Need some information on this Bass before buying.

[LT131]

Get whatever moves you because if you're new to bass, chances are you won't be sticking with whatever bass you choose forever or for all that long necessarily. Especially if you hang out here for any significant amount of time.

Welcome to here.

Yamaha is a great company to go with as well, you should be able to find something in the same price range as that LTD you are looking at (Yamaha makes everything from $300 instruments up to $2500 - $3000.) But like a lot of others who have posted here, I would strongly suggest that you consider going used for your first bass. For every person who stuck with learning/playing their instrument, there are ten who gave it up pretty quick...if you fall into the latter group, then you won't have spent as much money...

P.S. Where do you live? You say there is a Long & McQuade somewhere nearby? Any other music shops? If you are dead set on buying new, you should try a few different shops if there are any around and do a bit of comparison shopping.

P.S.2. Playability should be the most important aspect of whichever bass you choose to go with, ESPECIALLY as a beginner. You may like the looks of that LTD, but even if it has a decent setup, if the neck shape/radius and/or scale length aren't comfortable for you, you may end up with cramping issues, if not something more serious like tendonitis. I owned a Rickenbacker bass that I sold in 2010 when I finally admitted that it wasn't - and never had been - for me. That was a bass that I bought largely because some of my heroes played it and also, yes, because I liked the looks of it, but it caused me nothing but issues. I know that as a beginner you may be a little reticent about going into music stores to try out several different basses, but it really is the best (and only?) way for you to get a feel for what will work for you.

This 100%. If your local L&M does not have what you want go play what they do have. Drive to any music store you can and try basses. Your only goal should be how it feels. It is much easier to learn on a comfortable. Instrument. Be assured that you can find something nice within your budget. ESP, Squier, Yamaha, Sire, SUB, Peavey and apologies to any left out .
Feel first, then worry about an amp.

 

[FenderJaguarGuy]

If you want an active bass you cannot go wrong with a Squire Jaguar.

1. It's active
2. Has P-pickup and J pickup
3. It's only 199.00!!!

I purchased the Mastodon Troy Sanders signature 299.00

and fell in love with it.
I'm a beginner as well I've been playing for about 2 months

 

[bholder]

There are probably lots worse choices for a starter bass than something like this: 1981 Washburn Scavenger Bass Guitar Relic Vintage Project Matsumoku | eBay
previous owner painted it black to be punk, this seller scraped it back to the original white, you could paint it to suit whatever whim you have and not feel any guilt. Probably even sounds / plays halfway decent - if it's survived this long, it's solid...
(I've actually always liked that body style, may toss a lowball bid on just because.)

 

[buldog5151bass]

You are buying a bass on looks and because it is common for your style of music and playing? Sorry, but that sounds like a lousy way to choose a bass. I understand buying something when you like how it looks, but play some basses, and see what is comfortable to play, at the very least. This is a tool, not an accessory to your wardrobe.

 

[wintremute]

Might be pretty obvious but i'm a bit hesitant to buy used since i don't know how to inspect a bass. Usually when someone buys something used, they would have some general knowledge to know that the item is in good condition and such. That's why I'm a bit set on buying something new and just sticking with it.

Whether you buy it new or used, you should be taking it to get professionally set-up. So if you buy used, try to buy it under the condition that you can return it for your money back if your set-up guy (or girl) says that it's bad.

 

[DavC]

the ESP bass has a 35" scale ( that is the length between the top nut and the bridge ) where the Ibanez SR series has a 34" scale ... being a beginner you might not notice the difference ... if you have smaller hands or slightly shorter finger the shorter scale might be comfortable ...! it has to do with how far you need to stretch your fingers to reach from note to note ...

I can't begin to express how much of a better value Used is ...!! this is a very good community for musicians who , like myself , would be glad to help .... looking at the classifieds here ...

I'd start with something fairly simple and easy to play ... but something decent that will last and could modified later ... down the road ...

getting overly 'stuck' on looks is not a great idea ... but I understand ... reminds me of my first wife ... a real looker , but what a b!tch ..!! ha ...

i'll go check take a quick look thru the Classifieds ...

 

[Neveragain55]

Yeah, I was wondering about that. I've never played an ESP, but that particular instrument the OP was looking at is rated 5 stars at Musicians Friend with 57 reviews. Seems like the folks that own them are very happy with them!

Exactly.... The real shame ironically is the bass the OP was interesrted in probably would have been perfect for what he was looking for and they truly are wonderful instruments.

They have a solid build quality, they really hold up well, and they come equipped with good hardware & electronics from the factory.

I personally can't say enough about them, and I know that I'll always have at least one or two ESP LTD basses in my arsenal for the rest of my life.

