Ponderin' the Bass

[HobbesDawg]

Soo I've been thinking over the last few years about taking up the base. Learn something new, musical, requiring dexterity and concentration.

Thing is, I know nuffin about starting out, what brands are good, what to avoid, etc.

So any advice would be appreciated, 'specialy from Wanda

 

[spideyjg]

Thing is, I know nuffin about starting out, what brands are good, what to avoid, etc.

So any advice would be appreciated, 'specialy from Wanda

You play anything Hobbes? There is a lot to discover and it is a fun instrument to play for sure.

What I always tell folks looking for a bass is to go into a store and play everything on the wall. What you want is what gets you the sound with the least effort. Ergonomics are a huge thing that can make some basses unplayable to you. You do not want to have to fight the bass to get the sound out of it.

Give you an example the Rickenbacker is the coolest looking bass to me but ergonomically I can't cope with it nor a Fender Jazz.

Bear in mind that most instruments on the wall in stores have piss poor setups so the playablity may be horrible. Much can be cured in the set up process by a good tech but not all.

If you buy used you can flip it easy if it isn't your bag. However buying from a good shop with a tech that can school you on minor stuff is worth a lot.

You like something simple or do you like to tweak knobs and stuff?

My personal go to choice is a bass with 2 pickups however there are compelling reasons for a simple 1 pickup bass. Once you get past 1 or 2 pickups the strings are the next crucial decision. Most of the sound beyond that will be in your technique.

What artists do you like the bass sound of?

Jim

 

[HobbesDawg]

I'd figured I'd go for a 2 pickup just for a more ambaint sound.

I learned guitar years and years ago, but after about 6 months gave it up. Mainly because I was in Highschool at the time and just had other things going on in my life.

As for who I like the sound of, that's a toughy. I really like the thumping bass of Harris of course but that'll take ages. Really like R&B and alas I'm just too sleepy (just got up to get ready for work) to think of any specific names right now.

Also, kind of wondered about woods and such. And I assume that learning the bass will be quite different from the guitar, in what you play, at least.

 

[Deadnight Warrior87]

If you're just going to do it as a hobby I'd suggest getting one of those starter packs that comes with an amp and everything. Lots of people seem to have this phobia about playing on guitars like Squires, LTDs, or Epiphones, but if you can play well on one of those you can play well on anything.

Besides, if you were ever to decide bass isn't for you, at least you didn't spend a fortune on an instrument you'll never use.

That's how I started at least. I got the Squire starter kit (I think it was like $300) and just played that for about a year and half before I got a new bass. And I still use that Squire a lot too, so it's not like it just sits around.

 

[spideyjg]

What is your budget range Hobbes?

Used you can find real cool stuff for dirt cheap. Scanning the SLC Craigslist....Like this one. Holy crap a steal if it works! Probably long gone though. Hell, if this is still available and works grab it for me.

Another steal on a great cabinet.....

Jim

 

[Metallicat180]

You mentioned you played guitar for a bit. In my experience, bass is alot harder than the guitar I found. The frets and so much bigger and the strings so much heavier, I personally find it quite difficult in comparison.

 

[Dweller of Sabaku]

I've also been thinking of taking up the bass, this will be round two for me though (used to play an old Ricki) anyways has anybody tried out the Fender Aerodyne Jazz? I love the standard Jazz bass but the sound is very mellow, of course it should be hence the name 'Jazz'. However I was wondering about the Aerodyne, it has a single Jazz pickup and a P pickup also; was thinking this pickup arrangement might get it to 'growl' with the right amplification. Any thoughts???

 

[Deadnight Warrior87]

I've also been thinking of taking up the bass, this will be round two for me though (used to play an old Ricki) anyways has anybody tried out the Fender Aerodyne Jazz? I love the standard Jazz bass but the sound is very mellow, of course it should be hence the name 'Jazz'. However I was wondering about the Aerodyne, it has a single Jazz pickup and a P pickup also; was thinking this pickup arrangement might get it to 'growl' with the right amplification. Any thoughts???

I've messed around with it at Guitar Center a couple of times. It's sort of got this midrange tone between the depth of a P Bass and the twang of a Jazz Bass. It sounds really warm, a good bass for people who love their basses bottom end to come out.

I have a Geddy Lee Jazz bass and I love it! It's mellow but it has some depth to it also.

 

[HobbesDawg]

Well hobby to start with. If I enjoy it I'll go next range up. As for guitar/bass difficulty differences, I've long arms and strong fingers and hands hehe.

 

[Metallicat180]

Well hobby to start with. If I enjoy it I'll go next range up. As for guitar/bass difficulty differences, I've long arms and strong fingers and hands hehe.

That doesn't mean anything sometimes!! I have long arms and big hands too and I still struggle. Look at someone like Wanda, she has tiny hands and can shit all over your average bass player. But as long as you keep practising, you'll be fine! Good luck duder!!

