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Starter Bass... with exp?

Hello all! :help:

So my friends invited me to form a band to play for a local battle of the bands and we're about to practice in a month... however I don't even own a bass guitar.

Music-wise... I do have experience since I've been playing saxophone for 7 years now

I HAVE played the bass guitar for a bit... I understand the basics and whatnot but I'm having trouble finding a proper bass for me.

So in conclusion, I have settled in between a Squier Affinity Jazz or a Ibanez GSR200TR... if there are any nice suggestions that would be nice!

Oh! And are any of 2 basses proper for slapping? It'd be nice to learn :bassist:
 
Contray to some peoples belief you might not need a amp. Say if your only going to play bass you could run it like Geddy lee through the PA being as it's a band you have to have a PA to practice with and if you gig you'll more than likely have a PA or mixer to plug into right?

But, if your serious about really learning bass I'd go for a that Squier Jazz or Ibanez GSR200 and use the rest to find a good loud bass amp on the used market try checking pawnshops.
 
I agree with these guys, those should suffice. If its something you're looking to get into, (this really depends on your budget) you might want to look at some lower end Schecters like the Omen or stiletto deluxe/extreme series. They're not much more than what you're looking at, plus all of them generally get good reviews. The lowest one I found is about $150 more on musiciansfriend than what you're looking at. It'll be worth it when you start outgrowing your starter bass.
 
You can't go wrong with a jazz bass for any style of music. The Ibanez doesn't get quite as much love around here, but they are versatile and good enough basses for sure. The big question is what style of music do you (mainly) hope to play? If your answer contains the word "metal" in any way - get the Ibanez. If your answer has the word "jazz" in it - get the jazz. If by chance your answer is straight ahead rock - put a 3rd choice on the list - the Squier Precision Bass.

Whatever you do - buy it used. I see NO point in buying an entry level bass new. I wouldn't buy a bass brand new until your into the high end stuff and plan to keep it till you die.... actually, I just don't buy basses (or cars) new. Low miles used is the way to go - let some other schmuck take the hit on depreciation. YMMV and good luck.