Beginners Bass

gaara

Hey, I was thinking of taking up the bass, but since ive never played before i have no idea what i should be looking for in a beginners bass or what price range i should be expecting. Any help would be appreciated.

Darkstrike

It really depends on a lot of things, music you like, your size(if you need a big or small bass), price range, have you experience on another instrumet?

Though, the best answer is, just go and try out some Squiers, and cheaper Cort models, different things, at your local music store, see which you like best.

Rigsby

Darkstrike wrote: »

Though, the best answer is, just go and try out some Squiers, and cheaper Cort models, different things, at your local music store, see which you like best.

I agree. Try out all the basses you can, within your budget. If you are happy with the tone, and it feels right in your hands, then you have found your bass. As well as the Squires and Cort brands mentioned by Darkstrike, check out some SX models (they have them in Waltons). This was my first bass, and I found it good value for what I paid for it (in or around 300 euros I think ). You could also check out www.adverts.ie here. There are some great bargains to be got there from time to time.

Welcome to the "low end" (and to "boards") BTW.

Darkstrike

Rigsby wrote: »

check out some SX models (they have them in Waltons). This was my first bass, and I found it good value for what I paid for it (in or around 300 euros I think ).

Ah, forgot that SX were easy to get here, my first bass too, and I still love it, though I've hacked and modded it to hell and back.

Really, there's a million options out there.

gaara

Rigsby wrote: »

Welcome to the "low end" (and to "boards") BTW.

lol cheers, tis a good place to be :cool:

Just to give a little more info;
This will be my first instrument to learn and im looking for a full sized bass. In terms of the music id like to play, id love to be able to play some jazz choons

Also does anyone have any experience with/opinion on those "starter packs" that comes with the bass, amp etc. ?

Again thanks for the advice :P appreciate it.

Darkstrike

Ah, the packs, while the instrument may be good, the amp and bits & bobs are usually low quality, espcially the amp.

A Squier, or SX Jazz bass, and a small Roland amp, or something similar should suit very well. Of course there'll be bits extra you'll need, tuner, lead, strap, probably an instruction book.

Rigsby

The first SX bass that I got was a starter kit with amp, strap ect. As Darkstrike said, the amp was not great, but was sufficient for practicing in the bedroom. If you have the extra cash to spare I'd say get a seperate amp, if not the start up pack will suffice for now 'till you get gas for a better set up.

Some opinions with regards to taking up the bass : In jazz, you picked one of the hardest types of music to play, on any instrument, but fair play to you for aiming high. You might be better off playing some easy rock riffs ect to get you started. Try playing along to some simple songs you like. Also, try to concentrate on good technique first, so as to avoid having to undo any bad habits you may learn. Check You Tube for "left/right hand bass technique" (especially Todd Johnson's "Floating Thumb" technique ). "Bass Guitar for Dummies" (dont be put off by the "D" word ) is a great book which covers everything about bass, from the different parts of the instrument, to changing strings ect, to some basic theory. It comes with a cd also.

Best of luck with it. Report back when you get you bass, and give us your opinions on it.

Dord

gaara wrote: »

lol cheers, tis a good place to be :cool:

Just to give a little more info;
This will be my first instrument to learn and im looking for a full sized bass. In terms of the music id like to play, id love to be able to play some jazz choons

Also does anyone have any experience with/opinion on those "starter packs" that comes with the bass, amp etc. ?

Again thanks for the advice :P appreciate it.

Welcome gaara!

I'll just quote myself regarding the subject of the starter packs from a thread a few months ago, it pretty much explains them...

Dord wrote: »

The starter packs are usually a very cheaply made guitar and a very small not very nice sounding amp (which may not last long) and a few accessories. You're mostly paying for the convenience of getting it all together. I wouldn't suggest buying one.

Something like this would be good to begin with.

For a small practice amp (which I'd presume you would want to begin with?) I'd suggest something like a Roland Cube, Peavey Max series or even one of the small Marshall MB amps.

Dave Total

Look out for a good second hand bass, i picked up an OLP stingray a few years ago for about 180 quid and it's stood me in good stead. Id say stay away from basses under 100. But you can can pick up a decent bass amp for cheap like the roland microcube bass.

Dave Total

Whoops, posted the same one twice!

Darkstrike

Dord wrote: »

Something like this would be good to begin with.

Now this bass would take care of the jazz buisness.:cool:

jarain

Darkstrike wrote: »

Now this bass would take care of the jazz buisness.:cool:

Definately.... 'Tis one sexy bass.

gaara

Hey just want to say thanks to everyone for the advice, got my bass this morning, went with the squier starter pack.

bass

Love it, now all i have to do is learn how to play it....that shouldnt be too hard :P

Rigsby

gaara wrote: »

Hey just want to say thanks to everyone for the advice, got my bass this morning, went with the squier starter pack.

bass

Love it, now all i have to do is learn how to play it....that shouldnt be too hard :P

Best of luck with it.

Darkstrike

Ah, nice, I know someone who has the same bass in blue, and gigs it regularily.
A fine instrument.

jarain

They are actually a pretty nice bass and can be upgraded pretty easily so it could do you for a long time. I think the bodies on those basses are alder but I could be wrong. It's a good solid bass.

Have fun with it!!