Which Bass?

Graham_B18C

My girlfriend is looking to learn the Bass and has asked for one for christmas, she hasn't got any of the stuff yet so I've been looking at these two sets, which would be best?

http://www.waltons.ie/Product/View.aspx?id=9993&cid=286

or

http://www.thomann.de/ie/thomann_bass_set_b7.htm

I understand that neither are gonna set the world alight but I can only assume they'd be fine for a complete beginner. Any info or further advice would be much appreciated!

Graham_B18C

Or maybe this and I could buy the other bits seperately?

http://www.adverts.ie/electric-basses/fender-squier-std-p-bass-special/1091829

Rigsby

Of the three you mention, I'd go with the Fender Squire. Having said that, my first bass was an SX and for the money, I found it quite good. Basically you get what you pay for. Unless it is going to be a surprise present, the best thing would be to let her try out as many basses as she can. She can then decide for herself which one she likes best for feel and tone.


Great to learn of a female taking up the bass. Not many do so.

Graham_B18C

It's kind of a surprise, she wants one but I never tell her what I plan on getting. I'm really leaning towards the Squire myself tbh. I could buy all the bits that come with the kits cheap enough anyway.

reniwren

You are going to have to let her try bases, she may our may not like the wider neck of the P so your better off letting her try, unfortunately most bases I've ever played in shops are awfully set up as well.

Graham_B18C

Out of curiosity, what would the differences be? She's a complete newb so would she even know if a particular bass was no good for her? Is it the width of the neck? Like smaller hands and fingers wouldn't be able to reach round to the strings?

reniwren

The p has a slightly wider neck with usually wide space between strings, its mainly a comfort thing, what she feels comfortable with holding sitting down standing up, weight of the instrument etc, remember that things can vary even from instruments of the same model shape.

-Chris-

I'd buy her the Squier, or something else second hand, you'll get much more bang for your buck.

If you want extra gear, I'd then buy one of these:
http://www.adverts.ie/bass-effects/line-6-bass-pod/981354

When you start out, you need the instrument, cables, strap, picks, a tuner, an amp. You'll then gather effects or whatever as you go (if you stay interested in it).

TBH, when you're starting out you don't need an amp if you can practice in your headphones, you won't be able to play with anyone anyway.
Buying something like a Pod means that you can play with sounds & effects, you have a built in tuner, you'll also sound better when practicing using their amp sims than some cheapy bedroom-practice amp.
All you need then is bass, strap, one or two cables, the Pod, and a pick if you need one.

Rigsby

The points made above, about trying out the bass before buying are valid. Better this, than the hassle of trying to change it if it does not suit her. Necks vary in width and circumference. As said, the precisions have a wide neck, where as the jazz basses have a slimmer one. It is also possible to get short scale basses, where the neck is not as long as the standard ones. You could inquire about these when shopping also.