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Need some bass purchasing advice.

How should I spend my $500.00 instrument Budget?

  • All on a Bass and worry about a guitar later.

    Votes: 12 66.7%

  • Buy a cheaper bass and guitar and get playing,

    Votes: 5 27.8%

  • Get a bass vi or a baritone and cover both

    Votes: 1 5.6%
  • Total voters
    18
2GBTG

2GBTG

Dec 3, 2014
56
63
41
Pittsburgh Pa
#1
I think I know how the advice is going to go, but I figured I'd give TB the opportunity to surprise me.

So I'm getting back into playing bass and guitar for the first time in twelve years and need some advice on what to purchase.

So I currently play BBb bass (tuba) in my Corps (church) brass band. We have a wonderful guy Tony, a local singer/song writer who leads our praise and worship most Sunday's. On days he's out of town our Bandmaster Dave will usually lead some praise chorus's on piano. We got the idea a couple months ago to start a little three piece praise band when I mentioned I used to play some bass guitar.

I've been using a loaner bass from Dave, a really beat up Peavy Fury 5 string. It has a bad nut that produces no useable notes on open strings and a touchy input jack that causes it to just cut out from time to time. On top of that it's not mine so I can't take it home not practice.

Long story short I hoping to purchase a bass with some money I've got coming in soon. I also want to get a guitar to begin learning our charts so I can lead in the event Dave and Tony are both out of town at the same time. It's also very likely Tony will be leaving us soon to go to Seminary.

So my dilemma is:
1) Buy a bass and worry about the guitar later
2) Buy a bass and a guitar now
3) Buy something like Bass VI or a Gretsch baritone strung a bass vi and cover both

my budget is going to be in the $500.00 range total for these instruments.

So what does TB think?

Kitch
 
#2
I realized I forgot so additional information. I'm looking to get a short scale bass. I've been to both Guitar Centers in Pittsburgh and three or four other mom and pop shops and I always gravitate to whatever short scales are on hand. They are just more comfortable for my small chubby hands.

I like the EB/SG bass range from Gibson and Epiphone and have lucked out and been able to play just about every version currently in production. Gibson's are out of the budget new but can be had used very near there.

I was able to play the Squier bass VI at one point in time an liked it, but would prefer humbuckers to single coils. That's why I like the idea if the Gretsch baritone.

Kitch
 
#3
While The bass VI is cool it probably won't deliver what you want if you are playing traditional bass lines. If it were me I'd buy a used Gibson SG bass. The worn finish ones can be had pretty cheaply (I bought one new for $525) I'd buy a nice bass now, these days 500 bucks can get you something really good. Worry about the guitar later. Bass players are always in demand. A guitar player is well just another guitar player.
 
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#4
This may get me thrown out, but based on the situation you described it sounds like Guitar might be your first choice. Bass is only going to serve as an accompaniment in your situation, whereas a guitar can either lead or accompany as is needed. If you can handle each instrument reasonably competently I think the guitar ought to be your first purchase, then bass if you so choose.

But, as mentioned above, if you are looking to branch out bass is the way to go. There is a sea of so-so guitarists out there in their basements. The so-so (or better) bassists are playing out. :P
 
#5
I have 3 short scales currently. A Squier Jag SS, a Hofner CT violin bass, and a Gibson SG Special. All 3 can get the job done, but only one falls in your budget (if you buying new). The Squier VM Jaguar SS is worth taking a look at, IMHO. At $179 new, it's a steal and very versatile little bass.

If you're willing to go the used route, your options open up nicely. A Gibson SG Special could probably be found close to your budget. These are excellent basses and a good value (around $700 for a USA made Gibson!) but, have been discontinued after the 2014 model year. I'm sure others will chime in with some additional great alternatives.
 
#6
I forgot to mention the Epiphone EB-O. I owned two of these in years past, but I hesitate to recommend them unless you try one first. One was Chinese made that was utter garbage, and a Korean made one that was pretty good.

They have a unique voice and perhaps aren't for everyone, but you mentioned you like the Gibson line and figured they could be an option. Also, I believe they are only $199 new.
 
