Just like with anything else, you really need to go play several basses and see what style and profile fits
you.
Some people just do/don't gel with certain styles of bases. For example, I've always "gotten along" with P-Basses, but I
hate Rickenbackers.
Now - I also realize that in these COVID times, walking into a local guitar shop and trying out 5-6 instruments to see what gels isn't the most practical thing to do. So here are a couple of suggestions:
1)
Think about the sound you like on albums, and find out what bass they used. It doesn't mean you will sound like X bassist if you get that instrument, but it's a start. There are 4 major designs for basses - all with variations
P-Bass note the stepped pickup
J-Bass two single-coil pickups
Stingray One Humbucker pickup
Modern kind of a catch-all of designs originating post-1980. Tend to have 2 "soap bar pickups"
2)
Think about your budget. In all likelihood, this won't be the only bass you ever buy, but don't buy crap. The
minimum price for a new good, 4-string is $200, I'd plan on spending more like $400.
3)
Remember you are going to need other stuff like an amp, cable, stand, strap, tool-kit (assuming you don't have one) and should replace your strings at least every 3 months.
4)
Whatever you buy will probably need a setup, learn how to do it. It's not that big of a deal and makes a huge difference in how an instrument plays. Here's the "bible" of bass setup
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] Don't let the truss rod intimidate you.
5)
A few for instrument suggestions to start:
Yamaha BB and
TRB series basses. Simply-put: Yamaha doesn't make lemons. These are good quality, very flexible instruments. I personally think the BB-400 series is the biggest bang for the buck anywhere.
[This invalid link has been removed]. Clones of the classic Stingray, that are very good. This is the "Flea" sound. Unfortunately, Stingrays aren't very sonically flexible, but what they "do", they do well
Cort This is the actual manufacturer for far more brands of instruments than people like to admit (Ibanez and PRS come to mind). If you think something looks familiar, it's probably because Cort makes it for someone else. They don't advertise much and have a rather ill-deserved reputation for making cheap stuff. But Cort has some outstanding instruments.
Sire V-Series relative newcomers to the American market, these are damned good for the money. The V-series are J-Bass clones. J-Basses are very flexible instruments sonically depending on how you adjust the pickups. On the downside, J-Basses tend to be heavier than other instruments.
Stay away from the M-Series, I've heard quite a few negative things.
6)
Don't get hung up on looks. but don't buy something you hate. Something unconventional like a
BC Rich Bitch can play ok... but they'll keep you out of more gigs than they get you. There's a reason most basses follow a similar body design; because it works well.
