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Searching for a bass.

S

skisagooner

May 7, 2010
7
0
32
UEP Subang Jaya, Malaysia
#1
I'm a drummer looking to pick up the bass guitar, and after reading about its parts on this website, I decided I'd be looking for a bass that fits these criteria:

4 string
24 frets
P-J pickups
34" scale length

Most of the bass with P-J pickups don't have 24 frets, and those with 24 frets mostly have humbuckers.

So if you guys know of any model that you can suggest to me that'd be great. My budget is for entry level/beginners basses, since it'll only be my first bass.


EDIT:

1) ESP LTD B-50 Electric Bass
b-50.jpg


2) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
V3_EN_RBX170_BLACK.jpg
 
#2
There are lots of 90's and early 2000's basses that fit that criteria. Check eBay, but the rule of thumb is don't buy it till you try it. Hit your local music shop for some feel first. Then you'll know what kind of wood you want, what size neck, what shape, passive or active electronics, what weight body, etc.
 
#3
VinKreepo said:
There are lots of 90's and early 2000's basses that fit that criteria. Check eBay, but the rule of thumb is don't buy it till you try it. Hit your local music shop for some feel first. Then you'll know what kind of wood you want, what size neck, what shape, passive or active electronics, what weight body, etc.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, really. But are you trying to say basses like that are rare these days?
 
#6
You see that up there^^^ there's a modern example. Now that you've seen a modern one, go look at the modern price. Entry level basses just don't exist for what you want. It's better to buy an intermediate bass used
 
#8
zachoff said:
Plus active basses suck. :hiding:
Click to expand...

You're going to need more than a brick wall to hide behind...

but you're right, some do. However, Ibanez BTB are notorius for their amazing sounding preamps. Soundgears... not so much. Fender basses with preamps tend to suck, but their passive ones are stunning. It all depends on the build and woods involved
 
#11
I suggest you check out your local music stores and try some different basses. When you find some you like, go home do some research on it to see if if they have good reviews and are a good deal. Fender P and J basses have different width nuts. Try them each to see which one you favor. Remember that, just because you're trying at a shop doesn't necessarily mean it's set up well. Ask questions, and if you meet someone with experience, ask them questions too.
 
#18
I'm also a drummer that started on bass a few months ago. I can't think of any reason a beginner would need to worry about getting 24 frets. On the other hand, I did decide that, based on everything I read here and observing all the bass players that I know, it would be better for me to start out on a 5-string, instead of learning on 4 and then trying to pick up a 5 later. There's nothing you can do on a 4 that you can't do on a 5, but the converse is not true.

If you really want a P-J 4, then:

Fender Aerodyne's commonly go for around $400 used.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Aerodyne-4String-Jazz-Bass?sku=511988

If you want 24 frets, but aren't tied to P-J, then Schecter Stiletto Elite's are good, and cheap, used. Both 4 and 5 strings. My very first bass I bought was an Elite 4 and it is very nice, even when comparing it to my MIA Peavey Cirrus 5 or my MIA G&L L-2500.

And the Schecter Diamond-P is a P-H (only 21 frets) that several folks on here seem to think is pretty nice. $499 new.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...amondP-Custom-Electric-Bass-Guitar?sku=584544
 

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