Newbie - looking for first bass

[hbarcat]

Dont spend more than $200 on your first bass. You have no idea what you want. What will be comfortable for you. What has the sound tou want .

Buy any $100-200 bass and learn to play it. Over time you will learn what you want, what feels right to you. Then spend the $$.

While I agree with the concept of a newbie spending a small amount of money on their 1st bass, I think that I'd go higher on your dollar numbers.

If I was buying new, then I'd draw the line at $400. Buying used, I'd be wary of anything less than $200.

I've played too many $150 - $250 basses that were technically playable, had too many compromises in sound and playability which is the worst obstacle in the path of a new bassist trying to become proficient and develop a passion for playing.

 

[Yahboy]

My wifes piano teacher who plays bass primarily is pretty strongly against Squire. Not sure why kinda hard to reach her.

Invite your wife to Talkbass Classic Vibe bass forum. But need mention, the goods are belong to discontinued China made (2008-2018), 3 of my indo CV50P are nightmare.

 

[Hounddog409]

While I agree with the concept of a newbie spending a small amount of money on their 1st bass, I think that I'd go higher on your dollar numbers.

If I was buying new, then I'd draw the line at $400. Buying used, I'd be wary of anything less than $200.

I've played too many $150 - $250 basses that were technically playable, had too many compromises in sound and playability which is the worst obstacle in the path of a new bassist trying to become proficient and develop a passion for playing.

Was thinking used with those numbers.

 

[hbarcat]

Was thinking used with those numbers.

Gotcha.

I think you're right that it can be a smart way to get into bass playing by buying used.

 

[Hounddog409]

Gotcha.

I think you're right that it can be a smart way to get into bass playing by buying used.

I just look back and see all the money I did not spent wisely, when I had no idea what i was looking for.

 

[rebellovw]

I guess I'll be able to tell fit and finish based on owning electric guitars. I know I'll be unhappy if it's crap but I am not in need of a $2000 instrument either. And yes far east makes lots of great stuff. CIJ Fender is some good stuff in particular.

I'm in this situation my first bass is coming likely next week (I'm in AZ as well.)

My new Tele arrived @ 3 months ago - Fender MIA vintage - just a work of art.

For the bass though as I'm starting out and this will be my first - I of course don't need a $$ bass but at the same time - I don't want anything cheap and plasticy.

I decided on the MIM Fender Player - thought about it endlessly for several weeks then saw one in person and didn't care for coloring - great instrument otherwise. The Player was still in the running but I was disappointed in the looks.

The Squire CV 60's P Bass caught my attention and I ordered it. Savings of 400.00 (I also bought an Amp) compared to the Fender Player.

As long as it looks like the detailed pictures I have and is as solid as my existing guitars (American Standard Strat, AVII Tele, Epi Les Paul Standard) - I'll keep it. My Epiphone is an amazing guitar and it was made in China.

The CV is made in China which I don't have a problem with (at least the Sweetwater ones) - not Indonesia.

If it doesn't workout - I'll send it back.


Good luck.

 

[rebellovw]

I honestly don't believe anyone is saying that they outperform instruments 2 to 3 times their price. What I do believe is that you get a very solid instrument for the price. I have 2 MIM Fenders, both my Squier V.M. and C.M. and my Paranormal Are almost equal in quality.

Exactly - I bought a Squire not because it is 2.5 time better - because it is "close" and being a newbie I can't argue with that. As long as it is close to my existing guitars - which I feel is a high bar - I'll be very happy - otherwise - it will go back.

 

[rebellovw]

I notice a lot of people who don't like Squier also can't spell "Squier". Hmmm...

Guilty - I spell it Squire - I need to fix that! And I had one many years ago - so bad on me.

 

[Tom Bomb]

Don't quibble, squire
​

 

[Parzival]

Now I’m curious what Jimmy got, if he pulled the trigger yet.

Pete’s advise on buying anything, cars, bass, whatever (yes, I don’t always follow my own advice on pedals):
No matter what level you spend at, get the top model at that level and you’ll get a better piece of kit. Squier, I’d go with a Classic Vibe or artist model, not an affinity or regular model. MIM, go with an artist model or Vintera or deluxe. MIA, same, artist or deluxe or reissue.

If I was say buying a sedan from Honda line for example, I’d get the top level Accord with full package and all options before I would get a base level Acura.

 

[SJan3]

Hi all,

I have never played a bass. I have electric and acoustic guitars so some experience with stringed pieces of wood. Wife unit is trying to learn piano. First ever musical instrument for her and she is struggling with timing. I thought maybe if I could lay down a decent beat on a bass it would help and we could actually play together. (Note I also posted this on gearpage.com if this sounds familiar).

I've had multiple opinions on what I should buy. I'll lay out where I am at the moment and seek opinions of alternatives. I do not want to buy a cheap guitar that I will hate in 6 months or that is impossible to sell if I decide bass isn't for me. That pretty much eliminates all the Chinese manufactured stuff. No Squire. I also think I want the smaller neck style closer to a regular electric guitar versus the larger Precision bass neck size. Full scale is preferred.

Looking at Fender it seems the best point of entry for me is the made in Mexico Player Jazz bass at a cost of about $775 ordered direct from them. I'm OK with this and am close to just doing it. But I wonder what alternatives in that price range might offer superior product that is also something that would sell on the secondary market if I lose interest. Such as Ibanez and Yamaha.

Any direction as to which product lines are made either in Japan, Mexico or some place where quality standards are high from alternatives to Fender would be welcome.

Also, since I plan to start only in my living room with the wife I will be using a Positive Grid Spark amp at first. Wondering if anyone has tried that with any success.

Thanks for allowing me to participate on the forum.

YAMAHA BB434 is a killer bass for the money.

 

[skycruiser]

Guilty - I spell it Squire - I need to fix that! And I had one many years ago - so bad on me.

You can always blame autocorrect!

 

[JimmyAZ]

Well good news and bad news. I received my order from Fender. Good news is everything arrived undamaged and together guitar and optional G&G case. Bad news is the case does NOT fit this bass. Weird. Not end of the world bad news just a PITA as I'll have to return it. Other bad news is two part. The volume pot is scratchy ( I know it can be cleaned up easily and I'm probably getting this setup anyway) and I can't find a chart that describes what the knobs do.. But still celebrating getting it and tuning it and plugging in. Now if only I could PLAY it. LOL

 

[Tom Bomb]

Great color!​