What should my first bass be?

[Pings Bass]

I'm a fan of 2-pickup basses for versatility. P-basses are nice for their simplicity, but they're also limited. A J is perfect for starters IMO, Squier or made in Mexico (MiM) Fender are good buys, and there are lots of clones from other makers out there. I like the Sterling SUB Ray a lot, but it's another 1-pickup bass. I'm not sure I'd recommend it as a first/only bass because it's got an aggressive tone that might not be easy to tame at first. I'm very fond of my G&L Tribute L-2500 (5-string version of the L-2000), but that's a bit of a power tool. On the one hand, all the nobs and switches could be a distraction starting out; on the other hand, it might be the only bass you ever need.

People really like their Ibanez basses, but I've never owned one. I think they give you a lot of bass for the money though. My very first bass was a Yamaha; that's another brand that gives you a lot of quality for the money.

I'd stick with the Fender shapes and styles in general, and avoid the semi-hollow bodies, Gibsons, Epiphones, Hofners, Guilds, etc. unless you have something very specific in mind that leans toward one of those. The fender P and J styles are basically "standard" insofar as there is a standard. You really can't go wrong with one of those at the end of the day. Pick up and hold as many as you can, both seated and standing to see what feels the best.

 

[bikeplate]

One you can afford

 

[Gabe Langfur]

Wirecutter (NY Times review site for all kinds of things) picked the Yamaha RBX174 as their favorite bass guitar for beginners. It retails around $200 new. Passive PJ. I bought a used RBX170 for under $100 off craigslist, which is essentially the same thing. It makes nice P sounds and J sounds, the neck is very comfortable, it's lightweight and easy to set up. That Yamaha is easier to play in some ways than the USA Fender Jazz I've bought since, and I still like to practice on it sometimes.

I think they picked the Ibanez Mikro for a short scale, if you want that.

The article seems to have come down, unfortunately.

If you have more like 4 or 500 dollars to spend, the Squier Classic Vibe series gets great reviews, and for a short scale, the Fender Mustang - also passive PJ, made in Mexico - is really nice. When I first went shopping with a pro bass player friend, he liked the Mustang so much he ordered himself one just to play around with at home.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Hi guys! Please help me find my first guitar bass! I was motivated to invest in one from my past history of orchestra and recent obsession with rock, metal, alt, jazz... (all genres where a bass is KEY).

Welcome to the club!

I’m not going to suggest what to buy. You will get plenty of ideas here. What I will do is give you some pointers on finding your bass.

First thing, be patient as there is always going to be Basses for sale. Your job right now is to play as many different Basses that you can. Try to play them through the same rig if possible.
Don’t be afraid to spend a good bit of time on each one.

Before you go on your search, have a budget, preferably a firm one. This will keep you from spending time on an instrument you’re not going to buy.

Consider buying used gear, where you may land a much higher quality bass for the same money than buying a new lesser quality instrument. Keep in mind, you may want to sell it some day and odds are you will get more money on that sale if you have something somebody will want to own.

Let your ears be your through this process. Listen to some recordings that you like, pick out the bass part and study it. This will come in handy at the store as you try to find an instrument that will match it.

Best wishes and welcome to the board.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Solid body, 4 string, medium or long scale, 2 pick ups, i liked a maple neck... some brands I have been looking at are ibanez btb, ibanez sr, yamaha rbx, fender precision or jazz, epiphone ebo... there are so many to choose from!

Ibanez BTB? Looking for 5 or 6 string or used 4 string? Yamaha RBX, Ibanez Sr and SBMM Stingray SUB are under/around $300 range and BTB's start at $1100.

If your budget is in 300 range The Ibanez GSR200SM is light easy to play and passive. The SBMM Sub Stingray HH is only active I would trust in this range BUT they are around 10lbs+ If weight is OK then this may be good choice.

I am not a big Squire by Fender Fan but many here swear by them especially the 'Classic Vibe' series;[ also discontinued VM SERIES] which has Jaguar medium scale [32"] Bass.

Basses in this price range can be inconsistent so play them in person.

 

[flatrat]

And finally, buy something that you like, visually speaking. It's more important than you might think at first.

^This is important.

Any major brand, regardless of where they are made, is going to be good. I have instruments made in the US, Korea, Indonesia and China and the least expensive Chinese made instrument is of better build quality than US made ones from a few decades ago.

Try to purchase something in the mid-range of the market if you can. Since build quality is generally solid, the biggest difference in pricing between an entry level bass and anything above it is going to be due to the components or wood used.

Buying used will stretch your budget a bit further. Good luck and enjoy the journey.

