Totally new to playing instruments

[zero0orez]

Hi guys, as I've stated in topic, I'm completely new to instruments. I'm interested in playing the bass and will be planning to find a teacher. I need some help with regards to the gears needed.

Are the starter packages Good enough to last me for some time? If possible, I would like to stick to the same gear until I get better. My budget is around 400-500 max. I'm open to other choices/recommendations. What are some of the things I should look out for? I'm looking at jazz basses.

Sorry if my post seems messy.

Thanks

 

[tingzhi]

Hey~
If you don't mind 2nd hand gears u can look at the classified ads, maybe u can get the seller to do the setup for you.
What kind of music do you wan to play?

 

[zero0orez]

Alright, I'll go take a look.

Just to check, with my budget is it not possible to get new decent gears?

I'm more interested in rock, but if possible I would like to be able to play a variety

 

[alanchia]

i'll say starter packs are good enough to last you for sometime, till you know what other characteristic of bass gear you want to get in future.

 

[cool-beans]

The Squier Affinity Jazz Bass goes for $500 at Swee Lee. Could take a look at that. Comes with an amp, gigbag (although it's not really a good gigbag), cables and a instructional DVD.

Decent enough for the price.

 

[zero0orez]

Thanks for all the inputs! One more question

Should I bring a friend who plays the bass with me if I were to get the package to test the bass? I know for 2nd hand it's better to bring a friend down but I'm not sure if I should for the package.

Thanks =D

 

[cool-beans]

I don't think Swee Lee allows you to test the package because it's all packed nicely in a box already - at least that's what happened for me last year.

 

[zero0orez]

Oh! Alright thanks a lot! =D

 

[j3ster]

actually they allow i guess depending on the sales staff u are talkin to...
i managed to test the squier b4 buying

 

[subversion]

bring a friend who can check the instrument before you buy. also, try several models before making a final decision.

 

[darkcringe]

Well, first and foremost, do your research. Find out more about the beautiful instrument called "Bass" before you decide to commit money and time to. Check about the choice of wood used. Who is it made by? Does it have the kind of sound that I want? etc. Come on now, I don't need to tell you all these, really.

For me, before buying a Bongo 6, I did weeks of research on HH, HS, weight, the knobs and all that. Well just basically just go through forums like these and collect opinions of other people.

 

[alanchia]

For first time bass player, it would be difficult to make such decision and able to understand the information gathered. I'll say, go ahead, get a starter pack and start enjoy bass!!

As your skills improved, as you've played more styles, as you've tried other's bass guitars - you'll know what is the tone you have been dreaming of and what gear will 'try' to fulfill the dream. GAS is never ending.. lol.