erman Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Hi folks, I'm a novice bassist who happens to be without a bass guitar but have the will (and some cash) to buy one, so I'm here to ask for your recommendations. I mostly like to play metal, mainly 80ies stuff, maiden, judas priest, ozzy etc. My budget is at most 1000£ (don't have to spend it till the last penny I checked the Fender Steve Harris Precision Bass and Fender American Deluxe P Bass but I couldn't made up my mind yet, so I'm asking your opinion, what do you recommend? Thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witterth Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 (edited) [quote name='erman' post='586144' date='Aug 31 2009, 10:50 PM']Hi folks, I'm a novice bassist who happens to be without a bass guitar but have the will (and some cash) to buy one, so I'm here to ask for your recommendations. I mostly like to play metal, mainly 80ies stuff, maiden, judas priest, ozzy etc. My budget is at most 1000£ (don't have to spend it till the last penny I checked the Fender Steve Harris Precision Bass and Fender American Deluxe P Bass but I couldn't made up my mind yet, so I'm asking your opinion, what do you recommend? Thanks in advance[/quote] to a beginner or start uper Id say, get a squire jazz( NOT P Bass) they are really good, and then spend the rest ( a good amount left from £1000) on a really good rig/combo especially if you in a rock band! in my humble opinion guys starting out spend too much on a guitar with a spec surplus to requirements and have no money left for the amp to make themselves heard! if you have a good amp/cab set up allready then look at second hand stingray or real fender jazz bass as you'll allways get your money back if it dosent work out and want to sell it on. sometimes with these guitars you can get really lucky and MAKE money on resale. Ow'sabout that then guys n gals?oohh...aahh...oohh( what you dont know Jimmy Saville?) mind you if youre Really into iron maien get a precision like steve Edited August 31, 2009 by witterth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMech Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 (edited) I'll see if I can preempt the other posts. Firstly, it might be worth using the search function, as I'd be suprised if this hasn't been asked several times before. Secondly, browse the secondhand section on here. Buying used gives you far more bang for your buck than buying new, and if you don't tell anyone they won't even know the difference! Lastly, don't forget you need an amp to go with the bass (assuming you don't have one). The advice I was given was that a good bass with a bad amp won't sound as good as a bad bass with a good amp, so perhaps you should spent that grand 60% amp, 30% beer, 10% get a decent thick strap, some strings, and perhaps a pedal. Oh yeah, and if there's a bassist whose sound you like, it's normally not too hard to find out what gear he uses, so that could be a good starting point. So yeah, well done on the choice of instrument Edit: damn, someone beat me to it! damn you witterth... Edited August 31, 2009 by Zach Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 I was going to say the same. The chances of buying a duff instrument are less likely now then in the 80s. A decent amp [b]has[/b] to be a consideration if you are to play. The Squier VM range are awesome but even if you limit your bass to £600-£700 you'll still have enough to get a halfway decent combo. You have a strong budget. Best of luck with it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 The 'meat and potatoes' bass for metal/rock in the 80s was a P-bass (although Priest's Ian Hill used to favour a Jazz bass). However, pretty much the whole range was covered by the bands you like (pointy basses such as Hamers/Charvels etc, Spectors, and others as well as Fenders). With the right amp/pedals you can get pretty much whatever sound you have in your head. So another +1 from me for spending a bit less on a bass (check the FS sections here) and getting a decent rig. A second-hand Fender Precision (Japanese Fenders are best value/quality trade-off) plus, say, a Hartke LH500 head and a decent cab (depends on size of gigs you envisage, probably a 1x15 is big enough) would in total set you back less than your budget. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 (edited) If you're after an 80s metal sound surely a Precision would be your best bet. As said, the Squier CV and VM ranges are consistently excellent, have a look at this one: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=58325&hl=squier"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...5&hl=squier[/url] Even if you decide to upgrade later you'll get most if not all of your money back on this, plus it would be a dependable back up if you wanted to keep hold of it The best bet is just to go play a few and decide what you like. If you find a great bass for a decent price then buy it, you've certainly got an enviable budget! EDIT: Or this: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=59113&st=0&#entry586155"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...mp;#entry586155[/url] Edited August 31, 2009 by lemmywinks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 Old standards like Fender Precisions and Jazzes are readily available second hand and will hold their resale value better than many other basses as there is always demand for them. And if this is your first bass you may well want to change it not too far in the future. As has already been said you need an appropriate rig to go with it. No point spending £1000 on a bass if you're not going to spend £1000 on a rig to power it. So adjust your money accordingly. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witterth Posted August 31, 2009 Share Posted August 31, 2009 [quote name='Zach' post='586157' date='Aug 31 2009, 11:15 PM']I'll see if I can preempt the other posts. Firstly, it might be worth using the search function, as I'd be suprised if this hasn't been asked several times before. Secondly, browse the secondhand section on here. Buying used gives you far more bang for your buck than buying new, and if you don't tell anyone they won't even know the difference! Lastly, don't forget you need an amp to go with the bass (assuming you don't have one). The advice I was given was that a good bass with a bad amp won't sound as good as a bad bass with a good amp, so perhaps you should spent that grand 60% amp, 30% beer, 10% get a decent thick strap, some strings, and perhaps a pedal. Oh yeah, and if there's a bassist whose sound you like, it's normally not too hard to find out what gear he uses, so that could be a good starting point. So yeah, well done on the choice of instrument Edit: damn, someone beat me to it! damn you witterth...