A Good Beginner's Bass

[gmtx725]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Hi Guys.[/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I'm looking to buy my first bass guitar some time in the next few weeks. I've never played before, other than some basic noodling around, but I'm pretty sure it's something I'll enjoy and get into. For that reason, whilst I don't want to spend a shedload, I also want to avoid the ultra-ultra-low end of the price range, as I'd rather get one bass now that'll last me for a while, than buy a cheapo one, get really into playing it and then realise I'm gonna have to fork out for a new one because I"m not satisfied with it. So with that in mind I'd say I'm looking to spend around £400 (including the bass and amp), maybe willing to stretch a little bit further than that if there's something that really fits the bill. [/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]So, with that in mind, could anyone make any recommendations as to general models/ranges I should look into? As I've never played before, and can't really name a particular 'sound' I'm looking for, so I'm afraid I can't really help in that regard. The best I can do is name some bassist's whose music I'm into; I'm a big fan of JJ Burnel from the Stranglers, Jimi Goodwin from Doves, Andy Rourke from the Smiths, Simon Gallup from the Cure, and especially Peter Hook from New Order & Joy Division. [/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]As for how it looks, one bass I've seen that I really like the look of is the MusicMan StingRay. Now I know obviously that's a really high-end bass, but something that imitates or approximates the general dimensions & look and feel of that would be somewhere to start. How it looks is only a minor issue though, I'm more concerned about getting something that's value for money and is good quality.[/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Thanks in advance for any help, I'm really looking forward to my bass! [/font][/color]

[daz]

Youd struggle to get a Stingray / Cab for anything like what your prepared to spend. That said its still possible to get a great sound for not much money if you take your time to soak up a bit of knowledge from here before jumping in.

The Squier Classic Vibe P bass are about £320 new from [url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/squier-classic-vibe-precision-bass-60s-fiesta-red/41278"]GAK here[/url] Or you could pick one up for maybe £200 - £250 in good condition from someone here. These have a very good reputation as a great bass, not just a beginer bass. As its a classic P bass in the Fender style your sound wouldnt be a million miles from the JJ burnell growl. Go to a music shop and pick up both a P bass and a J bass and see how the neck feels, the P bass is a few mm thicker. No problem for most people unless they have small hands. (like me) As for other makes. Yamahas are also almost always well made, even the entry level ones..

So far as sound is concerned. A combo would be best for the money you'd have left, there are always plenty knocking about. Get one with a headphone socket, so you can practice in quiet. Possibly a Laney.

Edited January 9, 2012 by daz

[BB2000]

Most basses copy either the Fender A (1-1/2"), B (1-5/8") or C (1-3/4") nut width. Try all three to see what neck type you are most comfortable with. Having decided that set a budget and see what comes up in the for sale section here (you'll get more for your money buying used). FWIW 3 of the players you mentioned above play Precision type basses (perhaps the other 2 do too - I'm not familiar with them) so perhaps that would be a good starting point. For an entry P type bass look for a Yamaha BB414 - mint ones go for about £150 here (JJ and Hook have used Yamaha BB's at some point).

[rOB]

[quote name='BB2000' timestamp='1326143547' post='1492976']
Most basses copy either the Fender A (1-1/2"), B (1-5/8") or C (1-3/4") nut width. Try all three to see what neck type you are most comfortable with. Having decided that set a budget and see what comes up in the for sale section here (you'll get more for your money buying used). FWIW 3 of the players you mentioned above play Precision type basses (perhaps the other 2 do too - I'm not familiar with them) so perhaps that would be a good starting point. For an entry P type bass look for a Yamaha BB414 - mint ones go for about £150 here (JJ and Hook have used Yamaha BB's at some point).
[/quote]

Good advice here. I really didn't enjoy playing my first bass because I just couldn't get along with the neck shape and width. I'd also be looking on here for second hand.

[Lozz196]

I`d echo Daz`s view, Squier Classic Vibe Precision - great for the JJ sound.

