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Help with first bass??

R

Raze

Jan 20, 2011
14
0
#1
Hello, Ill begin by saying I'm new here and new to bass, well... new to music as a whole really... :help:
I am planning on getting a bass very soon, and maybe a few lessons, followed by ALOT of youtube bass videos xD
Now, I've been searching around for a while for a bass which I think will suit me... and Im not sure between these 3 I have narrowed it down to...

Epiphone thunderbird goth iv
Stagg XB300
Squire P Bass

If theres anymore you can suggest, please do... But keep in mind im on a college students budget XP
oh, and Im into anything from death metal to Ska so mainly metal and punk stuff... :bassist:

Thanks in advance!!
-Raze
 
#2
You pretty much can't go wrong with a Squier P as your first bass. After all, the Fender P was the original bass guitar. Its simplicity and versatility have passed the test of time, and it has a place in virtually every genre of music. One pickup, two knobs, no frills. The perfect first instrument.

I don't know what kind of budget you are on, but the new Squier Vintage Modified P is a very good bass for its $279 price tag; it plays like it's worth twice that much. If you can afford it, that is the model I would recommend.

Don't forget that you will also need strings, a tuner, an amp, and learning tools such as music books, maybe a metronome, and so on. Keep that stuff in mind when planning your bass budget. If all else fails, just get one of the Squier Affinity P starter kits, which will have most of the basics in it.

Hope that helps.
 
#3
+1 on the Squier Vintage Modified.

Definely not a beginner intrument quality wise, its a great deal. And you'll also need a amp, Or like was said above a starter pack is a good way too start you get everything you need in there and wont have to worry about buying anything else except strings.
 
#4
I had a Epiphone Thunderbird and took it back because of two reasons, one being that it was unbalanced and neck dived all the time, although this can be remedied by modifying the placement of the upper strap button, and second the pickups sounded really generic and muddy, a Stagg I would stay away from.... the squier p should be a good starter bass for you, they do have several different levels of p basses, they have the Affinity series, Classic Vibe series and the Vintage Modified series, I would shoot for the Classic Vibe or either the Vintage Modified as both are really good basses, please do yourself a favor and try to play before you buy.....
 
#6
my friend has an ibanez atk. I liken it to a music man. excellent inexpensive bass. very deep, rich, heavy sound and feels solid like a tank. I've played it a few times through his SWR combo. If you don't mind the looks of it, I think it's a good match for rock & punk or a more aggressive sound. the pickup is a beast. a lot of material on that bridge. that thing is an unassuming killer. I'm surprised it's not hugely popular.
I would also recommend obscure used **** on ebay. there are always always good basses on there for under 200.
 
#8
yaboiimizz said:
+1 on the Squier Vintage Modified.

Definely not a beginner intrument quality wise, its a great deal. And you'll also need a amp, Or like was said above a starter pack is a good way too start you get everything you need in there and wont have to worry about buying anything else except strings.
Click to expand...

Yes, the Squier VM series are quite good for a starter bass.
It will also serve you well for years to come as you progress.
 
#9
A Squier VM Jaguar ($300) will give you more versatility than a Precision.

If you're going to self-teach (books, CDs, DVDs) then, strictly speaking, you don't need an amp initially. A headphone amp and headphones with adequate bass response would suffice. That way, when you're ready to buy an amp you'll know more, and be less likely to regret an uninformed purchase. Moreover, that gives you time to save for a better amp.

Regardless, you will need a strap, a tuner and a metronome. The later two could be a combo. Although factory strings are often like factory tires on cars (mediocre), you don't have to replace them immediately. If you go the headphone amp route then, depending on the model, you may need a short cable. A music stand is also highly advisable.

If the bass is going to leave your house you'll need a gig bag (or hard case).

Creating a budget spreadsheet and playing what-if can be quite illuminating.
 
#10
Thanks all!! this is very helpful, I may end up going for the Squier P bass then dues to overwhelming odds!!
Ive heard alot of good things about the Squier P and the Thunderbird Goth...
But can you only get the Squier in either black red or blue with a white pickguard??
Ideally I would love a white bass with black pickguard, or red with black...
Then the looks of the P bass would (in my mind anyway) match that of the thunderbird goth and the stagg
But it it sound that matters so that seems like the bass to go for...
Is this a good deal?? I think this with a black pickguard would look amazing!! = Invalid Link Removed
Is the Ibanez GSR200 any good?? or something else Ibanez begginer wise?? or is the Squier P bass better??
 
#17
I am officially in love with all of te basses on Rondo Music 0_0
There amazing
Ive been able to find a fir amount of information on the SX bass, most people saying there better than squire... price and quality wise...
But I do love the look of the Douglas bass guitars too... Are they any good?
 
#19
+1 on Squier CV or VM

-100000000000 on Stagg
Do not buy Stagg! Seriously, save yourself tons of pain and trouble. They're cheap but they feel and sound as cheap as they come, while Squier CV and VM feel and sound much more "expensive" for their price tag.
 

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