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Time To Purchase

#25
I personally would stay with a more traditional shape as opposed to the "V" or other pointy ones. That upper horn is there for a reason. I owned a V bass many years ago and learned the hard way about neck dive. It's much easier to learn if you don't have to hold it up all the time....
 
#26
If I were to buy new, what would you guys recommend? I'm open to getting a practice amp for now, but am also fine with some of the higher priced amps.. And as for bass, I'm still debating on a 4 or 5 string. If you have any recommendations, feel free to post em..
 
#27
You can easily play metal on a 4-string. They generally tend to run cheaper than their 5-string counterparts, too.
As has been mentioned before...you'll get the best value on used. Check-out ebay, too. I've seen tonnes of decent gear for reasonable prices. Harmony Central's user reviews are great resources, too. Almost any bass you're interested have reviews.
 
#29
When you go to GC make sure to try out the following.

Basses:
Ibanez ATK
Ibanez SR/SRX series
Fender MIM Jazz/Precision
Squier VM Jazz/Precision
Squier CV Jazz Precision
Peavey Milestone/BXP
Yamaha basses
Traben basses
Schecter basses
"Rockbass by Warwick" basses

Amps:
Acoustic
Gallien-Krueger
Peavey

Note: I would suggest against actually buying any of this gear at GC (you should be able to find almost any of it on the used market for a much better price. check ebay/craigslist/local classifieds/TB classifieds), but it does give you an opportunity to try the stuff out. Avoid buying a bass solely based on its appearance. How it sounds and how comfortable you are playing it will matter much more in the long run.

Brands that I would suggest against (based on my experiences with their products):
Behringer (****** amps overall. Tendency to explode/burst into flames)
Dean (I have never had a good experience with a Dean bass. They sell mainly on appearance)
Epiphone (please don't buy a thunderbird just because it "looks cool")
B.C. Rich (only the low-end models. their high-end basses are very nice)
Gibson (You may like them, but I have have always hated them. overpriced IMO)
 
#30
It depends on what you are planning on doing with a 4 or 5 string. Do you plan on following guitars during certain parts? What tuning do you plan on playing in?

I play 4 bangers, my true love. I am building a 5 string now, just in case I ever have a band that wants me to play in drop b. Setting up your bass for that can be a nightmare, and can also make following much more difficult.

Get some experience under your belt, and you will know exactly what you need.
 
#32
Could you be more specific in your price range? It might help us make some more specific recommendations...

You can't go wrong with a 4 string, and you can always move up to a 5 later (and back down to a 4 if so desired). If you can find one, a used Carvin, ESP or Fender would be worth a look. Carvins have pretty decent build quality and tone, and fortunately they take quite a hit on price once they hit the used market. Fenders are plentiful, reliable and can be cheap if you find the right person on Craigslist or Ebay.

Others have already insisted that you buy used, and I would most definitely agree.

As far as amps, you would need around 150 to 200 watts to start with a band. If possible, try to get an amp with a direct out, line out or preamp out so you can plug into the PA, should that opportunity arise. I started out with a Peavey Mark 3 and used it for 9 years at gigs before moving up to SWR and Mesa Boogie rigs. The Peavey never went down at a gig and was relatively light.
 
#33
ugh, i hate flying v's. the deans sound alright, i just dont like the style.
as far as the amps go, behringers are cheap for a reason...they suck.
marshall has a good name for themselves as well as a great product.
essex basses are great and inexpensive too! you get a lot for your buck.
 
#34
I opened my bass range to $300, I decided I want to play like the bassist in Korn, but also like the bass in other bands, Pantera, Metallica, Ext.



Since I just expanded my range, I'm not sure what to look for.
 
#38
Well, assuming we're all adults, or must of us, I'd like it if I was just helped, and given some feedback. Since there is already a thread on 'your least favorite bassist', you can vent there, and not here.
 
#39
i love deans i have a edge sittin in my closet it was my first bass

good luck

btw if you have the cash bassman 150's are really good amps played one for my first 3 years of highschool in 2 bands it got alot of use and still played great
 
#40
GoCDerek said:
I found two more that caught me eye, I'm also listening to other bands, and I like the bass in Pantera. I'm going to go to Guitar Center Friday and try some out.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...ctric-Bass-with-Active-Electronics?sku=512156

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Demonator-Metalman-4String-Bass?sku=519350
Click to expand...

If youre a Pantera fan, Rex Brown has a signature Spector bass. Buy a cheap SX for now, and save for a used Rex4 or Rex5.

IMO.
 

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