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When should I buy my second bass?
- Thread starter v1paul
- Start date
Before you jump at a bass, it would be good to know what you don't like about the squire. Just a couple months in may be a bit quick for a new bass, but it's your cash.
Whatever the reason, I would start by getting the Squire a good setup. A good setup can do wonders for the playability -and by extension the tone- of an instrument. After the setup, if you're still not happy with it take a month and go out and try all the basses you can to find out what you like in a bass.
Then buy.
Whatever the reason, I would start by getting the Squire a good setup. A good setup can do wonders for the playability -and by extension the tone- of an instrument. After the setup, if you're still not happy with it take a month and go out and try all the basses you can to find out what you like in a bass.
Then buy.
A couple of months?
Is the current bass failing to play? Is your teacher telling you the action isn't working - that the neck is warped, etc?
if not - spend that $$ on more lessons. At a few months, you are no where near needing more gear.
Is the current bass failing to play? Is your teacher telling you the action isn't working - that the neck is warped, etc?
if not - spend that $$ on more lessons. At a few months, you are no where near needing more gear.
My second bass came a year after my first. I made decent progress on my pawn shop Peavey (that I'm now converting to fretless) but never could get the sound I wanted out of it and my 30 watt Trace Elliot.
So after a year of playing I saved up enough money for a Rickenbacker 4003 and a 100 watt Ampeg BA-115T. I'd say it was quite a substantial upgrade.
As for you, you may be different. Depending on your financial situation and how skilled you are and what you think you need sound wise, then it may be time for an upgrade, or it may not.
So after a year of playing I saved up enough money for a Rickenbacker 4003 and a 100 watt Ampeg BA-115T. I'd say it was quite a substantial upgrade.
As for you, you may be different. Depending on your financial situation and how skilled you are and what you think you need sound wise, then it may be time for an upgrade, or it may not.
At this point, you should already be on your 7th or 8th bass. This should include at least one buyback due to seller's remorse.
+1
And at least one bass that has a crazy maple top resembling your grandmother's coffee table.
Personally? I would keep the Squier and buy a used MIA Fender when you can afford it. I own/have owned MIM, CIJ, MIA and Squiers, and IMO there isn't much difference between MIM and Squiers generally. Especially when you gig or practice at full volume. MIA is a different level IMO.
This is only if you stick with Fenders. Maybe a EBMM or something different would be a cool option.
BigOldHarry speaks the truth. +1 to more $$$ in practice tools, lessons, DVDs, whatever pushes you to progress.
v1Paul,
I agree with BigOldHarry, keep playing and improving.
Replace (not get a new) your bass if it has issues like warped neck, etc. otherwise keep playing and wear it down to the bare wood.
Don't get into the mood of "a new bass will motivate me more", just motivate yourself to play, practice and gig more.
I agree with BigOldHarry, keep playing and improving.
Replace (not get a new) your bass if it has issues like warped neck, etc. otherwise keep playing and wear it down to the bare wood.
Don't get into the mood of "a new bass will motivate me more", just motivate yourself to play, practice and gig more.
I wouldn't have bought a second bass if I didn't gig...and gigged regularly!
I bring my second bass as a backup to my first bass.
I bring my second bass as a backup to my first bass.
+1
The confidence factor is a big part (providing you don't go overboard with it). I was sometimes embarrassed when bringing out my $100 Dean at jams.
Once I got my P, I felt like I had a respectable instrument that would serve me well for many years, and I believe that my playing benefited from that confidence
Right after you cash that advance check from your record deal...
Something in the $4,000 to $6,000 range will be an absolute necessity!
Something in the $4,000 to $6,000 range will be an absolute necessity!
