Well, I want to start learning the bass guitar...what kind should i get , that are nice, cheaper, and are good 'beginner' basses?
2007-01-08 12:59:51 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
I dont know how to play yet...and I need a bass to start...ANY ONES THT ARE FAIRLY CHEAP?
2007-01-08 13:07:29 · update #1
please include 'model' and if possible the web address! thanks
2007-01-08 13:10:40 · update #2
Go to Americanmusicalsupply.com. Shop till you drop.
2007-01-08 13:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-01-11 14:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by jdier 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are looking for that perfect bass, the best advice is to visit your local music stores and take some time and play them all. There will be one that will feel perfect, look perfect, and have that perfect sound. That's the one you want to buy. Fender is the bass chosen by the majority of bass players as being the best. Carvin, Ibanez, Musicman, and Yamaha round out the top five.
2007-01-08 21:04:06 · answer #3 · answered by ThinkaboutThis 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A good beginner bass would probably be a 4 string. Fender makes an inexpensive Squire model. Behringer had a nice beginner model online. http://www.Musiciansfriend.com.
You would also need an amp.. I think Musicians friend had some good combo deals as does the guitarcenter.. Good luck!
2007-01-08 21:08:38 · answer #4 · answered by xjaz1 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My advice to you would be to save your cash, and go for a very good one right away. Don't buy a cheap starter bass, unless it's a good used one. My first bass was the Fender Precision. Heavy, but very nice. Fender Jazz master was a good one to. "Music man" are expensive guitars but are among the best. Go to a music shop and get somemore advice. - Voodoo
2007-01-08 21:15:45 · answer #5 · answered by Voodoo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being a beginner you might try some of the local pawn shops and see what they have for resonable prices or maybe go to wal mart and get one called first act. If possible take afriend with you that is a musican and let him or her help you select one of decent quality. Hope this helps and good luck.
2007-01-08 21:18:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Four-string is great! The fingering is just the same as string bass, so i luv it!
2007-01-08 21:05:17 · answer #7 · answered by Camel Catcher 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