The Beginners Crossroad!

[DChupi]

Hey bass lovers; new here looking for some insight. Planing on getting a bass to get into some rock and roll and what not; the thing is im in the same crossroad everybody is when they plan on getting one. Ive read tons of reviews and discussion boards but Im not yet satisfied. I am between choosing the Squire JAzz Standard and the Ibanez (GSR200/Sr300). Thing is I am planning on getting toghether with some friends playing some rock, punk, metal, funk and jazz, experimenting all the way, and I understand the Jbass might fit me right for those jazz, funk and perhaps rock and roll as many solid bands use this type of bass, but im really intrigued by the possibilities and the looks of the Ibanez and what its active setup might bring to the equation.

So the question: Is the Ibanez versatile enough to cover the funk and jazz or its "agressive" look stands for just rock and roll? (follow up) Between the two models ive read many say the Sr300 is better, is it, why? (Follow up #2) Is the active setup a benefit for a guy who has never played a string instrument?(should I keep it simple?) And finally Ive heard a dozen times that I should go to the store and check the instruments for myself but since I dont know anything about string instruments should I really bother doing it or just getting it online?

If you do finish reading, or even better, if you shed some light into this matter Thank ALLOT!

PS- If you have other bass recomendations give it a go! *** Price range around 300 bucks for the instrument : )

 

[oldrookie]

Not sure of your price range, but if you can locate a G&L Tribute L2000 you would do well to give it serious consideration. It is a great bass with huge tonal variation and it is a good enough bass to last you for years as you develop as a player. Absolutely rock solid bass.

I got the same advice when I was first looking ("go to the store and try all of the basses,") and had the same reaction you are having. I did go and I did pick them up and plunked around on them. Didn't really tell me anything. I ended up buying one, but I sold it to get one that fit my tastes after I had enough playing time to figure out what I really liked. I've had six basses since the first one (and still have 3 of them.)

I had the Trib L2000 and have since sold it to get a Trib L2500 once I determined that I wanted to play five-stringers.

Good luck.

 

[Snake1967]

Pick up both. play with both then ask yourself which one feels/sounds right to you. Don't try to tie yourself to a percieved sound but take your sound to the songs.
Enjoy your music have fun and get down in the bottom end