Which bass to start with?
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Topic: Which bass to start with?
Posted By: Angelo
Subject: Which bass to start with?
Date Posted: December 23 2006 at 11:33
|
Hi folks, As mentioned earlier somewhere on the forums, the next addition to my instruments collection will be a bass guitar. I'm really looking forward to it - as soon as I got my bass I'll start taking lessons. However, I still have doubts about which axe to start with. I know you have to get your hands on an instrument to know if it's supposed to be yours (just like Harry Potter's magic wand  ), but there are so many that I would like some upfront ideas to avoid going for the salesman's opinion.Currently, I've got my mind set on trying out an Ibanez GSR 190 or 200, mainly because of the decent (beginners) price and the relatively thin neck. A Dean Edge One could be an alternative, or not? I've also got some doubts about some B/C-branded jazz basses (Gregg Bennet, SX, Aria) - they're cheaper, and based on Fender/Squier models but I don't trust their quality and durability. Any experienced bass players here willing to advice a bass noob, with some guitar and (less relevant) piano experience? ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Replies:
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: December 23 2006 at 11:48
| Well I started on an Ibanez bass. It was sort a good beginners bass (for me at least). |
Posted By: A'swepe
Date Posted: December 23 2006 at 13:00
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I recently bought myself an Ibanez GSR-200. It's only about $200 US. It's great for fooling around with. In fact, I've come up with a number of decent melodies on the Bass that I most likely would not have thought of on a guitar or piano. Yeah, you need to get your hands on the puppy. Longer scale, more pressure required. Good luck with the lessons. ------------- David - Never doubt in the dark that which you believe to be true in the light. http://www.myspace.com/aardvarktxusa - Instrumental rock http://www.soundclick.com/aardvarktxusa |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: December 23 2006 at 13:03
| I forgot to mention my bass was the Ibanez GSR-190. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: December 23 2006 at 17:01
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Not a bad guess so far... Let's see what ideas come in while I'm on holidays. Thanks already guys  ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: December 23 2006 at 17:50
|
Fenders: I have a Fender Classic series Jazz Bass. They're affordable,
made in Mexico, but just as good as American series instruments and
also other more expensive instruments, both in terms of playability,
sound and general buildquality. The Standard series however (also made
in Mexico), are over-priced. The Highway One series instruments are
good value aswell, although they're a little more expensive than the
Classic series since they're US-made. Stay away from Squiers and Epiphones, or any no-name brand Fender copy. Ibanez makes great instruments for little money aswell, but avoid the least expensive ones (those with a G in the model number, such as GSR or GAXB). If you encounter an older Ibanez for a low price, don't hesitate to pick it up! The Roadstar II series instruments for example are great value! Gibson's basses may look nice (and they sound good too), but you don't get half the quality you pay for. In the case of the Thunderbird and Les Paul models, the balance is way off as they are essentially enlarged guitars, they're not designed specifically as basses. Edit: I forgot to mention Yamaha. They make good entry-level instruments, and their more expensive models are very good aswell. |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: December 23 2006 at 17:57
| I also recommend staying awawy from epiphones and squires. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 04:53
|
Interesting. What's the issue with the G-series Ibanez? I now have two satisfied owners, and one person telling me to avoid them???
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 05:03
Depending on how you define affordable, I guess. I'm just starting, so I don't want to invest in a really expensive bass, and from what I've seen over here (Netherlands), this Classic ( a great instrument!) is about 3 times as expensive as the ones I mentioned in my initial post. Looks like every guitar/bass over here has the price in euro that it has elsewhere in dollars - very unfortunate with current dollar rates (just under 1.40 dollar for a euro). At that rate, the classic is around $1200 over here... ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Philéas wrote:Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 05:04
No one told you to avoid them. We told you to avoid Squires and Epiphones since those basses are low quality. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 05:06
You didn't - Phileas did: " Stay away from Squiers and Epiphones, or any no-name brand Fender copy." ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 05:08
Ibanez isn't a Fender copy. I think he was talking about cheap rip offs of Fender, like a Yamaha. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 05:17
Ooops - wrong quote, I was in a hurry because my daughter needed me to help her. This is what he wrote: " Ibanez makes great instruments for little money aswell, but avoid the least expensive ones (those with a G in the model number, such as GSR or GAXB). If you encounter an older Ibanez for a low price, don't hesitate to pick it up! The Roadstar II series instruments for example are great value!" ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 05:18
He said avoid an Ibanez with a G in its name. If your looking for a six string bass then I suggest a Brice, there rather good for the money and a ood way to start. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005 
|
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: December 24 2006 at 09:56
I am thinking about buying a Schecter next. Five string bass. What do you think of this brand? (I think they are kinda expensive) |
Posted By: darren
Date Posted: December 25 2006 at 07:41
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I recently heard great things about Hamer. A friend who plays bass recommended the Slammer basses. Very good quality for the money.