 

[buldog5151bass]

My thought is to find something to play that you don't mind, and take your time to find the "bass of your dreams" once you KNOW what you want.

 

[bholder]

Exactly.... The real shame ironically is the bass the OP was interesrted in probably would have been perfect for what he was looking for and they truly are wonderful instruments.

They have a solid build quality, they really hold up well, and they come equipped with good hardware & electronics from the factory.

I personally can't say enough about them, and I know that I'll always have at least one or two ESP LTD basses in my arsenal for the rest of my life.

Having gone and looked at the ESP LTD F-104 in question, it doesn't look at all bad, I can dig it, but I will re-iterate my belief that the Sire M3 is the best value buy in this price range.

Showing the black one to compare looks against the ESP LTD F-104 - ok, not as cut and pointy, but seems to me it could look pretty good in a similar role. And it's a great value (not saying the ESP isn't).
If OP wants that ESP LTD F-104, that's what OP should get. We're just offering alternatives to consider.

 

[BooshBass]

Play every bass you can

Agreed. Go to Guitar Center and/or every other store with instruments in your area and play them all, including the ones you can't afford. If you play a ridiculously expensive bass that you like, you may be able to find a way cheaper bass with a similar neck shape, scale length, etc. Then go from there.

As an example, (granted regarding a guitar), I was in the market for a guitar, played a $2500 PRS at a music store, loved how it felt but didn't know why, just figured it's because its a $2500 guitar. I asked the guy, turns out the scale length was 24.5 inches, as opposed to the common 25.5 inches. That's why my stubby fingers were able to navigate the neck better than usual. Never even considered scale length when playing an instrument before. Ended up finding a used PRS SE Edition Santana for $450, also with a 24.5 scale length, felt just as good as the $2500 one I played in the store (sounded just as good too.... just kidding). Just a testament to the advice.

EDIT: Also a testament to how thin is not always what you need, sometimes short and wide does the trick where you think thin is the answer. I have short fingers, but not so short they can't reach the E string. I love my Ibanez Ergodyne EDB600 because of how thin the neck is, but definitely consider how a shorter scale makes stretches between frets, not strings, easier on your hand.

 

[Neveragain55]

Having gone and looked at the ESP LTD F-104 in question, it doesn't look at all bad, I can dig it, but I will re-iterate my belief that the Sire M3 is the best value buy in this price range.

Showing the black one to compare looks against the ESP LTD F-104 - ok, not as cut and pointy, but seems to me it could look pretty good in a similar role. And it's a great value (not saying the ESP isn't).
If OP wants that ESP LTD F-104, that's what OP should get. We're just offering alternatives to consider.

Fair enough....

 

[PortlandBass77]

While that bass looks solid enough, I recommend Ibanez also as they tend to have the best value for the money for starting instruments. If you do choose the ESP LTD that's probably not a bad call either though.

 

[Iamthelampshade]

The best way to buy a bass is to take a test drive on it, with all the knobs flat (on the bass and on the amp) Make sure that the neck is straight and the bridge is adjusted. Then determine if it's worth that much. Not what anyone else says. Note: if It's used play around with the knobs while playing it to make sure all the pots are good and clean. and to always look if any angles are missing at headstock.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I have to agree with the majority of responses here: I'm sure you feel that your reasoning is sound (no pun intended), but 1. Buy a used instrument! There are tons of good, used basses out there, and I'm sure you can find one that you like the look of and that plays well. In almost 50 years of playing, I have only ever bought one (1) brand new instrument! 2. Take the time to find another bass player (at school, work, trolling music stores...wherever!), preferably one with a few years of experience (regardless of whether you agree on musical genres), that's willing to answer some of your questions. How did you come up with the idea of becoming a bass player in the first place? Do you have friends that are musicians (just about everyone does, whether they realize it or not!)? I'm sure that one of them either plays bass, or certainly knows a bass player or two! Musicians are notorious for willingness to 'share' what they know! LOL Don't be afraid to take advantage of someone else's experience....it'll make the whole process much less long, tedious, and possibly painful! 3. Learn to play with your fingers! A pick will come in handy for some things, but comes with a distinctive sound that may not always fit what you're trying to play. I'm not saying 'don't use a pick.' By all means, pick away....but only after you've learned how to use your fingers and thumb! That's my two cents, FWIW. Good luck!

 

[JustForSport]

Might be pretty obvious but i'm a bit hesitant to buy used since i don't know how to inspect a bass. Usually when someone buys something used, they would have some general knowledge to know that the item is in good condition and such. That's why I'm a bit set on buying something new and just sticking with it.

I've had good experiences with GC here in the 'States as I spoke with the salesman that pulled the bass in question and personally inspected it while on the phone- Got just what I expected.

