Practice bass....

[Erik Asma]

Me I tend to practice on my vintage P knock off cheap bass well upgraded and set up as good as it gets.

I play the real deals on my ray or my Ibanez.
Those play ridiculously nice. That Ibanez has the smoothest action I ever felt.

Practice means learning and struggling, I rather learn and practice on a bass that makes me work a little harder.

Plus home has different requirements, the vintage sound works great.
Where the nuclear punch of my ray goes better in the band setting.

But for starter? Begin with a good bass.

Only thing might be. Which one?
I got back on bass after a long time on the Mike.
Looking back at the route I took?


I would just buy my Ray as it has all I need in one bass.
Smooth action, looks and all the sounds I want.

 

[4stringfarley]

I have a cheapo pawn shop bass I keep at work. Set it up and restrung it with my preferred strings. Slow days in the shop I can,play around and not worry about anything happening to my main.

 

[Logic_11]

A few people have asked which bass I am considering. I think I should first explain how I got to that....

Initially I was looking at SR300EB, SR370E, SR400EQM. After attempting to buy a "new" bass, but being sent "used" basses on 3 consecutive orders, I was feeling dispirited and almost gave up on the idea. This was after a very similar situation 10 years ago!! But I don't want to make the mistake of giving up again, then regretting it in another 10 years. I've realised I need to ignore my expectations of the condition of a "new" bass, within reason.

I've also been hung up on certain things about basses I've looked at, like pickups, colours, finishes, matching headstock, hardware style and colour. So another thing I decided on is that I'm not going to avoid a bass because of something cosmetic. I feel like this was a big step for me.

So, as one of the models mentioned above was going to be more like a starter bass, until I could afford something better, I've decided to skip that step and get the best I can afford now.

Recently I had the opportunity to get an SR670 at what I think was a reasonable price. But I was not sure about those Bartolini BH2's in the long run. This is obviously more than just cosmetic, so after considering the cost of replacing them, I realised I may as well put that money towards a better bass.

Therefore, right now I am considering the SR1800E. I did have the opportunity to get an SR1820E at a similar price, but I have a gut feeling that the pre-CITES model could potentially be better - or maybe it's just wind!!

Sorry for the long post.

Those SR1800E and SR1820E are both really nice

 

[Real Soon]

Depends a little bit what I'm doing.

If I'm working on pick technique in the style of Paul D'Amour or someone else who gets pretty aggressive, I might break out my Washburn jazz bass, which is pretty modded and possibly the toughest bass I own anyway. Or if I'm working on slap technique for extended periods.

Anything else, I'd rather work on the instrument closest to whatever I'm recording or performing with. Likewise, come session/gig time, I'm doing it all on the main axe. They can handle anything long as it's not just reckless.

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

What kind of music and/or life do you play/live that wears out a bass?

I don't play yet and currently my life isn't going to cause any issues for any bass. It was simply that I am now considering a much more expensive bass than I was previously, so I suddenly started thinking if I should get a cheap Ibanez to do most of my learning and practicing. I now realise I don't need to.

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

obviously the op has dismissed my recommendation as have many others, no problem, but equally obvious is the op has been making typical mistakes in getting started when IT IS such a simple thing. if someone feels they need a 32 cylinder Bugatti to take their drivers test but isn't sure cos that new Ferrari looks good too ...and has wasted a decade deciding... then what can I say? lol my cool VW does just as well.
for $200 the op could have had an LB11 and a Fender B-DEC amp a decade ago and be Jaco by now.
btw, the LB11 is lightweight and has a sweet near Jazz Bass neck. what's not to love?

Yes I have dismissed your recommendation, as you have suggested a bass that has been discontinued for a long time and no longer available new. I don't have a time machine, otherwise I might check one out to see how it stacks up against the bass it copies. But, like most basses, I imagine it very much depends on if you get a good example or not.

I'm not saying that I NEED a more expensive bass, I'm not asking if I NEED a more expensive bass, I just happen to WANT a more expensive bass. Plus, although it's a lot of money, I wouldn't really consider a bass under £1000 to be all that expensive, but that's just my opinion.

 

[AudioTaper]

Yes I have dismissed your recommendation, as you have suggested a bass that has been discontinued for a long time and no longer available new. I don't have a time machine, otherwise I might check one out to see how it stacks up against the bass it copies. But, like most basses, I imagine it very much depends on if you get a good example or not.

I'm not saying that I NEED a more expensive bass, I'm not asking if I NEED a more expensive bass, I just happen to WANT a more expensive bass. Plus, although it's a lot of money, I wouldn't really consider a bass under £1000 to be all that expensive, but that's just my opinion.

BOOM!
Haha
I really hate the Need vs Want arguement also. There was a thread on here where a guy was saying if you arent gigging or a recording pro, you shouldnt get a bass over X amount of money....
Who cares!?

Go for the Ibanez and have a blast. Is there a luthier in your area that can do setup and maintenance if you need it?
Ibanez are pretty good to go from the factory. My kids $130 GIO guitar played really well out of the box. A little tweaking and it was actually pretty nice.

 

[BarfanyShart]

BOOM!
Haha
I really hate the Need vs Want arguement also. There was a thread on here where a guy was saying if you arent gigging or a recording pro, you shouldnt get a bass over X amount of money....
Who cares!?

Who cares? I’ll tell you who cares: the companies that manufacture this high-end stuff. The music gear industry runs on washed-out-musician-turned-attorney’s like myself. Who else has the money to buy this stuff? Sting? He’s not in the market, he plays a bass from 1957 that someone gave him for free.

