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Newbie...please be gentle...LOL

B

BigDaddy09

Feb 15, 2009
3
0
Lexington, KY USA
#1
OK, I decided I want to play bass and other than playing the trumpet a bit in my younger years, I haven't played any instruments. I decided to purchase an Ibanez GSR200 (no flaming if you can help it :eek: ).

This forum seems like to be a wealth of knowledge from my lurking so far :ninja:! With that being said, what upgrades, if any, should I do in an effort to better my new guitar?
 
#2
I wouldn't worry about upgrades. You're getting a perfectly functional entry level guitar that will play the notes you fret, so as long as it's setup correctly your focus should be on practicing and learning how to play.

What amp are you getting?
 
#6
I'd definitely suggest different strings, but not yet. So many tonal variations from different strings; no way you could pick the best direction yet. Stock will do you fine, quite possibly for a year.

Best upgrade on a new GSR would be a thorough setup. Get the action nice & low, make it easy to play while at the same time supporting proper technique. Go to the BEST setup tech in your area.
 
#8
That was a very good choice! Ibanez makes great stuff including the GSR series. Like ^ said don't worry about upgrading it - when you ready just get another bass - If you like Ibanez be sure to try out the SR series - narrower/thinner necks, and fantastic sound.

My new SR405QM finally got here yesterday that I'm just thrilled with! - I'll post pics this week.
 
#10
Solarmist said:
That was a very good choice! Ibanez makes great stuff including the GSR series. Like ^ said don't worry about upgrading it - when you ready just get another bass - If you like Ibanez be sure to try out the SR series - narrower/thinner necks, and fantastic sound.

My new SR405QM finally got here yesterday that I'm just thrilled with! - I'll post pics this week.
Click to expand...

I was thinking about buying this one, as I already own more than my share or Ibanez SR's
 
#11
My '200 just arrived today; spend some time setting it up properly to YOU or take it to a good tech, preferably some old guy in a hole in the wall blues guitar repair shop and have him sit down w/ you and set it up along w/ you. I agree w/ the string thing; leave them for a while until you get some skill. During this time you can be doing homework on what strings you think will work best for you.

I'm a beginner too (hobbyist, I'm a pretend-drummer by trade) and mine was WAY off out of the box. But I've been spending the day setting up and it's getting better and better. I played it in GC locally and liked it a lot and the price was right off the 'Friend.
 
#12
^ Ibanez basses come with Elixirs - not cheap strings

It's probably set-up real close right out of the box ... all of mine, and the ones I tested were. The only thing I found is that Ibanez sets them up with really low action - a little too low for me (a slight saddle adjust was all it needed), and all the necks I've checked were spot on with a very very small amount of the slightest relief.
 
#13
Firstly, welcome to the wonderful world of bass.
As has already been mentioned, a good set up is the best "upgrade" you can get now.

Except that, I'd say leave the upgrades until you've worked out what sound you want to go for. When you've played a while, you'll get used to your bass and how it responds, then you'll have a better idea how you'd LIKE it to play and respond, then its the time to maybe think about upgrades.
 

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