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Where to start?

S

Sp3ktral

Sep 3, 2007
51
0
Augusta, GA
#1
hey guys,

i'm new to this forum, but I'm on a lot of guitar forums such as Rig-Talk.com HCAF and SS.org.

anyway, I've really really been GASing for a bass recently and the idea of learning how to properly play bass is really exciting.

I wanted to ask you guys some quesitons before i get started

First
4 string to start?
I really like the idea of 5 string but is it better to learn on a 4 and graduate up? or would starting on a 5 better equip me to play on a 5?

Equipment.
I need some. i'm thinking of selling my guitar pedal board effects and getting some money to buy a bass setup (going to probably get a decent bass and a cheap amp) but you know..if anyone wants to give me a hand up i'd glady trade someone :)

so, give me some ideas here...if it matters, i'm not very interested in metal bass. more rock/R&B/electronic/hip hop stuff.

thanks!

Nick
 
#2
I think it's best to learn on a 4 string myself. I have been playing for probably 8-9 years now and even though I never quite got that great at playing I went to a 5 string and yet I found myself going back to 4 string. Always felt that the 5 string didn't do me any good I always forgot the extra string was there and it's easier for my hands to move around on a 4 string neck. Not to mention just tuning the bass down to a low B with some heavy strings worked fine for me.

How much you looking to spend on a bass? I wouldn't start out with anything too elaborate.
 
#4
ergodynebass said:
I think it's best to learn on a 4 string myself.
Click to expand...

I'll play devil's advocate here and throw out the idea that if a 5 string is appealing to you you should start on it right away and save yerself all the re-learning you'll have to go through to make the switch. A 5 string is no harder than a 4....just different and it's not something to "graduate up to".

The reality is though that you can find a decent used 4 string fairly easily for $300 (and spend $100 on a practice amp) but a lot 5 stings for that price have a really crappy B string and you don't need that. That said I have played some low end Peavey basses with a good low B and if you're in a relatively big city you might find an ok 5 for cheap. Having someone experienced to help you check basses out is something you should try hard to find.
 
#6
Ive had a good run out of a Samick that i picked up cheap to learn on ( a TBL 35 ) not your greatest 4 string but i still use it for gigs. practice amp i bought at the time was a Kustom KBA 30 (30 watt) and it is still going strong after 3 years. Bought the lot for about $800.00 australian so if your in the US youd pick up similar rigs for about 75% of that price..cheap and easy to start with.. as for 4 or 5 string hmm yeh whichever u prefer.. cheers
 
#7
jeffbonny said:
I'll play devil's advocate here and throw out the idea that if a 5 string is appealing to you you should start on it right away and save yerself all the re-learning you'll have to go through to make the switch. A 5 string is no harder than a 4....just different and it's not something to "graduate up to".

The reality is though that you can find a decent used 4 string fairly easily for $300 (and spend $100 on a practice amp) but a lot 5 stings for that price have a really crappy B string and you don't need that. That said I have played some low end Peavey basses with a good low B and if you're in a relatively big city you might find an ok 5 for cheap. Having someone experienced to help you check basses out is something you should try hard to find.
Click to expand...

This is true too, I mean I guess it depends on the person. I don't find the need for a 5 string myself in my playing, but I guess whatever you start to learn clicks.
 
#9
Good 5 string basses aren't cheap. You can find lots of good 4 strings for not much money, but 5 strings are a different animal.

I also, personally, believe that its never bad to start on a Fender. Play a Jazz, play a Precision, see which one sounds/feels "right" to you and get that one. They aren't very expensive used and there are lots of them out there. If you are going new, try the Squier Vintage Modified basses.
 
#10
ergodynebass said:
I don't find the need for a 5 string myself in my playing
Click to expand...

+1...the couple I've had I just stared at the B. Makes a nice thumb rest though.

+1 on the advice for a Fender type 4 too. It's in the price range and when I was working at a music store that had a high turn over of stock and got to play a real lot of basses there was the odd MIM that was as good as any US made one. For $300-$400 it's very possible to find a 4 you could keep and gig on your whole life. Chances of finding a 5 you even want to pick up for that are pretty slim.

What cheap 4's do people like? For me all the 80's Ibanez Roadster and Roadstars were excellent basses.
 
#11
yeah i've been mulling my options.
the KEY is going to be selling off some of my other guitar equipment to get the funds....or if anyone wants to trade for a bass that would be amazing.

thanks for the opinions, i'm DYING to go get my first bass and get started!!!!
 
#13
Sp3ktral said:
what do you guys think of this for my first bass?
looks nice, decent price...active electronics.
i used to have an Agile LP copy from here and it was great.

http://www.rondomusic.net/hxb405natb.html
Click to expand...

Meh....for what you got to spend ya do better buying used. You're already a guitar player so you can tell the dif between something that feels good and something that doesn't.
DON'T BUY A 5 ONLINE! That low B is a real finicky thang and you really gotta check it out in person....plugged in.
 
#14
yeah, i'd really like to buy something local but all the stores around here are pretty lame and generally rip you off.

from what I understand that Brice is apparently in good shape for a 5, it's got a 35" scale, so that should help.

i did have a question too- pickups.
how does each type effect the sound?
which pickup is better for a specific sound?

thanks again guys you've been tons of help so far. i can't wait till i get a bass so i can join your ranks! haha

i'm pretty much selling off my whole guitar pedal board on rig-talk.com
so if you wanna help a brother out to fund a bass PM me :)
 

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