Let's Help the Newbies - Contribute to the Basses FAQ

we should list recommended basses that fall into certain price ranges, such as $250 and under, 250-400, 400-700, etc. also a general explanation of what certain pickup styles sound like.

i'm actually starting to compile an FAQ of other random questions that are always asked around here.

 

Buying used stuff. Lots of beginners do. And lots of vets do too. I think that should be included.

 

what different woods sound like
bolt on vs. neck thru
what MIM & MIA, and any other frequently used abbreviation means


jason

 

Not no mention where to go for advice on upgrading your MIM pickups. (probably more appropriate in a pickups FAQ)

And the ever present P vs. J discussion.

And why standard notation is better than TAB. (probably more appropriate for a misc FAQ)

And a setup FAQ.... (you get the point)


Why not a FAQ for ALL forums? Am I out of line here?

FF

 

Good bass under $100 - Peavey Milestone (100),

Good bass around $200 - Squier Precision (230), or Jazz (200), Carvin B4 (150)

Good bass around $300 - Fender MIM Precision (350), Fender MIM Jazz (380),

...

help me out guys... no argument on best here... just reasonable gear that you can get for $100, $200, $300 or so... you know, newbie gear!

 

:AXL Rose Voice ON:

Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!

:AXL Rose Voice OFF:



I think this is one of the best ideas I´ve read lately here on TB.

Things like: web sites with modes and scales, best combo amps for the buck and best basses for the buck in diferent price ranges, types of pups....

 

In an attempt to make this a one-time deal and to facilitate easy updates, I think that all info that is time specific (such as brands that are currently in vogue, best bass for "X" price, etc.) should not be considered for the forum. Rather, I would like to see the basics of bass covered, such as:

Difference between active and passive, explaining each system,

Differences between types of pickups-single coil, stacked coil, humbucking, etc.

Explaining how tone controls work and how they affect the sound of the instrument,

Where to look for information/resources...search here at talkbass, Bassplayer's web site, Bassics website, other forums, etc.,

Neck-through vs. bolt-on, 4-string vs. extended range basses, fretted vs. fretless, etc.

Finally, I think that a general discussion about gear would be appropriate. Specifically, a discussion about how gear is player-specific and why this is so...string spacing, action, neck shapes, number of strings, tone wood differences, pick-up differences, balance, weight, look/aesthetics/vibe, etc.

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head...I'm sure that others have many more ideas to contribute.

 

That's a classic.

 

and links!

manufacturers
retailers
informational sites



jason

 

How about a list of good threads that are newbie oriented? Here's one below:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30341

 

Explain who Jaco is

 

I forgot this one:

"What is distortion??????????"

Le Classic!!!!!!!!

 

Include the setups of MaRk HoPpUs and FiElDy...

 

"Why does my MIM Fender J/J copy make a loud buzzing or humming sound???"

"How do I get that "clicking" sound????"



"Is there a right way to put on strings???"

 

That`s a great idea JT!!! A Beginner/Newbie FAQ section.

It would eliminate a lot of clutter on the forums and
also provide a warm and fuzzy atmosphere for members that are reticent to ask "stupid" questions(moi for one! ).

I believe some other members had a similar idea for the other forums as well i.e. amps,general instruction.

Maybe I`m a knucklehead but sometimes the search function is a hassle;giving you a cyberton of posts to wade through.Perhaps a somewhat more user freindly FAQ would be in order?

 

"Should I get a 5/6/7 or 8 string? "

"Is it easier/harder to play?"

"Should I start with 4 and work my way up or just go get the GT7?"

"What's the difference between MIA, MIJ and MIM?"

 

Hey now!!!! Those are about the only questions I am qualified to answer!!! Don`t go spoiling all my fun now!