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New to bass, p or j?

R

rushmaiden2112

Jul 29, 2013
4
0
NE Ohio
#1
Hey everyone, drummer here wanting to start learning bass to have a better understanding and feel for the rhythm section, and to write all these songs that keep popping up in my head. I am a devout Rush and Iron Maiden fan, the bass player in my band is basically mini Steve Harris, but every time I pick up a stringed instrument I sound like a dead cat :crying: , but I digress. I was wondering what I should start with? I want to own my own bass, and I was going to decide between a Precision Bass or a Jazz Bass. Squier of course as I am a poor highschooler. So which would be better for me as a newbie? Anything else I should know?
 
#5
Troph said:
Don't worry too much about gear when you're just starting. Just get a used bass, get it professionally set up, and a basic practice amp, and spend the rest of your time and money on lessons and practice! :)
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Thanks! I'm really set on a p-bass or j-bass cause I'm a Geddy and Harris wannabe, and I love the sounds of those basses. My dad has a J bass thats fun to play on, and my bass player has a p-bass thats fun.
 
#7
rushmaiden2112 said:
Thanks! I'm really set on a p-bass or j-bass cause I'm a Geddy and Harris wannabe, and I love the sounds of those basses. My dad has a J bass thats fun to play on, and my bass player has a p-bass thats fun.
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As aus_bass said, just about any of the Squier "Classic Vibe" or "Vintage Modified' series are great instruments. I bought a Vintage Modified Jazz bass with the maple body and maple neck several years ago when I was just getting back into bass, and for the money, it's fantastic. Once set up, it plays great. You can pick it, you can thump it, you can slap it: it works for a variety of music. If I were stuck at a random gig with just that bass, I would be just fine... assuming I knew the music. ;)
 
#8
N54power said:
There are sound comparison videos of p-bass and jazz bass on the youtube. Check those videos out and try yourself at local instrument store. It will help you to choose one.
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I saw TheSpartanFan's video comparing the two, leaning more towards the P-bass becuse it's simpler, and was really comfortable to play. I like the J-bass because it has a more versatile pickup configuration and more versatility
 
#11
rushmaiden2112 said:
Hey everyone, drummer here wanting to start learning bass to have a better understanding and feel for the rhythm section, and to write all these songs that keep popping up in my head. I am a devout Rush and Iron Maiden fan, the bass player in my band is basically mini Steve Harris, but every time I pick up a stringed instrument I sound like a dead cat :crying: , but I digress. I was wondering what I should start with? I want to own my own bass, and I was going to decide between a Precision Bass or a Jazz Bass. Squier of course as I am a poor highschooler. So which would be better for me as a newbie? Anything else I should know?
Click to expand...

My advice if you are interested in song writing is to get some piano lessons. I started out on piano, and even though I still suck on keys, it was a terrific education. It's all there. Melody, harmony, bass, rhythm it's even a percussion instrument. It's a solo instrument and also part of the Rhythm section. Absolutely THE place to start.

But there is no reason you can't learn bass and drums at the same time. I did! (got to get those gigs somewhere! :-) )

As others have said, don't worry too much about gear at first. Eventually you'll figure out what does or does not speak to you. And a J or P bass is a nice generic instrument that fits just about anything so it's perfect for a beginner. If you can find a nice like-new P or J Squier bass used, that would save you some cash to help fund lessons. There are often lots of decent deals out there if you take some time to look.

A difference between bass and drums is that drums are pretty much strictly rhythm whereas bass does rhythm and also sets the root for the harmony. When the bass aligns with say the kick drum that gives greater force to that note/beat. So by choosing how the bassline aligns or conterpoints with the drums you can have a great effect on the groove. Likewise by choosing a harmony root note to set the chords you can also have a great effect on harmony. This is why a bass is a very powerful instrument and can dominate a whole band. Nobody notices the bass until it isn't there!

Good luck!
 
#12
Squires would be fine if you go with new. If you go used, You'll get an even better instrument for less money with a USA Peavey.

Since you don't even know what you feels good to you yet, that's how I'd go: Between $100 - $200 for a very nice built in the U.S. Fury or Foundation. Fury is their P-type, Foundation is more like a Jazz. Both have very thin necks - thin as or thinner than Jazz.
 
#14
vaesto said:
Hi,

Why not to try the new Squier PJ Bass. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/new-affinity-squier-p-j-975291/

V.
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I second this motion!

My first bass was also a "best of both worlds" P/J configuration. You can get a close approximation of the classic Precision sound by turning off the bridge pickup, and by rolling the bridge back in, you can get a little of that Jazzy mid-ranginess. In other words, you can learn on it just like you would a P-bass by staying focused on the neck pickup, and when you want to experiment with other sounds and tones, you can start fiddling with the bridge pickup.

One other benefit…the sordid topic of "coin". It's a very inexpensive bass, usually going for about $180 off-the-shelf. There's a whole thread that started up over it once it was announced.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/new-affinity-squier-p-j-975291/
 
#18
If you are a drummer coming to bass then you will be looking to groove and lock in with a drummer. Solo work and more exotic playing is unlikely to figure early on, so I would go P bass. Also, it's the easiest bass to resell later if you want to change.

I've got a feeling the p bass is the most popular bass design ever, but we don't have access to the stats to prove it.

Davo
 
#19
A P definitely has the advantage of simplicity - less temptation to fuss with the pickups. It's a classic and always sounds good. But by the same token, the J gives you more flexibility and options.

I would say it all comes down to the neck. A P has a wider, rounder neck, while the J has a slimmer one. Some people find one more comfortable, some the other. Even if you don't know how to play, go to a store and try both kinds out. What you want to do it set your thumb on the back of the neck (not sticking way out over the top - pad of your thumb right on the back) and press some strings down firmly with your fingertips, WITHOUT the rest of the fingers touching the strings. In other words, arch your fingers and press the strings straight down with just your fingertips. Which feels better? You may feel that the P is nice and comfy and the J kind of cramped and makes you feel like you're pinching. Or you may find the J comfy and easy because it's slim and the P makes you feel like you're trying to wrap your hands around a tree trunk. Your answer to that will tell you which bass to buy.
 
#20
rushmaiden2112 said:
Hey everyone, drummer here wanting to start learning bass to have a better understanding and feel for the rhythm section, and to write all these songs that keep popping up in my head. I am a devout Rush and Iron Maiden fan, the bass player in my band is basically mini Steve Harris, but every time I pick up a stringed instrument I sound like a dead cat :crying: , but I digress. I was wondering what I should start with? I want to own my own bass, and I was going to decide between a Precision Bass or a Jazz Bass. Squier of course as I am a poor highschooler. So which would be better for me as a newbie? Anything else I should know?
Click to expand...


Just curious, why limit yourself to just those two? So many other great options IMO.
 

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