Sorry...another "need advice on first bass thread"

[Dave Leighton]

If you can go to GC (or any other shop for that matter) and play them, then that will be the best way of deciding which bass to pick. If you can bring an experienced bassist with you, then that's even better.

This. A guy I know that plays guitar spent a couple of weeks trying out basses wherever he could. Within his price range as well as under and over. I mean he tried everything.

We talked quite a bit. Gave my opinions and thoughts. This can be helpful but how does it feel to you? In your lap and hanging from a strap? How does it sound plugged in and unplugged?

As others have stated as well sometimes that extra 50 bucks can be a HUGE difference.

 

[OldPlucker]

I like the $109 price of the rogue lx200 and possibly the dean. Any thoughts on those?

Many have provided you with good advice; however, it seems you are looking for someone to support your inclination towards new cheep. I have found you can buy significantly better gear at the price of new cheap gear if you don't mind buying used.

 

[707GK]

My first bass was a GSR200, great bass. Ibanez makes really nice instruments; I would go with either the GSR200 or the SR500. I have no experience with the SR, but they seem to come recommended by those who do.

 

[Don M]

I'd say SR500 also! As well as the TMB 100. Go used, it should give you a much higher quality instrument.

 

[FenderBassist]

Just wanted to say good luck with whatever you choose to do. I hope you have a lot of fun.

And, there is some good advice in this thread. Especially regarding setup and accessories. I replaced all of my old 80s era bass
with recent production models and setups were definitely required (more than once).

My 2 cents - try before you buy, if you can...the SR500 seems the best choice IF it suits you ergonomically and tonally...if you're not sure about what to do, wait and save.

 

[ski_rush]

I called GC about the SRX500. He can’t find it in the store...always good to call before buying online.

 

[charlie monroe]

I called GC about the SRX500. He can’t find it in the store...always good to call before buying online.

If it is an SRX, I would definitely recommend buying it.

 

[bordinco90]

I would go with the SR500 or the GSR200. The 500 has better woods and is made better, but the 200 is very nice as well.

 

[B-Lo]

As stated numerously, the SR500.

 

[Jehos]

I owned a 6-string SR-500 and can recommend them unequivocally. The finish comes off easy, which is almost certainly why it's only "good" condition. The good news is, that one has already devalued so you'll get your money back if you ever sell it. I wouldn't though, getting a mid-range bass for $160 is an absolute steal.

 

[hrodbert696]

Of the ones you listed, I'd aim for Ibanez over Dean or Rogue any day. I would also take a look at Yamaha - across the board, their instruments really are good for reliable quality at reasonable prices. A TRBX174 for $199 or a BB234 for $299 would be a great starter bass.

I'm not too keen on encouraging newbie bassists to buy their first bass used. I did, and usually it's fine, but if you don't know what you're looking at you can wind up buying someone else's headache.

 

[Logic_11]

Honestly I always go for ibanez basses, they're really light

 

[BadSanta1281]

Another vote for a new Yamaha TRBX174.
Solid, versatile, good balance, not too heavy. Better quality control than on most sub-$200 basses.

 

[pappabass]

Depends on your goals. Play around the house? Whatever stays in tune. Play out with anyone? Get a better one. Gear snobs will frown on a cheap bass. I would you rather save up a little more and look for a Squier VM or a Sterling ray 4.
Have you checked pawn shops? 1 by my work has a Squier VM jazz natural finish with a maple neck for $175.00

 

[Ric5]

Sorry to post another one of these. Hope I don't get too much crap for it. I'm getting back into this and my budget is tight. I could spend $200, but I'd honestly like to spend less...in the less than $150 range. I'm also tossing around the idea of new vs. used from GC. Here's what I found:

1. Rogue LX200 (new), I can get for $109 shipped and no taxes. It's on sale.

2. Dean Edge 09 (new). I can buy it for $109, shipped. Also on sale.

3. Ibanez GSR200 (used in "great" condition from GC). $119.

4. Dean Custom Zone 4, (used in "great" condition from GC). $134

5. Ibanez SR 500, (used in "good" condition fro GC). $159.

*I've never purchased a used guitar from GC before. Are their condition ratings pretty accurate. I live in very rural Nebraska, so everything is very far away from me. The closest GC is 2 hours away.

Anyone with experience with these, please let me know your opinions on them. I'm thinking that at my extremely novice level, I wouldn't notice much difference. I'm looking for a bass with a slimmer neck and one that hold tune decently. Please advice.


Thanks,
dj

go down to your local music go round and try out some used basses … then buy the one that speaks to you

 

[wintremute]

OP, do you already have an amp?

Also, the SR500 is at an insanely good price.

Plus, I agree with @aproud1 that the ratings are scattershot. Each GC determines on their own the status of an item. As you've noticed, call before you buy. The Reverb suggestion is also super solid. Happy shopping.

 

[BioWeapon]

Since you're a little concerned about money - if you decide to stop playing, your now-used 109$ Rogue or Dean is worth probably 100$ or less, whereas the already-used Ibanez will keep it's resale value at 150$ or more. Something to consider.

(not to mention the SR500 is by far the best instrument on the list)

 

[Bassaga]

I bought the 5-string version of that Rogue four or five months ago to experiment with. [by the way, it was "on sale" for the same price then and every time I've checked since, so you may not need to worry about the price increasing any time soon] It doesn't feel especially solid, smells goofy, had a big ol' dent in the headstock, a-a-a-and it's entirely playable and does what I hoped it would do. For $110, I got a bass guitar. The truss rod, the fretwork, the electronics all function just like they should. The finish is dreamy and the neck is smooth. It even came with a cable, which was kind of short and is quite noisy, but again, gets the job done. You can spring for the SR500 if you want to (it would probably keep you happy longer, supposing it's in good shape) but if you really want to save every dollar you can (which I understand ) then the LX200 should be perfectly serviceable to get you started in this world.

 

[charlie monroe]

Gear snobs will frown on a cheap bass. I would you rather save up a little more and look for a Squier VM

Surely you aren't suggesting that gear snobs would give a pass to the Squier?

 

[pappabass]

Surely you aren't suggesting that gear snobs would give a pass to the Squier?

Heck no, but its a decent bass. I had a VM Jag, frowned on twice, sold it after that