Looking for advice on multiple fronts (adult beginner)

[Flaked Beans]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alex and I'm 27 years old, from Serbia. For a couple of months now I've been thinking about buying a bass guitar and starting to learn, but I have multiple questions so I registered on the forum to get answers from the experts

It will be a longer post, but I want to have all fronts covered.

First of all, I'm a professional chiropractor/physical therapist, I'm afraid that the callouses might affect my profession, since I expect painful fingers for a while. What is your opinion and is there a way to make the process more bearable? I have fairly tough fingers, since I've been lifting weights seriously for a decade, but it's a different thing.

Gear related questions next - 5 string or 4 string? Active or passive?

I listen to all kinds of music, and I really mean it, from Serbian turbo-folk to technical death metal, so I'd like to have as versatile instrument as possible, to be able to play along different songs and grow into the instrument. It seems to me that an active bass would give me a lot more versatility. I think that eventually I will need the 5th string, is it a good idea to start on a 5 string then? My budget is around 450 euros, which is around 500$, I can probably add 50 euros as well if needed. I found an Ibanez BTB405QM for 420 euros/489$, used but in great condition, Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 4st NT 1st Gen for 450e/520$ also used, but in great condition and set up and a Cort B4 Plus AS-RM AB for 380e/440$ which is brand new. Prices in my country are higher than in the USA/UK. I'm open for all suggestions, these three seemed good to me, but that means nothing...

Last questions are learning/practice related: which online resources do you recommend for me to learn from, since that's going to be my primary method of learning, at least in the first couple months. StudyBass seems good, so does Scott's bass lessons. I'd like to stick to a single resource if possible, with assistance from Youtube, this forum etc.

Thank you all in advance and sorry for the novel, but I'm like that

You want to be a proffesional bass player? Forget the physical therapist now. Or it won't work.

 

[Bioflava]

Does anyone on talkbass know of a headphone amp that has an input for music also? There are some combo amps that have an input for that purpose and if there is a headphone output then it would be a good choice. He would have an amp and a headphone amp.

The Darkglass Element pedal is pretty nice for bedroom jamming. It's got two headphone outs and lets you mix in a track to play against using either an 1/8" mini jack or via bluetooth. So you can use your phone or tablet to stream a metronome, drum loop or track and then play against it.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

Alex says that he would like "to be able to play along (with) different songs and grow into the instrument."

Some have suggested for him to get a headphone amp and good headphones. Does anyone on talkbass know of a headphone amp that has an input for music also? There are some combo amps that have an input for that purpose and if there is a headphone output then it would be a good choice. He would have an amp and a headphone amp.

Boss GT-1B meets both of those criteria. It is a bit pricey, considering his stated budget, but it's 240 (USD) well-spent, as far as I'm concerned.

Alex, I wouldn't presume to be as good as SBL, but different people learn differently. If you prefer the "traditional", one-on-one lessons, I have had some experience with giving lessons over Skype as well as in person and my rates are MORE than reasonable; FREE! I don't believe in charging people for what was freely given to me.

Even if you just need a "coach" or someone to bounce ideas/questions off of, I am offering my assistance.

 

[red_rhino]

Ibanez makes basses with quality that is above their price in my experience.

+1 on Ibanez basses. Great quality basses at every price point in their product line. I never hesitate to recommend them. They tend to have slimmer necks and their 5/6 string models tend to have narrower string spacing. That works very well for some people, but those with larger hands may find them a bit cramped.

As others have said, play a bunch of basses and ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS buy the one that feels best to you. My recommendation would be to start off with a 4 string. And as much as I prefer active electronics, passive is probably a better way to go unless you’re going to spend a bit more on the bass. It’s been my experience that active circuits on less expensive instruments aren’t always the best. But you should try both and get what you think sounds best to you.

As for calluses; you will likely develop some, but they soften over time. The thicker, tougher calluses are your body’s initial response to “trauma”. Once you’re conditioned to the work, you will develop very few calluses, if any. What you should be more concerned with are repetitive stress injuries, and as a chiropractor, you’ll be familiar with all of them. (e.g. wrist pain, thumb stress, forearm tightness, fingertip tenderness, etc.) Your individual physiology plays a big role in that. Also, Finding a good teacher early on can help you avoid developing any bad habits in your technique that might lead to injury.

Welcome to Talkbass.

 

[BlueTalon]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alex and I'm 27 years old, from Serbia. For a couple of months now I've been thinking about buying a bass guitar and starting to learn, but I have multiple questions so I registered on the forum to get answers from the experts

It will be a longer post, but I want to have all fronts covered.