#8
While i'm mostly reiterating points made previously in the thread, I think you should really invest in a 500-ish bass. My guitarist friend was borrowing my old, beat-up, half-working (much like the bass you've been using) guitar for months as a beginner. The moment he invested in a nice Les Paul (I believe it's a studio), he was 10,000x more enthusiastic about playing and ended up progressing at a much faster rate, while also getting himself some GAS for the first time (which i'm sure would be a plus in your situation).

Honestly you should just check out each and every store you can find (if there are any around) and see what bass you like best in your price range. If it's cheap enough to allow you to buy a cheapo-guitar as well, then great! If not, you can just save the amount you'll have left-over and enjoy having a comfortable bass that you put the time and effort into picking one that you love out of the bunch, which could save you quite a bit of cash (and regret) in the first place. Spend the savings on a decent guitar when you have enough and you're golden.
 
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#9
Have a look at the Fender Classic Player Rascal bass. It's a very versatile short scale with seven distinct pickup variations on offer. No, it's not cheap, but it's a lovely instrument. Here's a pic of mine...

image.jpg
 
#10
I did have a moment to play both the Epi EB-0 and the Fender Rascal. I liked the EB-0 that I played, and it's was dirt cheap (price wise). The Rascal I played had arrived the day before I played at the shop it was in. Their tech was on vacation so it hadn't been set up yet, needless to say I wasn't to impressed. I also believe it may have came in not in 100% working condition as I was getting any sound in the first position on the 5 way switch which I beleive should have been neck pickup only. It's quite possible that has colored my opinion of the Rascal, but I don't beleive it's the bass for me. Thanks for the input though.

I currently have the EB-0 sitting in my Musicians Friend cart along with a good Levy strap, a Vox cable, a Hipshot replacement bridge, and those new Ernie Ball flat wound Cobalts all still under $500.00. It's one of the many ideas and options at my disposal.

Kitch
 
#11
If you like the short-scale Epiphone EBs, you might like this. I tried one out a few months ago and was really surprised. Better than several Hofners I was looking at.
2ey88if.jpg

Under $400 new and Guitar Center usually has a few used ones. Wherever it may be, they'll ship it to your store, and you can take it home for a month, of course.
If I ever go short-scale, this will be what I'd buy.
 
#15
I tried out the Squier Mike Way Mustang. Liked the feel of it, and the sound was ok, but the paint job...YIKES. I haven't been able to get my hands on a regular Mustang. I wan't a huge fan of Daves Peavy, it's a little bit of a stretch for me with the 34 inch scale and not a fan of the fifth string.

Kitch
 
#16
2GBTG said:
I currently have the EB-0 sitting in my Musicians Friend cart along with a good Levy strap, a Vox cable, a Hipshot replacement bridge, and those new Ernie Ball flat wound Cobalts all still under $500.00. It's one of the many ideas and options at my disposal.

Kitch
Click to expand...
That would definitely get you going. The Hipshot is a nice bridge for sure. I've never had any problems with the Gibson 3 pt design, but I know others feel differently. The nice thing about the EB-O is that if you ever were to sell it, you wouldn't be out much cash being that they are so inexpensive to begin with.

2GBTG said:
I tried out the Squier Mike Way Mustang. Liked the feel of it, and the sound was ok, but the paint job...YIKES. I haven't been able to get my hands on a regular Mustang. I wan't a huge fan of Daves Peavy, it's a little bit of a stretch for me with the 34 inch scale and not a fan of the fifth string.

Kitch
Click to expand...
Although it may serve you well enough, playing an instrument that you don't like or that is uncomfortable will definitely kill your enthusiasm right out of the gate. My vote is get what you like right off the bat and go from there when/if your tastes change down the road.
 
#18
2GBTG said:
I currently have the EB-0 sitting in my Musicians Friend cart along with a good Levy strap, a Vox cable, a Hipshot replacement bridge, and those new Ernie Ball flat wound Cobalts all still under $500.00. It's one of the many ideas and options at my disposal.

Kitch
Click to expand...

I think you have your answer. Stick with your instinct. It shouldn't steer you wrong.
 

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