I say get a cheap J bass. HAVE IT SET UP RIGHT. Learn how to play. While you're learning, you can research more about basses you like and if they would fit with what you want to do.
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Need bass guitar recommendations (All details inside)
- Thread starter tunabolt
- Start date
+1 on the jazz bass recommendation. They're not my thing, but they are versatile.
I could have sworn he had a bass, but rereading his post, that does not seem to be the case.
That being said, he seems to want to run a marathon before he learns to walk?
I totally agree with you Ross, that's why I suggested Squier.
But it's his money. We can only recommend. It's his decision in the end.
057912
To the OP: I say this because of your post and how I interpret it.
I was thinking that maybe you might be a novice and biting off much more than you can chew when it comes to playing the bass. As many have mentioned, get yourself a decent and reasonably priced bass but don't choose it on just looks or name. I'm not saying that you are but the 4 basses that you listed are 4 totally different basses with unique looks and highly sought after by many. I'm certain you will decide for yourself but consider the following. If you make a large purchase of these instruments, you may not enjoy it and may not get the full value back. In addition, you also may realize that what you are trying to accomplish has taken many bassist years to achieve. Getting an expensive bass will make you sound good but not make you play better.
Take some of your cash that's burning a hole in your pocket and get a low end bass, use the rest of the cash to get some lessons and a decent setup. I say this with the utmost respect and hope it doesn't come off as harsh. Just hoping it will steer you in the right direction to ultimately enjoy playing bass forever as many of us still do.
Go to the music store, grab basses and start playing them. Whatever one feels good in your hands and within your price range will be the bass. Don't base (insert pun here) it on anything else. When I bought my first bass after years of playing cheap models and then purchasing a Samick 5 string back in 1999, I was told Warwicks are the best, but that is subjective. I played it and dislike it. I ended up leaving with a Spector NS2000/5. It sounded great and played very well. I still have it to this day!
I was thinking that maybe you might be a novice and biting off much more than you can chew when it comes to playing the bass. As many have mentioned, get yourself a decent and reasonably priced bass but don't choose it on just looks or name. I'm not saying that you are but the 4 basses that you listed are 4 totally different basses with unique looks and highly sought after by many. I'm certain you will decide for yourself but consider the following. If you make a large purchase of these instruments, you may not enjoy it and may not get the full value back. In addition, you also may realize that what you are trying to accomplish has taken many bassist years to achieve. Getting an expensive bass will make you sound good but not make you play better.
Take some of your cash that's burning a hole in your pocket and get a low end bass, use the rest of the cash to get some lessons and a decent setup. I say this with the utmost respect and hope it doesn't come off as harsh. Just hoping it will steer you in the right direction to ultimately enjoy playing bass forever as many of us still do.
Go to the music store, grab basses and start playing them. Whatever one feels good in your hands and within your price range will be the bass. Don't base (insert pun here) it on anything else. When I bought my first bass after years of playing cheap models and then purchasing a Samick 5 string back in 1999, I was told Warwicks are the best, but that is subjective. I played it and dislike it. I ended up leaving with a Spector NS2000/5. It sounded great and played very well. I still have it to this day!
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Think it depends somewhat on his $$ and on his experience and level of his other instruments- if he has a bunch of PRS, Les Pauls, Taylors and a few customs- why not spend the $$ to have a (in my words) " no excuses, pro bass".
I had my doubts about the Squier since I had very high end basses but I bought one when it was $199! I upgraded it heavily with Nordstrand Jazz pickups, Audere preamp and BAII bridge, bone nut and detuner. I really like it alot but I had too many so I gave it to a student.
Why???......See the post above yours, by ninefingerbass.
Was that a Classic Vibe???
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Was that a Classic Vibe???
Where do I sign up to be one of your students!!!
057912
Why buy a $199 bass and dump hundreds more in- then sell for less than you have invested when you want a " better" bass?
The OP isn't talking Foderas Modulus or Zon.
He is talking what are considered meat and potatoes working instruments that can be played at a pro level ( i know, some pros play Squiers)
Just saying, if you already play upper mid to high quality instruments, ( don't know if he does) AND he has his own money-$1000-$1500 bass can be all you ever need, although we all know that is never truly the case
.
I had the funds and didn't care about giving to a student since she was a natural. I felt it as my part of inspiring a future bassist.
$1000-$1500 bass can be all you ever need, although we all know that is never truly the case
Wise words.
Why buy a $199 bass and dump hundreds more in- then sell for less than you have invested when you want a " better" bass?
The OP isn't talking Foderas Modulus or Zon.
He is talking what are considered meat and potatoes working instruments that can be played at a pro level ( i know, some pros play Squiers)
Just saying, if you already play upper mid to high quality instruments, ( don't know if he does) AND he has his own money-$1000-$1500 bass can be all you ever need, although we all know that is never truly the case
@whY buy a $199 bass and dump hundreds more in- then sell for less than you have invested when you want a " better" bass?
1) Not everybody mod's a bass.
2) You mod a bass to your own personal specs, a $1500 bass still might not meet your specs.
3) As a new bass player he doesn't know his personal specs yet, or else he wouldn't be asking us.
4) What does better bass mean, more expensive?
@Just saying, if you already play upper mid to high quality instruments...
1) That's an assumption you made.
2) He may be a Hendrix level guitar player which could explain your assumption, but he's new to bass.
057912
Oh, I was by no means questioning what you did with the bass. I think that is phenomenal. If you take that as a possible consideration for the OP- that is a horse of a different color and I didn't consider that immediately when addressing your post.
I was fortunate ro be able to give a nice Vibro champ to another player and, despite still Missing that amp, I did a better thing by giving it to someone who would play it regularly, rather than record 3 times a year.
I will be sure to read and respond to the entire post from here on.
Happy New year to all of you
No problem that we differin opinion. I was primarily a keyboard player and as I took on other instruments I usually started lower on the totem pole until I knew what I wanted with some experience...but, having more available resources if I should take up any more instruments I will always be starting with a mid- to pro level instrument. I don't have a problem with that...
And yes, it was ans assumption and clearly indicated as such...a guess based on how much he was willing to spend. Most people who have no experience with instruments choke at the thought of more than $300. OP makes me think he knows about spending a bit more on instruments. I could be wrong and made that clear
@DrMole I am by no means upset nor did I think you were bashing me or my decision for what I did. Honestly, I liked the look of the bass and had spare parts that I used plus wanted to have a try at modding.
@DrMole I am by no means upset nor did I think you were bashing me or my decision for what I did. Honestly, I liked the look of the bass and had spare parts that I used plus wanted to have a try at modding.
I had been making my entire argument on "only buy a cheap bass if you are new" concept and totally ignored the rest of your post. I didn't think you were on me for anything but i was embarrassed for not considering your entire post, especially sich a great gesture.
Best New year to you and the rest 'round these parts.
