squarejawbassist Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) Hi there! I'm new to the forum after it was recommended for me to come here to search for basses. I've already introduced myself in the Faith No More stylee in the introductions forum, but in case you miss it - well, hello again. Anyway my reason for signing on was that I was told this forum was full of nice people eager to help. Well, I've just been left some money by my late grandmother and was ordered to spend at least some of it on something I'll always appreciate. I've had a terrible Fender Jazz copy since I was sixteen (I'm now pushing 32) and think it's very much high time I move on to something that's a little more sophisticated. I play for the pleasure of it and want to get something that'll last (as it'll be my only bass) and, if possible, have something unique about it. I'm not new to playing music, although I've never played in a band. When it comes to basses I'm very much a beginner in terms of understanding the various terms and so on... all I know is that I'm not sure I'm after a Fender J or P copy, and (at the risk of subjecting myself to ire) do like the Warwick sound. If possible I'm after something that can do a little bit of slap and tickle yet can pull off an earthy tone like that of Air's La Femme D'argent. I'm also keen to aim for a five string, but will happily go for a four if it makes my eyes widen. I just want to know any recommendations you might have, whether it's something available commercially or something on the sale forums in my price range that could be seen as being a bit different... I'm looking to spend under £500, preferably in the 400-450 range, which isn't a lot I guess for a bass in the scheme of things but should provide me with something to make me smile as I play. Although I have to admit having a look at the sale forum the temptation to slap down near enough a grand is remarkably high (not that I can afford it ). Thanks in advance, and for bearing with my noobiness. (edit - incidentally, does anyone know what the guy from Air plays?) Edited May 27, 2009 by squarejawbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzz Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) If you haven't already, give this thread a read: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=8009"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=8009[/url] It'll help point you in the right direction regarding choosing one. Edited May 27, 2009 by Buzz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) Thanks, man. I've already taken a look. I should say over the years I've played dozzeennns of basses, always to the point of nearly buying, and had to put it off (freelancer, money goes towards quiet periods) until now. Naturally I understand until you actually sit down and play the bass, you really don't know it - which makes it rather an odd subject to put out there, in some ways. It's the feel and the sound that makes you want it, if a bass doesn't feel right then it's not for you - same as any instrument really! That said, I guess... abusing Guiler Bassmeister's Warwicks over the years has been fun. Bass Collection I've had fun with to, some Ibanez and recently those very strange Yamaha RBX's with the silly button lights. They sound a bit "soft" to me though when playing. Ultimately I guess I'd like the punch of an active bass that can also go to a more rounded, fuller sound. Probably asking way too much. Edited May 27, 2009 by squarejawbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bythesea Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Good luck with your search - there is a lot out there and lots of useful stuff here. And from Wikipedia Nicolas Godin plays a red Fender Mustang (though he may well play other basses as well). He's mentioned at the bottom of the [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Mustang_Bass"]list[/url] of players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 There's a very nice Bass Collection in the for sale section, at that price you'd have money left over for another too If you wanted to stretch your budget then this is what i'd have a look at: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=47434"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=47434[/url] If i were you i'd just keep looking at the for sale section on here, it's always full of bargains at every price range and it's nice and safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) [quote name='bythesea' post='499400' date='May 27 2009, 10:36 PM']Good luck with your search - there is a lot out there and lots of useful stuff here. And from Wikipedia Nicolas Godin plays a red Fender Mustang (though he may well play other basses as well). He's mentioned at the bottom of the [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Mustang_Bass"]list[/url] of players.[/quote] Many thanks! That does look familiar. I saw them play a couple of years ago in Kentish Town, it has a really earthy tone to it which really lends itself to their sound. They sound much more progressive rock live than they do on CD, it has to be said. Edited May 27, 2009 by squarejawbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted May 27, 2009 Author Share Posted May 27, 2009 [quote name='lemmywinks' post='499401' date='May 27 2009, 10:37 PM']There's a very nice Bass Collection in the for sale section, at that price you'd have money left over for another too If you wanted to stretch your budget then this is what i'd have a look at: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=47434"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=47434[/url] If i were you i'd just keep looking at the for sale section on here, it's always full of bargains at every price range and it's nice and safe[/quote] Yes, I was ogling that earlier. I'd love to stretch it but I have to get some graphics software with the money I was bequeathed - hence balancing something that's an investment, something that's a "want". Heh, I guess buying a rare bass would be something of an investment though. Dammit, now I'm talking myself into spending more... I was warned that would happen when visiting the sales section! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubinga5 Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 [quote name='squarejawbassist' post='499410' date='May 27 2009, 10:43 PM']Yes, I was ogling that earlier. I'd love to stretch it but I have to get some graphics software with the money I was bequeathed - hence balancing something that's an investment, something that's a "want". Heh, I guess buying a rare bass would be something of an investment though. Dammit, now I'm talking myself into spending more... I was warned that would happen when visiting the sales section![/quote] Its worth it bro, there great basses.