Help me or I'll be Squired by Friday!

[Puck]

I'm planning on buying my first bass used, that way I can get something better than a Squire. However, I know next to nothing about basses as I have very little opportunity to go to a store and try out various basses since there are no music shops within walking distance, and my parents refuse to drive me to one. They just can't seem to understand why I would want something better than a Squire pack from GC. They also don't think buying used is a good idea because then "you don't know what you're getting" and "you can always upgrade later." This despite the fact that its my money, and after spending $300 (I'm currently living off disability, and my parents get most of that cause I'm in their custody) on I won't be able to afford an upgrade any time soon, so whatever I buy has to be casual-jam-session worthy. I have $400 Ive set aside just for my first rig. I already have a strap and cord, as well as some used lesson books.

Basicly, what I need to know is:
1. How do I convince my parents to take me shopping (and actually give me a chance to to test-drive the merch?)

2. How can I tell if the gear is good? I know I'm supposed to get what feels right, but is there a way to tell if its going to fall apart or catch fire? Also, How can I tell if the neck's straight?

3. What, exactly do I need? Do I really need a tuner? or picks? or headphones?

4. What is the proper etiquette when asking to try an instrument in a music store? I actually have some rather severe speech impairments so I have to plan everything I say in advance and then practice it or my parents will end up talking for me and I won't be able to stop them.

5. If I cannot convince them, does anyone know of pack that's at least better than the Squire?

If anyone can answer any of these questions, I would extremely grateful because next Friday, my parents are taking me to Guitar Center to pick up "my" bass.

 

[Bassscholar]

Ibanez has good starter basses to...actually...I think most of the starter basses are good for you. Once you get to know things better ...Plus saving whatever money you get, You could then get a better bass.You will develope in time ofcourse so don't feel bad about just having a squire....cause you gotta work with what you have so. Can't tell you how to get your parents off your case. get into a good playing routine and try to understand as much as you can. you never know, you might fall in love with the bass and in many many years have a bass that cost 10X that squire.

 

[Essthreetee]

SX (search essex) is a popular brand on this forum. I know that I am VERY happy with mine. Take a look at www.rondomusic.com

Good luck.

 

[Jo6Pak]

The new Squier basses are pretty decent. When I go into my local GC, its often a Squier I pick up, mostly out of curiousity and lately I've been impressed with them. For $300 you can get a nice one. Amps are important, obviously, its an electric guitar, but I wouldn't shoot the whole wad on a junk pack just to get the amp with it. Get the bass and worry about an amp later. It doesn't sound like you'll be joining a band any time soon and you can practice your ass off without an amp until then...

 

[JoshD]

Basicly, what I need to know is:
1. How do I convince my parents to take me shopping (and actually give me a chance to to test-drive the merch?)
Personally, I'd just go with a friend if they're gonna act like that.

2. How can I tell if the gear is good? I know I'm supposed to get what feels right, but is there a way to tell if its going to fall apart or catch fire? Also, How can I tell if the neck's straight?

It won't. Play it, if it fails the sound test and general inspection, don't buy it. As for the neck, I'm not a real gear tech so maybe somebody else could help...

3. What, exactly do I need? Do I really need a tuner? or picks? or headphones?
I'd get a tuner(Korg CA-30) and amp(Fender Rumble 15W). And not using picks will save you a couple bucks.

4. What is the proper etiquette when asking to try an instrument in a music store? I actually have some rather severe speech impairments so I have to plan everything I say in advance and then practice it or my parents will end up talking for me and I won't be able to stop them.

Just grab a bass and ask an employee for a cable. The display amps should already be hooked up.

5. If I cannot convince them, does anyone know of pack that's at least better than the Squire?

I went the Ibanez (GSR100Z) route for my first bass. Quite honestly, though, I think Squiers are some of the better basses in the ~$250 range.

Remember, the above answers only show how I'd act. I've also included some of the equipment I've used. Enjoy.

 

[lpdeluxe]

=koff,koff="SQUIER"=koff, koff

 

[purfektstranger]

Basicly, what I need to know is:
1. How do I convince my parents to take me shopping (and actually give me a chance to to test-drive the merch?)

Not sure I can help u with that one. Do you have anyone else you can ask to take you to a music store?


