Best bass for a complete beginner

Bodhidharma

Hi just wondering if anyone has any suggestions on which bass guitar would be best suited to a beginner. Obviously I want to take into account cost, quality and ergonomic things like comfort and fit.

From the little research I've done the Ibanez GSR200 looks like a safe bet, any other I should consider?

Rigsby

Depends on your budget. The best advice is to try out as many basses as you can. Some people prefer narrow jazz necks, while others like the wider precision necks etc. The one that sounds right and feels the most comfortable to play is the one to go for, regardless of the brand.


Having said that, you cant go far wrong with a Fender Squire or my own personal favourite, a G&L Tribute. The G&L's models consist of the JB2 (jazz bass), a SB2 (precision type),and the L2000. The latter has a wide neck, but if that does not bother you, they are one of the most versatile sounding basses, and really well made, for the price. I think there is one for sale on "adverts" at present, if you want to try it out. Some people say there is too many bells and whistles on the L2000 for a new player, but with a little experimentation you should find "your" tone.

Malice

I'd look no further than a Squier Precision.

Quillo

Any of these would do fine:

http://www.adverts.ie/guitar-bass/tanglewood-warrior-2-bass-and-hard-case/770612

http://www.adverts.ie/guitar-bass/fender-squier-precision-affinity-bass-price-drop/268002

http://www.adverts.ie/guitar-bass/sx-bass/612008

http://www.adverts.ie/guitar-bass/squier-vintage-modified-jazz-bass/761678

http://www.adverts.ie/guitar-bass/sx-custom-handmade-vintage-series-bass-guitar/764188

http://www.adverts.ie/guitar-bass/tanglewood-rebel-4k-bass/760106

The Squier VM Jazz would probably be the best buy.

Parsley

Quillo wrote: »

Any of these would do fine:
The Squier VM Jazz would probably be the best buy.

i agree. great yokes. my friend threw some EMGs into one and it's a top-notch gigging bass now. solid things.

flameboy87

Personally I think it comes down to what ever style of playing you want. I love Ibanez basses because they have narrow necks and are easy to play. The middle to high end basses have some great tone range too. Ibanez are probably best for rock, metal but versatile enough for playing pop, funk etc... If you want to play mostly funky stuff I'd say try and get an OLP bass 2nd hand (they are not made anymore). This was my 2nd bass and I still use it and am using it today even. Great versatility and even though it is a copy of a Musicman, it feels better than the real thing IMO (or at least maybe I'm just so used to the OLP).

I would be wary of buying Squire basses without trying them tho, they have very wide necks and getting any speed on them can be trouble, especially if you are only starting out.

I'd agree and say try out a few basses, borrow one and learn maybe 2 to 3 basic tunes and go looking in shops and try them out. Corts are nice too but have never bought one. Also depends on whether you are a pick or finger bassist.

Hope this is of help.

Malice

flameboy87 wrote: »

Also depends on whether you are a pick or finger bassist.

Just a small point on this - you don't have to and shouldn't limit yourself to one style over another. While there are zealots on both sides over which is better some songs will be more suited to a pick and others will be better played fingerstyle. Or you could try a hybrid approach with one of those picks that fits over the thumb and play both styles relatively comfortably at the same time .

flameboy87

Very true Malice, hate close minded opinions about that topic. I just wanted the OP to have thought that part through before they look for basses. From my own experience as a finger style player an awful lot of basses don't suit my playing style.

A bass that allows you to practice both styles would be best but for me (since I never play with a pick) I always look for a bass that allows a comfortable area for my right hand to sit. For a pick player this isn't as important (as far as i know :P).

My original bass allowed me to practice both but I eventually decided that the pick wasn't for me. Try not to limit yourself like I did until you know what you want in terms of style and sound.

Malice

flameboy87 wrote: »

Very true Malice, hate close minded opinions about that topic. I just wanted the OP to have thought that part through before they look for basses. From my own experience as a finger style player an awful lot of basses don't suit my playing style.

I used to think that but then I just accepted my limitations as a player .