Beginner Bass Guitar

sketchers356 · 12-03-2006, 01:25 PM

I'm looking for my first bass guitar, something not too expensive, and am somewhat baffled by the choices. Was looking to get a pretty standard 4 string. You guys care to give a couple of suggestions?

slakjaw · 12-03-2006, 02:04 PM

My first bass was a BC Rich Warlock lol..... Then an old 70's peavy T-40... Played a 6 string for a while.

Check out the "T" by peavey.

There is a Peavey T-20 on evilbay right now for just over 100 bucks. Some T-40 basses on Ebay as well. I like them because they are a solid *USA* made bass, maplewood fretboards, and decent electronics.

low end Fenders make good starter basses as well. IMHO stay away from the made in china ones though.

on2wheels52 · on2wheels52's Garage

Hit the pawnshops (shameless plug)!
Jim

slakjaw · 12-11-2006, 05:40 PM

Did you find a nice bass yet?

jim72911t · 12-11-2006, 08:09 PM

sketchers356,

Look for a used Fender or Squire P-bass or J-bass. To me, nothing says classic like the Fender Bass, as I've never cared much for the newer. "pointier" stlyes. (The Warlock does kick butt, however

)

I bought a Japanese P-J bass used, in perfect condition with case, for $225 in the late 1980's. I still play it; it just feels "right."

Since you are a beginner, just find something that you like playing and frets well. Nothing more frustrating than playing an instument that makes you want to put it down five minutes after picking it up.

Just be ready for the bass player jokes

Q - How many bass players does it take to change a lightbulb?

A - One, but the guitarist has to show him first

pmajka · 04:18 AM

PAWN SHOP +1...No point in getting an expensive one till ya know ya love it....

i picked up a Heart-Man (never heard of it, neither have i). Played it for 5 years, ripped out the Frets, filled in the cracks and refinished the neck..now its a Dirt Cheap electric fretless.

one of my Pipe dreams is to justify the purchase for an Upright.

Although , favorite electric is "Fender JAZZ bass"

DaveE · 12-12-2006, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pmajka
PAWN SHOP +1...No point in getting an expensive one till ya know ya love it....

i picked up a Heart-Man (never heard of it, neither have i). Played it for 5 years, ripped out the Frets, filled in the cracks and refinished the neck..now its a Dirt Cheap electric fretless.

one of my Pipe dreams is to justify the purchase for an Upright.

Although , favorite electric is "Fender JAZZ bass"

What did you fill in the frets with? I have an old Gibson I may modify for hoots.

pmajka · 12-12-2006, 04:22 AM

I think it was wood putty. but, its been a long time...i went i with a dark cherry fill, , then varnished over. the varnish is rubbing off, but the putty is hard after 20 years.

If there are any Wood masters here, maybe they can recommend a better solution (not that mine was that bad).

also we didnt have google back in the day.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

wood putty would be my guess.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

My son started playing bass last year and I gave him a Fender Precision Bass with a Gallien-Kreuger practice amp. He loves the bass and he's getting a guitar for Christmas!

Rob Channell · 12-12-2006, 09:55 PM

Something like this?

http://www.wwbw.com/Squier-Standard-Jazz-Bass-Guitar-Candy-Apple-Red-i40707.music
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=bass/product/images/page=1/base_pid=510627

rouxroux · 12-13-2006, 06:11 AM

Being that playing bass is the way I make my living, I would offer these thoughts:

1. I suggest a good Fender P-Bass for a few reasons: very simple construction, volume/tone (no need to get "fancy" at the start) plus the "most standard" neck you can find in the industry (taper/radius). good balance, can play with relative comfort both sitting & standing.
2. I would not suggest a Fender J-Bass for a beginner as I feel the neck taper is better for a more "advanced" student. (even though I have students who use J's, I feel it better to start on a fretboard that has a constant taper to encourage better left hand positioning...I've seen too many students whose "feel" and position gets "screwy" going beyond 1st & 2nd position on a J.
3. Pawn shops? yes, a good source, but be VERY sure of the neck. I suggest a "bass player PPI".
4. The QC of the beginner-model Fenders are VERY consistant (US, Jap. & Mex. models).
5. I could suggest a few Korean-made models I like as well (neck-throughs, active electronics, etc) for not too much $ more, but I really love the basic P. (I've been playing for over 40 years, have all sorts of exotic basses, but any one of my old P's are just like a "good, friendly pair of blue jeans").

Best of luck to you & yours, it's something you can enjoy for life. Just make sure you start out right with a good quality instrument.

slakjaw · 12-13-2006, 06:48 AM

I was working in Phoenix AZ several years ago, I found this store called "the bass place." I spent a lot of time in that store. They had all the exotics and what not. I played some of the pricey ones includeing a ZON which I was surprised that I did not care for too much. I would like to play a Fodera someday, doubt I will ever own one though. Its a fun addiction!

deathpunk dan · 12-13-2006, 06:59 AM

I think a Fender mexico P-bass is a great value. Hell, the bass player in my band has a 78 p-bass and a late 90s mexican one...and he generally plays the mexi pbass live. All it has are USA tuners and pickup. Sounds the same, plays very similarly.

The real kicker - he paid $150 for the thing and has maybe another $50 in it for the US tuners/p.u./knurled tone/vol knobs.

Compared to his $1300ish 78'....its a real bargain.

scottmandue · 12-13-2006, 07:10 AM

I have been playing an American J bass that I paid $500 about twenty years ago, I love it but it is a little tricky to control the tone.

Having said that I would start out with a Mexican P bass, excellent sound right out of the box, simple classic design, easy to play.

targa911S · 09:41 AM

Another working bass player here. Although my bass of choice is a vintage Gibson Thunderbird, I would go for the Fender as a starter. The MIM basses are very good. Fenders are the "industry standard" and you can buy them new and used in a huge range of prices. Ebay is good but then you can't play it on the web. Playability is important. Pawn shop my be someones problem. Go to one of the super stores and play what they have hanging on the wall. Amps are a whole other thread. (Ampeg rules) I have a very nice virtually unplayed 2000 American Standard J bass , rosewood board, in Inca silver( discontinued color) with a black pearl pick guard, Fender / SKB hardshell, that I would part with. If you are interested PM me.