Beginner Bass Suggestions

[ThisDyingSoul76]

Re: Beginner Bass Suggestions

Great thread. I'm getting into bass now too and looking for 5 String in the $300 to $600 range.

I'm thinking about either a Toby or an Ibanez. I might consider Squire or Fender too.

I also saw Dean and Washburn 5 string models on the local classified site.

I've decided to sit on it for a month, save some money and watch for sales. The local shop usually has a big sale in October so that might be the best time to look.

[tabeck5]

Re: Beginner Bass Suggestions

I picked up a Fender Deluxe Dimension Bass IV. So far very impressive, comfortable to play great tone, needs a minor truss rod adjustment, change in pickup height, new strings and some minor intonation adjustments but it sounds great already. I'll post some picks later, but thanks for all of the input!

[blueman335]

Re: Beginner Bass Suggestions

Thumbs up for Squier Jazz. My '87 MIJ is great; upgraded pickups and bridge.

+1. Squire Vintage Modified Jazz Basses are nice, especially for the price. Same goes for MIM Fender Jazzes, of which there's models with twin single coils, twin split coils, and twin full-size humbuckers.

If you want to upgrade PU's, you can find nice used ones online for a good price.


My other favorite bass is Firebirds (Gibson's best bass design, which borrowed heavily from Fender), Epiphone has both bolt-on & neck-thru.

[BRHGM]

Re: Beginner Bass Suggestions

How about an Epiphone Viola. They are very light and sound nice. A used Peavey Foundation is also a really cool bass. I like my Thunderbird, but it's hard for a beginner to play. Ibanez makes quite a lot of beginner models.

[blueman335]

Re: Beginner Bass Suggestions

How about an Epiphone Viola. They are very light and sound nice... I like my Thunderbird.

+1. I have an Epi Viola bass, and like it a lot. Short scale, easy transition for a guitarist, and the hollow body gives it a nice tone.

[Aceman]

Re: Beginner Bass Suggestions

Man - you can walk into any Pawn Shop and get pick of the litter on basses anymore.

Yamaha, Ibanez, Squire all make great functional instruments that, as mentioned, are a truss and bridge adjustment from butter.

Jackson Concert - $200