Klipschguy Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Can any of you bass playing forum members recommend a good starter electric bass guitar? I play a Gibson J45 acoustic guitar, but lately I have been getting an urge to learn to play the bass. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 what sound are you looking for? How big are your hands? Musical styles? Probably a Fender Precision would be the classic sound. Can't go too wrong and easily resaleable. Resist the urge to get an inexpensive bass because the action will be so bad that you'll get disgusted easily. But being a guitar player, you probably know all about that. Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klipschguy Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 My hands are reasonably large (size eight). Country music is my favorite music and will consume much of my focus, although I also enjoy good ole rock and roll. Jazz interests me also, but mostly in phases. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizRotus Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Michael and others, Be good to Klipschguy, as he was kind enough to send me a pair of Radio Shack drivers for a project and wouldn't accept payment. I still listen to them almost daily. Unfortunately, I know nothing about electric bass guitars. I do like Michael's advice. My son was looking for an electric guitar (not bass). We were advised to buy the best used guitar that he could afford. He disregarded that advice and bought a cheap new guitar, which he soon regretted. Eventually, he took my advice and bought a good used guitar, which he was later able to re-sell for what he had into it. The new guitar was a total loss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colterphoto1 Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 My hands are reasonably large (size eight). Country music is my favorite music and will consume much of my focus, although I also enjoy good ole rock and roll. Jazz interests me also, but mostly in phases. Get the Fender Precision. Big round, bottomy sound, it's a favorite of guys who use fingers on the strings. It can also be picked for a more trebly sound. If you're into the more 'pop' country and rock, perhaps a Rickenbacker, but it will have a more forward punchy sound, depending on the strings used and playing style. I don't know too much abou the newer breeds, sorry. Perhaps Yamaha? Michael Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-MAN Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 It really depends on how much you want to spend. Then there's the bass amp... If you want a quality bass that is low in price, I would look at an Ibanez. At or above the $500 mark, it would be Yamaha or Fender Precision or Jazz models, IMO. I actually like Peavey, too as an alternative to an Ibanez for the low cost. DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klipschguy Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 Thanks for the quick replys (and the vote of confidence, Neil). I have been considering an american made Peavey Millenium with active pickups. It is used but in great shape. Kind of a tiger finish on the sound board. Good action, no buzzes. They are asking five bills. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-MAN Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 At the $500 price range, it is going to be a matter of ergonomics and cosmetics, rather than quality. Popularity is another consideration (resale). DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klipschguy Posted November 28, 2005 Author Share Posted November 28, 2005 My ceiling is about $700, but my preference is to find something sweet, likely used for about $500. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-MAN Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 If it were me, I would buy a new Fender Precision. You absolutely can't go wrong there for an all-around package. It's probably THE most popular bass out there, and has been for years. Get the "American" version as it will have the highest resale. I would not imagine that you would ever loose money on that one. DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 I wouldn't buy a NEW anything .......... there's 2000X more Used guitars, .........than even speakers i like the MIJ Fenders ... they are always appreciating ...[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-MAN Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 But a new guitar is virginal. Like a new car. I prefer to start with a clean slate. But that's just me. DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrWho Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Fender all the way. I would go used too until you get your skills honed in and then you can go looking for that particular sound you want (though you'll prob end up holding onto the fender) [] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnyholiday Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 A Gene Simmons Punisher of course, $500 for that peavey you mention is steep,go to instrumentexchange.com, an get a feel for whats out there used price wise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 My son started with a Yamaha he saved his money for. It served him well. He now has a Fender Precision that he bought used. Looks like ... sounds great. Here's a new Precision from Elderly:http://www.elderly.com/fmic/items/F50SPB.htmThe better models are around $1300 new. The tone changes with age as well. He also has a Godin A5 fretless with piezos in it that is just awesome. There are a lot of good basses out there. Low cost doesn't mean it's bad.Where's all the bass players on here? I know there are some.Bruce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-MAN Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 That seems a little steep to me... Here's some new Fenders. Granted, most are the Mexican variety; but what I hear is that they are all made in Mexico, even the so-called "American" ones. They just don't say "made in Mexico" on them. How's that for manipulating the market? http://www.americanmusical.com/sort--k-ABG11--a-F--b-21.html DM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 That seems a little steep to me... Here's some new Fenders. Granted, most are the Mexican variety; but what I hear is that they are all made in Mexico, even the so-called "American" ones. They just don't say "made in Mexico" on them. How's that for manipulating the market? http://www.americanmusical.com/sort--k-ABG11--a-F--b-21.html DM Sad, But True ... I wouldn't Buy a New ... Fender anything the Contra opinion , here ... find a used Fender Musicmaster bass, or a LP Recording bass .. they Both have a Distinct personality, from the "P-Bass " sound, not that it's Bad, but .. why Copy ... the only 2 i have kept for 30+ years .. the others..... gone down the road ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted November 28, 2005 Share Posted November 28, 2005 Ya Know .... like Maron Horzak say's .... you were Sh*ttin' green ....'an burpin' up when I was playin' those instruments Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klipschguy Posted November 29, 2005 Author Share Posted November 29, 2005 Thanks for the replys. Well the Peavey is out. I have about decided on an american Fender Jazz. I like the idea of a narrower neck, especially since I am used to the narrow neck of my Gibson J45 acoustic. I assume the Jazz is in line with your recommendations? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSB Posted November 29, 2005 Share Posted November 29, 2005 My favorite Bass Guitar is the G&L L2000. The G&L "made in the USA" basses will cost you around $1200, but you can get the G&L Tribute version in about your price range. CSB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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