 

[Acoop]

"but I don't know if I'm just being overly cautious." ... Hmmmm! How do I say this? ... I've been playing for near 50-years and I've, retired a few basses, but, I've never worn one out. ... I think the better the instrument the better the player they will become. ... An instrument, should be, something you bond with. ... The more you play the closer you become. ... Will, one day, you actually name one, ... is up to you. ... I've lasted this long not naming one yet. ... If all you can afford is one bass, I played my first 20-years with the same 66 P-bass, then buy one very good bass and look after it. ...

 

[AudioTaper]

Who cares? I’ll tell you who cares: the companies that manufacture this high-end stuff. The music gear industry runs on washed-out-musician-turned-attorney’s like myself. Who else has the money to buy this stuff? Sting? He’s not in the market, he plays a bass from 1957 that someone gave him for free.

So you care what level of bass he buys regardless of his gigging status? Why?

Should he care what price you pay for your shoes you wear when you arent at work?

Premium gear is pricy. I know, I make an OK living but dont have much disposable income.

What stuff are you talking about that is so over the top pricy that you need to drag Sting into it?

 

[Bass V]

Yes I have dismissed your recommendation, as you have suggested a bass that has been discontinued for a long time and no longer available new. I don't have a time machine, otherwise I might check one out to see how it stacks up against the bass it copies. But, like most basses, I imagine it very much depends on if you get a good example or not.

I'm not saying that I NEED a more expensive bass, I'm not asking if I NEED a more expensive bass, I just happen to WANT a more expensive bass. Plus, although it's a lot of money, I wouldn't really consider a bass under £1000 to be all that expensive, but that's just my opinion.

wth are you going on about? the LB11 is available with free shipping BRAND NEW in a starter pax for $200 all day everywhere. do your homework and you'll learn that Samick are incredibly consistent in their quality cos they've been making excellent guitars for many of the big names for decades. it's your bass, money, and life, spend it chasing a pipe dream all you want, maybe it'll work out for you some day. good luck!

 

[AudioTaper]

wth are you going on about? the LB11 is available with free shipping BRAND NEW in a starter pax for $200 all day everywhere. do your homework and you'll learn that Samick are incredibly consistent in their quality cos they've been making excellent guitars for many of the big names for decades. it's your bass, money, and life, spend it chasing a pipe dream all you want, maybe it'll work out for you some day. good luck!

I'll agree that Samick is consistent and makes a lot of instruments for some of the big names.

And you nailed it that it's his bass, money, and life.

 

[BarfanyShart]

So you care what level of bass he buys regardless of his gigging status? Why?

Should he care what price you pay for your shoes you wear when you arent at work?

Premium gear is pricy. I know, I make an OK living but dont have much disposable income.

What stuff are you talking about that is so over the top pricy that you need to drag Sting into it?

The bit about attorneys and Sting was, like, humor. My point is the same as yours, he can spend his money on whatever makes him happy, and nobody is in the business of making nice guitars so that guys like him don’t by them.

 

[Logic_11]

I think I've seen some basses on offer up for like thirty bucks

 

[Leo Thunder]

When I bought my Pedulla for $1K, I was in high school making $6 an hour at a part time job. (That's why it took a year to save up for it) I played it a lot, just not at any shady places... it wasnt worth it to me to have it damaged or stolen.

The OP was considering a cheap practice bass to save the good one but I'm pretty sure he's now going to buy a cheap gigging bass to preserve the practice one instead

 

[BarfanyShart]

The OP was considering a cheap practice bass to save the good one but I'm pretty sure he's now going to buy a cheap gigging bass to preserve the practice one instead

At the very least we have taught OP a very important lesson about asking other people for advice. I just started a thread, and am learning the same lesson right now.

 

[Leo Thunder]

At the very least we have taught OP a very important lesson about asking other people for advice. I just started a thread, and am learning the same lesson right now.

Oh yes, most of the "advice" you get is a mere display of opinion and misunderstanding but there is the occasional useful post stating facts that can be used. Nuggets in the dirt.

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

wth are you going on about? the LB11 is available with free shipping BRAND NEW in a starter pax for $200 all day everywhere. do your homework and you'll learn that Samick are incredibly consistent in their quality cos they've been making excellent guitars for many of the big names for decades. it's your bass, money, and life, spend it chasing a pipe dream all you want, maybe it'll work out for you some day. good luck!

You originally posted LB11. I searched "LB11 bass" and got a Silvertone LB11. So my comment was based on that.

However, now that I know you were referring to Samick, another quick search suggests they have never been available in the UK. If they are available for $200 new in the USA, then by the time shipping to the UK is added, plus import fees and tax, I may as well buy a Squier Classic Vibe 70's Precision.

 

[Bass V]

You originally posted LB11. I searched "LB11 bass" and got a Silvertone LB11. So my comment was based on that.

However, now that I know you were referring to Samick, another quick search suggests they have never been available in the UK. If they are available for $200 new in the USA, then by the time shipping to the UK is added, plus import fees and tax, I may as well buy a Squier Classic Vibe 70's Precision.

sounds like you may be screwed on the better deal, but I appreciate your effort to research it after our little dust up, a Vibe will likely be equal in all manner. I don't knock desiring a costly bass, I do too, and it's probably the least desirable bass in history lol keep up the inquiry, you'll find your match somewhere.

 

[TheBlueFalcon]

Oh yes, most of the "advice" you get is a mere display of opinion and misunderstanding but there is the occasional useful post stating facts that can be used. Nuggets in the dirt.

Yes, like any forum. I actually find TalkBass quite friendly and helpful overall.

I learnt many lessons from another forum years ago, which was full of people giving opinions as facts, the type of people who think they know everything and are better than everyone else. The constant clashes between so many of them were pathetic, even to the point where new members were not being helped and quite often scared away from using the forum.