If I was still gigging and had to choose only one bass, it would be 34" scale, PJ pickup configuration.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
What should my first bass be?
- Thread starter Pippy
- Start date
Not a lot of info to go on. Here's my input though.
If you have small hands, a short reach, or some other physical factor, consider a short scale.
I'd also say don't go whole hog price-wise for a first bass. Maybe you'll decide playing bass is not for you.
With a proper set up, an inexpensive bass can do just fine.
Get something that makes you want to pick it up and learn how to play it.
If you have small hands, a short reach, or some other physical factor, consider a short scale.
I'd also say don't go whole hog price-wise for a first bass. Maybe you'll decide playing bass is not for you.
With a proper set up, an inexpensive bass can do just fine.
Get something that makes you want to pick it up and learn how to play it.
That's a wise answer. I can't tell you how much I miss my old Gibson grabber. It was my soul mate.
YEAH i would say so...lol. Don't let her massive skill and natural time/groove get you down ....I have to work at it and I have been playing for 37 years. Julia will be huge !!! She is a Bass player's Bass Player for sure!
Play the Bass that feels best in your hand and don't spend too much( 350 MAX for your first axe). The next question is AMP and this is the REAL bag o'worms not answered with a simple P or J response.
Try as many as you can. Brand doesn't matter. The right bass will choose you!
Go to a guitar center or whatever shop you choose. Then set up two guitar stands. Start playing basses cheapest to most expensive. Keep the amp settings clean and at 12'o clock. Run the major and minor scales up and down the necks. Keep the better sounding of the two on one stand to show down against the next one in line. Then buy the best sounding one within your price range.
I play this: It's a one trick pony but because it's a one trick pony and I like the trick I got a pretty good instrument without paying an arm and leg.
https://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone/Nikki-Sixx-Signature-Blackbird-Bass-Guitar.gc
The wand chooses the wizard Harry.
Get either a precision bass or a jazz bass, you can't go wrong with either of those.
Worth saying, you can go wrong on a Jazz/Precision bass. They aren't great for heavy music. Steve Harris made it work, but my guess is that you are not Steve Harris. The Amplifier is also a consideration. I like Orange.
For the bass it's about how it looks plays and feels.
For the amp it's purely about sound, listen to the music you want to play and then go look at the equipment they use and see if anything comes up repeatedly.
For the bass it's about how it looks plays and feels.
For the amp it's purely about sound, listen to the music you want to play and then go look at the equipment they use and see if anything comes up repeatedly.
You'll probably want to upgrade in a year or two, so don't break the bank. Anyone who said something along the lines of "go to a music store, play a bunch, and decide" is right. BUT I know that's not why people post in this forum. You want a recommendation. I recommend a Squire Jazz Bass. The neck is so fast and feels amazing. They come in a CRAZY variety of editions, colors, combinations etc. I think these Squire J's are the best on the market for basses under 400$. They're playable, and you won't get fed up quickly. Honestly, I think if you upgrade the pickups down the line, you can fool yourself into believing its a 900$ instrument for a long time.
Sorry Pippy, didn't see your profile picture and notice you are a "her." Good luck on your bass search. The choices now are massively better in the under $600.00 range than when I started. My first electric bass, an "Echo" semi-hollowbody, demonstrated to me all the things I didn't want or like in a bass. It was given to me as a gift which I appreciated at the time but it had a lot of "issues." My next bass was a 73 sunburst Fender Jazz with rosewood fingerboard and block inlays. Big contrast. Pretty much anything you get will be better than what I started with.
It's got to feel good and sound good....don't try it out on a junky amp if possible. PJ or JP basses are my favorite.
My first bass was a Grabber, natural finish. My second was a Precision, 3TSB. THAT'S the one I wish I'd held on to. But the Grabber was pretty hot at the time.
I didn't read the entire thread so my apologies if I repeat someone. My advice is whatever style/ brand you choose buy used. When it is time to upgrade you will get back more on your initial investment while unloading your old one.
What should it be? Your first bass (no matter what it looks like) should be set up properly, or you will be disapointed and get discouraged prematurely. Eventually you will want to do your own setups. So important. Search YouTube for bass setups. Almost all newbees are not aware of this. I suggest getting a good simple bass with name recognition, nothing too esoteric or exotic, just in case you will want to sell it for some reason. Precision bass maybe? Try to purchase a used instument if you can and are comfortable evaluating such. Oh and good luck. Remember get that thing set up properly.
