Daisy Rock Bass questions

[BloodRose]

One of my daughters told me, Daddy, Id like to try bass. Ironically, I had just been in a local hock shop and found a nice Daisy Rock bass in there. This one is made and plays very nice. Per research, it seems to be one of their serious models and not just a cute, flower shaped toy. They run $399 new and I can get it under 2bills out the door..
Any one have experience with these??
My biggest concern is this... It is 34' scale. This would be good for her as she is 11. Does this leave growing room? Meaning, is this a guitar she could use if say she starts a band or something, or is the short scale gonna be for learning only? Would I be better off starting her on a full size bass?

thanks for any insight you can share..

 

[Sordid Tales]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

when I worked at a music store, parents always asked if we had any child size guitars. I'd stated that we don't, but we do carry several smaller guitars with a full scale length. It's my believe that when playing, you develop muscle memory. To start on a smaller scale length (I'm not speaking about the common fender, prs, gibson stuff. But to the extremes)
I think it would be almost like "starting over" when moving up in size.

As for Daisy Rock themselves. I tried out a few of their models at my local GC when my wife was thinking seriously about playing. She noodles, but that's about the extent of it. I think they're very well made for the price, and several of their models sport Duncan Designed pickups.

My advice would be take her up to the pawn shop, and let her try it on for size. Is she able to sit with it comfortably? She doesn't have to be able to do long stretches, but is she able to to jump around on the board and handle the strings with ease? Most importantly, is the style and color going to be something she likes

 

[phil_104]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

If she was older I would recommend a full scale, but if she is 11, and probably has tiny hands, you probably want to start with something of sorts. I think she could play it if she wanted to start a band eventually. I really don't see why not. And by then, let's say, in 5 years, if she gets good and plays often, you can always investigate another instrument then.

Also, people knock daisy rock, but if it's an instrument you think she would feel good playing, then it's a good thing.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

yeah, Im not knocking it.. I know they are a Schecter co. And this one is very nicely made. Good fret work and all and yeah, its purple.. She would LOVE the look. Honestly, I thought it felt and played better than a Bass I have that listed for alot more.
I just wondered about the scale. They have always asked me to get them the JR size guitars and I have always said no. Cuz I agree on the muscle memory thing and also that I didnt want to buy something they will outgrow. I feel that if Id have started on a better quality guitar, Id have stayed more focused and be alot better AND I may have developed a feel and relationship with that guitar to where I would be such a gear junkie now, searching for "theOne"
I think ill let her try my full one first and see if she is lost in it. if so, then Ill get the DR.

here is the one Im looking at:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Daisy-Rock-Stardust-Elite-Bass?sku=514536

 

[phil_104]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

^^Looks solid. I would move on it in your situation.

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

I am in a similar situation... my daughter is however only going to turn 5. I feel that is a too young to dump money on a lil bass, but 11 is different.

My brother (6 foot one inch with gorilla arms) routinely plays an old mexican stu hamm fender bass that has a shorter scale than normal basses. I REALLY like it because it isn't so HUGE and it sounds fantastic. What I am saying a 34" bass scale ain't that tiny and should be perfect for her even if she grows!

 

[Aceman]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

I say get her whatever is a) easy to play and b) makes her want to play.

Motivation and enjoyment are going to do 1000 percent more for her than the scale issue.

Changing scale size will be an issue one day, but a minor one. The muscle memory thing is real, but it's nothing like how you guys are thinking it works. She'll be fine. She grows, her hand grows, the frets get farther apart. The relative relationships are far more important.

The best thing is to NOT take up an instrument until you are physically able to play it properly. Violin at 5, or piano at 8, guitar at maybe 10-12, bass a little older. The next best option is play scale instruments appropriate to your size (Cello is a great example - doesn't seem to screw world class cellists to start with 3/4 size instruments). Next is playing any instrument that you can, and changing instruments as you develop (violin, to piano, to guitar). which, would be nearly impossible if muscle memory worked the way you guys are suggesting.

The worst possible thing in the entire universe, however, is to only be able to listen! The above three suggestions are all good.

- Dr. Aceman
PhD is Cognitive psychology, emphasis in cognitive and motor skill acquisition, transfer of skill, and statistics

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

thanks!!

 

[Hellion]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

Ya know, if she wants to play bass, I'd hook her up with something like a Steinberger Spirit model. They're reasonably priced, and they're a little better shaped for a young girl whose figure will change in the next few years. I haven't seen any Daisy Rock basses that are really made with a woman's figure in mind.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

And we can't even began to discuss the daddy points for getting such a cool surprise gift! More important than all of that is for the little girls to grow up knowing daddy loves them. The ones who don't end up on Howard Stern, Girls Gone wild, and other unsavory places.

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

And we can't even began to discuss the daddy points for getting such a cool surprise gift! More important than all of that is for the little girls to grow up knowing daddy loves them. The ones who don't end up on Howard Stern, Girls Gone wild, and other unsavory places.

Holy crap!! I need to buy one for all 4 of my girls then!!! Bought my son a guitar years ago that collects dust..

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Daisy Rock Bass questions

well, bit the bullet and picked it up.. They let me walk with it for $175 out the door. It is like new except one chip on the back corner of the headstock and the strap buttons were loose.. I toothpicked them and took some black nail polish to the chip and had her all ready when my girls got home from school..All were excited by it, but my one girl has been playing constantly.. :approve:

I showed her to use her fingers to pluck the strings, so she has been working on using one finger per string and doing good.. makes me happy.

Plus, its a fun player for pops too!