Things you play while trying a bass/amp.

[Araillac]

I've only bought one bass so far and that was when I didn't know much so I played come as you are by nirvana like 50 times and played random notes, decided I liked the feel of the Ibanez SR 300 more than any other and bought it. It sounded better than my $125 bass I got off of ebay though and I know different tones and feels now so I'll probably be able to buy a bass more effectively next time. (Not that I'm ashamed of my bass now, it's a lovely one. I picked lucky.)

 

[Tapout73]

I usually go in bout an hour after they open. Don't wanna be the first and seem desparate. I pick one of the most expensive bass's there nad usually start off by wanking on stairway to heaven. if no one is looking at me, then I reel off some my name is mud while walking really starngly back and forth. I stop and look around, if still no one is looking at me, then I try my best at slapping through the fire and flames just like I do on my GH3 Wii at home. If that doesn't work I usually just set it down at an angle so that if anyone sneezes, it will fall over. Oh and I make sure its still plugged in. Then I randomly look around at strings or pedals or whatnot until my Mom is done shopping at Dillard's and picks me up.

 

[barbarbass]

"Aeroplane" by RHCP -- for that big slide up to "G" (on the A string). That alone tells me a lot about the character of the neck, and also the balance (in terms of frequency).

 

[hentor]

I like the point you make about coming back. I don't believe in love at first sight either and you often need a second "date" at least before you know if you really want to buy something, I find.

I used to be a real impulse shopper and wasted a lot of money on crap I didn't actually, need or physically could not play and then therefore sold a lot of gear. Nowadays I go back and try things a second or third time with at least three days between the "auditions". I've picked up some mighty fine instruments (including my beloved Highway One P-Bass which has become my "number one") by being patient and listening to things with a fresh perspective.

When I try out new gear, I ask to take it first to a quiet area (such as the acoustic room or recording) so I can actually hear what the bass sounds like acoustically and I usually play all over the neck, checking out for sustain and dead spots. If the bass does not "speak" to me acoustically, it probably won't speak to me when plugged in. I can also focus on the feel of the neck and check out the intonation in a quiet area as well.

I then ask for a cable and plug in with the EQ set flat and play scales, notes, etc., looking for dead spots and wolf tones.

I also bring one of my straps with me as I have a chronic back problem and need to see how the instrument will feel when strapped on. If I can't physically play the instrument without discomfort, then why bother purchasing it?