Looking for my first bass, what do you recommend?

[mike buzzetti]

Ibanez SR300E-CUB Cerulean Aura Burst | Reverb

then use the $1000 to get a great amp , I wouldn't blow my wad all on a 1st bass there's a 90% chance you will change LOL ! If you got the cash then just go for it. !

 

[ok-djmiller]

Forget the mindset of 'this brand' or 'that brand.' Go to a quality music store, play as many basses as they will let you hold, and walk out with the bass that felt the best in your hands. $1500 will easily buy you a very nice instrument that will last for decades.

 

[JW56789]

At this point it's a crapshoot as far as recommendations. You may as well play spin the bottle or flip for it as to which one to buy.

I wouldn't do a thing until as many have recommended, go and try on as many as possible to see what feels and sounds better and which ones don't hit you.

Right now we'd all just be guessing at what is a very subjective and personal choice.

Good Luck.

JW

 

[SolarisMinor]

Ibanez SR300E-CUB Cerulean Aura Burst | Reverb

then use the $1000 to get a great amp , I wouldn't blow my wad all on a 1st bass there's a 90% chance you will change LOL ! If you got the cash then just go for it. !

I have my amp covered. I needed something for my V-Drums and I found an SWR Workingmans 4004 with a Hartke 4x10 and a 2x15. All for $500.00. Works perfectly and after I cleaned them up, they look pretty much new!

I am going to head down to Lightnings and play (Well, fumble around on) everything I can get my grubbies on!

 

[mike buzzetti]

I have my amp covered. I needed something for my V-Drums and I found an SWR Workingmans 4004 with a Hartke 4x10 and a 2x15. All for $500.00. Works perfectly and after I cleaned them up, they look pretty much new!

View attachment 4637426

I am going to head down to Lightnings and play (Well, fumble around on) everything I can get my grubbies on!

do IT

 

[DwaynieAD]

I'd get an squier Affinity precision bass.

I have one and it always works for everything

I have fancier basses
I have much more expensive basses

But man does a precision always work. It may not always be the best choice but its never the wrong choice

 

[BlueTalon]

But man does a precision always work. It may not always be the best choice but its never the wrong choice

It is in this case.

And in a lot of other cases too.

 

[Snert]

If an Ibanez SR fits you ergonomically and you like how the neck feels, buy a nice one second hand as they all will feel similar. Get it set up and get a good teacher. I'd spend the money on a higher spec/$ unit later.
Anyway, enjoy playing.

 

[coy garcia]

I want to play a variety of musical styles, but really leaning toward funk and heavy stuff.

Sounds like you want some kind of P bass...I understand i'm not a fender fan either but a single passive pickup in the sweet spot makes many old school lovin bass players happy.
If I didn't know what I was looking for then the music store try em all is the best approach. Find that one that speaks to you...Happy hunting!!

 

[Dave TB Killer]

G&L. A used USA L2000 or a new Tribute L2000 with cash left over for a used MIM Fender P Bass.

 

[ERIC31]

Ibanez TMB-100. Try one. You’ll like it a lot. You will still have lots of money in your pocket.

 

[BlueTalon]

Yes indeed. I have been eye-balling this one since yesterday....

Ibanez SR2600CBB SR Premium 4-String Electric Bass - Cerulean Blue Burst - Used | Reverb

I like your instincts.

 

[TOOL460002]

+1 used Stingray, but that's what I did, so I'm biased.

 

[5StringBlues]

Some sort of jazz type bass. Doesn't have to be fender, or J. shaped. Single coils.

 

[JT Foster]

You are getting a lot of advice that is all over the place. Let me try to simplify it based on what I personally believe.

No body is giving you bad suggestions. Ibanez SR, TMB, P-Bass, G&L, Stingray, all great choices. However, I will reiterate an early point that was made: Do not spend $1500 on your first bass. You don’t even know what you like yet. Stay below $500, and save your money for when you actually know what direction you want to go in.

