Absolute Beginner

Thanks. Any other thinner neck basses you can recommend ? Cheers.

Thanks. Any other thinner neck basses you can recommend ? Cheers.

Thanks. Does the RBX170 have a slim neck like the Ibanez GSR range ? As I've mentioned before, I've got fairly small hands. Cheers.

Hi all. Just wondered what you're opinions are of the above bass.....? Does it have a thinner neck than an Epiphone Viola as I'm struggling with the width of it (I have fairly small hands) ? Also, is it a good bass for a beginner ? Many thanks.

Thanks. I assume you mean Rotosound RS88S Tru Bass Nylon Flatwound Bass Guitar Strings 65-115 short scale.....?

Sorry, and strings which are receptive to the touch of a learner.....?

Hi all. Just wondered what the best strings to fit on my Epiphone Viola would be to help give it that 60's retro sound, as per that of The Beatles.....?! Many thanks.

Thanks for that. Funnily enough, I've recently been in touch with Barry ! I just thought I would see what other options were out there in terms of bass tutors before committing, rather than going with the first person I spoke to. Barry seems a really nice guy though. Cheers.

Hi Lozz196. You don't know if any good bass tutors in around Hertfordshire by any chance do you.....? I live in Hemel Hempstead by the way. Thanks, Fraser.

I'll be seeing Bruce play live with From The Jam at the Chilfest festival in Tring, Hertfordshire on Friday 4th July. Very much looking forward to it !

Thanks for the Jam link ! Bruce Foxton is another hero of mine, and I've seen Paul Weller live a number of times during the 90's. I recall Damon Minchella, an excellent bassist, was in Mr Weller's band at the time. I was at the Milton Keynes Sanctuary and was right down the front. I was transfixed by his playing !

Sorry, just re-read your post and realised you meant for me to post a You Tube clip of an artist ! I've attached a You Tube clip of of my favourite bass line of all time, ie Taxman by The Beatles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYBoLpui50Q

In terms of preferring a retro sound, some of my favourite bassists are: John Entwistle Jack Bruce Paul McCartney Thanks. PS I've only been playing a couple of months and I'm not yet confident enough to post on You Tube ! PPS I bought an Epiphone Viola, as I loved the feel and look of it, but I'm not sure that I've made the right decision.....

I've been told that the Jazz has more of a retro sound (Which I prefer) - is that correct ?

Thanks. Sorry for so many questions ! From a beginners point of view, what are the main differences between the Jazz and Precision bass.....? Cheers.

Thanks. Can you recommend an Ibanez bass please ? Max. £300 - £400. PS I love the natural finish VM Jazz bass with the light coloured neck and black inlays - do Ibanez offer any similar styles ? Cheers.

Thanks. Are they both relatively light ? Cheers.

Hi all. In the market for a new bass, but have quite small hands. Which of the above bass guitars would be preferable in this instance ? Also, in terms of weight, are they fairly light ? Many thanks, Fraser.

Hi. Is the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass quite heavy ? I'm thinking of getting one myself. Thanks.

I have to say though, I do really like the look of the Natural finish (On the VM) with the black inlays on the neck, or am I concerning myself more with the look of the bass rather than it's playability.....?!

Thanks. Are the Classic Vibe range bass guitars lighter than the Vintage Modified range does anyone know ?

Thanks. I live in Hemel Hempstead, Herts. As I previously mentioned, I bought an Epiphone Viola, but I'm not sure I've made the right decision.....

Thanks all for your comment; much appreciated. I'll now turn my original post on it's head. In your opinion, what is the best new starter bass you can buy for under £300.....(I prefer a retro sound) ? Many thanks.

Hi all. Your thoughts on the above as a bass for a relative novice.....? I've seen one at my local music store recently and fallen in love with it. I really look the like of the Natural finish in particular (The store didn't have this finish available though). It seems very reasonably priced at £250. Have any of you got one and can recommend it....? Thanks very much.

Thanks all for your comments. I really appreciate it. Although, I love playing my Viola bass, I'm not overkeen on the whole neck dive issue, or the fact that it leans forward quite a bit if playing when standing up. In some ways now, I'm not sure whether I should have opted for one of my other bass choices though, ie: Epiphone EB3 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Just out of interest, does anyone own one of the two basses ? If so, would you recommend them, or do they suffer from the above issues ? I must admit, given their relatively low cost, I could be tempted in buying one of them once I have developed and feel more confident. Thanks again, Fraser.