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how to "test" a bass
- Thread starter Ryanrocksursock
- Start date
I guess after all that, my advice seems kinda weak! But here goes...
I play the bass without plugging it in first. I go over the whole neck and body looking for anything of concern. At this point, how does it *feel*? And if it's not too noisy in the store I get an idea of its acoustic properties.
Then, I plug it in. Everything flat on both the amp and the bass and then try every control on the bass several times. Play up and down the neck. I don't think I play anything resembling songs, just notes, chords, etc...
Also, I don't turn the amp up too much. It's just polite and the sales guy will think higher of you. Which leads to a (hopefully) more favorable negotiation.
I play the bass without plugging it in first. I go over the whole neck and body looking for anything of concern. At this point, how does it *feel*? And if it's not too noisy in the store I get an idea of its acoustic properties.
Then, I plug it in. Everything flat on both the amp and the bass and then try every control on the bass several times. Play up and down the neck. I don't think I play anything resembling songs, just notes, chords, etc...
Also, I don't turn the amp up too much. It's just polite and the sales guy will think higher of you. Which leads to a (hopefully) more favorable negotiation.
Play unplugged first & then try to play it through what I normally would play a bass through. Don't even look at it closely until after that. If I need "tools", phone for Jintoonz to "HALO" in with "the works".
I dont know, for me, whenever I walk into guitar center this is what I do. Make sure I have a cable, find the 1 amp that actually works in the whole store. Grab a bass that looks sweet first tbh 
, play whatever comes. For me, id play different things on different basses.
, play whatever comes. For me, id play different things on different basses.
I dont know, for me, whenever I walk into guitar center this is what I do. Make sure I have a cable, find the 1 amp that actually works in the whole store. Grab a bass that looks sweet first tbh
Often, I will carry an amp of my own, so that I can play with a known commodity. To make this easier, I use a small two-wheeled cart, bungee the amp to it, and place the kit with mt test gear on top of the amp. This makes for quick and easy maneuvering in the local GC or Sam Ash, even when they are crowded.
My hands, eyes, and ears were free and they came attached to their own processor and transportation.
My hands, eyes, and ears were free and they came attached to their own processor and transportation.
Don't get me wrong - look, feel, and sound are important, but a casual examination alone cannot identify critical flaws such as misaligned wood grain structure, cracked capacitors, excessive soldering flux on circuitry, cold solder joints, under or mis-applied shielding paint, body and neck resonance issues, and other areas of suspect workmanship and materials that can be hiding even in instruments with price tags running into thousands of dollars.
There was a time when I would go into a music dealer, pick up an instrument, play it, sight down the neck, and make my decision. That time is long past. The complexity of a modern instrument vs. one made even 20 years ago mandates a greater level of inspection. This is the only way to prevent having a "hidden flaw" visit its ugly consequences upon you in the middle of a gig.
Frankly, I don't believe for a minute that you cart all that crap along just to check out an instrument.
3978 is not a perfect square, but it's square root is somewhere between 63 and 64.
Your skepticism is understandable, as this kind of detailed examination of an instrument is still considered unusual, but there are some of us who are intent upon making the most thorough examination possible given the constraints of viewing an instrument in a music retailer. In some of the larger markets, you will find individuals who derive considerable income from practice of these methods on a consultant basis.
square root(3 978) = 63.0713881
More about calculator.
check the neck, check the neck... plus, Jo6pak is right in his points.
And always ask for a discount
If you are going to the store with the intent to purchase, then you should take a few tools. I have a small kit I carry with me that has the following:
1. Cardinal HSDC-20 digital hanging scale - Let's face it, weight is going to be a comfort factor with any instrument you buy. The GC guys are known to lie about the weight question and you may not have the accurate "calibrated arm" that you think. Take the guesswork out of it with this.
2. Mitutoyo micrometer model 122-126 (or equivalent). Sure, the spec sheet says that nut width is 1.75 inches, but are you willing to take that as gospel? This guy will help you establish the truth.
3. Mabis Signature Electronic Stethoscope - Do you really know where those dead spots, defects, and other tonal pockets are located in that prospective new bass? You simply can not afford to guess. This will allow you to get an accurate map of the tone woods with your ears.
4. Lisle 52500 Mechanics stethoscope - While the standard electronic stethoscope is great for getting the overall picture of what is going on with the body woods, inspecting the neck and fingerboard requires a more precise inspection tool. Before making that purchase decision, know exactly where the dead spots are located.
5. Lisle 68100 Feeler Gauge Set - How well is it put together? A few quick checks on the assembly points with this and you will get a good picture as to the craftsmanship of the instrument.
6. Fluke Ti-10 Infrared imaging camera - If you are buying an active bass, you are concerned with making sure that the electronics are "top-notch". Cold solder joints, substandard electronic components, and faulty assembly can mean problems down the road. By looking at an IR image of the preamp while it is in action, you will be able to pinpoint any areas of the circuit where abnormal operating temperatures may indicate problems that will cause excess battery drain.
7. Fluke 117 Digital Multimeter - Passive electronic components in the preamp need to be checked to ensure that they are within specified tolerance. Any substantial deviation and the preamp may not perform within design limits, often with an impact on your tone. This will allow you to carefully test each component and to take voltage/current readings while the preamp is in operation, ensuring that it is performing as designed. Also, this is useful for routine continuity checks on passive instruments.
8. Kassoy L-820 Jewelers' Loupe - The finish may look fine to the naked eye, but small defects that may eventually become checks and visible surface flaws can only be identified with a more discriminating look. The loupe will allow you to find these with ease.
Each of these tools will allow you to make a detailed examination of the instrument under consideration. Make sure that you take the time to use them thoroughly.
OTOH, I heard from an owner of his brand that Roger actually uses these tools on every bass that comes out of his shop, so if you are buying one of those, you may be able to skip all this.
Lol, i heard that builder of Wishbass does those too... oh and i heard that Roger doesnt do that... and that aliens actualy exist
Assuming it passes the basics, I buy it with a credit card, take it home and play it thru my home gear. If all is good, I take it on a gig and play it thru my big rig. If it doesn't make the grade, I take it back.
I would never buy a bass without the option to return it.
I would never buy a bass without the option to return it.
If you are looking for such a service, simply ask at an independently-owned music retailer(SA and GC are not in business to promote the use of such services). If there is a person in your area offering pre-sales inspection of instruments, they will know.
Should there be no one who offers the service outright, you can talk to people who work as setup professionals and/or technicians that support guitars/basses for performing musicians. They will be able to look at your prospective instrument and render an opinion.
