Good Bass for Starting Out On?

S

strat_master

New member
Hey guys interested in taking up bass, nothing to serious, but just something to play on.

What are some good choices? The only thing that comes t mind is the fender mim pbass or jazz bass.

Also how about amps? Even though i know this question doesnt belong here.

And lastly, im kinda short, im only 5 6' do you guys think i would be better off with a shorter scaled bass instead of a full 34"? I noticed most bass players are really tall, just something i notice thats all.

Thanks guys for the help in advance!

Jason
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

I've heard great stuff about SX stuff. We're talking about guys that are gear whores having tons of "good" stuff getting a "ho" and gigging that.

Are you looking for a good amp or a cheap amp? I'd recommend not getting anything under 300w and 1x15 or 2x10 if you're going to be playing with a band. Personally, I'd stay away from a combo.

Go for full scale, short scale doesn't sound as big.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

my first (and only) bass was an ESP ltd B-105. It was less than $280 new, 5-string, dual soapbars, active EQ. I snagged a behringer 60w amp for $120. I am still happy with both; the ESP ltd is smokin! I think the equivalent is B-155 now, though
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

You're in Canada.....search out a Godin bass. Best buy for the money, and it'll take you way past beginner.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

I really dig secondhand Ibanez Soundgears. I always feel they're kinda "the guitarists' bass": comfortable, good weight distribution, sleek neck, low action, really easy to play. And a normal 34" scale, it just sounds so much tighter than, for example, the 30" of most shorter-scale instruments. You can get them at rediculously low prices secondhand. For example, I bought my '87 SR800LE (the factory sticker on the back of the headstock says SR1000E, but those have carved tops and different electronics, so I'm very sure that sticker is misplaced) for only 95 euros (110-120 USD, I guess). I have to admit I'm a big guy (2.02 metres) but for shorter people, a Soundgear is also a very comfortable bass. The secondhand ones (especially the Japanese ones) really offer a crapload of bang for the buck, are well-built and play really light.

One thing to consider about Soundgears: on the pre-2003 series, when the model number reaches 800 or higher, the bass will have a lacquered neck, matching the body. Not everybody will like this, as one might experience this as sticky. I like the neck on mine though. It's my main slapbass :bigthumb: .
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

Ya' can't beat the value of a MIM P or J bass....sounds great initially & very easy to mod or upgrade.

A used one can usually be found pretty cheap :bigthumb:
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

The Golden Boy said:
I've heard great stuff about SX stuff. We're talking about guys that are gear whores having tons of "good" stuff getting a "ho" and gigging that.

Are you looking for a good amp or a cheap amp? I'd recommend not getting anything under 300w and 1x15 or 2x10 if you're going to be playing with a band. Personally, I'd stay away from a combo.

Go for full scale, short scale doesn't sound as big.
Click to expand...

I happen to be one of those guys and I do speak from years of experience.
This is the bass for you. All it needs is a decent set-up right out of the box.
http://www.rondomusic.net/sjb62short.html
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

buddy of mine has an SX P bass copy and it's a nice bass. definitely great for a beginner and will even take you into gigging territory
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

Brice basses, best basses I've ever heard seen and played. Rondomusic.com
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

The Golden Boy said:
I've heard great stuff about SX stuff. We're talking about guys that are gear whores having tons of "good" stuff getting a "ho" and gigging that.
Click to expand...

I've got an SX Precision copy with a Dimarzio pickups and it SCREAMS. The action is really nice too after setup. Paid $120 off ebay with the Dimarzio.

I also have a Cort headless bass (Steinberger copy) I got for $99. While the pickups were really sorry, and I replaced them with Bartolini's, it would be fantastic for a beginner.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

I scored a cool bass 3 weeks ago.

OLP 5 string Musicman copy....an early one with solid ash body/maple neck.
It was owned by a good bassist, so he'd installed an active Duncan Basslines MM 5 string pickup system, new nut, and it actually plays and sounds better than an actual Musicman.....hard to believe but it's true.

I bought it for $200, since it was a rare gem, but mostly because it had an expensive Duncan pickup system, and it wasn't a basswood/photoflame like the newer ones.

I'd recommend the OLP's, since they're the best bass you can get for $200-$300. The G&L Tribute basses are a great 'bang for buck' instrument too.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

Gearjoneser said:
The G&L Tribute basses are a great 'bang for buck' instrument too.
Click to expand...
My G&L L-2000 is my favorite and most used bass.

About the Ibanez Soundgears, they're really comfortable basses and they sound pretty good.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

Hmm so most people here are oppossed to the shorter scale basses under 34" scale lengths? I really dig the sx basses they basically look like mim fender basses. I always kinda assumed shorter scale length for short people haha
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

The short scale bass was really great for me learning- it's still a really outrageously comfortable bass- it's so easy to play- but where it really counts is how the bass sounds. A short scale bass, regardless of the quality of the wood or construction or electronics is never going to have the same depth or rich-ness that a full scale bass will.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

Most Guitar Centers carry Ibanez, OLP, Schecter, and MIM Fender.

You'll get a quick idea of what you're really looking for, if you compare a few.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

If your looking for a cheap, new or used bass thats short scale and easy to get around on then how about Epiphone's SG EBO Bass. Good luck either way
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

I've heard good things about the Epi EB-0. The best thing I've heard about it is that is sounds nothing like the old EB-0s.:p
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

I had the Epi EBO for a few years. It was just OK. I sold it. In comparison, the short scale SX Jass Bass is a HUGE improvement in solid tone. Oh yeah, and it is about half the cost of the Epi EBO.
 
Re: Good Bass for Starting Out On?

the ibanzez basses seem really nice for the price. they feel good and sound good. a lot of band for the buck.

but don't discount the shorter scale basses. they are fun as hell to play and they are great to record with. i don't know why this is but it just is. bill wyman used a short scale with the stones by the way.
 
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