What Strings?

[Scott Wyman]

Total newbie here. Given up Motor Sport now looking to play 4 string Bass (Ashton). Picked up the Ashton in a Garage Sale with Amp for $20. Strings are all rusty. So step one (I think) is to replace the Strings. Which one's? Then get some lessons as I've never played anything ever.

 

[MalcolmAmos]

Strings are a matter of what sound you like and there are a zillion choices. Invalid Link Removed

Your fingers will thank you for some light gauge. Light's are easier on your fingers.
Amazon.com: extra light bass strings: Musical Instruments Something in the $20 range will be fine for a year or so.

Yes that teacher will save you a lot of time. How much do you thing? A LOT. Two months or 8 lessons will get you going. Most instructors will load you down with stuff - eight weeks in you will need to take a break, catch up and go over all you've been given. After you catch up go back for some more.

Welcome to the bottom end,

 

[Scott Wyman]

Strings are a matter of what sound you like and there are a zillion choices. Invalid Link Removed

Your fingers will thank you for some light gauge. Light's are easier on your fingers.
Amazon.com: extra light bass strings: Musical Instruments Something in the $20 range will be fine for a year or so.

Yes that teacher will save you a lot of time. How much do you thing? A LOT. Two months or 8 lessons will get you going. Most instructors will load you down with stuff - eight weeks in you will need to take a break, catch up and go over all you've been given. After you catch up go back for some more.

Welcome to the bottom end,

Thanks for that. I've sorted my cables and haven't done the Strings yet but have done heaps of reading and learning. Amazing thanks again.

 

[twinjet]

Total newbie here. Given up Motor Sport now looking to play 4 string Bass (Ashton). Picked up the Ashton in a Garage Sale with Amp for $20. Strings are all rusty. So step one (I think) is to replace the Strings. Which one's? Then get some lessons as I've never played anything ever.

Couple tips!

If you don't like how the bass plays, go to a music shop and ask for a set-up.

If you dislike your tone and want to start upgrading, a different set of strings usually does the trick. There are so many types, you would spend many months trying them all!

Lastly, a quality amplifier makes a huge difference! You don't necessarily need a new bass to improve your sound. One rule of thumb - a great bass will sound terrible through a crappy amp, but a crappy bass can sound great through a good amplifier!

Best of luck and welcome to TalkBass!

PS: DR Pure Blues are amazing strings!
DR Pure Blues!!!

 

[W.Roberts]

Total newbie here. Given up Motor Sport now looking to play 4 string Bass (Ashton). Picked up the Ashton in a Garage Sale with Amp for $20. Strings are all rusty. So step one (I think) is to replace the Strings. Which one's? Then get some lessons as I've never played anything ever.

Would you post some pictures of this ax for me as well as scale? I'd like you to also tell me of what kind of action you prefer, the condition of neck (bow, inverted, straight as arrow, etc.).

I don't know what an Ashton is or what it's modeled after. For $20 you either got what you paid for (or less) or found the deal of the century. If it's the former complete with rusty old strings, buy cheap. If you intend to develop your playing, then there's more to discuss if you care to.