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When to get a new bass?

H

homers

Oct 27, 2006
68
0
#1
Hi
I am 16 and have been playing bass for 5 years. Currently I have a Gould GSYBB bass guitar. Is this a good bass? THis is the same bass I have had since I started. Do you think I should stick with it longer.

I have often found that playing on this bass is much harder than playing on the ones at my school, e.g when i am tapping, it is much easier on my schools to get a sound than on this one. What should I do? Thanks.
 
#7
homers said:
I play slap bass mostly and I like many types of styles.

What basses would you recommend?
Click to expand...

I have never heard of your bass, but I would just say this. Next time you are at a music store, do the following:

1) Pick up a Jazz bass and play it for a while.
2) Pick up a Stingray or Sterling and play it for a while.
3) Decide which one you like better.
4) Start saving $$$.

If you want more specific advise than this, you gonna have to give a little more info on yourself.
 
#8
You can do a setup yourself. Its not that difficult.
Invalid Link Removed a link that can get you started.

As far as your original question, I don't know that there is a "correct" time to get a new bass. The way I see it, if you find something you like, and you can afford it, why not? I had my 8-yr old son with me at GC the other night and he was trying to convince me that HE needs a new bass.
 
#9
Hi
I am following that site. When I put my finger on the 1st fret on the A and then my elbow on the bottom to press in the string and I pluck the string with my thump I hear a vibrating noise. Also, my basses strings seem higher than others I have played. I was going to adjust it except my bass does not seem to have a Truss Rod. THe only thing on the neck of my bass it a little traingle thing with 3 small screws in it. Where is the Gould GSYBB Truss Rod?

Thanks
 
#11
Hi
Ok, I found it. I don't want to change anything until I am sure it is correct.

I did the relief test and my strings buzz a small amount no matter where I tap it. How high up are the strings meant to be?
 
#13
Remember to be SLOW and CAREFUL with any trussrod changes. No more than 1/4 change at any one time. Make the change, let it settle for a while (I wait 1 hour) and then retune and check the feel. You really don't need a lot of relief but you do need some.

REMEMBER - NOTHING drastic.

Dan K.
 
#17
Don't be scared of adjusting the truss rod, but take it slow, no more than a quarter turn then let it rest.

As for the pickup - you have to totally unscrew and put some foam, or some other spongey material underneath there so it will hold it up.

Do you live near a good guitar shop? Perhaps you can spend $30 (+25 for some new strings) to get a full set up. I think if you get your bass set up right and new strings you will get a better feel and sound. From there, decide how bad you need/want a new bass.
 
#18
You really don't need to let it rest between quarter turns. The quarter turn thing is only because you don't want to overtweak the rod and have to go back and forth with it needlessly. It's really not as complicated as people make it out to be. Just use common sense and don't try to force it past its breaking point.
 

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