Noob looking for some help

[JED36]

Hello all, I'm relatively new to the bottom end. I'm starting a small band with a couple of buddies, mostly open mike stuff. I'm in the market for a bass that'd fit what I want to play. We are going mimic 70s rock, like rush fly by night to AFTK. So what bass (under $300) would suit me? Keep in mind I will be playing a lot of Geddy. Thanks a lot, and for helping me get into bass more than I am now.
P.s I know my limits with geddy, I'm not some wannabe trying to play yyz at my first gig.

 

[pocketgroove]

It sounds like a Jazz bass styled instrument would suit you well. Geddy used a Rickenbacker for a lot of that early stuff, but he used a jazz too, especially later on, so it will cop it.

Take a look at these:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/JBassVM3TS/


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Of course, they can be had for less used. What sort of amp are you using? That will make a big difference, too.

Good luck!

 

[JED36]

Rickenbackers are a tad out of my range... I would love the tone though!

 

[Camaro69]

J is Geddys weapon of choice these days, look for a good used Squier J. the Vintage Mod J works well

 

[JED36]

I was looking at the vintage modified 70s jazz, looks sweet.

 

[SirMjac28]

J is Geddys weapon of choice these days, look for a good used Squier J. the Vintage Mod J works well

+1

 

[gr8bassplayer]

I was looking at the vintage modified 70s jazz, looks sweet.

+1

 

[Malak the Mad]

I gotta agree with the "Jazz Votes". I believe Rush started out with Geddy using a Jazz. After some forays into Ricks, Steinbergers (ZOMG 80's!) and Wals, he eventually returned to them.

In addition to the aforementioned suggestions, and if you don't mind a used instrument, you might be able to find a Classic Vibe Jazz or possibly even a 'Made In Mexico' Fender Jazz.

 

[GG Allin]

I keep seeing early 80's Squier Precision and Jazz basses for sale, in your price range. That's the most quality you'll get with what you have to spend. Look for the JV serial number.

 

[JED36]

Thanks for the help! I'm gonna shoot for a vm jazz, I heard its got great tone.

 

[bassgod76]

J is Geddys weapon of choice these days, look for a good used Squier J. the Vintage Mod J works well

This^

 

[TheAnalogKid]

My 0.02: either Squier VM will work, but for the "Geddy" look, the black '77 is closest. Like others have said, these can be found on the used market all day long, especially GC online (sorry, not sure if you are in the States or not). Add some distortion, and Bob's your uncle! Funny thing: the VM Squiers can be heavier than the MIM Fenders by a slight margin, but not much.

 

[JED36]

I'm in the states, I like the 77. Is there a difference besides the black body/pickguard and white block inlays?

 

[TheAnalogKid]

I'm in the states, I like the 77. Is there a difference besides the black body/pickguard and white block inlays?

For starters, there are several bones of contention that have been picked to death on TB about body wood types. The thing is: the "Natural" finish VM 70's Jazz is of soft maple, while the black '77 is Agathis. I would not belabor the pros-and-cons about the aforementioned woods, (versus other woods like Alder or Ash); it's highly subjective, IMO.

 

[highway]

1) buy used -- scour craigslist

2) a fender MIM j will be a higher quality instrument than a squire vm . . . personally i'd choose the former over the latter.

EDIT: HURRY UP AND BUY THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/mim-fender-jazz-standard-9-984762/

 

[rolandm]

Having played and owned both Fender MIM Js in four- and five-string versions as well as Squier Vintage Modified Jazz basses, I can unequivocally say that the MIM J is not a higher-quality instrument than a Squire VM. Especially not in the newer versions of the Squiers.

They do sound a bit different, but different isn't bad. It's basically different woods and electronics from the pickups back. That being said, the Squier is an excellent choice, and newer models, properly set up, will be an amazing sounding instrument for what you're looking at doing, and will make you very happy for a very long time.

Squier basses: Why all the Haterade?

Edited to add: Yes, you should hurry up and buy that jazz listed above. That's a great price for a MIM J, and about what you could find a Squier VM Jazz for in my area. So if you're concerned about the headstock logo, go with that one. And then get some pup covers and ashtrays, and a pearloid pick guard and a thumb rest and … oh wait, you're doing the rock thing.

 

[JED36]

I don't care at all about the name on the headstock. I care about how I play, not what I play. I wish I would've seen that bass sooner but guitarcenter has vm jazzes for $200. Thanks for the help! I really appreciate it

 

[bassgod76]

GC has a return policy, so it's a risk free purchase. Me, I'd rather by used and get way more for my money.

 

[JED36]

That's all I've been reading about used basses. I love how cheap used gear is.

 

[bassgod76]

I've used GC's used online. I've been happy, and they have a returnpolicy