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I'm new and need advice and suggestions

JDHolmes

JDHolmes

Jan 6, 2010
59
0
#1
I did this once, but it didn't get posted because the system logged me out and then it disappeared. Anyway, a quicker version...

I'm new and need help. I've read the newbie links, did a search and am now more confused than I was before. I came here following a link to bass reviews, stuck around a couple of hours and read what I could find.

I'm 51, probably will never be in a band and will be playing mostly for myself or those unfortunate family members unlucky enough to be around when I play. I don't know what music I'll be playing though I expect old rock, current rock, gospel and whatever suits my fancy. I'm not a total beginner, but a pretty new beginner.

First question is, I've read that to find the bass for me I need to play as many as possible at the guitar store. However, how does that help me. As a beginner, I don't know what a good bass really sounds like and I can't play songs and I expect that to me, a cheap bass in tune will sound better than a great bass out of tune or not set up properly. Help!! How do I evaluate it with my lack of experience?

Money's not really an object for this purchase though I'm looking for value. To me, value is quality for the best price. I don't want to drop a grand on a "great" bass and then stuff it under the futon for years. Also, I don't want to spend $200 for something that's crap. I want something i'll enjoy and be able to appreciate as my skill level develops.

Please give me your evaluation of these basses:

1) Ibanez SDX 300
2) Ibanez SR 500
3) Yamaha RBX 770 (or 370)
4) Schecter individual models
5) Sterling basses??

I haven't included Fenders here because the "good" ones are out of the price range I want to spend. I also think that they are highly priced due to heritage and don't provide value to ME (your mileage may vary). I have also read almost everywhere else on the web that Squires and the low-moderate price ranged Fenders are junk. Again, I don't know, it's just what I've read so don't blast me for it, I've read here that many adore Fender, even the squires but I just gave my reasons for not including them.

I appreciate your advice and comments and look forward to sharing this "love" with you.
 
#2
Greetings JD,

I can't help you much on the bass thread. I have heard Ibanez makes some decent cheaper bass guitars. My old drummer had one and it had a nice feel to it. A Spector might make sense on your list. I have not tried one but I am looking at picking one up myself. I have only heard good thing about them.
 
#3
Welcome!

I would recommend either (a) going with a friend who is a guitar or bass player to a store and asking for his/her input on the basses you listed, or (b) going with your "gut." It is hokey, I know, but what I mean by the "gut" is that I think certain instruments just "feel" right when you play them, regardless of your skill level or what style of music you play.

All of the instruments you listed are well crafted and will serve you in a variety of styles. Try to see if any of them just "feel" right when you play them, even if you don't know how to play very well. Better to learn on a comfortable instrument that may be ugly than to battle a good looking instrument that is difficult to play.

Anyhow, that's my 2 cents.
 
#5
I am also a sort of beginnerish at bass and have found this forum extremely useful and encouraging. In my view you have already taken the biggest step - and that is deciding to get yourself a bass.

My advice is to go for it and get yourself a budget instrument. I took the plunge after doing one hours research and bought a Yamaha RBX 170 and love it! ... it wasn't expensive and its far from crap. IMHO with this instrument you cant go wriong.

I understand your dilemma but just think you could be playing instead of beating yourself up over what to buy! lol.

Go for it - you wont regret it!

Best of luck and welcome to 'our' love.

Z.
 
#6
My recommendation would be to get a bass that you feel comfortable holding and that you like the looks of that's in the $200-$300 price range. Squier or SX (look on ebay) are your best bets. Then, make sure you pay someone respectable to do a setup on it.

You'll now be good to go for quite a while. As you said, you can't hear a difference, and you don't know what to listen for. But as you play you'll start to notice things you hadn't before, and a year down the road you'll go into the music store, pick up a nice bass, and be able to actually tell the difference. Eventually you'll want to upgrade, and by then you'll have a much better idea of what you're looking for.

In terms of buying a Squier or SX, my only suggestions are to stick with four strings, and buy a bass you love the looks of. The more excited you are about it, the more likely you are to play it. For what it's worth, Squier makes some excellent inexpensive basses, and they're generally good enough quality that if you decide to upgrade it down the line, you can make it better than other basses which cost far more.
 
#8
If you want to dive in, and learn bass...

Sometimes an inexpensive instrument will not do! Evaluate your budget and think about going beyond a so-called beginner instrument to one that's intermediate. A very good setup is very important to me, and having a good 'bass' platform for learning...
 
