Should i get a cheaper second bass or an expensive one?

[Awesomeman0524]

I have been learning to play bass for a bit more than 8 months and i was thinking about getting a new bass like, a month later. But i don't really know if i should get an expensive one (example, the schecter hellraiser extereme) or a cheaper one (example, an mim fender). I'm not sure if i should get a cheaper second bass or an expensive one as i don't know my preferences. Like, which kind of tone i prefer or how thin the neck should be. Of course, i will try them out at a store.
getting one means i will be sticking with these for at least a few years. so which one should i get?

 

[AndreasR]

Why do you need a new bass. You know, other than GAS which apparently is not a valid reason.

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

Why do you need a new bass. You know, other than GAS which apparently is not a valid reason.

It's not?

 

[AndreasR]

That's what my wife says. She's probably wrong though.

 

[chris_b]

I'd ask why you need another bass after only 8 months? If you have a tight budget I'd spend that money on lessons.

IMO you don't need a backup bass until you start gigging.

If you really have to upgrade from your main bass get the best bass you can afford and make your old bass your backup.

An option could be to sell your old bass and put that money into the pot so you can buy an even better bass. Get a good used one and your money will go even further.

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

I have been learning to play bass for a bit more than 8 months and i was thinking about getting a new bass like, a month later. But i don't really know if i should get an expensive one (example, the schecter hellraiser extereme) or a cheaper one (example, an mim fender). I'm not sure if i should get a cheaper second bass or an expensive one as i don't know my preferences. Like, which kind of tone i prefer or how thin the neck should be. Of course, i will try them out at a store.
getting one means i will be sticking with these for at least a few years. so which one should i get?

If you are not sure of your preference I'd get the mim Fender. Easier to flip it and you don't have to wait for few years to do so.

 

[Mosfed]

What do you have now? Is it not meeting your needs? Like do you need a jazz bass or something?

Bass is not like mountain biking - getting an amazing instrument will not help you play better (within reason of course).

 

[Angry Mob With Pitchfork]

That's what my wife says. She's probably wrong though.

Ya, my wife says we have gas bill to pay.

 

[felis]

Learning to play is more important. It's easy to get caught up in GAS too.
After about a year of playing, I got a second bass - then another.
I ended up going through 15 basses in 3 years. Still have 8 of them.
Bad as that sounds, there are others here who got bit harder.

Lecture aside - if your current bass isn't doing it for you,
or you just want to try something different, I'd also say to
go with something like a MIM.
Less cost up front, and less loss if you sell it.

 

[spade2you]

GAS for the sake of GAS is fairly pointless. Been there, done that.

About all I'll say is to develop goals as a musician and goals for your ears.

 

[Bodeanly]

I'm not sure if i should get a cheaper second bass or an expensive one as i don't know my preferences.

If you don't know your preferences, we will not know them either. If it were me, I would get a cheap 4 string and mod it to B-E-A-D (unless your first bass is 5 string). I would spend time exploring the lower notes.

 

[Whippet]

Sell the old one, pool the money, get one good one. I suggest something like the Xotic XJ1T. Sounds great, built well, plays well, bells and whistles, and all the tones you need from a jazz bass.

You can thank me now or thank me later.

 

[AndreasR]

I still want to know what's wrong with your current bass.

 

[jlepre]

What model and brand bass is your CURRENT?

 

[jlepre]

I have been learning to play bass for a bit more than 8 months and i was thinking about getting a new bass like, a month later. But i don't really know if i should get an expensive one (example, the schecter hellraiser extereme) or a cheaper one (example, an mim fender). I'm not sure if i should get a cheaper second bass or an expensive one as i don't know my preferences. Like, which kind of tone i prefer or how thin the neck should be. Of course, i will try them out at a store.
getting one means i will be sticking with these for at least a few years. so which one should i get?

This would give you the best of both worlds. Inexpensive and Quality all for $400-$500
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[JakobT]

.

If you really have to upgrade from your main bass get the best bass you can afford and make your old bass your backup.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This.

 

[Bassmaticmatt]

That's what my wife says. She's probably wrong though.

Your wife is mean.

 

[Bassmaticmatt]

Sire

 

[bryan gibson]

What do you have now? Is it not meeting your needs? Like do you need a jazz bass or something?

Bass is not like mountain biking - getting an amazing instrument will not help you play better (within reason of course).

Hey now!!!! I was gonna take the ole' single-speed hardtail out for a ride this weekend and give the "big bike" a rest." LOL

 

[two fingers]

I'm going to go with a different approach. You have no idea what you really lime yet. Right now you are finding "your sound". You need to try out several different kinds of basses. Buy an inexpensive second bass. I would go with the MIM Jazz of those two.

Just understand this. You may end up liking something different over time. That's fine too. The money I lose on buying gear and then selling it down the road I call "rent" for getting the opportunity to try out something different.

Also, you could always buy used. Craigslist is sketchy at time but can yield some deals. The people here at Talk Bass have been awesome to work with. Some never left feedback so even though I am only showing a few feedback posts I have bought and sold a lot of stuff here. Try browsing the Basses Guitars For Sale section. You will save some dough and not lose as much (or any) money if you decide you don't like a bass and want to resell it.

Good luck with your hunt.