New to bass

[LuckySeven77]

Hi guys, i'm thinking of picking up bass guitar, from piano so ive headed around the basement of Penisula Shopping Centre and abit around Bras Basah, just to check out the guitars. however, i cant tell between a good bass and a bad one, So can youall give me some advice? M budget for this bass will be around $200 to $400, and i want to get something that will last. If the pice is higher than that by abit could you also reccomend? And Do you know any other Shops in Singapore that sells bass. If you do, please tell me where and reccomend. Btw are starter packs value for money? cos i've heard elsewhere NOT to get any starter packs as they generally aren't very good. Thank you alot.

 

[alanchia]

starter packs are value for money as they include a bass amp in the pack (and of course, bass bag, strap, cable). your budget wont be able to get a good bass guitar with a good amp anyway.

there's nothing wrong getting a starter pack to learn. as your skill improved, you can start to look for better gear matching what you want - tone, weight, design, etc.

 

[cool-beans]

Does your budget include amp?

You can check out the Squier Affinity starter pack at Swee Lee ($500) or SX starter pack at Davis ($300). I think Standard Value sells some bass packages as well, but I'm not sure what the brands are.

 

[LuckySeven77]

Nah my budget dosent include the amp. with amp maybe about 550? And like i'm just a student and if i were to get a second guitar, it would be like years and years away cos my dad's the kind of person that won't buy a new thing unless the old one is spoilt. So like this bass is gonna last me bout... 4 years? And so i want something that will last. Thanks!

P.S Saw this bass called 'Cobra" by samick. Any comments on it. I forgot the name of the shop, but its somewhere in Excelior( sorry my spelling fail=P) Thanks!

 

[cool-beans]

Ever considered buying second hand?

Anyhow, the Squier Affinity Starter pack is pretty decent. Comes with a Squier Affinity Bass (either J or P), a pretty good Fender practice amp and accessories. Within your budget as well.

The Yamaha RBX series is not bad too, can check em out.

 

[LuckySeven77]

Ya. Was thinking of that RBX170... but decided to see all the other options first... And Second hand for me is ok, as long as its not TOO old. But i would really prefer something new =P. Thanks alot!=)

 

[jimi]

I am also going to recommend you look at pre-loved (2nd hand!) guitars - but then, that's what I sell (declaring my bias before I get acused of it!).

What style of bass are you going to play? if you are mainly a pick action dude - I would go for a squier or fender precision bass. In this price range you will be looking at Made in Mexico or Made (crafted) in Japan - and I would strongly prefer Crafted in Japan of these choices.

If you have a funky finger style - you are going to enjoy the tonal variety of the Squier or Fender Jazz basses. Most of all, trust your ears - insisit on playing any instrument you are going to buy - preferably on the amp you are going to play it with. And listen for the sound you want to hear. Should be punchy, warm and crisp to your ears - never mind what anyone else thinks... and avoid pedals or eq gimicks at least until you have a few hours under the belt!

Good luck - and enjoy

 

[cool-beans]

I am also going to recommend you look at pre-loved (2nd hand!) guitars - but then, that's what I sell (declaring my bias before I get acused of it!).

What style of bass are you going to play? if you are mainly a pick action dude - I would go for a squier or fender precision bass. In this price range you will be looking at Made in Mexico or Made (crafted) in Japan - and I would strongly prefer Crafted in Japan of these choices.

If you have a funky finger style - you are going to enjoy the tonal variety of the Squier or Fender Jazz basses. Most of all, trust your ears - insisit on playing any instrument you are going to buy - preferably on the amp you are going to play it with. And listen for the sound you want to hear. Should be punchy, warm and crisp to your ears - never mind what anyone else thinks... and avoid pedals or eq gimicks at least until you have a few hours under the belt!

Good luck - and enjoy

Can get MIM/CIJ Fenders at $500?! The last few I saw were going for $800 second hand...

Must add though, there are funky players who use a precision. People like James Jamerson and other early Motown artists. There are also rock players like Chris Wostenholme who use a jazz.

 

[LuckySeven77]

Thanks for help, but i think i have something for first hand. Thanks alot anyway! =)

 

[alanchia]

all my 3 bass are bought 2nd hand, and i love them all. there's nothing to worry if the bass have been well taken care of.

for example my oldest bass is the suzuki grand (you cant even buy a suzuki bass now) which is more than 20yrs old, and still working fine. and this is my first bass i've bought.