2. How can I tell if the gear is good? I know I'm supposed to get what feels right, but is there a way to tell if its going to fall apart or catch fire? Also, How can I tell if the neck's straight?

I would suggest bringing someone with you who knows what to look for in a new bass. Failing that, when you pick up a bass, lay it flat (face up) and look down the neck to see if it looks straight or bowed/bent. Usually if the neck is bowed or warped you will see it. You can also check the action or distance of the strings from the fretboard. If the strings are low and none of the frets buzz then chances are the neck is alright. Many basses are not adjusted properly or out of adjustment. The store should be able to lower the action on the bass before you take it out the door.


3. What, exactly do I need? Do I really need a tuner? or picks? or headphones?

I think you need an amp. A tuner is not essential imho. Just Google tuning your bass and you will see at least three or four websites that have online bass tuning help.

4. What is the proper etiquette when asking to try an instrument in a music store? I actually have some rather severe speech impairments so I have to plan everything I say in advance and then practice it or my parents will end up talking for me and I won't be able to stop them.

I would tell the salesperson you are shopping for a bass (new or used) and are looking for the best value for money. Could he show you what he has under xxx $ (whatever your pricerange is). The salesperson can either help you out by pulling down a few for you to try or simply leave you on your own to test them out.

5. If I cannot convince them, does anyone know of pack that's at least better than the Squire? I think the Ibanez bass packs are pretty decent.

The Ibanez 190 bass pack seems extremely popular and the reviews are positive. Here is a link if you want to have a look:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-Artcore-Ser-Hollowbody-without-Tremolo?sku=519527


Even if you get a starter pack, you can ask the salesperson to make sure the neck is straight. If it isn't he can keep opening boxes until he finds one which is. Best of luck with your purchase!!

 

[steve66]

Dont knock the Squier basses. Pick yourself up one of their Jazz or P basses. They can be found at most music stores. They sound good out of the box and set up very easy. The important thing to note when looking for your first bass is how it feels and sounds to you. Dont worry about someone elses gear.

 

[Puck]

Dont knock the Squier basses. Pick yourself up one of their Jazz or P basses. They can be found at most music stores. They sound good out of the box and set up very easy. The important thing to note when looking for your first bass is how it feels and sounds to you.

Have actually tried a Squire (p-bass), and I didn't like it. Maybe, Jazzes are different, though. Still, it doesn't change the fact I'm spending $100 extra on accessories that are useless.

Not sure I can help u with that one. Do you have anyone else you can ask to take you to a music store?

Not really. Every since I got out of school, I've had very little social contact outside family, and the few friends I do have are like me. My little sister's in town this week, though so I might have her take me somewhere. I'll still need to bring my parents along for when I buy it (especially if I have to sign anything).

I would suggest bringing someone with you who knows what to look for in a new bass.

Nope. Guitar? Yes, about a dozen. Bass? nope.

I think you need an amp. A tuner is not essential imho. Just Google tuning your bass and you will see at least three or four websites that have online bass tuning help.

Ah, I know several of those. I also have very good ears, so there's $30 I won't be spending.

The new Squier basses are pretty decent. When I go into my local GC, its often a Squier I pick up, mostly out of curiousity and lately I've been impressed with them. For $300 you can get a nice one. Amps are important, obviously, its an electric guitar, but I wouldn't shoot the whole wad on a junk pack just to get the amp with it. Get the bass and worry about an amp later. It doesn't sound like you'll be joining a band any time soon and you can practice your ass off without an amp until then...

Just might do that. It's gonna be a while before I'm any good, anyways.

SX (search essex) is a popular brand on this forum. I know that I am VERY happy with mine. Take a look at www.rondomusic.com

Yeah, I know about them, but I want my first bass to be something I can hold and make sure I'm comfortable with before I buy it. (Can't buy things online anyways.)

I think most of the starter basses are good for you. Once you get to know things better ...Plus saving whatever money you get, You could then get a better bass.You will develope in time ofcourse so don't feel bad about just having a squire....cause you gotta work with what you have so. Can't tell you how to get your parents off your case. get into a good playing routine and try to understand as much as you can. you never know, you might fall in love with the bass and in many many years have a bass that cost 10X that squire.

Thing about money is, pretty soon I won't have any. My parents are trying to have my money put in trust fund in thier name so they'll be the ones controlling what, and how, I spend. I want to make sure I have my bass before then, because no way will be able to get it after. (Lawyers are expensive!