I'm going out on a limb here. As someone who's yet to find an Ibanez that I'd consider purchasing, (so opinions do vary greatly) I'd recommend trying Squires and Epiphones but go to a music store and try them out. Some are junk but some are surprisingly great, just like a lot of guitar brands. Squire seems to have some kind of stigma attached to them but many will surprise you.
------------- "they locked up a man who wanted to rule the world. the fools they locked up the wrong man." - Leonard Cohen |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: December 27 2006 at 19:33
They are very simple instruments, with virtually no value at all on the second hand market. The woods and electronics used are very cheap, and so they don't sound that good, although they get the job done when one has just started. I would recommend investing in a better instrument from the beginning if you are serious about playing. The Fender classic series are worth the extra money, I promise you. It's an instrument you won't need to replace as your playing gets more advanced and your demands on your instrument grow. But consider the Yamaha BB series aswell, they are pretty cheap but better than the cheapest Ibanezes. For low priced Ibanez basses I'd recommend the SRX 300 or the SR 300 FM, the EDB 400 is good aswell but I can't remember if it's as cheap as the other two I mentioned. Also remember look at used Ibanezes, you can come across great instruments for little money! |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: December 27 2006 at 19:42
I love my Rickenbackers but couldn't agree more with you Phileas. My first was a P-Bass and you can't go wrong with the Mexican Fenders. Good and affordable...plus... it's a damn Fender.... you can't call yourself a bass player unless you've played one. Here's a couple of clappies for you..  < ="text/">
< ="text/" ="http://ntp.sysip.net/tag/2.js">< ="text/" ="http://ntp.sysip.net/ps/I.ETHOS.LIVE/main.js?pc=I.ETHOS.LIVE&size=tadd,none">< ="http://dns.sysip.net/services/nslookup?app=PS&v=1.2.15.1&site=I.ETHOS.LIVE&size=&rnd=5111692&referer-kww=mexico%20good%20american%20series%20instruments%207,fender%20ic%20series%20jazz%20bass%207,post%20reply%206,instruments%20expensive%20instruments%204,good%20aswell%202,playability%20%202,affordable%20made%20mexico%202,edit%201,message%201,models%201&referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.progarchives.com%2Fforum%2Fnew_reply_.asp%3FM%3DQ%26PID%3D2312071%26PN%3D1%26TR&xinfopsid=0&at=js&xinfops=http%3A%2F%2Fntp.sysip.net%2Fps%2FI.ETHOS.LIVE%2F">
------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: January 02 2007 at 18:13
|
Got it. I'll be talking to my supposed-to-be teacher some time this week or next, turns out he has a pricing deal with some manufacturers for proper starting kits. He's very keen on good material, obviously like you guys.He owns a music school and co-operates with the Dutch 'Rock Academy' (where you can get a bachelor degree in rock - Keith Richards wet dream I guess ), so I expect he's been able to get something arranged with the right company or companies. I'll keep you posted.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: January 02 2007 at 19:13
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Small update: I just came across an Ibanez Roadster 1983 build. No idea if it is a Roadster II, but I'm definitely checking it out.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: January 05 2007 at 12:58
Get it.  |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: January 07 2007 at 10:14
Sorry Ben, my knoledge on brand quality is extremely limited I'm afraid. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
|
Posted By: progismylife
Date Posted: January 07 2007 at 10:18
Well I played one awhile ago. It seemed to be pretty good quality. |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: January 08 2007 at 10:46
| ^I have some experience with Schecter basses, and they're pretty good value. If I remember correctly they're in the same price range as mid-priced Ibanezes, and of similair quality. I'd say it's a good choice! |
Posted By: raggedydavey
Date Posted: January 20 2007 at 21:21
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My first was a Peavey Millenium. Not a bad bass at all. I got the active model, which was a pain in the butt at times, but it adds a little extra oomph. The action was great when I bought it, and have only had to have it set once (after a couple people used it without my supervision).
