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I want to play bass

M

ManiTheKing

Jul 22, 2011
5
0
31
Austria
#1
Hello everybody,
I want to start playing bass, but I have no idea which bass I should buy. I also need a good AMP. It shouldn't cost more than 500-600 €.
I also need a good book or internet side, where the teach you the bass playing. Unfortunately there is nobody around me who can give me bass lessons.
Oh well, I want to play Metal. ;)

(Sorry for my broken english)
 
#2
First thing... Where are you located? You might not be able to find someone to give lessons on your own, but someone here might be able to point you in the right direction. Lessons would certainly help, although a lot of people can teach themselves how to play bass.

I'm not really into metal, but I do know that you probably won't find much joy in a fender jazz. MAYBE a P bass, but it sounds like you'd be more interested in an ibanez, Warwick, or maybe a Schecter (which I personally own and find great for a lot of styles)

You're going to hear this one about 50 times. Just play a bunch of basses and see what feels/sounds good. If you're worried that you don't know how a bass is supposed to feel, have someone play them for you so you can hear what they sound like. And DON'T be afraid to buy used.

I'll let someone else give amp advice. My amps suck.
 
#3
+1 on what JeffBTZ said. as for amps, u can start off right now with just a combo amp. Ampeg, Line 6, Gallien Krueger, Acoustic are all great manufacturers for both combo amps and bass cabs and heads but will get into those later. Anyways, just try a bunch of basses through as many combo amps as possible and if u find the combination u like. make the purchase :)
 
#4
Here's a free bass site to get you started. The Bass and Guitar Fretboard Diagram Printer
You need to know the basics to be a good player, whether it's metal or country. Just because a bass has only 4 strings doesn't make it easy to play!!

Squier Vintage Modified or Jazz are great; thin comfortable neck so your fingers won't fatigue as quickly. They have great pickups sound great, good quality build, hard to beat for the money. Ibanez Soundgear has a slim neck too.
You may want something different for metal, but having a comfortable bass to learn on may be more important right now. Precision style basses have thicker necks that can fatigue a beginner's hand making you want to stop practicing.
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Search for a used amp that has lots of power and good comments from other players here on TB.

Good luck.
 
#8
Peavey basses can be nice. Ibanez, ESP Ltd, Schecter, Traben, and various others also make great basses gettable in the $300 and up range. Living overseas also gives you access to some very nice brands seldom found in america as well. These can include very nice inexpensive basses more along the lines of the Ibanez, ESP Ltd etc price range here. Used is also a great option for both basses and combo amps. If peavey and acoustic are available over there for good prices, theyre among the best bang for buck small bass combo amps I know of.
 
#9
Youtube is a good way to learn some basic (and not so basic) stuff. When I started (not that long ago) i picked up some DVDs through Musician's Friend that are OK but never used 'em.

The Peavey Millennium basses have gotten good reviews in Bass Player Magazine. Ibanez makes some pretty fair entry-level basses also.

The Fender Squier Vintage Modified basses are better than most in their price range. I just picked up a Jaguar short scale for kicks and $170 that would have been perfect to learn on, and I played a VM Jazz Bass that felt really sweet. "Duncan Designed" pickups also.

Play bass. Guitarists are all over the place.
 
#10
Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass '77 ($300)
Acoustic B20 ($150)

Total Price: $450


Bam. Best newbie bass setup you can possibly have in my opinion. These will take you very, very far before you reach the level where you need an upgrade. For learning, go to studybass.com and watch people play on Youtube (both professionals and ordinary players doing covers of songs). If you need any extra help, look up some tutorials on Youtube or ask us. Should you choose to play guitar, keep in mind they're a dime a dozen and you'll REALLY have to compete for gigs or anything at all. It's difficult.
 
#12
Here's some advice:
Truth be told guitarists get alot of 'face time' but, that's only because if your a good bass player noone knows your there. Meaning? Play in the pocket.

If you can master playing in the pocket, stay in time, and are a joy to work with you'll find jobs are a little easier to come by then a guy who just knows a few chords and steps all over everybodies musical territory.

Some more advice:
Don't be afraid to buy a used instrument.
 
#16
Thank you guys for the answer. :)
So is the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass '77 a good bass for a beginner like me?

And another question. Sounds the bass different, when you play with a pick? Because I'm not sure if I should play with the fingers or with a pick (my biggest bass "hero" David Ellefson from Megadeth plays with a pick)
 
#18
turbo chicken said:
Online Bass Lessons at StudyBass.com

this site has answers to most of the questions you posted and also some very beginner type lessons to get you started.

I picked up my bass again about a year and a half ago. It has been a valuable resource for me especially the first few months. I still reference this site from time to time.
Click to expand...
I loved this site when I first started (though it's not like I've been playing for that long). Great for music theory.
 

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