ok, so I’m thinking about trying to learn to play bass.
looking at lots of stuff on the web.
biggest question is whether a beginner’s bass is going to be the way to go considering I am NOT a musician so I don’t know if I’m going to fail miserably or if I should go ahead and by an intermediate bass.
What advice do you give noobs in your martial arts classes? Should beginners start with intermediate material just because they think they really want to be serious students?
:rolleyes:
no, that doesn’t make sense.
of course I can’t jump in and play Victor or Bootsy right away
I wasn’t talking about the material, I was asking about the instrument itself.
Well, then…
Do you teach your students dao by giving them a combat-steel sharpened weapon?
Okay, bass recommendation:
If you can afford it, buy a decent quality bass. I’d recommend a Fender jazz bass (not just for playing jazz) or a Fender precision bass. I like Fender because it’s a reputable brand with classic models. Most of the other companies have patterned their guitars after Fender anyway.
Other brands like Ibanez are okay too, but Fender is pretty much a classic. They have varying price ranges, but at first I’d go with something in the middle of their product line. All of their gear is pretty okay, but the higher priced models are finished nicer and are of a higher caliber of quality.
Rickenbacher basses are classic too, but probably a little too expensive for what you’re looking for. I’d also advise you to make sure the model you buy feels good in your hands. It’s important to be comfortable with what you’re playing. Say that though, your preferences become more apparent after you’ve been playing for several years. Just like anything else I guess, experience is the best judge.
Oh, and start with a four string full scale model. It’s the standard. Don’t buy a short scale bass, although they’re not that common anyway. Don’t get carried away with five and eight string basses. Do that later if you feel that four strings limits you. For rock music it shouldn’t, for Jazz…well maybe.
Amps: Just go with a Fender, Ampeg, Acoustic, or Trace Elliott. All are good brands. Get whichever seems like the best deal. Stick with a combo model for now. A head and cabinet setup is just too much for a beginner. It’s more of a pro thing. Also, you don’t need a lot of watts for your amp. Don’t buy anything more than 50 watts. Fifty is probably too much for a beginner anyway.
Good luck.
MK, stop being a *******.
Oso, I’ve been thinking of picking up guitar and here’s what I’ve been told about what kind to pick up.
If I don’t know if it’s something I’m gonna stick with, pick up something cheap, but not too cheap, preferably something used but stilll in good condition.
If I know I’m going to stick with it, buy new, and get something good since the investment would be worth it.
It’s not like martial arts where you could hurt yourself or something like that, and from what I understand it’s not really like buying a car where if you’re just learning, you should go with something used cause you’ll be rough on it. A good guitar is a good guitar is a good guitar.
I’ve been consistantly told across the board, don’t go cheap, and don’t worry about “beginner” type instruments. There are some beginner packages you can buy, good instrument plus extras and a small amp.
Originally posted by red5angel
MK, stop being a *******.
:rolleyes:
MK, the analogy doesn’t work.
delibandit, thanks. My main interest is rock/funk but jazz would be second I suppose. I had looked at the short scale so I’m glad to get some feedback to stay away from that for not. I had thought that it would be better to bump up in quality of instrument as much as I could afford.
red5: I have seen some Fender beginner kits like you describe for less than $300. Seemed like a good thing.
I’m going to go by a music shop where I buy stuff for the school I work at, maybe they will hook me up.
Yeah, the better the bass, the better you will sound to yourself, motivating practice, and increasing enjoyment. Fender Precision or Jazz are excellent instruments. If you haven’t already, check out anything with Jaco Pastorius (I highly recommend his self-titled debut) and James Jamerson (there’s a great play along book available too! They are both master’s of melodic virtuoso jazz/funk bass playing!
just remember to tie it to your balls and stand in a horse stance on 2, 9 foot poles.
mmmm…James Jamerson…
Jena Jameson??
man, hey
start playing that Queen bass line that Vanila Ice stole
duh duh duh
duh duh duh duh duh!
duhduhduh
duh duh
duh duh duh duh duh!
oh yeah
then learn some basic rock/metal stuff like
sabbath and stuff
and others
maybe you can play some Tool
tool is awesome bass
but tool might be a bit harder for begginer
oh man i dig that american gymnast Carly something, that short chick is hot
some tips…
The more I do MA’s and Music the more I realise the parrallels between the two.
For example: to maximise your pogress you need to start very slowly and get your technique dead on. Once you’ve done this then and only then can you begin to think about building up speed.
Then once you get to a cretain level of proficiency its very easy to rest on your laurels and just ‘improvise/spar’ without setting yourself specfic goals/things to work on. I fell into this trap and my guiitar playing suffered as a result.
Also remember to relax: When people concentrate on something they have a natural tendency to tense up. This is the enemy of good technique (just like CMA)
And finally - Its worth learning some theory: this will give you an overall idea of what you should be playing and when, why one sequence of notes sounds good and another doesnt.
ok, so I’m seeing the Fender Precision and Jazz in the $385-$420 range new.
but there is a Ibanez ‘jumpstart’ pack with the GSR190 base + amp + tuner + headphones + case for just $280
I wouldn’t fu(k around with new in your position. Find a bass tutor and visit a few pawn shops with the guy. He’ll probably have an extra one that you can use for the first couple lessons.
mostly I would agree, but from what I’ve heard from a musician friend here, I’m looking at $100+ at a pawn shop and I’d still have to buy an amp, though I’m sure a pawn shop would have one.
the Ibanez for $280 would give me a new instrument and a warranty + the amp and extra goodies.
this friend of mine did say he’d be happy to go shopping with me to help find something that wasn’t all fu(ked up.
BUT, the Fender Precision comes in a nice sage green…
Personally, I wouldn’t worry much about a tuner and headphones. If you’ve got a decent ear, you can tune up to whoever you’re playing with, and you’ve probably got headphones already.
An amp and case are nice to have, though. The thing is, you’ll be getting a pretty bottom of the barrel everything at a price like that.
You’ll definitely be able to find amps at any used instrument dealer or pawn shop that has a bass. I think you need to take your buddy up on his offer.
Happy plucking!
For fun, check out the Cheesey guitars site.
Dig this soviet-made thunder broom, for example.
Oso, you can’t go wrong buying a Fender Squire series Jazz bass, or Percision bass and an amp. you can get this for around $200.00 american and then you can use this instrument until you’ve really honed your skills and are ready for a true quality instrument.
I’ve steered several young bass players in this route and they were all very happy.
