It's all about flavor but I like Fender Squier, Sterling SUB and Ibanez Soundgear series.
Try them all if you can.
Try them all if you can.
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What cheap bass to get?
- Thread starter spwath
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- cheap cheap bass
If you can't find your gauges on BassStringsOnline (doubtful, they've got nearly everything) you might try Kalium strings.
Also you can consult the tension chart on Kalium's website and compare tension of EADG sets - then once you've got an idea of average tension, look at the gauge vs note on the chart and you'll be able to see just what strings will work.
Also you can consult the tension chart on Kalium's website and compare tension of EADG sets - then once you've got an idea of average tension, look at the gauge vs note on the chart and you'll be able to see just what strings will work.
If those are your only choices get The SquierJag its an excellent budget bass, i gigged the one i had for about a month before i sold it..
I found the gauges the other guy recomended for cgda if thoes would work?
Yup, picking up the jag today.If those are your only choices get The SquierJag its an excellent budget bass, i gigged the one i had for about a month before i sold it..
So I see you like Hamer Velocities... 
I have two MIK Hamer Velo's (one is my avi), and they are great basses. The XT series are made in China, and from what research I've been able to find, it looks like the last hurrah of the Velocity.
The Pros:
- The bass feels amazing. The body and neck is perfect for me. It's smaller than a fender but the scale length is the same. Plus, it's a good looking bass.
- They're cheap AND rare AND good. You can usually only get 2.
The Cons:
- The preamp they use is meh at best. I have rewired both of mine with new pickups.
- Modding is hard. The measurements Hamer used aren't standard. The only easy mod is strings and tuners. Good luck finding a bridge without redrilling, and the pickups are slightly smaller than fender jazz neck pickups, so a standard set of J's will NOT fit. The humbucker is standard MM size though.
- They're cramped. It's hard to fit new electronics because the body is so small. I recommend mini pots like these (Invalid Link Removed), really the only thing that will fit.
Other than that, they are great, fast necked, classic looking basses that are a bit more growly than a Fender. Definitely more suited to heavier rock, although I've found they do slap very well. I play guitar-driven ambiance so I sometimes have a lot of space to fill in a mix, and these puppies do it with style.
Everytime I see a MIK (there's one on reverb right now) I get all G.A.S.y, despite having two already.
I have two MIK Hamer Velo's (one is my avi), and they are great basses. The XT series are made in China, and from what research I've been able to find, it looks like the last hurrah of the Velocity.The Pros:
- The bass feels amazing. The body and neck is perfect for me. It's smaller than a fender but the scale length is the same. Plus, it's a good looking bass.
- They're cheap AND rare AND good. You can usually only get 2.
The Cons:
- The preamp they use is meh at best. I have rewired both of mine with new pickups.
- Modding is hard. The measurements Hamer used aren't standard. The only easy mod is strings and tuners. Good luck finding a bridge without redrilling, and the pickups are slightly smaller than fender jazz neck pickups, so a standard set of J's will NOT fit. The humbucker is standard MM size though.
- They're cramped. It's hard to fit new electronics because the body is so small. I recommend mini pots like these (Invalid Link Removed), really the only thing that will fit.
Other than that, they are great, fast necked, classic looking basses that are a bit more growly than a Fender. Definitely more suited to heavier rock, although I've found they do slap very well. I play guitar-driven ambiance so I sometimes have a lot of space to fill in a mix, and these puppies do it with style.
Everytime I see a MIK (there's one on reverb right now) I get all G.A.S.y, despite having two already.
Without looking, I would say probably (anyone who would make such a suggestion has likely done the homework).
You can look at D'Addario and GHS tension charts as a loose guide for balance. But a lot of that depends on how important is balanced tension to you ("on-paper"
is just one small variable).
I would do .125 - .090 - .060 - .040 for more balanced tension, but that is definitely a wide range in gauges. So it could sound weird, which I bet is what the other reccommendation is considering.
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I would not recommend the gauges suggested earlier. I don't think he realises that a Cello is tuned in fifths.
I would go with:
C - .124 to .130
G - .076 to .082
D - .049 to .053
A - .035 to .039
Those suggestions are keeping in mind mostly even tension between strings at 36-42 lbs.
@SLaPiNFuNK , who is the owner of BassStringsOnline may be able to suggest or build a set for you to tune in fifths. He's always ever helpful!
