Which bass to start with?

Well I started on an Ibanez bass. It was sort a good beginners bass (for me at least).    

Edited by progismylife - December 23 2006 at 12:59

I forgot to mention my bass was the Ibanez GSR-190.

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.


Edited by Philéas - December 23 2006 at 17:54

Interesting. What's the issue with the G-series Ibanez? I now have two satisfied owners, and one person telling me to avoid them???

Edited by Angelo - December 24 2006 at 05:05

Angelo wrote: Interesting. What's the issue with the G-series Ibanez? I now have two owners, and one person telling me to avoid them???

    
No one told you to avoid them. We told you to avoid Squires and Epiphones since those basses are low quality.

Angelo wrote: progismylife wrote: Angelo wrote: Interesting. What's the issue with the G-series Ibanez? I now have two owners, and one person telling me to avoid them???      No one told you to avoid them. We told you to avoid Squires and Epiphones since those basses are low quality. You didn't - Phileas did: " Stay away from Squiers and Epiphones, or any no-name brand Fender copy."

    
Ibanez isn't a Fender copy. I think he was talking about cheap rip offs of Fender, like a Yamaha.

progismylife wrote: Angelo wrote: progismylife wrote: Angelo wrote: Interesting. What's the issue with the G-series Ibanez? I now have two owners, and one person telling me to avoid them???      No one told you to avoid them. We told you to avoid Squires and Epiphones since those basses are low quality. You didn't - Phileas did: " Stay away from Squiers and Epiphones, or any no-name brand Fender copy."      Ibanez isn't a Fender copy. I think he was talking about cheap rip offs of Fender, like a Yamaha.

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.

I recently heard great things about Hamer. A friend who plays bass recommended the Slammer basses. Very good quality for the money.

Philéas wrote: 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.

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..


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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.