Shopping for first bass, any advice?

Ibanez is a great band. I hear good things about ESP. I have heard nothing but bad about Rogue.

Check some entry level Ibanez. They're about $200 each and great beginner basses. Then you can spend $100 on a practice amp and the other $100 on anything else you need.

Don't be afraid to try pawn shops and used guitars. Bring someone along who plays bass

 

That said, $180 is a good deal just for the amp and miscellanea

 

You can find Foundations on ebay all the time. They show up here on the classifieds sometimes as well.

 

In my opinion, Ibanez Gios are the best bass for the money, period. That said, check that particular model out before you buy, but I'm reasonably sure you'll love it!

 

I'd go after that ESP in a heartbeat. That's a good price on a solid bass. I personally like them much more than any Ibanez.

I have a Rogue "Beatle Bass" and it's a good instrument, but the ESP is a lot more bass.

 

Always try before you buy, can't stress that enough...I only know the viper. I've played it before, very smooth neck but the bass itself is a bit heavy for such a small base, this is not including the neck. It looks very evil, and the finishes are awesome. People WILL no matter what suggest fenders, I really didn't like them at all but most people do. So have a try.

 

GSR 200! It's a great frat bass and super easy to dial in tones with!!

 

rondomusic.com

 

Definitely put your paws on whatever you are going to buy. A lot of guys have had bad luck with ebay lately.

 

Have you looked into the Squier by Fender? Some you can get as the complete set-up with amp/ gig bag/ cable/ tuner... everything you need. If it were me buying a starter instrument, I would probably buy a Squier Vintage Modified. I started on, and still own, a Squier P-bass that i think stacks up to pretty much anything that can be had for less than 1,000.

That being said i'm also becoming increasingly fond of Ibanez instruments lately.

Don't forget to check Craig's list.

 

The Viper would be my pick for stock out of those. The Ibanez only if I could also afford pup upgrade as part of the purchase price. I never did like the Ibanez P & J pups, not nearly as good as dimarzios. If you find a great deal on something like Ibanez SR300, thatd would be great choice.

If you can find a used Esp Ltd F104 or B104, that also would be great choice.

 

I'd say Squiers:
Not the "stop dreamin/start playin" packs tho': they give you Squier Affinity (P or Jazz) with amp, strap, pick, tuner, cable. But it's just that the Affinity series is really too "down to earth".
Every pack is just like that: Esp/Ltd Ibanez Gio as well.
I'd say Squiers, if only you could find a Standard series Precision Special or way better you'd afford Vintage Modified Tele Precision.
Latter goes "slightly" (I'm kidding in a way) off budget, but always absolutely worth the price.

Welcome to lowend World my friend

Cheers,
Wallace

 

+1 on the Squires, any model new or used + an amp (also strap and a chord) can be had for under $400-450....This should get you going and keep you happy (not bored) for a good while...................I bought one new for $199 at SamAsh when I went back to playing..............take your time do your homewoek and have fun.....

 

Check out some stuff from Rondo Music. They have a brand that a lot of folks seem to love called SX. They basses are insanely cheap, and in my experience a similar level to the Classic Vibe Squier series (the highest end Squier). I think they sell beginner packs with the case and strap and such too. Check craigslist or something similar for an amp. You'll probably get a great deal on something at least pretty decent if you look hard enough.

Whatever you choose, just enjoy the bass!

 

Also check out Xaviere, which is Guitar Fetish's version of the P and J. I got one of their "PB" models a few months ago, and its a decent bass. I modded the crap out of mine, but it wasn't necessary.
www.guitarfetish.com

 

Most locations will sell these brands. I live in a small town and the closest major music store is about 2 hrs away. That being said the most common basses I see being sold in almost all stores are ESP, Ibanez and Fender(Squire). You might be able to get a good deal from a local store IF they are willing to negotiate price. But sometimes if they are the only music store there they will think they are the music authority around there and won't budge. My first bass was a Cort and I've owned many Ibanez basses as well. I don't like Fender/Squire much so I'm a little biased and will let you see for yourself what route you want to go. As long as you are happy with the purchase then awesome!! Good luck

 

pretty much anywhere you go will have Fender and Ibanez.

The starter packs are probably also sold by whatever local shop you have, or at the very least they can order you one in. These days, you can pick up some of them at Best Buy.

Keep in mind that a used instrument may need special care to really be properly usable. New strings and a fresh setup are pretty much mandatory. Possibly even a truss rod adjustment, and most people's complaints about their used instruments are truss rod related. That goes for used ones you'd get from some music stores as well.

Guitar center has free shipping right now if you spend over $50, and they have a nice selection of new and used basses via thier website. Musician's Friend has also been very good to me, so if you see something you like in person, you may be able to get a better price from one of them.