[/quote] its only because I care Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Burpster Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 [quote name='erman' post='586144' date='Aug 31 2009, 10:50 PM']Hi folks, I'm a novice bassist who happens to be without a bass guitar but have the will (and some cash) to buy one, so I'm here to ask for your recommendations. I mostly like to play metal, mainly 80ies stuff, maiden, judas priest, ozzy etc. My budget is at most 1000£ (don't have to spend it till the last penny I checked the Fender Steve Harris Precision Bass and Fender American Deluxe P Bass but I couldn't made up my mind yet, so I'm asking your opinion, what do you recommend? Thanks in advance[/quote] Welcome and lets see if we can help..... 1st off there's some good comments above....... all valid..... Buut my opininon FWIW.... Get something like this - [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/roland_cube_100_bass.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/roland_cube_100_bass.htm[/url] [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/ampeg_ba115hp_basscombo.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/ampeg_ba115hp_basscombo.htm[/url] Then at least you can turn up and play with your mates and keep up (no they are not top end rigs but they will get you going and will just keep up with a drum kit) plus these are OK for practising. 2nd off that leaves you about £600 for the bass - dont go mad with your first one as its quite unlikely that this will be the bass that you are known for and 'does your thing' but it will be a good step.... Aim for something along these lines.... [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_highway_one_pbass_rw_fb.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_highway_one_pbass_rw_fb.htm[/url] [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_highway_one_jbass_rw_fb.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_highway_one_jbass_rw_fb.htm[/url] The secret here is that you really need to try both a P and J to work out what kind of neck you prefer to play, there REALLY is a difference although it seems such a small amount on spec sheets you will end up preferring one over the other. Sure some folks say that you can play a narrower neck quicker but that depends on your hands. I have big hands and really dont like narrow necks but even that is hit and miss as advice. I'm suggesting those bits above as they will retain a good portion of thier value and be very sellable if you dont wish to keep them. The other really sensible thing to do is to look at the for sale threads on here as that is where you can get some really good stuff way cheaper than new - however bear in mind, there will be a lot of stuff on there that may just confuse you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brave Sir Robin Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) the Steve Harris is a P bass with a SD quarter Pounder. You can get a cheap P bass and give it the Steve Harris treatment Leave space for a decent amp. Power requirements aside, I like that Roland Cube. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/roland_cube_100_bass.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/roland_cube_100_bass.htm[/url] ROLAND CB-100 BASS Speaking of cheap basses, that looks interesting : [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_rockbass_streamer_blackhawkset.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_rockbass_...lackhawkset.htm[/url] Edited September 1, 2009 by Brave Sir Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brave Sir Robin Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) as for amps, a quick example [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/gallien_krueger_backline_600410_halfstack.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/gallien_krueger_b...0_halfstack.htm[/url] With the rockbass above, you'd get quite a mighty setup. As ever, you'll get loads of bang for bucks second hands. Edited September 1, 2009 by Brave Sir Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisba Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 £1000 is a big budget for a beginner. What if you decide you don't like it ? For £250 ( or less, if you go second hand ), you can get a Squier P with a Fender Rumple practice amp in a starter kit which will get you going and let you play with your mates and do small pub gigs. Not a hifi, jazzy sound but perfect for rock. That is what I did. I have since upgraded to a Fender P ( japanese ) and an Ashdown EB180 amp, and I still haven't spent anywhere near £1000 ( if you exclude the beer, that is ). Still use the Fender amp for practice ( 'cos it's small ) and I've sold the Squier to a nephew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erman Posted September 1, 2009 Author Share Posted September 1, 2009 Thank you all for your advices and suggestions, I'll listen what you say, I've decided to go for a cheaper one (at least for now) I'm leaving the amplifier to a later date, so that's out of question now. As for the Precision or Jazz subject, I'm actually a guitar player with fairly big hands and I can play either version, so that's not a problem Just a quick look and I found some budget basses, any idea about these models? [b]Schecter Omen-4[/b] [b]Schecter Stiletto Deluxe[/b] [b]Ibanez SRX2EX1[/b] [b]Squier by Fender Standard P Bass Special[/b] [b]ESP LTD F-154DX[/b] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brave Sir Robin Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) Nice choices. schecters are nice in general, so are the Ibanez and the Squier looks good. Not sure about the ESP (not my looks). The Omen looks pretty cool. It's hard to find a dud nowadays, whatever the price. Best of course is to get your hands on them if you can and see if it suits you. I'll add the Peavey Grind, Spectors, and the Trabens if you get the chance to try one. Note that Active preamp is not always recommended for cheapo bass (although they are decent in general). They have to sacrifice somewhere! Edited September 1, 2009 by Brave Sir Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witterth Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 (edited) Any colour you like,.... as long as its black(!?) Edited September 1, 2009 by witterth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMech Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 should have also mentioned that it'd be best go to to a decent bass seller and try out various stuff. If you're a london then the gallery is the obvious choice, not sure about the other 90% of the country. Still recomend you should avoid buying new and go second hand. I wish I had known that before I got my first bass. There's also a 'buying your first bass' thread that's on a sticky i think in this section. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRJAKESK8 Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I have to say it...I always say it... Is it rude to say it? I'm gonna say it. [color="#9932CC"]What you need my friend is a good ol' [size=6]P![/size][/color] There, I said it. hehe. jazzes not my thing...I thing its extremely hard to improve upon a precision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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