Lew-Bass Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 Hello all, it's my first posts on the site. Well, I've been playing bass for around 7 months now and I'm progressing well, and feel it's time I got a new bass. I play mostly metal but I have an opportunity to join a gigging indie band so I will need a new bass that would be good for indie music as well. To make it even more specific, I'm also a lefty! Ideally, my price range would be anything upto around £275, if anyone could recommend a bass that would suit my needs I'd be very grateful! Thanks alot guys and gals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedontcarebear Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 A jazz, p bass, in fact, most basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew-Bass Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 [quote name='thedontcarebear' post='397929' date='Feb 2 2009, 02:55 PM']A jazz, p bass, in fact, most basses.[/quote] Could you recommend a specific make or model mate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike257 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 The Squier Classic Vibe and Vintage Modern series get regular good shout outs on here. Not sure on the prices or the lefty availability off the top of my head, but a quick google will sort you out. Great basses for the money, and easy to mod/upgrade if that kind of thing tickles your fancy too. Can't go far wrong with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh3184 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 (edited) welcome fellow lefty! click on the link in my signature at the bottom (lefty market thread) and you may find something that catches your eye! *edit* mntl73's MIM Fender Jazz and Nevernever's Tanglewood Canyon II are both something that might fit what you're looking for Edited February 2, 2009 by josh3184 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrenochrome Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 [quote name='Lew-Bass' post='397934' date='Feb 2 2009, 02:59 PM']Could you recommend a specific make or model mate?[/quote] There's no substitute for getting one in your hands and trying it - although this might not be as easy for you, being sinister. The answer above is right though, almost all styles of bass have been using for metal-indie-rock. You could change strings and the action on the bass to suit your particular style of playing and sound you want. I'd generally advise full scale length ~34"; short scale basses can sound a bit woolly and indistinct when playing fast stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew-Bass Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 Thanks for your advice guys, could you give me your opinions on the basses I've identified so far? [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_rockbass_streamer_std_4_vw_lh.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_rockbass_...std_4_vw_lh.htm[/url] - Within my budget, but would it be a suitable bass for indie? [url="http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop/flypage/product_id/36996"]http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/shop/flypage/product_id/36996[/url] - That seems like an absolutely brilliant bass, my (realistic-ish) dream bass. If I could somehow get the money together would it be worth it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh3184 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 had a rockbass streamer in the early days of my playing, pretty nice bass to be honest, but its playability was knocked outta the park when i moved up to an actual warwick. On the other hand the ibby is a great bass in its own right, although I personally found the neck to be a bit too narrow for my liking at the nut. That's personal preference of course though. Like everyone else has said though, no substitute for trying them out first hand! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew-Bass Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 [quote name='josh3184' post='397977' date='Feb 2 2009, 03:41 PM']had a rockbass streamer in the early days of my playing, pretty nice bass to be honest, but its playability was knocked outta the park when i moved up to an actual warwick. On the other hand the ibby is a great bass in its own right, although I personally found the neck to be a bit too narrow for my liking at the nut. That's personal preference of course though. Like everyone else has said though, no substitute for trying them out first hand![/quote] Thanks for the insight. I noticed you live pretty near me (I'm in Liverpool), do you come up here when you buy your basses? If so do you know where I could go in and try them out, because Dawsons never have any left handed basses in... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh3184 Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 well I'm originally from leeds and to be honest I find it tough to find any lefty basses that aren't starter ones (apart from the Wal in manchester musicground ) What I do its I follow reviews and go out on a limb for the most part, by buying secondhand I can be assured of getting what I paid for it (or just under) if I don't like it. When I do go into music shops I tend to just play right handed basses upside down. I sound terrible (same when I'm playing a right handed bass upside down ) but you get an idea of its playability neck-wise and you can find tone samples by listening to other people. By doing ALL that you can get a good idea if its a bass you want or not! Not easy being lefty eh? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew-Bass Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 [quote name='josh3184' post='398001' date='Feb 2 2009, 04:00 PM']Not easy being lefty eh?[/quote] Not atall , breaks my heart when I see a good bass RH for such a small price! So mate do you reckon going on spec and value, the rockbass would be a better bet than the ibby? Also, it's abit off topic but could you recommend a good amp? I've seen this one, it seems good? [url="http://www.quicksound.co.uk/dpproduct/Behringer-ULTRABASS-BXL1800A_6690.html"]http://www.quicksound.co.uk/dpproduct/Behr...1800A_6690.html[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_bass Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 That Ibanez seems to always get great reviews. I had a Rockbass 5'er which was great but as Josh has said when you try an actual Warwick it will blow it out of the water. Although with things how they are at present you might be able to pick one up 2nd hand for your budget? LH might be a problem of course though. As for that amp mate personally I've never really been impressed with Behringer. Perhaps again have a look for something second hand for more bang for your buck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew-Bass Posted February 2, 2009 Author Share Posted February 2, 2009 [quote name='joe_bass' post='398034' date='Feb 2 2009, 04:24 PM']That Ibanez seems to always get great reviews. I had a Rockbass 5'er which was great but as Josh has said when you try an actual Warwick it will blow it out of the water. [b]Although with things how they are at present you might be able to pick one up 2nd hand for your budget? LH might be a problem of course though.[/b] As for that amp mate personally I've never really been impressed with Behringer. Perhaps again have a look for something second hand for more bang for your buck?