• Invalid Link Removed
• [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
• [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
• Yamaha TRBX 174EW NAT

But, in this range, it's much better to try in person, to find a good one and avoid lemons.

Oh I like the prices better than most of our local online shops.
I like the Yamahas probably the most as well, don't know why. Probably just the visuals.

 

[Graeme25]

Hi guys,
so I've wanted a bass for the longest time, but never got around to buying one for myself. With Christmas on the way I want to buy one for myself.
I've been thinking of buying a bass to headphones adapter (idk what u call those) because I live in a flat. I'd like to know your opinion on whether or not it's a good idea.
Main question tho...which bass do you recommend out of these (or if you have any more suggestions feel free to say so) :
Yamaha ERB 070U2
Yamaha TRBX174
Yamaha RBX170
Ibanez GSR200
Ibanez GSR180
Ibanez GSRM20
Dean Guitars Z Metalman
Dean Guitars Edge 1

I'd like to spend less than 250€ on a bass if possible. Also these are pretty much all the available basses I found in my area under 250.
Also I listen mainly to metal and rock so that's what I'll be playing on bass most of the time. I think at least.

Thanks!

I have the Yamaha TRBX174 (Old Violin finish) This has been a good starter for me. I have owned it for a little over a year now and find it excellent for learning. It keeps it's tuning very well. I usually check the tuning once a week and it requires almost no tweaking. I have a Vox Bass headphone adapter - very good bit of kit if you need to be silent. I also have an Ampeg combo. I prefer practicing with the combo - it goes all the way down to "1" so doesn't disturb the neighbours.
The neck is easy and has a matt finish. I never found anything wrong with it out of the box - but as a newbie I probably wouldn't notice anything minor anyway.
Good Luck

 

[sikamikanico]

I'll definitely make sure to try a bass out before I purchase it. I'll probably buy it online though, as the prices are usually better.

Ideally, you would buy the actual bass you tried. This is not like buying a computer or phone, where if you try one, you know what the others of the same model will be like. Basses are made of wood and despite the same design, they vary a bit. Trying and buying online would only resolve the issue of whether the model fits you. But you could still get a lemon. Return policies would cover you, maybe, but then there's the hassle and all that which you should factor in.

You might save some EUR, but if you're driving out already, I suggest you simply get the one you like the most when you're there (and that you can afford).

 

[Michal_Toth]

Ideally, you would buy the actual bass you tried. This is not like buying a computer or phone, where if you try one, you know what the others of the same model will be like. Basses are made of wood and despite the same design, they vary a bit. Trying and buying online would only resolve the issue of whether the model fits you. But you could still get a lemon. Return policies would cover you, maybe, but then there's the hassle and all that which you should factor in.

You might save some EUR, but if you're driving out already, I suggest you simply get the one you like the most when you're there (and that you can afford).

Well that's some useful information. I mean I know that no two basses are 100% alike. As I mentioned I have plenty of experience with classical guitar, so that's not a new concept to me. But thanks, I'll make sure to bring the money with me to the shop.

 

[Michal_Toth]

I have the Yamaha TRBX174 (Old Violin finish) This has been a good starter for me. I have owned it for a little over a year now and find it excellent for learning. It keeps it's tuning very well. I usually check the tuning once a week and it requires almost no tweaking. I have a Vox Bass headphone adapter - very good bit of kit if you need to be silent. I also have an Ampeg combo. I prefer practicing with the combo - it goes all the way down to "1" so doesn't disturb the neighbours.
The neck is easy and has a matt finish. I never found anything wrong with it out of the box - but as a newbie I probably wouldn't notice anything minor anyway.
Good Luck

Well I often play my classical in the evening, sometimes even at night. With classical that works while playing in a different room than where my whole family sleeps with doors closed, but I'm afraid an amp set on the lowest settings is still louder than a classical.

Edit.: my whole family doesn't sleep in one room...I meant all the individual rooms...you know what I mean

 

[skeeler]

Be sure to try each bass with a strap. Balance is very important to me, and you may find it to be important to you, too. Ideally, you want a bass that stays at the angle you put it at even if you let go of it.

 

[skeeler]

I would get an American Standard P-bass. They are pretty cheap right now.

The original poster seems to be looking at 200- to 250-dollar basses.