KVR Audio

nagal · Post by **nagal** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:33 pm

Not sure if I should have put this in the Getting Started section or not but oh well too late now

I have played guitar on and off for about 20 years but ever since I started I have always wanted to play bass. I finally decided that the time is now. What I really want to start with is a nice solid 4-string bass that I can later upgrade the hardware (pick-ups, bridge, tuners if needed). Any suggestions?

Liquidclear · Post by **Liquidclear** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:37 pm

Look and try out the Ibanez SG (sound gear)series...they're light, have fast necks/action, look good...and versatile soundwise.

robogone · Post by **robogone** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:53 pm

You could probably buy a Squier bass of some sort - P Bass and J Bass replacement parts are probably some of the easiest to find.

nagal · Post by **nagal** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:59 pm

Liquidclear I have heard a lot of good things about the SR series, its looking to be the way to go for me.

robojam, I have tried a Squier bass and did not really like them. It could have been the model I was using.

taijiguy · Post by **taijiguy** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:14 pm

The SX basses are decent, especially for the price. They're upgradable with Fender-compatible parts.

http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars4.html

Check out the reviews on Harmony Central.

nagal · Post by **nagal** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 7:28 pm

thanks taijiguy! Never heard of those, now to research

bullshark · Post by **bullshark** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:33 pm

Try the Squier Vintage Modified series, I just bought the Jazz fretless and it's very well made, sounds, feels and plays like a much more expensive instrument. They have a Precision, a Jazz and a fretless Jazz in that serie. Only thing I would change on those are the tuners, they're kind of cheap and heavy.

The regular Squier fare I wouldn't touch with a barge pole, nor would I touch an SX (bleh!).

Another decent low cost is the ESP B series, very solidly built bass, gorgeous and extremely playable neck but the electronics are so-so, might fit your bill of a later upgrade very well (swapping the pick-up and pots on those is a must).

Also look ate the Peavey offering; a bit more money than the ESP or Squier but not much and they are very good looking and playing basses. Only thing is, there's nothing that need done or changed on those.

z15 · Post by **z15** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:36 pm

If I lived in the US of A I would probably point my browser to http://www.talkbass.com and browse the basses for sale section on the bass guitar forums. It's really active and you can find really good deals, most of them are continental USA only so that doesn't help me much as an European but you seem to live in the USA.

Fact is that you can get a much higher quality instrument for cheaper used, and you won't have to start upgrading parts (or the whole bass!) right away.

Also, there's lots of threads about beginners' basses in other sections of talkbass and you can always ask if you don't find what you're looking for.

nagal · Post by **nagal** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:39 pm

I have always wanted to go fretless if I got a bass so thats some good input, thanks bullshark!

Hernan123 · Post by **Hernan123** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:56 pm

I have a Squier Affinity P that plays and sounds reasonable.

lhm1138 · Post by **lhm1138** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:24 pm

The Squiers are crap out of the box, lots of mods needed.

I would go with the least expensive Yamaha or Ibanez. The Fender Mexican P-Basses are the best if you can spend a bit more.

rustymoped · Post by **rustymoped** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:07 pm

Depends on what you want to spend. I've had everything from Mexican Fender to Musicman to Factor. I currently play an Ibanez SR500 4 string (real men only need 4 strings

) and have gotten more compliments on the tone of that bass than any other with the exception of the Factor.

It comes stock with Bartolini pickups and an active Bartolini 3band EQ. I love this bass and will have a hard time replacing it when the day comes.

Good luck!

Shane Sanders · Post by **Shane Sanders** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:16 pm

Liquidclear wrote:Look and try out the Ibanez SG (sound gear)series...they're light, have fast necks/action, look good...and versatile soundwise.

+1

For a beginner, the action alone will inspire you to practice. The Ergodine models have tons of tonal options, too.

james0tucson · Post by **james0tucson** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:20 pm

Why do beginners seem so afraid to start on fretless?

Muzik 4 Machines · Post by **Muzik 4 Machines** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:22 pm

i have a cheap jay turser bass, cost with case and a set of flatwounds: 89$cdn 1 year ago

Beginners Bass