How do I choose my new toy?

Perfection · 08-14-2010, 11:32 AM

Hi. I'm looking to buy my first bass and amp. They don't need to be of extreme quality, just something decent that I can have fun with. And I don't want one that's built to be specialised for a particular style, I'd like something versatile. I also hope to spend less than $800.

I thought I'd ask here before I just go out and buy one, how do I know what to look for? I mean, how can a bass noob tell a quality instrument from a piece of crap? Any advice would be apprieciated. Thank you.

P.S. I also need to know the difference between a precision and a jazz bass.

roscoestring · 08-14-2010, 12:46 PM

There is so much to choose from. And everyone has their preferences. My opinion is that the basses will be pretty much the same for the same price range. I'd put more into the amp if it were me. I like Fender amps. I also like Squier basses. The first I ever bought was about $800 for the bass and amp. A Fender Rumble 60 and a Squier Jazz Bass. Both have given me great service. You would get more sounds from a Jazz as opposed to a Precission. 2 pickups as opposed to 1. I like Yamaha basses. I've heard a lot of good reviews on the Ibanez's. Never played one though.

You should check ebay, craigslist and the like. Also the buy/sell section on forums.
Play the bass before you buy if possible. Same with the amp. Try different things.

**Rainer.** · 08-14-2010, 01:47 PM

The difference between a P and a J bass is mostly tone. I'd try both of them out to find out which you like the sound out of better (I'm more of a J-bass guy, personally).

A quality bass and a quality guitar aren't very different. You generally get what you pay for.

Giga Hertz · 08-14-2010, 11:05 PM

What sort of music are you looking to play? Some basses are much better for pumping out heavier stuff, and some sound a lot better for jazzier music.

Having had two active 5-string Yamaha's, I can vouch that they are frelling good quality. If you can find one for $500 or under, definitely consider buying it. They have a really nice tone for heavier music.

Perfection · 08-15-2010, 06:01 AM

I was thinking I'd like something that goes well with mellow, relaxed rock but also good with pretty electronic stuff. Also one that sounds good when sustained. If you must, pretend I'm going to be the new bassist for vampire weekend.

**thesteve** · 08-15-2010, 10:49 AM

I've looked at several different photographs of Vampire Weekend and seen several different basses ranging from the Fender Aerodyne Jazz (featuring both a Jazz and P pickup) to Rickenbacker to a Lyle semi-hollow basses.

**Rainer.** · 08-15-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfection

I was thinking I'd like something that goes well with mellow, relaxed rock but also good with pretty electronic stuff. Also one that sounds good when sustained. If you must, pretend I'm going to be the new bassist for vampire weekend.

In that case, go to the nearest pawn shop, and find the one that screams pretentious (or just sniff all of then, and pick the one that smells... smokiest in the most herbal way).

Bassman1185 · 08-15-2010, 12:54 PM

Eight bills for a more-or-less gig setup...

Bass: Squier VM Jaguar bass (P+J pickups, plus the VM series is easily the best bang for your buck when it comes to basses) $300

Amp: I would look into the newer Gallien-Krueger Microbass series. They're available for less than $500 for sure. I would look for a 2x10if you can.

Other stuff: Get a freakin' tuner. The Planet Waves strobe tuner, Korg Pitchblack, and Boss TU-3 are all solid choices.

Perfection · 08-15-2010, 02:00 PM

Okay, I went to the local music shop this afternoon and tried every bass in my price range. I ended up getting an Aria J/P combo bass. I've been fooling around with it for an hour or so, but I don't get to bring home my amp until tommorow. Anyway, now I need to know, what's the most fun way to learn how to play?

roscoestring · 08-15-2010, 02:07 PM

Most fun?

Getting with other people and just jamming.

**Rainer.** · 08-15-2010, 02:43 PM

Put on a record, crank it up real loud, jam. Repeat.

Perfection · 08-15-2010, 05:40 PM

Well with just playing along to music, won't it be a problem if I don't know what notes to play? Or do I just fool around trying to play something that sounds right with the song?

**thesteve** · 08-15-2010, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfection

Well with just playing along to music, won't it be a problem if I don't know what notes to play? Or do I just fool around trying to play something that sounds right with the song?

First thing, you need to learn the notes of the bass and a little music theory (scales, keys, etc.)...then move forward.

Perfection · 08-15-2010, 08:32 PM

Well the good news is I already do. I've played acoustic guitar for a couple years, and while I don't have every scale memorized, I can probably tell you what every note is on a guitar and I know the difference between major/minor keys, different time signatures, etc.

**thesteve** · 08-15-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfection

Well the good news is I already do. I've played acoustic guitar for a couple years, and while I don't have every scale memorized, I can probably tell you what every note is on a guitar and I know the difference between major/minor keys, different time signatures, etc.

Well then figuring out the key of a song and the appropriate notes to fit the song shouldn't be too difficult.