Practice bass....

[UntitledUser]

After a few issues with getting a "new" bass, it's also given me time to think and I've slowly moved my focus from an entry level model to something a bit more substantial. I haven't yet pulled the trigger, but I'm extremely tempted.
So what I'm wondering is if people generally have a practice bass to learn and mess about with, rather than put their prized possession through daily torture.
Part of me is saying I should get something dirt cheap for practicing and messing about etc, but I don't know if I'm just being overly cautious.
Any thoughts?

If you are not rich, I find that is not a good idea to slam the $$$ bass for the daily noodling.
I would use a 500$ or 300$ bass for that.
And keep the good ones for recording, gigs, or just some "selected practice sessions" {I mean: low frequency use}

Unless... you love the "relic" effect.

 

[4001]

So what I'm wondering is if people generally have a practice bass to learn and mess about with, rather than put their prized possession through daily torture.

I usually use my Blacktop Jazz Bass for working up songs....although my Fender Geddy Lee Jazz has been in the practice room lately....

 

[MustangWally]

If buying a cheap Ibanez to learn and practice on would mean that my expensive bass would last longer, then I'd consider it to be a worthwhile investment. But if I'm just being too cautious and daft, I'd rather save money and enjoy the best bass that I can afford.

This is like buying a great car and then not driving it to keep it safe - madness. Buy something you really like and play the heck out of it, make it a part of you. You are being too cautious - drive the car, play the bass, enjoy doing so. More power to you for doing so.

 

[UntitledUser]

This is like buying a great car and then not driving it to keep it safe - madness.

Usually who owns a Ferrari uses it only Sunday, but not to bring the dog to the park.

 

[AudioTaper]

I dont care for using a nice car for an example l, just because they get smashed or marked up much more easily than a bass would. You have more control of who is around your bass and how you treat it.

 

[StatesideRambler]

After a few issues with getting a "new" bass, it's also given me time to think and I've slowly moved my focus from an entry level model to something a bit more substantial. I haven't yet pulled the trigger, but I'm extremely tempted.

So what I'm wondering is if people generally have a practice bass to learn and mess about with, rather than put their prized possession through daily torture.

Part of me is saying I should get something dirt cheap for practicing and messing about etc, but I don't know if I'm just being overly cautious.

Any thoughts?

It’s a musical instrument, not a trophy. If you’re afraid of damaging a new bass by playing it, let it stay in the store for a player to buy.

 

[Admiral Thrawn]

Same for me. I got a used bass over 30 years ago, but it was pretty old and knackered. I never learnt to play and I feel like it was more the condition of that bass which prevented me from doing so, to the point where I didn't think I wanted to learn. Completely regret it now, just like my failed attempt to start 10 years ago. I'm determined not to let anything get in the way this time though.

If you're not going to let anything get in the way of you learning this time, then it would seem the point of getting a beater or a decent bass is moot--get the good/decent/one you want.

The beater could be a barrier to learning, even with a good set up; a decent bass that's properly set up probably won't be a barrier to learning.

Of course YMMV, but it seems like experiences are that playing on a quality instrument from the go is the way to make the most of your learning and enjoyment of the instrument.

And someone mentioned getting a teacher and getting recommendations from them on what to get gear-wise. I agree. They'll be better equipped to help you out because they'll have first-hand experience with your ability and your desires for your learning outcomes.

 

[Admiral Thrawn]

It’s a musical instrument, not a trophy. If you’re afraid of damaging a new bass by playing it, let it stay in the store for a player to buy.

This right here is one reason why I only have one bass, and will finally be adding a Ric to it--I don't want a house full of trophy basses that barely get played; I want instruments that make me happy when I play them, and I only have so much time to play.

Case queens are great for those looking for that kind of thing, but in this case, getting a good workhorse of a bass, regardless of price, should be the focus, not how damaged it may get. A good one will wear the dings and dents like beauty marks.

 

[MrLenny1]

Get one good bass and don't treat it like a
shovel or a baseball bat.

 

[bearfoot]

I don't believe in having instruments for practice only. Put some skin in the game, get a decent, mid-level bass (whatever that means to you, to me I can get there in the used market under $200) and play the ever-living hell out of it.

 

[Rabidhamster]

If you are not rich, I find that is not a good idea to slam the $$$ bass for the daily noodling.
I would use a 500$ or 300$ bass for that.
And keep the good ones for recording, gigs, or just some "selected practice sessions" {I mean: low frequency use}

Unless... you love the "relic" effect.

You trying to keep it looking nice so the next owner can really play it?

 

[UntitledUser]

You trying to keep it looking nice so the next owner can really play it?

I don't sell my instruments. I like to keep things nice for myself.

Usually I use a "cheap" shirt for some home-gym, not the Armani one.

 

[BarfanyShart]

Buy the bass that you think looks, feels, and sounds awesome. Get a professional setup, and maybe upgrade strings. Spend a grand if you want to spend a grand, but Squires and Ibanezes in the $200-300 range can be legit workhorses that will outlive you. If you are trying to learn the most important thing is that you love your instrument and want to spend time with it.
A good instrument wants to be played. I think of them more like girlfriends than Ferraris.

 

[creaturegods]

Get one good bass and don't treat it like a
shovel or a baseball bat.

Get one good bass and treat it exactly like a shovel or a baseball bat: a tool designed to do a job. and, in emergency circumstances, it can be used for self-defense.

 

[klokker]

I don't sell my instruments. I like to keep things nice for myself.

Usually I use a "cheap" shirt for some home-gym, not the Armani one.

It's a matter of preference I guess. I did the same thing and bought a practice bass. It was used and exactly the same specs as my "nice" bass, different color. But the reality from my experience looking back is that it wasn't necessary. You aren't going to damage your bass by playing it too much. You can keep a bass nice and play the heck out of it for years.

So I guess my comment is that if you have a nice bass, play it........a lot. Play the bass you're going to gig with.

 

[Jeremiah_S]

I would buy the best bass you could get paid in full on day one. I personally shy away from buying instruments on credit. I also have a HARD pass on buying new instruments, all my gear was bought from Reverb, used.

 

[Leo Thunder]

in emergency circumstances, it can be used for self-defense.

Most likely as a consequence of neglected practice…

 

[UntitledUser]

IYou aren't going to damage your bass by playing it too much. You can keep a bass nice and play the heck out of it for years.

You don't damage it by playing, but you increase the percentage of every possible accident, especially if it's often kept out of the case and you're not alone in the house or rehearsal room. I have no problem if the beater falls from the couch on the floor or if in a rehearsal room someone hurts the headstock with another guitar.....

Some artists only use accurate replicas {including the relic aspect} of their real "famous" historical instruments on the stage, to reduce the possibility of thefts, fires, accidents or simply for fear of making them fall to the ground.

 

[Machiavelli]

I cant imagine having a bass that you’re afraid to play.

 

[Hundred proof]

Get your self an old USA Peavey and play it anywhere, anytime