#9
No offense ment here mate, but heres my suggestions. Don't think that under $200 basses are necessarily crap. And besides, like you said, you don't really know what a good bass sounds like, so whats the difference. I would get a really inexpensive bass to start with, learn the basics, get somewhat proficient, and then think about a "better" bass. The basses you listed are good ones, but so is the Squire and even SX's are great learning tools. Buying a high dollar instrument, finding out that it isn't your cup of tea, and putting it in your closet is a slight waste of money. Also, a simple, reliable, basic instrument is great for learning to set it up (which is not only important, but helps you become more involved with the bass, rather than just trying to learn how to play it). I've been playing (off and on) since 1966 and have had numerous basses, but right now, my favorite is a cheap (er, I mean 'inexpensive') SX Jazz, that I don't have to be paranoid that it will get a chip or a bump. I know you know this, but it bears repeating. The best instrument in the world will not play itself, nor will it make you a better player. Learn first, upgrade later.
 
#10
Choosing the bass that is right for you is a very personal thing. But if I may add my thoughts I would recommend the RBX 370. I often play on a friend's RBX 270J and really enjoy it. The 370 is the active version of the 270 (hence the bigger number, right?) and I can assure that these are great sounding versatile basses.

But most importantly the greatest gauge of whether or not a bass is right for you is the way it makes you feel when you play it.
 
#11
A big +++ for the Squier Classic Vibe series basses.

I am also just starting to play bass guitar (I passed 51 many years ago) and I have a new 60s Classic Vibe P-Bass and I love everything about it. Max cost new is $349.99 from several sources. They are sometimes on sale as well.

I also bought my Grandson a 60s Classic Vibe Jazz bass from GC a few months ago for $199. Also a great bass.

 
#13
I would give serious consideration to a G&L Tribute (imported) series L2000 or JB-2. They are within your budget, are very carefully made with excellent tone woods, and use the same US-wound Leo Fender-designed pickups as are in the US models.

The L2000 can emulate most rock bass sounds from the last 50 years, so it'll easily play along with pretty much any song you have in mind.

The JB-2 has a skinnier neck which may be more to your liking, however.

I also agree that the Squier Classic Vibe series is way excellent for the money. I tried a fretless Jazz on sale for $299 that impressed me mightily. The G&L Tributes cost more, but are worth it as well.
 
#15
I own or have owned schecter, squier, yamaha, ibanez to name those in your list as well as the one other mentioned in previous responses.

My short answer is yes to all of them. You can't go wrong with any of them. They all have their strengths. You need to decide what feels best. You mention not knowing how to judge the sound of a bass. Honestly, the sound doesn't matter if you aren't comfortable holding and playing the instrument. I can noodle around on just about any guitar if it feels comfortable. But the best sounding axe on the planet doesn't mean anything if it doesn't feel good in my hands. This is why you need to play as many brands/models as you can stand. Feel the guitar first. Then worry about how it sounds.

Your tone preference is going to develop as you grow as a player. But you won't grow as a player if you don't pick up the instrument and play! All the instruments mentioned here can sound great. So it really comes down to how they feel to you. And if you happen to purchase an axe that, down the road, doesn't meet your sound preferences you can always modify it or purchase an outboard preamp (e.g. Tech 21 Sans Amp). My rig can make just about any bass produce at least one usable tone. Don't get stuck, just commit to the instrument that feels right.

I have two SX guitars. Bottom of the barrel price-wise. But they feel great (and happen to sound pretty good too). I play them at least as much as my two schecter elites and my fender jazz.

Sorry for rambling. Just my humble opinion....
 
#16
The "good" basses in a guitar store are probably out of your price range. Those are the ones you need to play & remember so you can recognize a good instrument regardless of price. If you only play the inexpensive or moderate priced basses, the differences won't be as obvious.

Never pass up an opportunity to play an Alembic, Fodera, Ken Smith, Lakland, Sadowsky ... <insert boutique/upscale brands here> Always play the same stuff on each bass you audition + whatever comes to mind or fingers. With tone/EQ controls flat play each pick up solo. Play the Tone/EQ controls at extremes with the pick up blend flat. You should be able to say "that's too much" for the extremes to be sure you will be able to dial in a sound you like.

Good hunting. 8-)
 

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