Choosing a Bass - "She was my first"
Aug 14 '00 (Updated Sep 26 '00)
Primarily for those wanting to buy their first bass
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My Story
I remember, several years ago, walking into a music store for the first time. I was a 19 year old freshman in college, beginning my studies in audio engineering, without the slightest clue about the instruments of my selected field of study. You see, I decided to go into this field simply because I liked, no loved, music and thought this would be the spot for me, since the only thing I knew how to play was the cassette (pre-CD days).
In class, I quickly realized everyone else played some instrument or another. Ugh, I hated that feeling, so I asked this guy named Rex (a guy in class, he seemed very musically experienced...ok, ok he was the old guy) what I should do. He told me "The hardest thing to find is a good bass player". And as if I had heard a voice from heaven, I emptied my bank account and headed to the nearest music store (Charlie Cash Music) to find my destiny. Arriving at this completely foreign establishment, I had absolutely no clue as to what I needed or wanted, much less if I was getting a good deal or not. But I was going to buy me a bass!!
My decision process went about like this...
"Hmmmmm, that blue one looks cool. How much is it?"
"$289.00"
"Ok, I'll take it."
The bass that I purchased, using my entire measly savings, turned out to be one of the worst basses (Olympic..as if anyone has heard of it) I've seen, but at the time I didn't know or care. I simply took it home and stayed up to the wee hours of the night, when everything was quiet, to practice my very own bass (had to do it at night since I didn't have an amp for 4 months).
Although my experience wasn't terrible, it could have been quite a bit better. I now know there are much better basses in that price range. A little research and advice would have been the best thing for me. So now I would like to share what I would have liked to have known then.
Things to consider when shopping for your first bass
The Sound
Find out the basses your favorite players use. Seems pretty reasonable that you would like to be able to get a similar sound to what they get. Sure, they have the benefit of outstanding amplifiers and other gear, but still you will do good looking at the same brands. Don't be afraid to learn to play on a fretless or a six string bass. There is no rule saying you need to start with a Fender 4-string P-bass. You have to love what you are doing in order to have the motivation to succeed, so figure out what you want and don't sway from your goal.
Plug it in and try it out. If you aren't confident enough for this, don't be shy to ask another bass player that might be there to play it for you. Could be fun and a good way to gain some insight. Of course he might also be a metalhead still high from the night before, thinkin he's the best in the world, and you could be stuck there for days listening to him rant about how cool he is....On, second thought, bring a friend.
The Electronics
The pick-ups are very critical for getting a good sound, and the variety of tone control setups are important too. You are sure to get what you pay for here. The higher priced basses come with better electronics. In order to keep things simple, I defer to the "buy a bass your favorite bass player plays" rule. If you need to go inexpensive (i.e. under $300), you should find someone who has experience to help you check it out. Even some of those low end Fender's are cr*p (ooops, can I say cr*p?...guess not).
The Feel
Try the bass on, not just for a few seconds either, but wear it for a good 10 minutes at least. Noting especially how it feels on your shoulders. Is it too heavy? Is it top or bottom heavy? Simply give yourself some time and be honest about what your body tells you here.
The Action
I wrote an earlier review on action and fret buzz, so I won't elaborate too much. Simply, be sure to pay close attention to the action of the bass, and the straightness of the neck. I have seen basses in stores with slightly curved necks...avoid these.
The Look
We all want to look cool with our new bass, that's understandable. But don't be too picky because, you tastes WILL change and what looks "boring" one day might be powerfully understated" the next.
The Price
Probably the single most deciding factor in most of our bass buying decisions is the price. One thing I can say with the utmost of necessity is: Shop around. Whether you do it online, on the phone, or in person, get prices compare and talk to the sales people. Ask them "Is that the best you can do?", then go to the next store and tell them "Those guys were going to sell this for that much. Can you beat it?" And so on. This may seem like a hassle, and it is, but that's the way it works, and you have to play that game to get the best bass for the money you have. By the way, make sure they know you have the cash ready to hand over if they come down to your price. If you aren't adept at haggling then find someone who is, treat them to lunch and you two can work together to find your new bass.
Now with that said, be sure to save as much money as you can! The better bass you get, the more motivated you will be to play it.
The Amp
Yes, you will need an amplifier too, but may I suggest concentrating on the bass primarily. This is the most important part of the equation so you don't want to skimp. Depending on where you intend to play, you may not even need an amp for gigging, just something small for practice.
Final Thoughts
Your new bass is going to be a cherished and valuable part of you life. Girlfriends (or boyfriends) often get jealous over such relationships. So, you want it to be worth it, right? You want to be proud of your purchase and proud of your playing. So go out there and get that bass that is waiting for you. Drain you bank accounts, hock your living room furniture, sell your pets, do whatever you can to get that Alembic or vintage Fender, or whatever your taste drives you to. Then stay up at night and practice for 3 hours, till your fingers start to bleed. Take your bass to bed with you and dream about the monster licks you will be playing soon. Imagine Billy Sheahan watching you playing and saying "Damn, he's good!!" or Jaco saying "Wow, I never thought to do that". Don't be afraid, just go for it! It's one adventure in life you will never regret.
:^)
"Only wimps and guitar players play a bass with a pick!" ~me
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Epinions.com ID:
tortillaboy
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Member: Steve
Location: Pueblo, CO
Reviews written: 72
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About Me:
I was born, I grew up, and now I write at Epinions. :^)
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