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Looking to buy my first bass

R

Raysus

Nov 21, 2011
3
0
#1
Hey guys,

I'm new to these forums, but it seems to be a great community for bassists and I've found very good info on here so I thought I'd ask for help here.

So I've been playing guitar for 11 years now and I've been meaning to try bass for a while now. I'd say my budget would be around 600$, but I could always wait a bit to buy something better. I'm looking at 5 string basses as I like to play the 7 string guitar and I like the flexibility it gives me. As for what I'd like to play, I'd like something for various genres, going from jazz to metal. (Mudvayne has some great basslines I'd love to be able to play one day)

I'd really like to have a natural finish, as I love the look of a nice wood grain. I've been mostly looking at Ibanez SR-505s and Warwick 5s, as I really like the way they look. Any other brands or models I should look at?

I know I need to go out and try a couple out, but since I don't really play bass yet, I won't be able to really know what suits me best. Any advice on what to look for in a quality bass?
 
#6
Solarmist said:
The Ibanez SR505 and Warwick 5ers are entirely different basses; feel, and sound. You can try out Ibanez SR's at most GC's. The SR605 in walnut flat is much nicer looking than the SR505 for $650 new.
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I can imagine they are very different basses, as the Ibanez is very thin and I read it has smaller string spacing and all. What are the differences in tone? How does that affect the versatility? I'm new to bass, so I'm not sure what type of tones to look for in different styles and all.
 
#7
Raysus, admire your restraint and not going out and buying the first shiny object at some shop that you liked the look of.

It's hard to say what kind of bass is right for you because you have yet to develop your requirements, but you do have enough dough to make almost anything work.

Interesting that you mention 5+ stringers in the possibility list. Me, I'm old school and would maintain that your developmental needs are better served on a four string bass, with 24 frets if possible.

Either you will become a searcher, and buy many more basses looking for the right thing, or become a researcher, and develop very specific requirements.

I would suggest that you take a test drive of a Music Man sometime. The necks are extremely 'playable' and the pre-amp let's you dial up tones as needed.

Best of luck, and welcome to the tribe.
 
#9
The Ibanez SR's are good transition basses from guitar due to the thinner neck profile/tight string spacing/ light-weight. The others may not be bad but I'd say test one of those out and see if you like it. Nothing bad about any of the others mentioned but the SR's similarities may give it an edge.
 
#10
Martin89 said:
The Ibanez SR's are good transition basses from guitar due to the thinner neck profile/tight string spacing/ light-weight. The others may not be bad but I'd say test one of those out and see if you like it. Nothing bad about any of the others mentioned but the SR's similarities may give it an edge.
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Here's a used one to check out:
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#12
I have a schecter stiletto elite 4 (one small step under the studio). I can definitely say that its a ton of bass for the money. New around 700 and can be had for HALF of that used. Both ibanez and schecter offer up a great quality instrument for a relatively small price.
 
#14
I'd avoid Warwicks in the $600 range. IMHO, you're not going to get anything too remarkable unless you spend at least $800-$900 on one of them and get a Corvette $$.

Since you're a guitarist, I'd suggest looking at Ibanez as they have the necks that are going to be the most similar to guitars in feel. Plus they are decent quality basses that can be had for low prices.
 

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