Which one should I buy...

[FergusMc]

I’ve been playing for a couple of years on the mockingbird shown in my avatar, I’m young and in a band, so obviously I’m completely broke. However, I’m planning to get a job during the summer, earn a couple grand and finally buy a good bass. However. I’m completely torn between a few ideas of what to buy. Decided to reach out to TB and probably have many people explaining why I made the wrong decision when I make it. Ive been looking at prices, and I’m pretty sure I could get everything on the list.
I’m very interested to see how I could be convinced.

 

[Wild_Cat]

Any P-Bass will work in any genre, forever (that and the J are the only two basses in existences you can say that of). But depending on your budget and the type of music you're playing, there may be other models you could be interested in looking at. If you play rock or metal, consider any EBMM bass. If you're european, Sandberg might have something for you. Into prog? Have you heard of our lord and savior the Ibanez SR?

But really, in doubt and lacking any other information, get a good old Fender Precision or Jazz Bass. You literally can't go wrong with those.

 

[Oddly]

Purely from a reliability and peace-of-mind viewpoint, I'd get a new bass.
A PJ would probably offer most versatility, but there's so many great choices.

 

[bassdude51]

If you can afford it, get an early 70s P Bass. Get a nice one!

 

[Wisebass]

Homegrown carrots!!!

Wise(b)ass

 

[FergusMc]

I can’t choose someone geared towards one genre, because I’ve never been able to stick to one genre, that’s why the P appeals to me. I can see it working just as well in metal, Jazz, Punk, Makeshift shovel, tax attorney, US Navy, The Idea of Irony, That guy who you don’t know but you see everywhere and you secretly think is trying to turn you into a duck, Country, pop, and everything else. And I can’t stop the GAS from vintage instruments... I’m doubting I’ll buy it new.

 

[fretno]

all of them

 

[FergusMc]

all of them

If only... I’m thinking I might have about two grand at the end of the summer. But not much more than that, so I pretty much have to choose one.

 

[mongo2]

Used P bass and use the left over money for lessons.

 

[Asimov]

Just to let ya know, there is no difference between Rippers made after 1976. So you don't need to buy one from one the last model years in the early 80s, as they can be harder to find. The early 80s Grabbers are different though, as they got a few unique metallic finish options and a three piece flamed maple neck, as opposed to the older necks that had scarf jointed headstocks.

 

[FergusMc]

I’ve been considering my options. And I’m pretty sure I’m going to go for a 70’s P. Problem is, it’s very unlikely I’ll find one I want here in Ireland. How vital is it to play a bass before you buy it? I know many people would never buy one without playing it, but I can’t see myself getting a chance to try it out. Most basses I’m looking at would be shipped from America.

 

[Oddly]

@FergusMc , if you use FaceBook there's a Bassist Ireland page with a lot of friendly helpful folks on it.
I've often seen offers to let people try out basses someone is considering buying.
Might be worth asking there?

 

[FergusMc]

@FergusMc , if you use FaceBook there's a Bassist Ireland page with a lot of friendly helpful folks on it.
I've often seen offers to let people try out basses someone is considering buying.
Might be worth asking there?

Thanks, I’ll have a look at it. But I was more thinking that I won’t be able to try out the specific bass I’m going to buy. For example I’m looking at a 78 P on reverb. Except I believe it’s in California. I’m slightly wary about ordering a bass I’ve never seen myself. (I’ve tried some old P’s and It’s definitely what I’d like to go for)