Ampwise, assuming you buy the Squier new, you`ll have about £80 leftover. Now an amp that is versatile, and loud, with a nice amount of gain on it, again for JJ type sounds, is the Marshall MB15. GAK, are doing them for £72.

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/marshall-mb-15-15w-2-channel-combo/4314?gclid=CP_vmO_6w60CFVGKfAodMXdhCQ

The MB has two channels, Modern, which has compression, and Classic, which emulates a valve amp, and has gain. Cracking little amp for the money.

[gmtx725]

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1326143450' post='1492974']
Youd struggle to get a Stingray / Cab for anything like what your prepared to spend. That said its still possible to get a great sound for not much money if you take
[/quote]

Yeah, I know that it's miles out of my price range, I was merely quoting it as an example of a look and feel that was good (having had a quick noodle on a friend's).[quote name='daz' timestamp='1326143450' post='1492974']
So far as sound is concerned. A combo would be best for the money you'd have left, there are always plenty knocking about. Get one with a headphone socket, so you can practice in quiet. Possibly a Laney.
[/quote]

Sorry, could you explain to me what a 'combo' is? I know next to nothing about amps. Sorry for the relentless questions, but I'd rather get some impartial advice here than from a salesman in a music shop somewhere!
[quote name='BB2000' timestamp='1326143547' post='1492976']
Most basses copy either the Fender A (1-1/2"), B (1-5/8") or C (1-3/4") nut width. Try all three to see what neck type you are most comfortable with. Having decided that set a budget and see what comes up in the for sale section here (you'll get more for your money buying used). FWIW 3 of the players you mentioned above play Precision type basses (perhaps the other 2 do too - I'm not familiar with them) so perhaps that would be a good starting point. For an entry P type bass look for a Yamaha BB414 - mint ones go for about £150 here (JJ and Hook have used Yamaha BB's at some point).
[/quote]

Would you definitely recommend buying used rather than new? I must admit I'd not considered the possibility of buying second hand yet, but I think I'll look into it now. I'll also look up the Yamaha BB414- £150 seems quite cheap though, I'm willing to spend a bit more than that to get something better.


[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1326147128' post='1493065']
I`d echo Daz`s view, Squier Classic Vibe Precision - great for the JJ sound.

Ampwise, assuming you buy the Squier new, you`ll have about £80 leftover. Now an amp that is versatile, and loud, with a nice amount of gain on it, again for JJ type sounds, is the Marshall MB15. GAK, are doing them for £72.

[url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/marshall-mb-15-15w-2-channel-combo/4314?gclid=CP_vmO_6w60CFVGKfAodMXdhCQ"]http://www.gak.co.uk...CFVGKfAodMXdhCQ[/url]

The MB has two channels, Modern, which has compression, and Classic, which emulates a valve amp, and has gain. Cracking little amp for the money.
[/quote]

[s]I had a look on my local music store's website, the only squier p-bass I could find was this one: [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/squier-vintage-modified-p-bass-rosewood-neck-olympic-white"]http://www.dawsons.c...k-olympic-white[/url], is that the same one you're talking about?[/s] In any case what you're describing sounds like the best option for me so far.

[s][Edit: I also found this bass: [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/squier-vintage-modified-telecaster-bass"]http://www.dawsons.c...telecaster-bass[/url], is this the one?][/s]

[Edit Again: I found the one you mean; it looks good]

The MB15 also sounds like a good amp for the price. If I was willing to stretch to £100 for the amp though would I be able to get anything considerably better?

Also could you explain what a 'valve amp' and 'gain' are?

Once again, sorry for all the questions, and thanks for all the assistance. You guys are a real help, especially for a novice like me! It's good to have some advice to help me make sense of it all.

Edited January 10, 2012 by gmtx725

[Hobbayne]

A combo has the amplifier and speaker built in together in one unit. The MB 15 is a combo.
Valve amps are expensive and heavy, but have a much warmer sound than transister amps like the mb15.
Gain is another word for volume.