First of all, I'm a professional chiropractor/physical therapist, I'm afraid that the callouses might affect my profession, since I expect painful fingers for a while. What is your opinion and is there a way to make the process more bearable? I have fairly tough fingers, since I've been lifting weights seriously for a decade, but it's a different thing.

Gear related questions next - 5 string or 4 string? Active or passive?

I listen to all kinds of music, and I really mean it, from Serbian turbo-folk to technical death metal, so I'd like to have as versatile instrument as possible, to be able to play along different songs and grow into the instrument. It seems to me that an active bass would give me a lot more versatility. I think that eventually I will need the 5th string, is it a good idea to start on a 5 string then? My budget is around 450 euros, which is around 500$, I can probably add 50 euros as well if needed. I found an Ibanez BTB405QM for 420 euros/489$, used but in great condition, Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 4st NT 1st Gen for 450e/520$ also used, but in great condition and set up and a Cort B4 Plus AS-RM AB for 380e/440$ which is brand new. Prices in my country are higher than in the USA/UK. I'm open for all suggestions, these three seemed good to me, but that means nothing...

Last questions are learning/practice related: which online resources do you recommend for me to learn from, since that's going to be my primary method of learning, at least in the first couple months. StudyBass seems good, so does Scott's bass lessons. I'd like to stick to a single resource if possible, with assistance from Youtube, this forum etc.

Thank you all in advance and sorry for the novel, but I'm like that

When I started playing bass in the 70's, 5-string basses were new and unusual. And expensive. Now, they are common, and they cost little more than 4-string basses. Given your situation, I would absolutely recommend getting a 5-string bass from the very beginning.

All the basses you named are good basses. I'd probably go with the Ibanez because I like their necks.

Regarding the health of your fingers and hands, you don't need to worry about it as long as you don't go crazy at the very beginning. The calluses will come. Pay attention to your hands and fingertips, and put the bass down when anything gets a little bit sore. There will always be time to practice later.

 

[Fernando Costa]

Well, for a beginner on your budget I would recommend a 4 string passive bass. You will probably have a much better instrument, but you are the one who knows what your real needs are.

At first I would avoid rough or steel strings like Rotosounds, I would use nickels XL,s or GHS Pressurewounds, lighter ones. Over time you will develop some calluses on your fingers, nothing too important, but you should avoid the blisters that can get in the way of your work.

The only way to avoid blisters is to develop calluses! Study daily if possible, or several small periods a day, and never overdo it as the blisters will attack you. On theory and technique there are many guys here to advise you, better than me. Good luck!

 

[BlueTalon]

Alex says that he would like "to be able to play along (with) different songs and grow into the instrument."

Some have suggested for him to get a headphone amp and good headphones. Does anyone on talkbass know of a headphone amp that has an input for music also? There are some combo amps that have an input for that purpose and if there is a headphone output then it would be a good choice. He would have an amp and a headphone amp.

The Phil Jones BigHead does. I have one of the older ones, and I like it a lot, but they're really expensive.

 

[fleabitten]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alex and I'm 27 years old, from Serbia. For a couple of months now I've been thinking about buying a bass guitar and starting to learn, but I have multiple questions so I registered on the forum to get answers from the experts

It will be a longer post, but I want to have all fronts covered.

First of all, I'm a professional chiropractor/physical therapist, I'm afraid that the callouses might affect my profession, since I expect painful fingers for a while. What is your opinion and is there a way to make the process more bearable? I have fairly tough fingers, since I've been lifting weights seriously for a decade, but it's a different thing.

Gear related questions next - 5 string or 4 string? Active or passive?

I listen to all kinds of music, and I really mean it, from Serbian turbo-folk to technical death metal, so I'd like to have as versatile instrument as possible, to be able to play along different songs and grow into the instrument. It seems to me that an active bass would give me a lot more versatility. I think that eventually I will need the 5th string, is it a good idea to start on a 5 string then? My budget is around 450 euros, which is around 500$, I can probably add 50 euros as well if needed. I found an Ibanez BTB405QM for 420 euros/489$, used but in great condition, Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 4st NT 1st Gen for 450e/520$ also used, but in great condition and set up and a Cort B4 Plus AS-RM AB for 380e/440$ which is brand new. Prices in my country are higher than in the USA/UK. I'm open for all suggestions, these three seemed good to me, but that means nothing...