Ibanez has an SRX series of basses that are very growly because they have Musicman style pickups and active electronics. You can usually find nice used for a fair enough price. The necks on them are pretty sweet too. Just remember, it's not all on the instrument to get the sound you want, there are other factors as well. Such as your pick hand and fret hand techniques, and your amp to name a couple. Also, if you don't know a whole lot about instruments, bring a friend who does. That will help alot.

Used Ibanez SRX's are great for what it seems you want. Great quality for the price, and you can always turn them even-up if you decide you don't really like it.
I've found that the SRX w'ceramic pickups (up to SRX600 series) have best growl with NPS strings. The SRX700+ series has better bottom and range due to the Alnico pickups.

The amp is almost as important to begin with as the bass..

Very True- A great-sounding bass will sound like S**t thru an amp that doesn't reproduce the signal well. Example- I have a Fender BXR200 and while it's LOUD, it just was not designed to do a LowB. But I keep it, because for some 4-string stuff, it really cuts.

 

[JustForSport]

When starting out, you're better off buying used and inexpensive equipment. It's likely that you'll want to upgrade in the future.

Good advice, unless you've played what you're looking at and it is really what fits you.
Gotta start with something, and it may not turn out to be 'just right' for you, but you'll learn what it is that you're looking for and can turn the first one for one that is more to your liking. But, then, again, if you look carefully, and weigh the advice given, maybe your first choice will fit well.

 

[wintremute]

The ESP LTD F-104 is sharp and will give the OP confidence as he goes and shows it off. He should get that. He'll be more likely to play and practice and get better.

We all know GAS will hit sooner than later. GAS will haunt his dreams and disturb his days. This thread is probably already giving him the seeds of GAS.

 

[Richie Se7en]

Although I've only been playing for about 6 months, what I can correctly advise you on is to spend plenty of time here on TalkBass reading as much as you can (and asking questions - which you've obviously already done). There's a bank of knowledge among the people here, most of whom are generously willing to share it, and I truly wish I'd practiced this I preach much sooner.

I bought my first bass in 1996 - a new USA Fender Precision Deluxe - simply because I knew that most of my influences played one, and I thought it was the coolest looking bass in the world. After a few frustrating months, I realized it wasn't the best choice for my introduction into learning to play. So into storage it went - out of sight, out of mind - for almost 20 years, until I recently rescued it, along with, hopefully my confidence. My point is, a lack of due-diligence and a hasty purchase of the wrong bass for the dead-wrong reasons, caused me to struggle from the get, and contributed to improper technique and bad habits that I'm constantly fighting to eliminate.

You'd do much better by first learning about the instrument you'll be playing (and amps), then some basic music theory and on to grasping the fundamentals (ideally from a good teacher). Don't start out by getting too hung up on the "style" of music you'll be playing or EQ for getting that "growl" and, especially how cool your bass looks. That's mainly for those who've put in the work and can play (and maybe for wannabe's who take selfies holding a bass and claim they can 'slap it like Flea'). If you have a true passion to play, the look of your bass will not affect your desire to learn or your willingness to practice, and trust me... if your playing sucks, the critique won't be focused on your gear.

Anyway, my humble advice is, check the TalkBass classifieds, if nothing strikes you here, try Fleabay and scour Craigslist often. If you're not secure with potential deals, ask the seller if you can have it checked by a neutral 3rd-party with a return option or before finalizing the sale. FWIW, that Squier Jaguar someone posted looks like a nice bet and another decent starter bass that's readily available new but hasn't been mentioned is the Epiphone EB-1 or EB-3, which sell for $199. and $299. respectively. The price on them is right, they're very cool looking IMO and if they're a true replica of the Gibson SG, you'll certainly be able to get it to growl! Best of luck to you in your search.

Richie

 

[jamro217]

Good advice, unless you've played what you're looking at and it is really what fits you.
Gotta start with something, and it may not turn out to be 'just right' for you, but you'll learn what it is that you're looking for and can turn the first one for one that is more to your liking. But, then, again, if you look carefully, and weigh the advice given, maybe your first choice will fit well.

True, but what I was getting at is that if your first bass is a cheapo copy of an established model, more often than not you'll advance to the stage where you'll try the real thing. If you start out on a P bass copy and love it, chances are that you'll check out a Fender P bass. If you're attracted by a Hofner 500-1, you may not run out and get an Explorer bass.

 

[JustForSport]

If you start out on a P bass copy and love it, chances are that you'll check out a Fender P bass.

I agree with the 'buy used first' if possible, but for the price of a good used P (tho that's not the style he's looking for) he can probably get a New LTD, and feel really good about it.
(Altho an LTD in great cond used may be a good choice also, depending on budget).
If his requirements later change, then he'll have an idea which direction he wants to go.