Thinking about getting a "good" bass

[handsinpocket]

My level: I played bass back in my home country a few years ago. Had performed 5 songs in total on 3 different occasions over the years. Not a total newbie, but apparently still at beginner’s level.

My intention: Pick up playing bass again. Play the songs I like at home alone (with the original music playing). Practice and prepare for joining a band.

My goal: Join a band with people I feel comfortable playing with and vice versa.

A few examples of musicians with the songs I want to play:
Stevie Wonder, Fourplay, Santana, Van Morrison

Things I’m looking for in the instrument: I don’t really need anything fancy. The bass must be doing “ok” for the common styles (rather than being superb at some styles, but trashy at some other styles). I just need a standard, classic, or say, “orthodox”, or even say, “boring” bass. I want a “safe” option.

Budget: Up to 2000 for the bass alone, if it is worthwhile.

For now, I’m thinking about buying a “Fender American Professional II Precision”. But I just want to hear your advice. Thanks

 

[buldog5151bass]

Plenty of people here regularly gigging with everything from Squier Affinities to basses worth more than 10 times that. Best to keep playing instruments until you find what feels right to you. Consider the classified here.

 

[fearceol]

Best to keep playing instruments until you find what feels right to you.

+1.

Everyone's tastes are different. Let your eyes and ears decide which bass is best for you.

Having said that...the G&L L2000 (USA or Tribute...depending on your budget) is worth checking out as it is a very versatile sounding and under rated bass. There are other G&L's too that are worth a look.

 

[Malcolm35]

Things I’m looking for in the instrument: I don’t really need anything fancy. The bass must be doing “ok” for the common styles (rather than being superb at some styles, but trashy at some other styles). I just need a standard, classic, or say, “orthodox”, or even say, “boring” bass. I want a “safe” option.
Budget: Up to 2000 for the bass alone, if it is worthwhile.

Having a new bass is often a want thing, need has nothing to do with it. My $350 Yamaha can play better than I can, it always does everything I ask it to do. So, until it does not do what I ask of it I'm happy with the way Ole Blue performs.

If you have $2,000 burning a hole in your pocket, go get what you want. This music thing, for most of us, is a hobby thing. No way we can feed and shelter ourselves from the money we make playing. If it takes a $2,000 instrument to make you happy - spend it and enjoy.

Go to a Mom and Pop music store and try everything they have in stock. I bet you'll find it there. Why a Mom and Pop store? A $2,000 sale is a big deal for them and you have made a new friend.

 

[Ggaa]

Get your hands on lots of basses. You'll know the one(s) when you play it. Might have $ left over.....

 

[BaileyMan]

There are hundreds, probably thousands of basses that will work for you in that budget. If you're in the US and live near a major retailer (e.g. guitar center) check out a few, get one you like, they have a generous return policy.

I'm not a Fender fanboy, but look at some Fenders, Squiers all the way up to the American made line. Early Van Morrison was most likely Fender Precision with Flat wound strings. Stevie Wonder, depending on the era could be any number of basses, but a jazz bass with round wound strings will get you a brighter tone.

For someone who is just getting back into playing, I'd say consider Fender P, J, or PJ bass. Consider how the neck feels in your fretting hand, weight, sound, of course looks! The Mexican made line is a fantastic middle of the road instrument and can last you many years or is easily resealable.

Enjoy your journey!

 

[Killing Floor]

My worthless advice is play as many as you can. Your budget will go a long way. Play something far below and even above your budget and compare. Then you will have an idea what features are important to you. For me, how it feels in my fretting hand is the most important thing. Spend some time at a shop. Don’t be intimidated. Good luck and remember to post pics when you decide.

 

[GeorgesEric]

As others said. Try a bunch.

I suggest you also get yourself a small Vox AP2 amplug, good headphones, a strap.

Try the basses in a standing position.

Once you find a few you like, plug the pocket amp, take you time, play them on every fret, try the switches, listen for unwanted noise, look for defects, etc. Take your time, you are not bothering anybody in the store.

2K is a nice budget. Don’t blow it just on a headstock name tag. Get something that works for you, something you like.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Fender American Precision Pro II fits what your looking for; your thinking is solid

Try to buy from store that will check over and set up Neck relief, Action, pickup height and Intonation to factory suggestions before handing over or delivering.[ for any Bass not just Fender]

Insures good first impression and allows immediate playability, resist initial frustrations; If after living with it awhile if you want to join the 'Tweakers' like me and see if you can find perfection in setup you have a 'Base' to judge against.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

My level: I played bass back in my home country a few years ago. Had performed 5 songs in total on 3 different occasions over the years. Not a total newbie, but apparently still at beginner’s level.

My intention: Pick up playing bass again. Play the songs I like at home alone (with the original music playing). Practice and prepare for joining a band.

