Newb Needs a Bass!

[Natman]

Hey all, I've played guitar for 18 years now I want a bass. Thing is I'm broke.

I was in a store getting some strings and saw the Indonesian Squier Jaguar basses which seemed like great best bang for the buck. How is the quality on those? I don't want to buy crap that won't last or has to be upgraded to heck in order sound half decent. The one I played was $299 new and was lighter than any other bass on the rack. It was black with P/J pickups, block inlays and concentric knobs. I know there are other models with Humbucker and short scale etc.

I don't like Precision basses, Jazz would be fine. Not opposed to other brands but I'm partial to the classic looks of Fenders. What do you recommend?

Thanks!

 

[hydro]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

The Ibanez SR series basses are really nice, I think. Some have active pickups. To me they are guitarist-friendly; somewhat more narrow neck profile. I own one and I really like it, I think they have several models in the $300-$500 price range depending on trim line.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

The Squier Vintage Modified series is extremely playable. (I write as an owner of both the Indonesian Squier offering and several examples of the real thing.) Many of the Ibanez SR series models are made in the exact same factory as the Squier VM models. Your decision may boil down to body shape preference.

The Squier VM Jaguar Bass has the same neck as fitted on their Jazz Bass model. My personal preference would be for the single humbucker version. In the longer term, it can easily be upgraded with a single multi-mode pickup and active equalisation.

I usually recommend a pre-owned Yamaha Attitude Plus bass guitar. Unfortunately, these are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

 

[jaybonitrane]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

There are some squire basses that come with Duncan Designed pups..perhaps a used one.

 

[jaybonitrane]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

There are some squire basses that come with Duncan Designed pups..perhaps a used one.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

There are some squire basses that come with Duncan Designed pups..perhaps a used one.

You can get any of those basses for $300 brand new. The Vintage Modified Jazz Bass is a great piece.

 

[ginormous]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

The Squier Vintage Modified Tele Bass Special. MSRP $499 (that should go for about 3 bills on the street)

link to fender.com

link to musiciansfriend.com

 

[RobSoundtrack]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

That SUB ray stuff is on point.
I picked up the 5string, and now my SR405 just sits collecting dust!

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

That SUB ray stuff is on point.
I picked up the 5string, and now my SR405 just sits collecting dust!

Yeah it is. I have the Ray5 black with a maple neck and board, and it's a killer bass. The neck is also tiny for a 5 string. My bass play has taken to using it instead of his Jazz Bass because it's got the full 5 strings but has a small neck for a 5. He also loves the active electronics.

Try a few of the $300 Squires and Music Mans, and you'll see that you don't have to spend $1000 to get a good bass.

 

[marcboomer]

Re: Newb Needs a Bass!

I play one of those Jaguar Vintage Modified basses with the Duncan Designs in there. Totally giggable. I'm gonna leave the Duncan Designs in there. Just for the heck of it.