Last questions are learning/practice related: which online resources do you recommend for me to learn from, since that's going to be my primary method of learning, at least in the first couple months. StudyBass seems good, so does Scott's bass lessons. I'd like to stick to a single resource if possible, with assistance from Youtube, this forum etc.

Thank you all in advance and sorry for the novel, but I'm like that

what about amplifier? small speaker won't be satisfying if you are really into Bass sound

 

[BlueTalon]

what about amplifier? small speaker won't be satisfying if you are really into Bass sound

One thing at a time. He can always practice acoustically, and he's not planning on gigging any time soon. Best to get the best bass he can afford IMO.

 

[fhm555]

Find an experienced bassist to help you pick out your first bass, it will save you so much potential trouble and should help you make a better deal.
Before you go the self taught route, consider lessons with a reputable (with references) instructor who can guide you through proper forms for left hand fingering and right hand plucking/picking techniques. Take it from a largely self taught individual, it is much easier to learn these all important skills correctly the first time than it will be to unlearn bad habits and learn the right form sometime in the future. Practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent. The hardest thing I’ve ever done on bass was unlearn 20 years of self taught bad habits/techniques so i could learn better ways to play.

 

[txhawaii]

buy used if you are able. you won't waste so much money in case you lose interest in a few years

 

[DeepHz]

I purchased a Marcus Miller M7 fretless and was amazed at thee quality at that price point. It is both active and passive.

 

[andruca]

Welcome to TB! Regarding gear, I'd say priority is having something you like playing, something inviting, so try as many basses as you can to figure out what you find comfortable. Then comes the tone. I myself prefer basses that I can relate to, sorta' "signature" tones, the ones you hear on records you like. Not into too generic sounding basses really. Any bass you've mentioned is good on its own right, I'd decide on what I prefer really as none will deceive you in terms of quality/reliability/features.

Regarding the callusing, you shouldn't develop calluses if you don't overdo it and focus on not being tense (also for the sake of agility). That's all the (real obvious) advise I can give, I mean, your advantages as a PT here are immense, you'll do way better than most at finding the involved thresholds and the associated sensations. Even with reasonable technique some non painful hardness is expected, but shouldn't go beyond that.

As per practicing solo, with background music, I can't think of anything more cost effective than a Zoom B1on (or Xon if you want an expression pedal too). Those go for around 30€ used here in Spain. Not just a really competent multi-FX, but also has some built in drum patterns to practice, AUX input and a looper. Unbeatable bang for the buck. Should be easy for you to find ine, the EU used market is flooded with them. If interested, check my (real modest) YT stuff, everything recorded thru' cheap Zooms.

Enjoy the ride.

 

[Eli_Kyiv]

Hi and welcome.
I vouch for Ibanez BTB405QM. I have Ibanez BTB400QM (almost the same model but 4-string) and I think it's a fantastic bass for the money. BTBs aren't small basses, but you're young and strong, so this shouldn't be a problem to you. Also the sound versatility of BTB40xQM is really good.
Also +1 for Beginner to Badass course at bassbuzz.com. Talkingbass too. And certainly you will be able to find some diamonds in SBL.

 

[lark_z]

Vox Amplug and Donner Basement have the mp3 input. $55 or $30. Headphone amp with mp3 input is an inexpensive start.

I can second the comment that bass callouses are nothing like guitar callouses. You'll barely notice them. The strings just don't cut into your finger tips, since they're so much larger.

 

[avalant]

Beginner to Badass is the best way to learn bass online in my opinion. Just do what Josh says. It works.

 

[AlexMYS]

Wow! I didn't expect so much good advice and help, I am very thankful.

When I said my budget, I meant only for the instrument, so I'll have money to buy a proper amp, but I have to say honestly, I'm a bit confused. What's the role of these processors? Is it like a preamp with effects? Maybe it's better to get a passive bass + processor + amp, than going active + amp or am I completely missing the point?

As for the 4 vs 5 string issue, my conclusion is that I should try and get the best deal possible, especially since I'm buying used and that the feel of the instrument should be the deciding factor. Trouble is that most of these used instruments aren't that close to me, but they are mostly within a 100 km radius. But I really like that Ibanez.

Active or passive - I'm still not sure about that, especially since I'm unsure how the whole processor-amp-setup side of things work.

Would you guys say that it would be important for me to buy a fully set-up instrument?

@2tonic - That's basically what I want to do and what I do with darbuka, it's such a great method. Basically this is my main goal and why I want to play the bass, in order to play along most music and enjoy it even more than I do now. It's especially valuable to play different genres, at least that's my opinion.

