Gears for a Beginner Bassist

[Lainden]

Hi Guys, I'm new here (and even newer to the guitar world)

Have not touch any bass guitar before but is really keen to learn. So was wondering is there any recommendation for gears to get for a beginner. Mainly to be use for bedroom practise since I do not know how to play a single note yet

Budget is around sgd 1k for the whole set (guitar + amp + cables + bag + pick + etc...)

Saw Plaza Sing Yamaha is selling a starter pack - ERB070 for $725 (other retailers selling around $500-600). Is that worth considering or will it be better to buy other models/accessories individually?


Appreciate all the help and feedbacks given =)

 

[mislyd]

plz never get a starter pack cos the quality is not good!

ok disclosure - i can sell you my gear, it will last you a good few years

bass: http://www.ibanez.com/BassGuitars/model-SR500
bought with gig bag for $900+. Selling for $580 with gig bag and cable because I am upgrading. I have used this on album recordings and live performances. The tone is versatile and the frets and body is narrower so it is easier for beginners to learn.
I keep my bass in superb condition so the fingerboard and neck is well oiled, very smooth. the body has no dents or scratches.
the electronics are bartolini (good grade pickups) and have served me well, no problems no repairs at all in the years I've had this bass.

not like fender - jumbo size frets. also, cheap yamahas have very dry and unplayable neck/fingerboards, also the electronics are no good. I have friends who have them and they had to send their instruments for repair.

Then you can get a decent amp for $200. and voila, better than your yamaha starter pack.

mail me at mislyd@hotmail.com for pictures or sms 91450511 to test.

 

[crazywoman]

Wah 1k is a pretty impressive budget! Personally I'd go with getting parts individually rather than a starter pack with a budget like that.

Try out a couple of basses first in shops and if possible bring a friend along with some experience on guitars/bass. Otherwise, there are many nice sales people around who will be able to guide you along. Most basses from shops come with a simple gig bag - since you're generally going to use it for 'bedroom practice', you probably don't need a spiffy one just yet.

When buying your bass on the forums though, ask whether its possible to just try it out first. I think it's more important to bring a friend along in this case. If the bass doesn't feel right, don't buy it. Also remember to ask whether a gig bag will be provided otherwise you'll be holding on to a bass like an idiot - especially if you take public transport!

I've always felt that the issue of frets would be a personal preference though. Some people might have bigger hands, etc. It's always better to test a bass first - don't be afraid to play it a little bit too.
But in many cases it also depends on how a bass is set up.
Also think about what kind of genres you play and make a choice between an active or passive pickups etc. I think this would be important regardless of whether you choose to get parts individually or get a starter pack.

Basic cables and straps are rather cheap. In terms of amps and basses, some digging in the Bass rookie corner might yield some nice suggestions.
All the best aight. And welcome to the wonderful world of bass!

 

[Lainden]

mislyd:
Thx for the attractive offer, but I will have to give a pass on that....
No offence though, juz dat I had bad experiences buying 2nd hand stuff >_<


crazywoman:
1k is the max I will fork out. What I had in mind is more in the 800-900 range...
If I can get something decent for a lower price, all the more better =P


Just saw some prices at SoundAlchemy.com

yamaha rbx270j - $458
hartke A25 - $210
hartke A35 - $280 (is it much better than the A25 with the 10watts difference or not really noticeable?)
Kinda catch my eye, with pretty good reviews. Anyone got feedbacks on them?

Was more interested in getting the rbx4a2 though but its kinda high on the price ($738)

*reason why I'm more focus on yamaha is due to past experience with instruments of other types (keyboard & woodwind). They stuff they have are quite value for money - decently good for the price range

 

[Turxile]

The main difference between the hartke a25 and a35 is the size of the speaker, which makes the main difference, not the wattage. The difference is worth it.
Why are you so set on Yamaha? You can easily buy a Squier brand new for 600 or less, or a Made in Mexico Fender for 900. They are good, reliable, and easier to sell.
Actually I would buy the Fender for 900 and get a headphone amp with the change.

 

[mislyd]

no problem!

The main difference between the hartke a25 and a35 is the size of the speaker, which makes the main difference, not the wattage. The difference is worth it.
Why are you so set on Yamaha? You can easily buy a Squier brand new for 600 or less, or a Made in Mexico Fender for 900. They are good, reliable, and easier to sell.
Actually I would buy the Fender for 900 and get a headphone amp with the change.

Agree with Turxile. Ditch the Yamaha - they are good for other instruments but not so good for low end basses. There are fantastic yamaha basses, but not within your budget. I would suggest Squire - these are very well build for the price and typically made in Indonesia for what you are willing to pay. You can get one cheaply.

Hartke is very bright sounding - hmm. I would say try it out first if you like the tone.

and if you are out of options consider my bass. teehee. i'm v particular about my instruments so no problems with buying it second hand.

 

[UnFoly]

Take a stroll at either peninsula or bras basah.
they have reasonably priced gear and staff who can offer you any advice you need.
You also get to try the basses and see whether you like it
Just take you time in choosing a bass, weigh all your options
Just don't get starter packs.
There is a tokai thunderbird which cost 500+ it looks good sounds quite good too

 

[crazywoman]

+1 for taking a stroll around peninsula or bras basah

Lots of great basses within and under your budget.
Good luck.

 

[Lainden]

Someone suggested craftsman to me. Although it is a house brand, but supposedly pretty good?

 

[willbassyeahindo]

try all different bass, i tried the craftsman p-bass before the neck is so much comfortable than the rbx, dont bother to buy tgm , lots of problem, i repair it like 3 times in a period of 1 year, rbx got like this weird neck which is uncomfortable and has a lot of deadspot on it. i will go with Ibanez ATK if i were you, http://www.sweelee.com.sg/garage/bass cheap price at swee lee. than get a nice amp hartke a series or gallien krueger mb112, hartke a35 cost 260 i think, mb112 is selling at 550 at woodworkz, or if you want hartke a35 contact me i got 1 for sale, i am letting go at 150

 

[theliverevolution]

Someone suggested craftsman to me. Although it is a house brand, but supposedly pretty good?

Well, despite being cheap house brands, for that price they're extremely good. Played a few before and they could compete with other lower-end brands like Squiers and such. The only disappointing fact is that they only have two or three colours; it would be nice if they had a little more variety