My goal: Join a band with people I feel comfortable playing with and vice versa.

A few examples of musicians with the songs I want to play:
Stevie Wonder, Fourplay, Santana, Van Morrison

Things I’m looking for in the instrument: I don’t really need anything fancy. The bass must be doing “ok” for the common styles (rather than being superb at some styles, but trashy at some other styles). I just need a standard, classic, or say, “orthodox”, or even say, “boring” bass. I want a “safe” option.

Budget: Up to 2000 for the bass alone, if it is worthwhile.

For now, I’m thinking about buying a “Fender American Professional II Precision”. But I just want to hear your advice. Thanks

A PB would certainly fit the bill for those type of artists I’ve used mostlyFender MIA PBs for the last 45 years. In your situation I would definitely check out Music Man, Yamaha, and G&L se which one you like the sound the best. then look for a gently used one here on TB classifieds.

One other thing you may want to consider is a 5 string as opposed to a 4 string as you would need it for Stevie Wonder material, not sure about Foreplay tunes, as well as material written after the turn of the century.

The reason I’m bringing this up is My son had a Fender 5 string and for some reason, the B string sounded like it was from a different instrument. JMO.

Best wishes, and welcome back.

 

[Al Rivera]

My level: I played bass back in my home country a few years ago. Had performed 5 songs in total on 3 different occasions over the years. Not a total newbie, but apparently still at beginner’s level.

My intention: Pick up playing bass again. Play the songs I like at home alone (with the original music playing). Practice and prepare for joining a band.

My goal: Join a band with people I feel comfortable playing with and vice versa.

A few examples of musicians with the songs I want to play:
Stevie Wonder, Fourplay, Santana, Van Morrison

Things I’m looking for in the instrument: I don’t really need anything fancy. The bass must be doing “ok” for the common styles (rather than being superb at some styles, but trashy at some other styles). I just need a standard, classic, or say, “orthodox”, or even say, “boring” bass. I want a “safe” option.

Budget: Up to 2000 for the bass alone, if it is worthwhile.

For now, I’m thinking about buying a “Fender American Professional II Precision”. But I just want to hear your advice. Thanks

Sounds like a great choice, you can't go wrong with an American precision bass. I play much of the music you listed, and I own 2 American precision basses,a squier cv70s jazz bass and a Sire p7 bass.

 

[Fynn]

My level: I played bass back in my home country a few years ago. Had performed 5 songs in total on 3 different occasions over the years. Not a total newbie, but apparently still at beginner’s level.

My intention: Pick up playing bass again. Play the songs I like at home alone (with the original music playing). Practice and prepare for joining a band.

My goal: Join a band with people I feel comfortable playing with and vice versa.

A few examples of musicians with the songs I want to play:
Stevie Wonder, Fourplay, Santana, Van Morrison

Things I’m looking for in the instrument: I don’t really need anything fancy. The bass must be doing “ok” for the common styles (rather than being superb at some styles, but trashy at some other styles). I just need a standard, classic, or say, “orthodox”, or even say, “boring” bass. I want a “safe” option.

Budget: Up to 2000 for the bass alone, if it is worthwhile.

For now, I’m thinking about buying a “Fender American Professional II Precision”. But I just want to hear your advice. Thanks

I would actually suggest you to get a cheaper bass, because of multiple reasons. But first of all, cheap basses, more often than not, are of excellent quality and will provide you with as much bass as you could ever want.
That being said, cheap basses have many advantages especially for someone who is just starting out with this venture. You can change stuff on a cheaper bass, without having to feel like you just ruined some incredibly valuable piece of art. You can try to make the setup better, you can figure out what kind of tuners you might prefer, you don't have to worry too much about it being stolen...

And yes, alot of performers play with squiers and such. I was at a small concert a week ago, where three sort of alternative metal bands played. Well, the first band that played (the least known of the three) was port noir. The lead singer is also the bassist and given the genre you can imagine he plays quite vigorously. But he plays a squier jaguar, which he told me he spent roughly 400-500€ on. Changed the scratchplate, put some sort of black wrapping over the headstock and body, but the rest was totally stock. He plays shows with that thing every night. It's his only bass on tour. And don't think that he just doesn't have enough money for a better bass, because the rest of his setup is top quality modern stuff (two kempers for a stereo image and a bunch of seperate effects units, over 3000€, maybe closer to 4000€).

If you really do plan on eventually playing shows, a cheaper instrument, atleast in my very honest opinion, is the best way to go. Squier, Ibanez, Yamaha... Whatever strikes your fancy.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Lots of great choices for $2k, and even more if you’re willing to buy a used instrument. Fender USA instruments are the standard for a reason, but you may find yourself more comfortable with a Yamaha, Ibanez, Sire, MusicMan, or other instruments.

