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How do i try bass?

envy1400

envy1400

Feb 19, 2010
125
29
Tulsa, Oklahoma
#1
In a previous post I wrote about getting a fretless and I was going to get a squier vm but I've clm across some more money and have about $700 to spend on a fretless. Problem is I live in Tulsa and don't have a ton of opportunities here to try different bass (we have a GC but it's selection is tiny). How am I to go about finding out what I want? I could go off recommendations from TBers which are usually great but I don't want to end up with something I don't like. What should I do? Any fretless recommendations? Thanks
 
#2
If Mohammad cannot go to the mountain, then the mountain must come to Mohammad.

(An old saying by my mom, telling me that if I wanted to see/do something, it wasn't gonna come to my door and present itself.)

In reality, all the recommendations and whatever offered aggrandizement you'll get won't make a bass good for you.

The risk of buying one on someone else's ideals is not a good idea.

Stick with a brand name for any warranty/guarantee applications though and only deal with a known stick-n-brick facility. There are too many stores in mail-drops and on wheels that offer lots and send junk.

I never buy used, but that may not float you boat, and there are certainly many here who oppose such an idea.

Are there any minor gigging bands in your area? Can you go see them and hang around and just ask about their gear - and maybe if you show real interest and they feel you are sincere, the bassist may let you try his gear - just a little.

By logical assumption, a fretted bass of a certain name will be a good indicator as to the quality of their fretless ones too.

I wouldn't fret though.
 
#3
For 7 Benjamins, you certainly have a few choices. However, I have recently got myself a Peavey Foundation fretless. Picked it up used for 3 bills with Peavey HSC and all original case candy. Those were just an added bonus, the bass is AWESOME. I was looking at a MIM Standard Jazz fretless, twice the price. IMHO, the Peavey completly blew it away! Remeber, it's usually not about the price, it's whatever works best for you. Trying out fretless basses is a difficult task, as stores rarely stock them, especially any @ $700.00 or higher. I could honestly recommend the Peavey, a lot bigger and fuller sounding than the Fender, and stock Peavey p-ups are love-or- hate, I LOVE 'em. Played a Carvin fretless once that just sang so beautifuly, but didn't have the scratch for it at the time.
If Fender is your thing, those Squire VM's are incredible axes for the money. Just because you have a bigger budget, don't over-look them. You may just end up liking it enough to buy it, and have money for a good hard case, some new accessories, and still be able to stop off for steaks instead of burgers.
Of course, this is all subjective. Only YOUR eyes/ears/hands can be the final judge. Try as many as you can, and don't be in a hurry to buy just because you think a deal might be there. You will ultimately end up with something you are truly happy with if you wait it out.
 
#4
Even in a tiny GC there aught to be quite a few basses, so I'd go there and try everything, regardless of price. Who knows, you might try something out there way beyond your price range that you like, and then find it here in the classifieds well within your budget.
Also, I don't know Tulsa, but look in your yellow pages for music stores. There may be one or two in Tulsa(and maybe more within 30-50 miles or so) that you can try. That's really the only two choices I can see. (or you can buy a P bass and call it good, lol. Just kidding....sorta ;) )Good luck.
 
#6
Another vote for buying the Squier VM and using the extra funds for other gear like an amp, cabinet, effects, strings, case, etc. Then if fretless ain't your thing sell it to fund purchase of another bass and you'll still have your other gear.
 
#8
Totally feel your pain on our GC, it blows. Before they and the internet killed all of our music shops, Tulsa had a good variety of stores. RIP Music Sound World, Music City West, and Roy and Candy's. I won't even buy strings from those rat GC ****s!

Firey Brothers has a few basses (of the Fender sort), they are over between Admiral and 11th on Sheridan I believe. Have not been by in while, prices didn't seem too high. I would also check Golden Pawn, they usually have a few jems if you might be interested in the used route. (13th and Peoria)

My next suggestion would be to check out OKC, namely El Reno. Oklahoma Vintage Guitar would be the shop. Lots of Fender and G&L. Invalid Link Removed That should give you an idea of their inventory.

Also OKC music is pretty good, and the guy there is one of the best setup guys around our parts. It's on May close to the OKC GC.

If all else fails, save more $ and go to the Arlington Guitar Show. That show is awesome! Dallas is always fun for a guitar shopping trip

Keep us posted and good luck!

Mike
 
#12
envy1400 said:
May have to warrant a trip to Dallas. I'm really tempted to just pickup a squier vm but I should probably look around. When is this arlington guitar show?
Click to expand...

If you happen to make it down to the Dallas area, I have a Jaco Tribute fretless you are welcome to stop by and play for a bit. She's not for sale so don't worry about some schlep pushing her on you. PM me.

The Squiers are really quite good if you can get over the name on the headstock. There is GC near me that has a couple of the fretless version in stock.

Also, don't overlook the typical Internet based retailers who offer ~30 day satisfaction offers. :hyper:
 
#15
Spector Legend around $700 new can be ordered as fretless at no upcharge. The Spector web site can give you local sellers. But you will have to feel and hear before you buy. Road trip maybe best answer after some phone calls to verify stock. Enjoy the search.
 

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