Hmmm... seriously considering just buying the bass. Good idea/bad idea?

 

[wdinc01]

I say go to a music store and find a bass that feels good for about $300 or so (check out vintage modified Squiers), and get a Fender 15W. I have one that came with my Squier pack, and it's been really good. I recommend it.

As far as basses, just about anything can go. Is it the P-bass sound you don't like, or the body? Because if it's the body, then maybe check out one an Ibanez with a PJ set up so you can get some different tones. Or possibly... a Yamaha?

 

[quadebass17]

this squier isn't all that bad actually.

Squier Vintage Modified Precision:
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its a good price for a GREAT new bass,
and
that leaves you enough cash to buy a nice Combo amp.

 

[wdinc01]

If you don't like the Precision, check out the Jazz. You can probably get the Jazz and a combo amp for $400 out the door.

 

[Jo6Pak]

Don't shop for a guitar and amp together. Concentrate on one or the other. Otherwise its like shopping for pants and a shirt that matches (gay). I would go for the bass first. Amps are a dime a dozen...

 

[Mofo-Kang]

Have actually tried a Squire (p-bass), and I didn't like it. Maybe, Jazzes are different, though. Still, it doesn't change the fact I'm spending $100 extra on accessories that are useless.

Jazz basses are much different...the body is shaped differently and the necks are thinner. There's a significant difference in the sound, as well. You might want to give a Squier j-bass a try. And yeah, you can probably get one plus a little Fender practice amp for less than $400 out the door.

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And something like this:
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That'd get you set up pretty good for starting out, I'd say. Musician's Friend is pretty much the same as Guitar Center for pricing (ought to be, they're owned by the same company, though run seperately, if I understand correctly), so you can be pretty sure these prices are very close.

 

[Dave R]

Help me or I'll be Squired by Friday!

You say that like its a bad thing....

There's nothing wrong with being Squiered. There are many Squiered bassists here.

 

[Thunder Pulse]

I'll still need to bring my parents along for when I buy it (especially if I have to sign anything).

You said you set aside $400. To me that means cash. If you're paying with cash why would you have to sign anything?

Thing about money is, pretty soon I won't have any. My parents are trying to have my money put in trust fund in thier name so they'll be the ones controlling what, and how, I spend.

If you're really 21 like your profile says I don't think they can do that without your consent.

 

[Asa Samuel]

First off i'd learn that its spelled squier. that should help convince your parents you have actually thought this through.


Then think to yourself 'actually, theres hundreds of squier owners on tb, and tb is all about bass! so they cant be that bad!'

I'd just get the squier bass pack, or at least get a seperate squier bass and amp as the squiers sold on their own are usually much better than the affinity ones usually sold in the packs.

 

[wdinc01]

Don't shop for a guitar and amp together. Concentrate on one or the other. Otherwise its like shopping for pants and a shirt that matches (gay). I would go for the bass first. Amps are a dime a dozen...

That's what we're telling him to do. Pick up a good bass, and use the left over money to buy an amp. And what he needs most is a bass.

And it's not like I'm trying to say "Get a Fender amp because it's the parent company of Squier." I just happened to recommend the Rumble 15 because I think it's a good practice amp. If you wanna recommend something that won't eat up most his money, go right ahead.

 

[Baryonyx]

Check out the new Squier Vintage Modified series basses. The fretted one is an excellent jazz bass for the price and I don't think anyone here will disagree with me when I say that you can't go wrong with a jazz bass!

Buying used can be a real minefield, especially when it's your first time and you're trying to convince your parents that you'll be able to get everything running smooth and you won't get ripped off!

 

[Spector_Ray]

I don't know exactly where in the D/FW area you are in, but there are tons of music stores and pawn shops at your beck and call. I would suggest the first thing to do is get SOMEBODY to take you around to different shops just to get you in someplace to sit down with an instrument so you can get the hang of how it feels. Explain to the clerk your situation and I'm sure somebody will be able to help you and answer your questions. Once you get an idea of what feels and sounds good to you, you're that much closer.

I played a Squier P at my local GC and I was pleasantly surprised. This one was very well made, played great and sounded just as good. It was on sale for $99, but someone beat me to the punch. Squiers are hit and miss so it's best you sit down with one and look it over carefully.