My first bass

[BlueSkyJaunte]

What should I get?

OK, a little more background.

I have been studying with two guitar teachers for a while. With one I focus on flamenco and with the other I do the usual theory/blues/jazz/rock thing. My flamenco teacher is also a bass player extraordinaire. I've come to the conclusion that without hardcore dedication to becoming a flamenco player, I'm not going to improve much beyond my current level--flamenco is all about flamenco technique. I'd rather work on something that would make me more "well-rounded" musically, and bass seems to fit in with that goal. It will help with intervals, arpeggios, rhythm...basically everything I have trouble with.

Eventually I would love to be able to play an upright--I have to admit that there is some rockabilly in my blood that seems to have survived any attempts to beat it out via prog-metal or Beethoven.

My preferences are something wood-looking (e.g. stained or natural finish) and either a smallish solid body or a hollow body. I seem to have a thing for f-holes. The Fender shapes don't appeal to me at all. I also have biggish hands (10" from pinky tip to thumb tip) so scale length isn't an issue.

Here's the catch: since this is my first, I don't want to spend ridiculous money only to decide it's not for me. So I'm thinking $500 as an upper limit.

Anything I should avoid?

PS: I already have several funky/cool hats, so I'm set for that.

[craigster59]

Get an upright light this one...

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Well, first day out shopping I found a pretty good deal. Pics tomorrow.

[911dean]

Originally Posted by craigster59

Get an upright light this one...

Rockabilly bass players, Jimmy Sutton one of the best in the business. Check out some of my posts on "What are you listening to today?

Dean

[Rick V]

I know you said you were not a fan of the Fender shapes but a P bass or a Jazz bass are pretty much a standard, and you can always sell them off later with no trouble.
I jumped around from bass to bass for twenty years or so and finally landed on an Ibanez ATK. I had to give it up due to some hand issues.

[nostatic]

You already bought it, but for your next one a few ideas. You can get an upright for under $1K though it will likely not be the easiest thing to play. Upright and electric are two very different beasts and require different approaches.

I assume you are looking 4-string? Ibanez has some wood grain basses that aren't crazy expensive and aren't a classic J or P (eg SR500). A lot of guys swear by stuff from Rondo Music - dirt cheap Chinese instruments. If you look used you can always get a lot more bang for your buck. If you really want to play upright though - get an upright. And a bow. And be prepared to work. Awesome instrument to play though...

[Superman]

I picked up an Ibanez two evenings ago, and I really like it. I paid $150. It came with a hard case.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Technique-wise I know the electric won't apply much to the upright--but the theory will, and probably the rhythm as well. I've seen some 3/4 uprights around here but I'm 6'2" and 220 lbs. I make those things look like cellos. Anyway, this is something for future planning, once I start developing my bass chops.

Right now I'm focusing on 4-strings. Frankly I'm not really sure what one does with the 5- or 6-string basses unless one is a god-like player.

Here's what I picked up yesterday. It's a Schecter....something. Custom 4? I got it for under $200 (gently used) and I see they street price at 5 and change. The satin finish and flamed maple top on the mahogany body is what caught my eye. The smaller-than-typical body and headstock are nice, too. I know that Fenders are the gold standard but I dislike the goofy proportions.



A Gretsch also caught my eye but I'm not ready to spend 9 bills on an instrument I may not take to.

G5442BDC Electromatic® Hollow Body Short Scale Bass by Gretsch® Basses

[wdfifteen]

Thought I was going to see a picture of you holding a fish.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

Thought I was going to see a picture of you holding a fish.

Oddly enough, my bass teacher is Chliean.

[Superman]

That's a beautiful instrument. I played a Schecter once, and was pretty impressed.

[Rapewta]

I think it was a quote from Gene Simmons that was in effect...
"Any bass will provide the bottom for any band."
With that said... I would search for a light weight 4 string.
Light weight means 8lbs or less.
I have got a huge permanent bump on my left shoulder from years of playing a 10 lb bass. Two lbs makes a big difference. And that is using a "Levy's wide strap" or
similiar.
I suggest the best bang for the buck would be a Carvin LB70, neck through.
Used on e-bay for a fraction of the original cost.
Highest quality.
But as you will search, you will see dozens of great instruments available.

Get something that is as light as possible.
Rock out!

[Superman]

Rapewta is right. Weight makes a real difference. Basses are big, and heavy. I'd agree that Fender basses are kinda goofy looking, but i just had to try a Jazz. I still love it, and there is a tone thing they just seem to sometimes have. A funky, colorful tone. And then there is that growl thing they do. But it feels like I'm wearing a boat anchor.

I like my new Ibanez. It feels very comfortable. The neck. Historically, I've been more of a Gibson-type-bass man and this Ibanez feels like home. And it's noticeably lighter.

That's a beautiful thing you've got there, that Schecter. One of the monster bass players in our area, Lynn Sorenson, showed me his all time favorite bass. It is a Schecter.

[Nostril Cheese]

Schecter makes some really good stuff for the money. Nice score.

Are those EMG's in there? You can do a couple of cheap cool mods with those..