Edited January 10, 2012 by Hobbayne

[Cyrene]

£400? just over 200 on a mint secondhand Squier CV (J or P) and just under 200 on a secondhand Ashdown EB180/300.
Job done

[Ou7shined]

If you want to get as close to a Stingray as possible without spending big bucks look out for a Musicman SUB. It's for all intents and purposes the same thing but built on a no-frills budget. This will blow most of your budget though but believe me it is well worth it.
As for the amp, well as you won't be gigging straight away you won't need one. I have a wonderful rig for live work but play most of the time at home through my Korg PX4D* - you will be able to pick up one of these 2nd hand for around £40. If you wanted something even cheaper you could get a basic headphone amp off ebay for a few quid which would do you well while you get to grips with playing and/or save up for your amp.


* edit : Gaf is selling a [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/164657-clearout-irig-mic-realistic-pzm-pandora-art-power-mix-2/page__pid__1493341#entry1493341"]PX3B[/url] for £33 posted - same sort of thing but older than my PX4D.

Edited January 10, 2012 by Ou7shined

[Paul S]

Or a Musicman SUB and buy my Peavey Microbass amp for £20... shameless plug...

[gmtx725]

OK, so it looks like there's a few options to consider.

Seeing as 3 people have independently recommended the Squier CV P-Bass, and I've had a look at it online and it looks good, it seems like that is perhaps a good one to go for. I've had a look at the Music Man SUB, and although that looks great as well, it's no longer in production, and I couldn't seem to find it secondhand anywhere either.

As for the amp, there appear to be three options, the Marshall MB15, as recommended by Lozz196, the Ashdown EB180 as recommended by Cyrene, or one of the cheaper practice amps recommended by Paul S and Ou7shined. Now whilst I obviously don't need a gig-worthy amp, I would like a bit more than the just capability to play through headphones, so maybe a 'basic headphone amp available of ebay for a few quid' isn't for me. The Ashdown EB180 is obviously at the top end of the price range, and the Marshall MB15 is more middle range, and then you've got the Peavey Microbass, PX4D, PX3B at the bottom end. So out of those three categories, what would you recommend for now? Imagine you were a beginner again, which amp would you prefer?

[razze06]

Ampwise, i feel i should recommend the small ampeg combos (BA108 and BA110), which produce a very nice and rounded sound for the money. Another good option is the ashdown after eight, which I recently bought to leave at my parents' house in Italy and recently gigged (yes gigged at 15w - electronic drumkit is a saviour!)

[Coilte]

Make sure to check out the G&L L2000 Tribute. It is one of the most versatile basses there is, tone wise. If at all possible, make sure to try before you buy.

http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/TributeSeries/basses/L-2000/index.asp

[tangodown87]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1326147128' post='1493065']
I`d echo Daz`s view, Squier Classic Vibe Precision - great for the JJ sound.

Ampwise, assuming you buy the Squier new, you`ll have about £80 leftover. Now an amp that is versatile, and loud, with a nice amount of gain on it, again for JJ type sounds, is the Marshall MB15. GAK, are doing them for £72.

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/marshall-mb-15-15w-2-channel-combo/4314?gclid=CP_vmO_6w60CFVGKfAodMXdhCQ

The MB has two channels, Modern, which has compression, and Classic, which emulates a valve amp, and has gain. Cracking little amp for the money.
[/quote]

+1 for the MB-15, i use it at home for practising on and its a great sounding amp, really good.

as for the bass, i dont know if they do a vintage modified p-bass, but i recently bought the squier vintage modified jazz and its unbelievable for the money(im not a fan of heavily lacquered necks),

i got £25 off my new squier as they are doing some instant rebate offers on www.gak.co.uk currently, not sure whether these are still running...

[daz]

[quote name='gmtx725' timestamp='1326151494' post='1493164']
Yeah, I know that it's miles out of my price range, I was merely quoting it as an example of a look and feel that was good (having had a quick noodle on a friend's).

Sorry, could you explain to me what a 'combo' is? I know next to nothing about amps. Sorry for the relentless questions, but I'd rather get some impartial advice here than from a salesman in a music shop somewhere!


