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New to playing Electric Bass needs help choosing first instrument.

F

Fancypants9186

Jun 16, 2011
2
0
#1
Recently I picked up learning electric bass. Now this is my fist venture into music period, so I'm not certain what type of bass to start with owning. Currently one that caught my eye was the Epiphone Viola electric bass. I'm in love with it but do you guys think it'll be diverse enough sound to tackle more modern sounds aswell ? I admire the sound of bands such as The Killers to the early Beatles and Stones to give you an idea of the diversity I'm looking for. I'm a novice so any advice is super appreciated thanx!! :)
 
#2
whats most important is what YOU think sounds good. this place is a good jumping off point for gear questions, or just about anything else. but in the end its what "feels" right for you.

then again i have no idea about that bass since i play heavier stuff and it wouldnt get the sounds i want. uhm.....whats your budget? Squire Classic Vibe basses are really great. The first bass i bought was an ESP LTD Ex-104 and that was on a whim because it was an explorer, and james hetfield plays those. Turns out to be an amazing bass for the price and is really tough.

also what amp are you using? and any pedals? this all factors in. one thing ive learned from TB is that EVERYTHING factors into the tone, from what kind of wood to the way its cut for the shape of the body.

good luck with the bass you choose!

also dont forget to play it first before you buy and have someone look at it to make sure everything is alright with it.
 
#3
Wow thanks! I keep hearing all this commentary on all the factors that alter tone and I'm assuming ill become more acustomed to all these factors with experience. Looking forward to walking in and taking her for a spin tomorrow Thanks alot :)
 
#4
I love the violin basses, but I would always recommend a Fender or Squier Precision or Jazz to anyone buying their first bass. A Fender can do anything, whereas the violin basses don't always sound good in every situation. You can find them in pretty much any price range, too. Later on, you can branch out and get other basses, but I firmly believe that if you can only own one bass, especially if you're just starting out, get a Precision or Jazz.
 
#5
I originally wanted to write about 3 paragraphs worth of advice from my own personal experience of trial and error, but instead, I'll just lend you a condensed version of my 2-cents on recommended gear.

For an amp, buy a small practice combo, and make it the Acoustic B20 bundle. At Music123.com they sell the bundle for $160 - no tax & free shipping. It comes with the amp, strap, gig bag, instructional DVD, polisher, guitar rag, string winder, and a tuner. It's 12" speaker is large enough for a nice low-volume jam and it comes with a headphone and MP3 aux jack. Acoustic brand amps are fantastic for the price and sound to boot.

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As for a bass, I recommend Squier. You can easily find a Squier Affinity Precision bass on Craigslist for $100 or you can expand your budget for a Vintage Modified Precision bass. I would recommend saving up the extra for one of those, but in the end, it's your choice.

Last, but not least, try out them Fender Light Gauge Flatwounds! They're only $19! Play with the stock strings (most will have some sort of rounds on them) and then spend under $20 to get you some strings that can bring out the "thump"! ...But that's just me.
 
#6
I know it doesn't sound helpful to say "please use the search function", but these 9 threads were posted within the last month or so....which should give you an idea of how often this question is asked.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/new-bassist-please-help-780170/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/good-begginer-bass-778748/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/first-bass-ibanez-squier-cort-esp-775513/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/worth-price-beginner-775558/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/advice-please-help-772703/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/kn...-eager-play-need-help-getting-started-736024/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/honest-opinions-needed-starters-like-me-768583/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/hard-time-choosing-first-bass-768594/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/buying-first-bass-guitar-766519/

That being said, my 2 cents on the matter: Go to a local music store, be it a Guitar Center or a neighborhood mom-n-pop, and play basses. Play lots of them, even if they're slightly out of your price range. Don't worry about looks or features at first, but decide which ones feel right in your hands and sound good to your ear. Eventually, you will narrow things down and choose the right bass for you - and that's all that matters.
 
#8
tedsalt said:
Squier Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe. You can find one used on craigslist, or used through Guitar Center.
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You know it's funny, I NEVER see the VMs or CVs on Craigslist around here. I don't know why not -- do people love them so much they don't sell them? Are people not buying them in the first place? Have they not been on the market long enough to filter down to CL? There's plenty of people selling their Affinities that teenage son gave up on, but not the VMs and CVs.

To the OP, the most important thing is to pick something that you enjoy playing, so that you're motivated to practice. If that's the viola bass, great. My general sense is not to worry too much about what kind of music your first bass is ideal for -- just get something that looks and feels nice to you and that doesn't cost too much. You're not really going to know what you want until you've been learning the instrument for a while. Play your first bass for six months or a year or whatever, learn all you can from books and magazines and the internet, and then go buy the bass that will really be your ideal instrument.
 
#10
Agree that Squier VM or CV would be a good choice. However, for the same cost as a new VM/CV, you may be able to find a used Fender PJ.

The PJ is incredibly versatile, and parts for Fenders are plentiful--so it will be easy to upgrade or modify as your needs change and evolve.
 
#11
I would go with a Squier Affinity Series Precision bass. If you have the extra money AND you're really serious about playing then go with a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass.

P-bass: $160

Vintage Modified Jazz Bass: $300

(my opinion, it's worth the extra money) A vintage modified (to me) feels just like a Fender.
 

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