Quick question on buying first bass

WHirl7

Hi people, I want to start playing bass and was considering buying a Squier Jazz Bass as my first bass, but my friend is selling a Fernandes Gravity 5-String that was hardly used for about €150. Which do you think is a better option for someone who hasn't played bass before?

Dord

I'd go with the Fernandes.

Ross Mc

Please don't buy a squire then don't have as good a name as they used to. I would buy either a Aria or Epiphone.

eoin5

I'd say try to steer clear of 5 strings till youve been playing a while, a 4 string is more managable for someone starting out. The cort action 4 is a great beginners bass if you can afford it.

Darkstrike

Ross Mc wrote: »

Please don't buy a squire then don't have as good a name as they used to. I would buy either a Aria or Epiphone.

Actually recent Squier's are some of the best ever.

But the Fernandes is probably the best bet anyway.

Ross Mc

Darkstrike wrote: »

Actually recent Squier's are some of the best ever.

But the Fernandes is probably the best bet anyway.

I still think arias and epiphones are better

CianRyan

Arias man.

Doctor J

TBH I'd think about whether you're actually gonna use the B string before immediately lumping in with the Fernandes. There is more work involved in playing a 5 and if you're not going to use the string, why have it there in the first place? I'd be of the opinion that a Fender derived design is a great place to start, primarily because every bass there is gets compared to a P or a J. Without knowing the tone of the Fernandes, it's hard to comment, but a J bass will work for every style of music you could wish to play. Plus, if you need to replace or upgrade bits you'll always have lots of options with a Fender clone. As well as Squier, consider SX in that price range and shop around different sites like buy and sell and adverts, you can get some great deals second hand at the moment.

Dord

Ross Mc wrote: »

Please don't buy a squire then don't have as good a name as they used to.

No they don't, they have a better name (with exception of the MIJ Squier's). The quality on the latest Squier VM & CV are really good for the price.

As for Aria, I'd say only go for one if you can find a Japanese one or a very early Korean one (at a push).

I wouldn't buy an Epiphone bass tbh, especially not as a first bass. They have some odd "quirks" that could cause bad habits and make you get very frustrated with playing.

Passenger

Neither. Give ebay and adverts.ie a gander to find a nice beginner bass.

WHirl7

Wow I think all of your replies came a bit late, I bought the Fernandes yesterday! I'm happy with it though, I don't think I'll be using the 5th string for the moment at least but it was definitely worth it for the amount I bought it for.

Thanks for the help!

Patricide

Plus if you find its getting in your way, just take it off. Simple!

Darkstrike

Patricide wrote: »

Plus if you find its getting in your way, just take it off. Simple!

Thats the one!


Coolest thing is, if you stick with it, and decide to move to four, wide necks wont phaze you, and you should be able to hang on any four.;)

WHirl7

Sounds good!

So... any suggestions on an amp? I've got €300 max to spend and am looking for one with decent enough wattage so i can jam with my friends.

Patricide

Get a second hand ashdown mag is my recommendation. Quality amp.