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Strings for short scale / buying new bass

N

nameuser

Dec 27, 2018
4
2
Louisiana, USA
#1
Acoustic guitar player, going to try to learn bass. Thinking of buying a short scale (28.6") Ibanez (GSRM20 Mikro) from Guitar Center. Questions... will the stings be good enough to learn with? Regardless that answer, what strings should I put on it now or in the future? Singer-songwriter dude, also play covers. Country, folk, blues, it varies. Just 'regular' bass lines, no fancy techniques anticipated, lol.

Anything else I should buy? I don't know if I will use a pick but maybe.. what type of pick? I wonder will they include a gig bag. Any cable type recommended? Anything else needed? (Other than amp.)
 
#2
Yes, the strings will be good enough to learn with. What kind of strings you decide to put on it when you replace the factory ones, is up to you. Strings (and picks) are very personal choices; the ones I like, may be ones you hate. But, personally? I prefer flat wound or tape wound strings; although, lots of people don't. But, I don't like round wound strings - which lots and lots of people do like - because I think they're too bright and twangy. You may like them, too; only time and experimenting will tell... Picks? I have several basses that only get played with a pick. Again, personally? I like Dunlop #12 Standard Felts; Fender Heavy 351 Shape; and Tusq 1.0 mm Deep. But, again, that's a very personal choice. I think most guitar picks are too small and flexible; the ones I like to use are not... Gig Bag? I couldn't say; I have a bunch of short scale basses, but not an Ibanez Mikro. Cable? I use a Monster Proline. Not the most expensive, but not the cheapest, either. I've had it a long time, and it works well for me... Anything else? Depends; what have you got now? I'd get a good tuner; one that works on an electric instrument. In my experience, some tuners that are fine for an acoustic instrument, don't work real well on an electric bass. I use a Peterson Strobo Flip tuner, which will work on literally anything; but you may not want to spend that much money. I imagine lots of advice will come along shortly; we're real big on that sort of thing here.. Anyway, enjoy your Mikro (there's a Mikro owner's club around here somewhere, by the way; look them up), and.. welcome to Talk Bass! :thumbsup:
 
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