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 I bet it is, it's nice also that its been played by some real talent in the past. I don't think I could do it justice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy67 Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Having just bought a Fender classic 50s precision, i cant recomend them enough for quality and price. [url="http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0131702340"]http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0131702340[/url] [url="http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0131800300"]http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0131800300[/url] the choice is yours!! andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMech Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 (edited) Hey squarejaw. thought i'd go mad and actually recommend something in your price range not sure if it's what you want of course, but I got a spector rebop second hand from eBay for £400, which I absolutely love. Having said that, a quick google showed that new they're around the 1k mark. bloody hell. Following that, most definitely buy second hand, you get so much more bang for your buck! Edit: thought I might as well stick in a link to tempt you [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=22400"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=22400[/url] Edited May 28, 2009 by Zach Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geilerbass Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 You could probably get a decent Mexican or even Japanese made Fender Jazz for that money. Alternatively, there are often Warwicks going cheaply second hand no here. I've seen a couple of Streamer LXs, the same model that I've got, go for about £450-500. Another recommendation would be Ibanez SR basses - again, you should be able to get an SR500 or SR505 for comfortably under £400. The Bass Collection is a good suggestion - I've got one of these as well. They sound great and are very playable. One of the best value basses around, in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 Only one person I know goes by the name geilerbass and has a GI Joe figure in their avatar. There's slim pickings for what I'm looking at right now in the sale section, I'll keep an eye out. I'll also head out to Camden in a couple of weeks to the bass center and see what's available... shame the one around Brick Lane disappeared though. @Zach - I'll look into it, Spectors seem to be more respected than I thought! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuseMatt Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Firstly, sorry to hear about your grandmother passing away. You'd do well in buying something like an SX bass and upgrading it. There's a topic about cheap basses that do the job somewhere, you can find a lot of info in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Although you say you're not after a Fender J or P copy have you tried a US made Fender J or P? You'll just about get a used one for your money with the huge advantage that if you really hate it you'd be able to sell it on very easily. If you're after a Warwick 5'er this looks rather nice [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48249&hl=warwick"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...&hl=warwick[/url] (well, I like the look of it as I'm a big fan of blue basses!). £450 posted to your door, lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassistJonathan Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 If I was you I would get a geddy lee jazz bass. But thats because if I was you, I would stil be me, and thats what I have :s Even at my minor age Ive owned a lot of basses especially fenders and this is the best all rounder IMO for that money. USA fender probs have a slight better build quality but IMO dont have that something diff that you get from the geddy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikhay77 Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 (edited) I have a warwick thumb,and a Bilodeau(see gear porn),both amazing basses but one that I love gigging with is my aria sb700 which I picked up cheapish and upgraded the pick up to an active emg,now sounds better than the sb1000,right on the money of 500 quid and an investment too,through neck really skinny amazing action sustains for years really great playability. Edited June 1, 2009 by mikhay77 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share Posted June 6, 2009 (edited) Wow, I move house and leave this thread for a while and come back to more responses! Thanks guys. @MuseMatt - Muse fan perchance? Anyway, thankyou for your post. She was 90 and had been ill on and off for many years, but kept on going right through to the end and was sharp as a tack. It was just her time, and she got to say goodbye properly and talk to her daughters at the end, which was all you could ask for really... ANYHOW... Money, burn, hole, pocket and all that. Firstly, apologies for people I've not gotten back to after expressing interest. You all seem like great peeps and cheers for your patience. But I decided that really, I had to play some basses for myself and decide that way. So I disappeared off to Camden this rainy morn and sat myself squarely in the Bass Gallery for an hour and a half or so and tried as many different sub-500 quid basses until I felt comfortable that one was "the one". The fellow there (short hair, tats, nice bloke) was kind enough to let me try a lot and embaress myself with my lack of skillz and set me through Ibanez, Washburn, Warwick, Fender and Yamaha and so on and so forth until I settled for... A 300 squid Fender Squier Jazz bass. [url="http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0303075505"]http://www.squierguitars.com/products/sear...rtno=0303075505[/url] He told me straight-up that for my price range that it was the best sound I could get, and frankly - he was right. I must've gone through ten basses and this was the only one that made an impression. I'm sure I could do better second-hand on here, but the important thing is how a bass feels (not looks, I'm telling you that scratch plate is GOING) and it felt right. On playing it a little more the action could be lowered further, but the neck is nice and small and I get around the frets without difficulty with my gammy little finger. It also sounds warm, and has a nice range of tones that I didn't find on the others. Plus it has a Tina Weymouth look about it (I know, it's nothing like her bass) for some reason, which made me smile. It's possibly furthest away from what I imagined myself buying, but there you go - sometimes you suprise yourself, I guess! Edited June 6, 2009 by squarejawbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Good call, going for a black scratchplate ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share Posted June 6, 2009 Not sure yet. Just one that doesn't look like marbled beef. Now to dig out some Matt Freeman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xilddx Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 I reckon black or pearl white will look awesome. Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squarejawbassist Posted June 6, 2009 Author Share Posted June 6, 2009 Cheers! Where's a good place to get them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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