Would you definitely recommend buying used rather than new? I must admit I'd not considered the possibility of buying second hand yet, but I think I'll look into it now. I'll also look up the Yamaha BB414- £150 seems quite cheap though, I'm willing to spend a bit more than that to get something better.




[s]I had a look on my local music store's website, the only squier p-bass I could find was this one: [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/squier-vintage-modified-p-bass-rosewood-neck-olympic-white"]http://www.dawsons.c...k-olympic-white[/url], is that the same one you're talking about?[/s] In any case what you're describing sounds like the best option for me so far.

[s][Edit: I also found this bass: [url="http://www.dawsons.co.uk/guitars/bass-guitars/squier-vintage-modified-telecaster-bass"]http://www.dawsons.c...telecaster-bass[/url], is this the one?][/s]

[Edit Again: I found the one you mean; it looks good]

The MB15 also sounds like a good amp for the price. If I was willing to stretch to £100 for the amp though would I be able to get anything considerably better?

Also could you explain what a 'valve amp' and 'gain' are?

Once again, sorry for all the questions, and thanks for all the assistance. You guys are a real help, especially for a novice like me! It's good to have some advice to help me make sense of it all.
[/quote]

Yes that Squier Vintage Modified P Bass from Dawsons would be fine as a starter bass, or not just a starter bass. I wouldnt worry about Valve amps at the moment unless you happen to come accross some fantastic bargain.

I see the link you used was from Dawsons ? Are you near a branch ? They are pretty good at letting you try out a few before you buy. I have a local branch in Chester, and have bought a few bass from there. The adantage of buying the Squier vintage modified P bass is that you'd get it from new and still have well over £100 left to get a small combo. But as ever go and see how it feels. Especialy the difference between a P bass and a J bass.

Edited January 10, 2012 by daz

[Big Mick]

"[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Would you definitely recommend buying used rather than new? I must admit I'd not considered the possibility of buying second hand yet, but I think I'll look into it now. I'll also look up the Yamaha BB414- £150 seems quite cheap though, I'm willing to spend a bit more than that to get something better."[/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]I've got a Yamaha BB414 and it's an absolutely fantastic bass for the money. IMO you'll need to spend considerably more than £150 to get anything much better (unless you get really lucky). Also you won't go far wrong with an old Peavey TNT combo. They go for absolute peanuts on here. I couldn't sell mine for £80 so don't pay over the odds for one![/font][/color]

[color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] B)Cheers, Mick.[/font][/color][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] [/font][/color]

[gmtx725]

[quote name='daz' timestamp='1326216857' post='1493979']
Yes that Squier Vintage Modified P Bass from Dawsons would be fine as a starter bass, or not just a starter bass. I wouldnt worry about Valve amps at the moment unless you happen to come accross some fantastic bargain.

I see the link you used was from Dawsons ? Are you near a branch ? They are pretty good at letting you try out a few before you buy. I have a local branch in Chester, and have bought a few bass from there. The adantage of buying the Squier vintage modified P bass is that you'd get it from new and still have well over £100 left to get a small combo. But as ever go and see how it feels. Especialy the difference between a P bass and a J bass.
[/quote]

Yeah, I have a Dawsons within walking distance of me in Reading. Even if I don't buy from them, I think I'm definitely going to go down there and try some out, it's always good to have test drive.

It'll be a bit intimidating though, trying out a bass as a complete novice in front of a bunch of pros and musos! I'll be sat there awkwardly twanging the strings not really knowing what to do with myself!

[gmtx725]

OK after some deliberating, I think I'm gravitating towards the [url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/squier-classic-vibe-50s-precision-bass-lake-placid-blue-maple/20770"]Squier Classic Vibe P-Bass[/url] plus [url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/marshall-mb-15-15w-2-channel-combo/4314?gclid=CP_vmO_6w60CFVGKfAodMXdhCQ"]Marshall MB15[/url], as those seem to have been the most recommended on this thread so far. However I've got a few final questions:

1. Would it be worth going for a Fender Standard Precision Bass? I know they're about £150 over budget for me but I could definitely afford to stretch that far if needs be. Could be overkill for a newbie I know, but I'm just trying to think ahead and avoid a scenario that involves me buying another bass in 18 months time or whatever. Are they really [i]that[/i] much better than the Squiers?