[/quote] Might sound abit snobbish but I don't really fancy having a second hand bass, wouldn't be that bothered about an amp though. What makes do you recommend? It seems like all the good makes seem to try and rip you off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tait Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 +1 for squier VMJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ednaplate Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 TBH 2nd hand is often the best way to go especially if you are new to the instrument. That way you can sell something on making little or no loss until you find your ideal instrument. The For Sale section in this forum is the perfect place to look and they are often in better condition than what many shops sell as brand new. In fact I would guess that the majority of forum members have 2nd hand instruments in their collection. It makes more sense financially. Many are traded between members and if you try to rip someone off you tend to regret it as a previous member found out to his cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_bass Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 [quote name='Lew-Bass' post='398047' date='Feb 2 2009, 04:30 PM']Might sound abit snobbish but I don't really fancy having a second hand bass, wouldn't be that bothered about an amp though. What makes do you recommend? It seems like all the good makes seem to try and rip you off[/quote] Hmm you could really miss out on a potentially good deal if you rule out buying second hand, there are a few bargains to be had in this economic climate. Most gear I've owned has been second hand, this is a great place to look as well. As for an amp: Ashdown? Althought seems to be a case of love & hate with people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-soar Posted February 2, 2009 Share Posted February 2, 2009 [quote name='LWTAIT' post='398050' date='Feb 2 2009, 04:32 PM']+1 for squier VMJ[/quote]They don't make them in lefty. One of my students has one (on my recommendation) and it is a totally brilliant bass for the money. Hi Lew Bass, I live in Birkenhead and I'm a lefty bass player who has been playing for a while. I have a Fender Jazz and a Squier Precision bass that I bought second hand and they are fantastic. I knew what to look for as I have worked for a guitar builder and have been playing for over 20 years. If you need any help looking for a bass in Liverpool, or, if you see something secondhand that you need advice on, feel free to get in touch, send me a personal message, I'd be happy to help. All the best Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh3184 Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 i agree with joe, if you don't look at second hand then you'll really lose out. The first two basses i got were new and the minute I went into the second hand market with my third bass was when i met the truely great basses of my playing time. As for the two basses you've pointed out, I'd personally say the ibanez, as its a good bass within its own right as opposed to a bass made specifically to be second best to a good one. As for amps, avoid behringer, out of personaly choice (depending on price range) try and find an ashdown electric blue 15-180 or something of similar quality, check out some of our for sale sections! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew-Bass Posted February 3, 2009 Author Share Posted February 3, 2009 Can't afford the Ibanez now after taking a proper look at finances etc. if I need a new amp, so on bassmerchant I've found a Warwick Rockbass Streamer STD 5 with double bucks for £245, in almond sunburst too, which I haven't been able to find on a rockbass streamer til now. I know you're recommending to look for 2nd hand, but when it's the bass itself for me its personal however sad that sounds! Would the bass I've chosen do a job in metal and indie? Also, I've had a look in the sales section but finding it abit hard to make sense of it all, so if anyone could link me to some good combo amps for no more than £165 or around that, then I'd be truely grateful. Thanks alot guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leowasright Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 Jazz bass or Precision bass! Plenty of Squires or 2nd hand Fender Mexicos out there. I play a Jazz in a Indy band, and if I were in a metal/hard rock band, I'd play... a Jazz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_bass Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 [quote name='Lew-Bass' post='398544' date='Feb 3 2009, 01:37 AM']Can't afford the Ibanez now after taking a proper look at finances etc. if I need a new amp, so on bassmerchant I've found a Warwick Rockbass Streamer STD 5 with double bucks for £245, in almond sunburst too, which I haven't been able to find on a rockbass streamer til now. I know you're recommending to look for 2nd hand, but when it's the bass itself for me its personal however sad that sounds! Would the bass I've chosen do a job in metal and indie?[/quote] Fair enough then mate but don't think buying a bass that someone else has owned before you means it won't have any sentimental value to yourself. Would you never consider second hand, even if it was a blinding deal? Just out of interest!! I used my Rockbass primarily for the music course I did at college & we were playing a variety of genres etc, did fine for me! Go have a play in a local shop, see what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clauster Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 The Rockbasses are great for what they cost. The popular basses for indie are your more traditional P or J basses, but I play a Warwick Corvette in an alt/indie/punk/rock band. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh3184 Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 if you are really set on buying new then by all means go for it, its definitely your own choice- also its good for guarantees etc. Anyhoo, I'd say that the rockbass if definitely a good buy, its a nice midrange bass, worth a sling I'd say! All this is bringing back memories of trying to find a left handed 5 string a few years ago and being told they were virtually impossible to come by. Thank god for this forum, its been great for my rig, although not so good for my bank balance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josh3184 Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 as for combos there arent that many banging aroung the forum at the minute, it depends on what you want to use it for. Budget bassist's mate's crate amp ([url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=39888"]link[/url]) is a good deal for a LOUD practise amp verging on small gigs though i can't personally attest for the quality as I haven't used them myself (thought anyone?). Can probably haggle down to £120 or something similar as it looks like the guy selling it wants to get rid. Can Budget Bassist shed any light at all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan_da_man Posted February 3, 2009 Share Posted February 3, 2009 You can use pretty much any bass for any genre - it's how you EQ that matters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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