Boy Wants to Be a Bass Player

Seahawk · 05-01-2007, 01:58 PM

My son is a very good musician, currently All-County in the Baritone, excellent background in piano as well.

He would like to learn how to play the bass (electric), which I think is great. He is 12...will be 13 in September.

He is a great kid who tends to stick with his goals. He is a brown belt in TKD and also practices Kumdo.

Any advice on buying new or used or a particular brand of bass and amp?

slodave · slodave's Garage

Even though he may stick with things, it may be better to rent for a short period of time first. Even though he is musically inclined, he may find that the bass is not for him. I went this route with my parents years ago and after a year or two, they bought me a used practice amp and a new bass.

Dave

Seahawk · 05-01-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by slodave
Even though he may stick with things, it may be better to rent for a short period of time first. Even though he is musically inclined, he may find that the bass is not for him. I went this route with my parents years ago and after a year or two, they bought me a used practice amp and a new bass.

Dave

Do you remember how much to rent...we did this with my Daughters horse addiction and, unfortunately, she skipped the 12 Step Program and we are one with the equine.

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

buy a used Fender jazz bass (hencho en mexico is fine) and a used amp. If you can, take someone who knows instruments with you to check it over, but bass isn't as fussy as guitars wrt action, etc. The only real question is 4 string or 5 but I think I'd go with 4. Find a decent teacher and let him have at it.

slodave · slodave's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Seahawk
Do you remember how much to rent...we did this with my Daughters horse addiction and, unfortunately, she skipped the 12 Step Program and we are one with the equine.

I do not. This was a long time ago. I do remember that it was a Fender knock-off and it was new. We had the option of buying at any time, but when I was ready to buy one, I wanted something a bit better.

Dave

Gogar · 05-01-2007, 02:27 PM

+1 on a Mexican Fender Bass.

Jazz bass will be easier for a little guy to play than a P-Bass. You can buy on new for <$500 or so, and if it doesn't work out you can sell it and it will hold more value than if you buy a junker. Or try CL or a pawn shop or something and you should do fine.

Seahawk · 05-01-2007, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gogar
+1 on a Mexican Fender Bass.

Jazz bass will be easier for a little guy to play than a P-Bass. You can buy on new for <$500 or so, and if it doesn't work out you can sell it and it will hold more value than if you buy a junker. Or try CL or a pawn shop or something and you should do fine.

Thanks, but, what is the difference between a jazz bass and a P-Bass...I'd look it up but I don't know what a P-bass is

I figured out CL!

I showed Jack this thread and he thought 3 months was reasonable for a rental...I hope this works out.

mattdavis11 · 05-01-2007, 03:00 PM

Definitely this one

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

What's the difference between a bass player and a large pizza?
The pizza can feed a family of four...

Gogar · 05-01-2007, 03:10 PM

Matt's picture is of a Jazz Bass. "P-bass" is Precision bass, Fender's other most popular model. It's a little bulkier and harder to get your hands around if you're smaller. Both are fine choices, though.

mattdavis11 · 05-01-2007, 03:12 PM

I'd listen to this guy^^^^

He plays a mean tune too!

Seahawk · 05-01-2007, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mattdavis11
I'd listen to this guy^^^^

He plays a mean tune too!

I know, but I don't want him to bet a big head

Thanks to all.

rouxroux · 03:24 PM

I have many P's and J's...Honestly, I suggest to my students to start on a P-bass (mainly because of the uniform neck taper. The J to me is more of a "step-up" bass once good left-hand technique is established (many of my students double on double bass as well and find that it is an easier instrument to transition to...I feel the same way about 5 and 6 string basses as well). Yes, nothing wrong with the Fender "Squire" models, I seldom have to tweek them out of the box. There are plenty of nice little "practice amps", many of them with headphone outputs.

YTNUKLR · YTNUKLR's Garage

When I got into playing bass, I got an Ibanez soundgear 400 (I think), it was perhaps more of a midline bass but it has served me well and I still think it looks sick. It's all monochrome black--the knobs, the neck, the body, everything. I really like the Ibanez's....

Also, I have a 12" Peavey 112 bass amp that might be a good first amp. I bought it new and it was what I started out with. Now I use a stack amp when I play. Let me know if you are interested, I'd let it go for a really reasonable price.. like half. It's in perfect shape and is a quality piece.

Cheers

pwd72s · 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dhoward
What's the difference between a bass player and a large pizza?
The pizza can feed a family of four...

LOL! If you want to discourage him...a photo of Keith Richards should do it.

Seriously, don't discourage him...but DO suggest it would be wise to keep a backup plan in mind.

jim72911t · 05-01-2007, 04:52 PM

FYI, you son should also be aware that a bass player will have the following responsibilities once he starts playing in a band:

1. Must have a rehearsal space.

2. Must own reliable transportation, preferably a large truck or van, so he can drive the rest of the band to practice/gigs.

3. Must provide band P/A system, even (especially) if he doesn't sing.

4. Must have intimate knowledge of electronics so he can fix amps, pickups, pedals, P/A systems, etc, while at gigs or practice.

5. Must carry on him at all times: extra guitar strings, drum key, cords, 9 volt batteries, shoulder straps, etc.

That about covers it.

-as far as your original question, what others have said about used Fenders is spot on. You might even be able to find a decent new beginners "combo pack" at Guitar Center for a couple of hundred bucks. This will include a bass, amp, strap, cord, and maybe even a tuner. Not the best stuff out there, but fine for learning.

Jim

JMPRO · JMPRO's Garage

go to rondomusic.com and buy a knock off for a hunderd bucks. If he sticks with it you can sell the bass for what you paid for it and move up.
Jerry

speedracing944 · speedracing944's Garage

I love my Ibanez. I have the 1996 SG1305 5 string and it just rocks with the vari mid active electronics. The neck is nice and thin even for the 5 string. I have test played the 4 string model and like them as well. I have never been a fan of Fender. They just don't float my boat.

Speedy