 

[Dincrest]

What's great is that nowadays, the world is your oyster as far as solid quality entry-level basses go. Many entry-level instruments are better than what was available when I started playing back in 1994 (what some of the younger folks might jokingly call "the dark ages").

Anyway, though it will be difficult what with covid19 restrictions, best thing to do is try out a bunch and not only see which ones feel most comfortable in your hands, but which ones also feel most comfortable strapped on your shoulder and make you feel like you can easily reach (and fret) the "money" notes (read: the first 5 frets).

An Ibanez Soundgear with its narrower and slimmer neck will feel very different from a Fender P-bass with its wider and chunkier neck. Even if you're just starting out, you'll instinctively know which neck feels/fits "better" in your hands.

And, as always, let your hands and ears be the judge. Don't let the name on the headstock (or even what we on TB say) sway you. Pick the bass that feels and sounds "right" to you.

 

[mrjim123]

Go to a music store and play a lot of basses, definitely a Precision, a Jazz, and then for something different, an Ibanez SR series (thinner neck than the P or J) or even a shorter scale bass, like the Ibanez "Micro" (I think that's right) series.

 

[Guild B301]

You can always buy a higher quality bass used, for the same amount you would spend on a new one.
Other than that, find one that feels good to you, and has looks that inspire you.

 

[sonojono]

I remember my first bass. It was visually stunning but the quality was subpar. I think you’re on the right track as far as brands are concerned but totally look into playing one in person and see how you feel about them.

Love the Ibanez SR Basses as a starter bass, SR250 to be exact or an SR Mezzo which is a medium scale bass; an extremely comfortable bass at that for the size and price!

 

[Parzival]

Play as many as you can. Try to find the one that feels right (very important) and speaks to you. People will tell you this bass or that bass is the best, but that doesn’t tell the tale. I have been playing for over 33 years and am just now getting an idea of what is best for me. Do not be afraid to spend a little more than you think you need to if you find “the one”. If you don’t, you will regret it later.

 

[Timmy Liam]

Take your time and as others have said, try a variety of Basses. When you have the right one you’ll just know. It will feel right in your hands.

 

[two fingers]

Hi guys! Please help me find my first guitar bass! I was motivated to invest in one from my past history of orchestra and recent obsession with rock, metal, alt, jazz... (all genres where a bass is KEY).

Welcome to TalkBass!!!! There has never been a better time to he a beginner on bass. Even the cheapest basses are pretty well made.

Give these a look. A lot of bass for the money!

Talman Bass | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars

 

[ejaggers]

WelKom to Talkbass!!

You are going to be inundated with suggestions,
So I’ll just say Welcome.

Oh what the heck, get a Squier VM SS Jaguar if you can find one.
If not, get a Mustang, unless you insist on a long scale.

In that case get a PBass.
Learn to play first, then worry about different tones much, much later.

057912

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I would suggest a Sire V3 Jazz Bass. Versatile , 2 pickups , both active and passive tones, good price and quality . That bass will last you past beginner status .

 

[TNCreature]

Welcome to TB and your new era bass playing in general.
The most important aspect of your choice is how well you LIKE Playing the bass you settle on. Buy something that you LOVE the feel of, the ease of playing, and you will never want to put it down!
Have fun

 

[RumbleBot]

Solid body, 4 string, medium or long scale, 2 pick ups, i liked a maple neck... some brands I have been looking at are ibanez btb, ibanez sr, yamaha rbx, fender precision or jazz, epiphone ebo... there are so many to choose from!

My first was a Yamaha RBX 250! I still have it and play it!

 

[MCF]

There are lots of choices! The good news is that these days there are great choices at every price point. A general idea of what you want to spend would be helpful. You can't go wrong with a Fender Precision or Fender Jazz bass both are used in all genres of rock and metal.
Do you have any bassists whose sound and style you admire? That is alway a good place to start. Good luck with your search!

A nice Fender MIM Precision is the perfect first bass. But don’t rule out at least suggesting she try an Epiphone Vintage Pro Thunderbird.

 

[Sean150]

If you bonded with SUB I would suggest you get that. Otherwise don’t overlook Yamaha. They play as good as other basses twice their price.

 

[darwin-bass]

I knew the Fender jazz or precision would be the answer haha! I researched a lot and was able to test out a S.U.B stingray which I grew fond of, but, It seems a fender precision or jazz bass is a very safe way to go!

The SUB Stingray is a very nice bass. A great bargain. Definitely one to consider. The Jazz will be a large body instrument which may or may not be ideal for you. Precision basses have smaller bodies but the necks are a bit wider. That SUB has a precision size body with a small Jazz bass style neck.