What should I consider when buying a bass

[AshInAmsterdam]

Tough to justify those prices, when the instrument itself costs barely double a levelling job.

You don't know rents in this place!

To be fair anyone who's legitimately buying a €200 guitar or even double that is not the main market for guitar maintenance.

 

[Anachronism]

Hi, I know this is a generic question, but so far I have these in mind when I'm buying a bass:

1. Price (of course
2. Tone
3. Neck dive
4. Action
5 .Weight
6. Neck

What am I missing?

best regards

Here's my take on your criteria. Price and tone are indeed important considerations: you have to pay for it, and you have to like the sounds it makes. I don't think neck dive is likely to be a significant issue--I don't think many basses have neck dive that can't be remedied with a good strap. Likewise, unless there are specific reasons (e.g. a bad back) to worry about weight, I don't think it's likely to be a major issue if you buy a good strap. Action is important, but unfortunately guitar shops often don't set their instruments up very well. Bad action in the store doesn't mean that a bass can't achieve a good action, so you have to try to judge how well a bass is set up and how well it can be set up. Finally, the neck is important, pick one that feels comfortable to you.

I think you should also consider the ergonomics of the body of the bass, make sure it will be comfortable against you body and arm for a long set.

 

[ofajen]

Other things being equal, I'd rather not have weak or dead notes on the G string.

Otto

 

[DavC]

' feel ' more so than ' looks ' ... !! i've had very pretty basses that never felt quite right ..

as you said ' neck ' ... the back side shape , radius ... it's gotta feel good in your hand and be easy to play ... most other things can be modded pretty easily ... ' used ' is the way to go , once you know the 'feel ' you want .!

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Dont be afraid to taste the bass to make sure everything is how you want it.

 

[Wolfenstein666]

Dont be afraid to taste the bass to make sure everything is how you want it.

This. You have to make sure that the bass will blend well with your existing palate.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Do you like the way it looks?
Do you like the way it sounds?
Everything else is subjective.

 

[Albino RyNo]

Another consideration would be whether or not you're buying an active bass or a passive one. Now that they're selling active basses cheaper and cheaper this is something a lot of first time buyers are coming across that wasn't an issue when I got my first bass. The long and short of it is that active basses have a battery operated preamp with eq onboard which lets you boost or cut bass, treble and sometimes midrange; passive basses simply have a volume for the pickups and a tone control which lets you roll off the high frequencies. Active basses have a much hotter output so you might have to account for that on your amp (some amps have an "active/passive" switch other times you just have to lower the gain). They also don't play nice with a lot of effects pedals so if you're planning on using effects like fuzz and overdrive it might be something to consider. Active eq on the bass gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to tone shaping just make sure you don't over do it. I know when I first started playing active basses I was using WAY too much eq on both my bass and amp and then one day when I set everything flat my gear sounded better than ever! Ever since then I've used eq more sparingly.

 

[madbass6]

all of the above and more! of course you can also always upgrade what ever doesnt fit your needs ! "rite super freak?" but make sure its worth it!! or just save up and buy what you really want the first time! hey super-freak we meet again!

 

[Alexander]

Whether it is a Precision Bass or not.

 

[Lawuka]

Are you going to really practice? That is the only way to know about a bass. Most entry level bass guitars are fine to start and practice. Over time you will find what matters to you. Just get something and play play play. Good luck!

 

[hsech]

Feel.

Does the neck sit well in your hand?

That's what Dracula said.

 

[chungweishan]

Hi, I know this is a generic question, but so far I have these in mind when I'm buying a bass:

1. Price (of course
2. Tone
3. Neck dive
4. Action
5 .Weight
6. Neck

What am I missing?

best regards

Price is definitely important.

Comfort (weight, neck size, balance, ergonomics): some basses just don't fit well when strapped. Neck dive can be somewhat fixed depending on your technique and strap. Bass has got to feel good playing and not cause unnecessary fatigue (although that could be due to technique).

Set-Up (action, intonation, tone): I include tone because a full set-up, to me, includes changing pickup height which can change your tone a bit. There's a good chance the action is too high or low, but if you're already considering getting new strings (add to the Price), you really want to consider a good set-up (also add to the Price unless you're good at it yourself or know someone that can do it).

Electronics: someone already mentioned Passive vs. Active, but don't forget to plug in your potential new bass and turn all the knobs, flip the switches (if it has any) just to make sure everything works (no scratchy pots, no useless switches). Find out if the pickups hum too much or microphonic by tapping them (my budget bass has very microphonic pickups unfortuately). Figure out all the tones your bass can do to assess what new strings or any modifications you may or may not want to buy.

Other things: you may want to reserve some money for new strings, a good strap, perhaps some picks, definitely a good cable to connect to a potential new amp (which I'm sure the Amp Sub-Forum has lots of recommendations). Eventually, you may want to wade into the deep pool of effects, but that's yet another Sub-Forum.

I'm also going to include Looks. Gotta look good.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Throw it down the stairs. Now go pick it up. If it's still in tune, it's a good bass. If it's in pieces, well...

 

[DwaynieAD]

Looks
Feel
Tone
Price

 

[Braden Persch]

Try it with a strap in the store if possible. make sure it's comfortable when/if you start playing with a band and playing shows.

 

[swafran]

Play it. For a loooong time. Way past all the stupid "so, pretty sweet huh?" salesman remarks. Actually well past when
he goes to have a smoke and forgets about you. If it's for you you'll know, you'll be so happy playing it you'll be sure it's coming home. And if not, then hey you played a little music, but don't buy if you have a hesitation. If it doesn't make you smile ear to ear, there might be one out there that does.

 

[bolophonic]

I would start by asking myself if I felt like I had what it takes to be a bassist for the rest of my life.

 

[jjmuckluckjr]

There are 3 main reasons to buy a bass:

1. Collect/ Investment. Has it's merits. You can own a damn cool bass. Playing out becomes a different discussion.

2.To fix up and sell. Also very cool. All basses have a player, they just need to be introduced.

3.To play, the ultimate reason. It fits so good it your mitts, you just need to play the Bejesus out of it. Beware: basses like that can be a cruel mistress, demanding constant attention.

So, have at it and good luck.

 

[DigitalMan]

Do you like the way it looks?
Do you like the way it sounds?
Everything else is subjective.

Actually, then everything is subjective.