My recommendation for a first bass is a Squire, or an Ibanez SR. The key here is versatility. I would lean towards the Squire, since it’s passive and simple. My first bass was an SR, and I couldn’t figure out what to do with all of the knobs when I started playing.

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TMB100M | Talman Bass | ELECTRIC BASSES | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars

SR300EB | SR | ELECTRIC BASSES | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars

Here’s some recommendations that would all be high quality instruments that would be good for slap, metal, and all in between.

 

[DeepHz]

When looking at price point I thought my Sire M7 was well worth the price for a low budget Bass.

 

[George Dennis]

Hello! My first post here and looking forward to a lot of good information!

I am looking for my first bass, at least my first in 40 years. I started on bass at 10 and then switch to drums, which I played for decades. Took a few years off (16) and started banging away again a few months ago.

I think I finally figured out how to approach the bass, so I am in the market for my first bass.

I have up $1500.00, but I have read so many reviews about so many instruments my head is spinning. I have always liked Ibanez. Was never a big Fender fan. Looking at 4 strings basses from Sire, Washburn, Warwick, Spector, Shecter, Yamaha, Ibanez, etc.

I want to play a variety of musical styles, but really leaning toward funk and heavy stuff.

I was, at one point, an experienced musician. These days, at 50, I just want to learn to be proficient on bass and enjoy playing. I like nice stuff, so I should be able to get a decent bass for the kind of money. I about had an aneurism when I saw what top of the line basses cost these days. I thought gas was expensive!

I have kind of narrowed my search to the following, but I am open to other ideas:
1. Sire M7
2. Ibanez SR1600D
3. Ibanez SR2600CBB
4. Shecter SLS Elite
5. Spector NS Pulse
And several older Yamaha, Warwick and Washburns.

What would y'all suggest?

Way I see it, you've got two choices: dedicate your remaining years trying out every other bass in the world, or, just get a Ric!

 

[Titch]

Go the Ibanez. For sure.
Sire look great but they just are so rare around here in West Australia.
Forget the Schecter. I had one and fought with it for years. Poured tonnes of cash into it and had to conclude it was a total lemon.
Spector... I tried out a few and didn't click with them .... no idea why.
Again, go the Ibanez. Very nice bases and very versatile.

 

[Snert]

Way I see it, you've got two choices: dedicate your remaining years trying out every other bass in the world, or, just get a Ric!

Had a couple, played more. Hated them and sold them for a modest profit. I hope the new owners are thrilled, but assuming everyone else will think like you do that they are the holy grail is, meh. As bad as the P cult.
But try them if you can, then you'll know.

 

[themickster]

Hello! My first post here and looking forward to a lot of good information!

I am looking for my first bass, at least my first in 40 years. I started on bass at 10 and then switch to drums, which I played for decades. Took a few years off (16) and started banging away again a few months ago.

I think I finally figured out how to approach the bass, so I am in the market for my first bass.

I have up $1500.00, but I have read so many reviews about so many instruments my head is spinning. I have always liked Ibanez. Was never a big Fender fan. Looking at 4 strings basses from Sire, Washburn, Warwick, Spector, Shecter, Yamaha, Ibanez, etc.

I want to play a variety of musical styles, but really leaning toward funk and heavy stuff.

I was, at one point, an experienced musician. These days, at 50, I just want to learn to be proficient on bass and enjoy playing. I like nice stuff, so I should be able to get a decent bass for the kind of money. I about had an aneurism when I saw what top of the line basses cost these days. I thought gas was expensive!

I have kind of narrowed my search to the following, but I am open to other ideas:
1. Sire M7
2. Ibanez SR1600D
3. Ibanez SR2600CBB
4. Shecter SLS Elite
5. Spector NS Pulse
And several older Yamaha, Warwick and Washburns.

What would y'all suggest?

Ibanez SR300E. It's as well made as the higher models, but a lot cheaper.