2. Similarly I'm also tempted by the Ashdown EB180 recommended by Cyrene. Again, over budget, but is it really a step up from the Marshall? Again, could be a bit OTT for a newbie, but if it's good could last me a while.

Once again thanks for all the advice guys, this site has been a real help! Hopefully having narrowed down the options a bit I can go out and actually buy my bass within the next week or two.

[Musky]

At £150 over budget you're probably looking at a Mexican made bass. Quite honestly I'd stick with the Classic Vibe as they're great value for the cash (not to mention genuinely good basses).

Ampwise, personally I'd go second hand as suggested. The TNT are cheap as chips used, or the Ashdown MAG can be had for the same money as the EB new and is a step up.

[gmtx725]

Alright to add a spanner to the works there's a Music Man SUB going for £400 on this site. Ou7shined highly recommended the SUB and I it does look pretty good. Simple question: that or the Classic Vibe?

[TRBboy]

Personally, I think you need to get some of these basses in your hands. I've always maintained that the feel of a bass is the single most important thing; if it doesn't feel comfortable and easy to play you're never going to get the most out of it or realise your full potential as a player.

Anyway, my personal recommendation would be to go for either a Yamaha RBX270 or an Ibanez SR300. I would personally go for a bigger combo, like a 100w 1x15", a. because you'll get a bit more depth and guts out of it, b. because if you want to play with a drummer or something you'll be able to keep up, and c. because there's a lot of satisfaction to be had from cranking it up once in a while! As others have mentioned, any of the well known brands will be fine; Fender, Ashdown, Peavey, Marshall, Laney, Ampeg, etc, etc. There are some older Trace Elliot combos to be had for not much money for a great amp.

Good luck, hope you find a bass you love!

[Conan]

My advice would be..... slow down! You sound like you are in a big hurry to get something. Don't be. Take your time, try a few basses and amps and then think about it. It's a buyer's market at the moment so if you have cash in hand you are in a strong position to haggle and barter.

But DEFINITELY buy used gear. On here if you can as you will be dealing with bass players who usually know what they are talking about!

[gmtx725]

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1326270639' post='1494605']
My advice would be..... slow down! You sound like you are in a big hurry to get something. Don't be. Take your time, try a few basses and amps and then think about it. It's a buyer's market at the moment so if you have cash in hand you are in a strong position to haggle and barter.

But DEFINITELY buy used gear. On here if you can as you will be dealing with bass players who usually know what they are talking about!
[/quote]

Yeah, I'm kinda in a hurry... Not for any good reason, just because I've been saving up for this for a while, and I'm pretty excited about getting a bass. Probably shouldn't rush into it but its hard to have the willpower and self-control...

I'm still torn between a Music Man SUB and the Squier CV Precision if anyone can give me a gentle nudge towards either one of those...

[Conan]

[quote name='gmtx725' timestamp='1326325429' post='1495656']
I'm still torn between a Music Man SUB and the Squier CV Precision if anyone can give me a gentle nudge towards either one of those...
[/quote]

I think you are still slightly missing the point. Both are decent basses, but you won't know which one YOU prefer until you try both. And even then, there will be some examples that are better than others. This "problem" is as simple or as difficult as you want to make it!

[Paul S]

+1 for trying before you make a commitment. Both the MM SUB and P-Bass will have a reasonably wide neck and it could be that you don't get on with a wider neck, in which case you would be looking towards a Jazz style bass or an Ibanez Soundgear/Yamaha (there is an RBX800A for sale in the classifieds that is a huge amount of bass for the money). But unless you try both wide and skinny necks, you won't know. It has nothing to do with hand size, incidentally - I have big hands but prefer skinny necks. Some people find both comfortable.