Go to a store and try everything in your price range, and don’t immediately dismiss something that is on the cheaper end of your price point. Modern building techniques have really narrowed the gap between top-line USA instruments and their overseas counterparts. You might try a US Fender and a MIM Fender, notice a slight quality difference, but not think it’s enough to justify the price difference - and that’s okay! I enjoy my Squier Telecaster as much as my US Gibson Les Paul. What ultimately matters is what you feel happy with

 

[Oldbasslover]

+1 more on trying a lot of instruments out.

I’m going to differ from the folks that encourage an inexpensive instrument. I may be wrong, but I can’t believe that all the components that go into an inexpensive bass are the same quality level as a more expensive bass. This is just my opinion - from the gazillions of threads here on TB, I know there are lots of people that will vehemently disagree with me on this topic. I’m not looking to argue with them. It’s my perspective.

At your stage, I wouldn’t recommend spending $2000 as you can get some very high quality instruments (especially if used) but you have so little time and experience invested and you likely can’t be positive this is something you are definitely going to stick with. Personally, I would recommend something in the 800-1200 range or thereabouts assuming you are really serious about your intent to really start playing.

Keep in mind that bass setup - action, string height, and even the types of strings are all major aspects of a bass that go into it “feeling right.” Obviously stores don’t know for playing style, so they tend to appeal to the masses with those things. What you can’t adjust are the weight, the shape of the neck, the width of the nut. So try and concentrate if the bass feels comfortable in your hands regardless of the strings. If it feels good, but you feel like the strings don’t feel good - that can be fixed.

Also play through different amps / speakers / combos as the sound you are looking for is going to be affected by those things. Unfortunately it’s likely impossible to really know what a bass is going to sound like as even headphones and headphone amps introduce their own coloration to what you hear.

 

[msb]

A Pbass is a good start . They come in at various price points . The higher end Squiers are probably the best value , the Custom Shop instruments are expensive , but beautifully made . And in between the two are a myriad of choices . There are many other options too . I was an old Pbass guy , and now seem to use just about anything but .

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

First things first:

Here's what I would tell my son(s) or the child of a close friend ... you know ... the good stuff for people we care about.

Plan a trip to a music store - When I say "plan a trip", I mean: "make sure you have a few hours to spend"; not a quick ten minute jaunt in.

If you already have an amp, bring it with you - Sure, you'll get some looks, but tell them to shine on. This is your money you're going to be spending.

If a sales person asks you if you need help, tell them you may need some getting a guitar on one of the higher guitar hangers, but you'll let them know - Some of these people are still working on commission. Guess which guitar they'll "recommend" for you? There are people here who will swear their Squier bass is better than their Fender bass and that may be correct. So make sure you're looking at basses that interest you (I guess looks, first) and then impress you (sound).

Spend time playing each instrument side-by-side (literally, if possible). Don't mess with the amp settings/E.Q.; just use the controls on the bass. Leave all the amp settings at "12 O'Clock".

Talk to people who play and have more experience - like you're doing here, but talk to people you actually know who may be able to grab a couple of instruments to illustrate what they're telling you.

Good luck on your journey and if I can help, please don't hesitate to ask.

 

[GTHintz]

Welcome back to playing. If you're after a precision bass Yamaha, Schecter both make good ones and will be a competitive alternative to a fender unless that's just what you're after. Honestly I'd say try something with a pj pickup which is the precision pickup in front but it'll have a rear pickup too. That would give you lots of room for finding tones you like. Spector, Warwick, Ibanez come to mind for good pj basses. Going used there's bound to be a very nice bass out there that you'll save lots of money vs buying used. If you want to really get serious I'd make sure you have a great practice set up and a good amp. I practice through the same eq pedal as I use if I'm going to plug in with a band. Something you can have headphones and an aux input for plugging music in. Lots of good amps out there and if you're not sure our forum on amps is full of ideas. Good amp equipment is just as important as a good bass. Take it from me. I feel like you can get everything you need to sound good and keep up with anyone for under 1k. 500$ on a nice used bass and 500$ on amp equipment gets you pretty far. Good luck and let us all know what you wind up getting!

 

[bmusic]

All this advice is good, especially those saying “go play a bunch and buy what you like.”

BUT

if you ate looking to be pointed in the direction of a good basic instrument, and you've gravitated toward a Fender Precision (which has been the bass of choice for so many iconic players on so many iconic songs), I would look for a used American P. No, not a PJ (just get a Jazz Bass for your next good bass).

 

[etoncrow]

Welcome to TalklBass. I'll let the rest do the talking but we are glad to have you with us.

 

[jamro217]

Basses are like shoes. Try on as many as you can until you get a comfortable fit. Price doesn't always reflect quality. There are plenty of great instruments well under $1000. The rest of your money can go for upgrades if you don't like the sound. You can't buy aftermarket comfort. Hope this helps.