@g-dude Your post made me laugh, the old war-related songs from both sided are hilarious (now). I'll tell you an interesting thing, man that is credited for inventing the genre is a bassist, his name is Miodrag Ilić, nicknamed Mile Bass. He made all the best arrangements and his band "Južni vetar" (Southern Wind) had 5 of the best singers of all time in the genre. Many of these songs have great bass lines, especially since Mile is a rocker at heart, but started playing folk music in order to make money, his family was struggling.

Alex, I wouldn't presume to be as good as SBL, but different people learn differently. If you prefer the "traditional", one-on-one lessons, I have had some experience with giving lessons over Skype as well as in person and my rates are MORE than reasonable; FREE! I don't believe in charging people for what was freely given to me.

Even if you just need a "coach" or someone to bounce ideas/questions off of, I am offering my assistance.

What can I say Michael, thank you for such a generous offer, God bless you man. World would be a wonderful place with more people like you. I will definitely ask you for help, if I ever start playing with so many questions and dilemmas

Thank you all for the help again, this is a great community.

 

[mongo2]

I'm a 4 string/passive player so that would be my recommendation. I've had a 5 string/active for almost 30 years that I bought in case anyone ever asked for it but, so far, no one ever has. I use nylon tapes or flatwounds which have more of a toughening of the finger tips effect rather than calluses.

Regarding learning, I had very ittle to go on when I started over 50 years ago but now there is a abundance of lessons available on line. Check out a many as you can and pick what you think may help you. Personally I found an inperson instructor to be very helpful when I felt the need for instruction.

 

[el murdoque]

I'm a fan of Ibanez basses, but not of the BTB 405. They did not really manage to win me over - and I've owned and gigged BTBs.
The 4 Series, however, felt a bit under par compared to the others.

Concerning callous building: Don't overdo it an you won't get problems.
When you practice two hours per day 7 days a week, you might run into trouble there, but not when you play moderately.

 

[Ketbass]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alex and I'm 27 years old, from Serbia. For a couple of months now I've been thinking about buying a bass guitar and starting to learn, but I have multiple questions so I registered on the forum to get answers from the experts

It will be a longer post, but I want to have all fronts covered.

First of all, I'm a professional chiropractor/physical therapist, I'm afraid that the callouses might affect my profession, since I expect painful fingers for a while. What is your opinion and is there a way to make the process more bearable? I have fairly tough fingers, since I've been lifting weights seriously for a decade, but it's a different thing.

Gear related questions next - 5 string or 4 string? Active or passive?

I listen to all kinds of music, and I really mean it, from Serbian turbo-folk to technical death metal, so I'd like to have as versatile instrument as possible, to be able to play along different songs and grow into the instrument. It seems to me that an active bass would give me a lot more versatility. I think that eventually I will need the 5th string, is it a good idea to start on a 5 string then? My budget is around 450 euros, which is around 500$, I can probably add 50 euros as well if needed. I found an Ibanez BTB405QM for 420 euros/489$, used but in great condition, Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 4st NT 1st Gen for 450e/520$ also used, but in great condition and set up and a Cort B4 Plus AS-RM AB for 380e/440$ which is brand new. Prices in my country are higher than in the USA/UK. I'm open for all suggestions, these three seemed good to me, but that means nothing...

Last questions are learning/practice related: which online resources do you recommend for me to learn from, since that's going to be my primary method of learning, at least in the first couple months. StudyBass seems good, so does Scott's bass lessons. I'd like to stick to a single resource if possible, with assistance from Youtube, this forum etc.

Thank you all in advance and sorry for the novel, but I'm like that

Love the title of the post! Oh, to be 27! But it’s all relative. I’m just diving into double bass at 59! I’ve been playing BG since high school, jazz bass since college and what I’ve found is (IMHO) try to buy as much bass as possible and one that speaks to you regardless of brand; sort of like anything else I guess. One of my favorite 4 strings is my Schector Studio 4. Cheap on the used market.

Learning from a teacher is OK, IF, you’re that kind of learner, but with the internet there is an abundance of fantastic videos on technique and just great players playing. Watch and Listen. Always be listening to the bass line; what it sounds like and what it’s function is in the group. You can do that right away for free! Learn to sing the bass lines. It’s easier to follow them slowly when you get on the bass eventually. Copy everything you can, even if it’s just a few notes in a rhythm. My dad used to say copying something is the highest praise to the artist and you’ll learn a lot along the way. Eventually it will be your own version. So exciting to see a new person finding love in the low end. Best of luck and hope you enjoy the journey.