 

[HobbesDawg]

Now I just gota bring it up with the wife..hehe *winces*

 

[spideyjg]

I love the standard Jazz bass but the sound is very mellow, of course it should be hence the name 'Jazz'. However I was wondering about the Aerodyne, it has a single Jazz pickup and a P pickup also; was thinking this pickup arrangement might get it to 'growl' with the right amplification. Any thoughts???

Well the split coil/single coil does work quite well. I know a guy who put Seymore Duncan quarter pounder pickups in one and it was too aggressive for him.

My SB-2 is pretty damn mean sounding. I love it for punk or metal.

The typical dual single coil volume, volume, and tone like a Jazz is very mellow on it's own but can be gussied up. My JB-2 is great for R&B or funk but if I use the Sansamp bass driver, Geddy uses the rack mount version, I can nail the Rush pTANG! I can't cope with the funky offset body and skinny neck of a Fender.

Deadnight, How do you like this custom guarded Geddy? It isn't mine but a freaking awesome custom guard on it.

 

[spideyjg]

If you're just going to do it as a hobby I'd suggest getting one of those starter packs that comes with an amp and everything. Lots of people seem to have this phobia about playing on guitars like Squires, LTDs, or Epiphones, but if you can play well on one of those you can play well on anything.

Cheap yes but those starter packs have a bass that may need attention. A beginner on any instrument can waste a lot of effort and time fighting a poorly setup or sounding instrument and get discouraged.
That is why it is best to have a tech and an experienced player look over whatever you are considering. Above all damn the name on the headstock if it plays good, sounds good, and a tech gives a thumbs up, it is good.

You can usually find old USA made Peavey basses and amps for stoopid cheap and they are a great bang for the buck.

Some of those "beginner" basses have crappy tuners and other parts you can end up tossing money at to improve. IMHO damn that. Spend some extra coin on something that doesn't need "upgrading".

Once you talk to your wife see what budget you have available.

Jim

 

[yosmark]

Jim your fender jazz bass is AWESOME.

 

[spideyjg]

Jim your fender jazz bass is AWESOME.

That isn't mine but a forum buddy of mine showing off the custom pickguard he had made for it. Take a close look see...

The company that did it was Terrapin guitars.

Imagine some of Tommy's great artwork imprinted onto a guard for Sara or Heathers axe.

Jim

 

[yosmark]

Oh i can imagine edwina imprinted in the guitars.

 

[Deadnight Warrior87]

Deadnight, How do you like this custom guarded Geddy? It isn't mine but a freaking awesome custom guard on it.

O-M-G!!!!!
That's just gorgeous!
I have an old BC Rich Mockinbird at home with a horrid paint job on it and I'm seriously considering getting the cover of Megadeth's Peace Sells album airbrushed onto it.

That's my main bass right now.

Cheap yes but those starter packs have a bass that may need attention. A beginner on any instrument can waste a lot of effort and time fighting a poorly setup or sounding instrument and get discouraged.

I think once you find an amp setting (which isn't difficult because there are usually only 3 tone knobs on those amps) and a figure out the way you like your bass to sound (which also isn't really hard since you only have a volume and tone knob) you'll be fine. I doubt very many people expect to sound really well when they're first learning.

But I'm totally with you when it comes to having someone experianced help guide you in your purchase.

 

[yosmark]

Oh i have a thing with every bass or guitar that has the shape of a flying v, the thing is that i love them i specially love the jackson RR3 .... or the white one i cant remember if it is the RR3 or the RR1 but anyway both are awesome.

 

[spideyjg]

I think once you find an amp setting (which isn't difficult because there are usually only 3 tone knobs on those amps) and a figure out the way you like your bass to sound (which also isn't really hard since you only have a volume and tone knob) you'll be fine. I doubt very many people expect to sound really well when they're first learning.

I have tried some small bass practice "amps" and they were horrid awful things that are nowhere near what a bass truly sounds like.

Nowadays they are better but the standard for a long time was the Peavey Microbass others sounded like a cardboard box of ass. Didn't even rate as a can of ass they were so bad. Maybe the amps in the packages are OK but I am dubious.
I picked up a used package deal with an OLP and Crate for a beginner for $90 a few years back. The OLP set up pretty nice but the Crate OMG what a sonic turd.

A beginner needs a properly set up axe and a decent sounding amp not a fartbox. They need to be able to hear what their technique sounds like not the HONK HONK HONK WOG WOG WOG WOG that comes out of a crappy amp.

You and I both know so much is in the hands and strings but unless you can really hear yourself you can't improve and at worst develop slop or really bad habits because you can't hear them.

Getting enough input Hobbes?

Jim

 

[MiniMurray]

a cardboard box of ass
a can of ass
a sonic turd
a fartbox
a crappy amp

You and I both know so much is in the hands and strings but unless you can really hear yourself you can't improve and at worst develop slop or really bad habits because you can't hear them.

Getting enough input Hobbes?

Jim

things NOT to buy! i agree w/ jim - happy ears = happy fingers - helps with ear training and speeds up the learning curve. if your not planning on jammin w/a drummer i'd get something like a bass pod. then you can try all the amps plus have some fun fx. yay! hobbs is gonna be a bass god!