Questions about Bass Guitars...?

Question

I am interested in buying my first bass guitar, but I don't know which one to get that would be easy for me to learn how to play on. I already know how to play acoustic guitar. Also I don't have that much money to work with, so please keep that in mind. Thanks a lot!!

Answer 1

I would buy a good used one. Rickenbacker is one of the best. Plus you want something that will be good for trade in value when you decide to obtain a better one. Don't start off with a 'cheapo'. That is the quickest way to become discouraged. Also, you need to hold it and see how it feels on your body and the feel of the neck. Buying a guitar is like buying undies......you have to find one that fits!!!

Answer 2

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

This is a very personal decision. Things like the size of your body and hands can play a role.

If you are looking for a bass that you will have forever and maybe hand down to your son or daughter someday I would strongly suggest a Fender bass. I personally like Precision Basses (P-Bass) but many feel that the Jazz or J-Bass is a little more versitale and definately more popular.

If ongoing value or collectablility is important I would suggest a made in america fender, if not, I think the Mexican made (or standard) basses are just fine.

If you are looking to do something much cheaper and do not care at all about collectability or long term $ value I would suggest you look at the SX or Essex basses at Rondo Music (http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitars4.h... These are chinese made basses that have very nice woods and decent craftsmanship. For them to be ready to play live on a stage you will need to make some changes. Required is a change of pickups. I like Bartolini's (although many think they are dull) or you could pick the more popular and rock sounding SeymourDuncans. (http://www.seymourduncan.com/products/ba... My first choice would be the SJB-1vintage for jazz, as they will have the sound closest to the 1960's and 70's jazz basses that made the jazz bass famous. The other thing that I think is a requirement is the replacement of the bridge with a Leo Quam Baddass.

Changing the pickups, getting the bridge on, and having someone do a professional intonation set up and restringing will give you a bass that costs about $400 that performs like a $800-$1000 bass. It will not have much value other than the value of the parts, but it will be a great player for years.

You could also make those upgrades to a Mexican Fender Jazz and greatly improve it's performance while staying with the Fender name.

Another very popular choice are the Musicman basses. I like mine a lot, but many times find myself reaching for something with Bartolinis in it for a bit more vintage sound. The Musicmans' are pretty aggressive sounding with a strong cutting high end.

All of the basses above I own so I know a fair amount about them. The one other bass I would suggest if you would consider a 4 string is a Richenbacher. They make great basses with classic designs that hold their value really well.

Answer 3

Whether or not you like the following, these are a few examples where the bass is pretty audible and important, yet also not too complicated. You'll find them a hoot to play as the bass is not just buried under the instruments or carbon copying a guitar or keys. Joy Division - She's Lost Control (Peter 'Hooky' loves playing the high notes a lot, and the simple but cool bass dominates here). *A lot of other Joy Division/New Order is good too. PiL - Death Disco (Jah Wobble is a very creative bass player, really milking a minimal use of notes to create great rhythms - he loves playing the low notes)* I also think dub/reggae is brilliant to play on bass! It's easy to train the ears with these first, I found. Nine Inch Nails - Piggy (an electronic band maybe, but there's some nice laid back bass here - dominates the track) U2 - Zoo Station (just a good example of blues bass) A few other easy ones are Radiohead's 'The National Anthem' and Green Day's 'Brain Stew'. Some great technical (and not too technical ones) include Muse's 'Time Is Running Out' and 'Hysteria' and listen to the mid section of Metallica's 'Orion' and the bass solo 'Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth)' Importantly have fun!

Answer 4

I bought a $200 Ibanez bass from American Musical Supply. I have used that guitar on several gigs and it holds up just fine. An acoustic bass is going to cost more, but you don't need an amplifier.

Answer 5

Get the Fender P Bass. Its well built and retains its value fairly well. Other than that you might just want to go with a used unit to start with until you are sure you like the base. Good luck.

Answer 6

I'd find a friend who knows music and have them take you out and play a few at your local music stores.. Compare then shop online and check out the guitar center and Musician's friend.com for online deals.. There are so many brands these days.. Fender makes an inexpensive Squire model.. I think Berringer makes one as well..

Answer 7

try a fender squier bass. they're cheap and good for starting out, and they come in full and 3/4 sizes. i would reccomend renting it until you've made enough payments to get a better one, because even though they're great for starting out they aren't so good for more challenging stuff.

Answer 8

You can practice by using the first four string of your acoustic. Remove or don't use the E and B strings.

Answer 9

save your $...any pawn shop bass is a great start...after you learn the advantages of the different basses...you will know what you prefer

Answer 10

get a feder jazz bass