That earlier recommendation is for fifths tuning, only I think trying a bit to reign-in the wide difference in gauges. The D and A will certainly be tighter, but as you know those trade-offs must vary depending on personal preference.
Yes that looks right - BUT... Double check the scale length on the Jag. They came in long scale and short scale versions.Ok, does this look good before i orderr?
If your Jag is long scale (17" from nut to 12th fret) then you're good to go.
Have you played the bass yet (it is your first, right)? I would pump the brakes a bit.
You might like it fine with standard fourths tuning and not want to change anything. This could ultimately work better if you plan to play with other musicians, esp. standard-tuned guitarists and plan to learn/share songs in ways other than reading/sight-reading (esp. if you are doing pop/rock covers or something).
Also, if you aren't experienced or comfortable doing your own nut filing, I would locate/verify a good source for that work or repair before dropping the money on strings.
To answer your question, though, personal preference is a big player here, and I think that jump from .125 to .080 could seem a bit funky (though it's not that far off from what I recommended). It seems like a fun, but slightly costly experiment. But if it didn't work for you, I would think you might need a whole new nut to go back to standard tuning (I wouldn't want my EADG sitting in oversized nut slots...may not be a big deal). Maybe try the bass as-is first?
You might like it fine with standard fourths tuning and not want to change anything. This could ultimately work better if you plan to play with other musicians, esp. standard-tuned guitarists and plan to learn/share songs in ways other than reading/sight-reading (esp. if you are doing pop/rock covers or something).
Also, if you aren't experienced or comfortable doing your own nut filing, I would locate/verify a good source for that work or repair before dropping the money on strings.
To answer your question, though, personal preference is a big player here, and I think that jump from .125 to .080 could seem a bit funky (though it's not that far off from what I recommended). It seems like a fun, but slightly costly experiment. But if it didn't work for you, I would think you might need a whole new nut to go back to standard tuning (I wouldn't want my EADG sitting in oversized nut slots...may not be a big deal). Maybe try the bass as-is first?
Yeah, I guess.
The House Of Guitars is right near me, and I think they are pretty well known for being an amazzzing place.
I feel like I would fine fine with a big jump, cant be too much different than cello,
And strings are only $20 for all 4, might as well try it.
Of the three listed, I'd get the squire, it's a fine instrument and very versatile. However, if you're willing to put in just a tad more $, my favorite cheapie right now is the Ibanez TMB 100.
TMB 100 | Sweetwater.com
I've played just about every cheapie there is and the TMB 100 is impressive. The aesthetics are roughly similar to the Jag above (pickguard, chrome control plate, offset body, etc..) but it's available in more colors and personally I just like the tone better. It also has an single knob active tone boost that -unlike most low end active bass electronics- is quite useful. It retails for $200, but goes on sale fairly often for around $180.
One thing to note is that the TMB neck is slightly wider than the Jag which has a very skinny J-bas style neck. The TMB neck is very comfortable being about midway between a P bass neck and a Jazz bass neck.
EDIT: Just saw that you are going with the Jag. Good choice and at 150, it will be easy to get your money back when you upgrade or if your tastes change. I've bought and sold ALOT of basses and I've never lost money buying and selling used instruments.
I got an Ibanez for under $200. Between that and the lame case and the lousy amp (which only sounds good with headphones) I spent less than $300.
BTW that is all new stuff. I see the items you are listing are used. I say get a new budget bass and see if it goes somewhere and in a year or more you are consistent or some what consistent then look into getting something better.
BTW that is all new stuff. I see the items you are listing are used. I say get a new budget bass and see if it goes somewhere and in a year or more you are consistent or some what consistent then look into getting something better.
What ever bass (or any instrument) you get make sure it's one that will make your 'liver quiver'. Otherwise you won't practice. The main problem with beginner stringed instruments is the set up. It takes a fair amount of work to properly set up an instrument. Manufacturers making instruments at this price point are interested in cranking out as many units as they can and are only doing a basic 'make it play' set up. I most strongly recommend you find a GOOD repair person in your area and spend the money and have your bass properly adjusted. Your $200 bass will play easier, stay in tune, and feel like a million bucks. GOOD luthiers are hard to find and there are a lot of hacks out there that have no idea what they are doing. Example: I live in Jacksonville, FL and I've only found ONE quality repair shop. Ask a working musician where they take their stuff. Good luck and play on!