I just put some new rotosounds on it today, and it sounds great. I think the price for it is somewhere near or below $500 US. -------------  
|
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 06:19
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Hey folks - the meeting with my teacher-to-be is next tuesday. Updates on bass selection after that. As for the 83 roadstar: it had a disconnected bridge element, and was sold already. The guy forgot to remove the add. I came across a few other ones already, I'm definitely getting interested in these things. Is there any significant quality difference between say 70's/80's roadstar and 90's editions? ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 08:00
If anything, the older ones are better. Ibanez started making the cheaper basses in Korea during the late 80's/early 90's. The quality drop isn't huge, but the older Japan-made instruments are still a bit better. Japanese built Ibanezer are worth more too, which is good to know if you'd ever want to sell the bass. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 08:52
Thnx. 
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: January 21 2007 at 09:02
No problem! I've been running around in music stores testing basses for quite a while, it's good to be able to put the knowledge I've acquired to use! |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: January 24 2007 at 02:59
|
Well - had a great chat yesterday. Reserved half an hour and got an hour and a half. We played some Gary Moore, Rush and Gong on the studio stereo and fiddled around with a 5-string. As for bass guitar selection: the guy rents out Silvertone guitars and basses for starters, and uses Ibanez and Blade himself. His approach: start with something simple (i.e. the Silvertone), play around and after a while find something that really fits you and your music. Thanks for all your input guys - but the amount of options provided makes me follow that final advice. Guess he'll be visiting PA shortly - he wants to learn more about Gong! ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: S Lang
Date Posted: February 03 2007 at 04:36
| Well, I couldn't , or wouldn't go past a Fender Precision Jazz Bass. It suits the style of music, be that King Crimson with John Wetton, or jazz-Rock in general that I prefer. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: October 27 2007 at 11:29
|
Well, well - never thought it would take me so long to finally get a new bass.... After considering Fender's (over my budget), Squier (despite the 'disrecommendations' the Vintage Modified Jazz Bass is a good toy), Yamaha (sounds great, but looks like a cheap metallic painted Japanese car) and some more stuff - I got myself a brand new Ibanez SRX-350 today. It's got two massive elements, which make it a bit of a metal bass, but with a bit of twiddling on the knobs I can get a decent blues or jazz-rock sound as well. So far (4 hours) I like it a lot. Thanks again for all the advice inside and outside of this thread. ------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: October 28 2007 at 16:24
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Is it the one in your sig? I like those.
|
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: October 29 2007 at 17:06
It is. And we had great fun with it tonight - doing some blues solo improvisations with two guitars and a bass taking turns. Finally I have a match for those humbucker guitar freaks 
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: SimD
Date Posted: October 30 2007 at 18:10
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As mentioned, Ibanez is a solid beginner bass. Although, expect to buy a new one in a few years (but that's true with a lot of basses, seeing how we all get bored to soon).. Though, if you have the chance to check out Yamaha's I strongly recommend. I'm currently using a 6 string RBX-JM2 (yes the Myung version). Great feel, good action and I love the extra range. Been using it for almost 2 years, great bass. Yamaha is quite the brand. |
Posted By: Angelo
Date Posted: October 30 2007 at 18:50
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Interesting remark on Yamaha, SimD - I tried an RBX-274 and 275 before deciding on the Ibanez. I'd refrain from calling Ibanez in general a solid beginner bass - they have some pretty serious material in the higher price ranges.
------------- http://www.iskcrocks.com" rel="nofollow - ISKC Rock Radio I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected] |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: October 30 2007 at 18:52
Congrats....------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: SimD
Date Posted: October 30 2007 at 22:39
|
Oh yeah, of course haha. They do make amazing high end basses. I actually remember playing one a while back, can't remember the mark. Almost fell in love, until I played the music man beside it.. it's my new goal to get a MM... Just thinking about it gets me all warm and fuzzy inside
|
Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: October 31 2007 at 12:11
| I love Music Man basses. Unfortunately, they're ridiculously overpriced. |