School me on electric bass guitars

dmarbell

dmarbell

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I have the hots for a four string bass. Keep in mind I've never played bass guitar, and rarely play my acoustic guitars enough to say I play. But, I have pistols I don't shoot much, so hey! I am looking for a lower end intro model, something that won't break the bank, especially if it ends up sitting in a case forever.

A local small shop, seemingly trustworthy and where my two acoustics guitars were bought (one new and the other I acquired second-hand but came from there), they sell Tagima brand basses. It's a Brazilian company, but this lower end line is made in China. They are around $350 +/-. I've also been looking at Squier brands, which might be available at the bigger music box stores around. They seem to run about $75 less than the Tagimas.

Deciding on basses, when you don't really play, is confusing. There are full size and short scale, precision and jazz, and some that are precision and jazz both.

Anybody have any thoughts? Are short scale basses easier to learn on, even for a full-sized adult?
 
Subb'd
 
I have had two Squiers. Both short scale. A cheap Bronco and a Jaguar.

The Classic Vibe Jaguar is a super fun bass. The Bronco was more toy-like and I gave to a kid interested in bass, but fun for cheap.

The Classic Vibe series by Squier are pretty dang nice.


Edit: note that I am a guitarist, not a bassist, and just use them for fun home recording projects.
 
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Can’t go wrong with a P Bass, most recorded bass in history. The Squires and Mexican Fenders are surprisingly quality instruments. At this price-point expect only a gig bag (or nothing at all).

Maybe a used one from Craigslist? In any case, it’s worth your $$ to have it set up by a good tech.
 
steelciocc said:
Can’t go wrong with a P Bass, most recorded bass in history. The Squires and Mexican Fenders are surprisingly quality instruments. At this price-point expect only a gig bag (or nothing at all).

Maybe a used one from Craigslist? In any case, it’s worth your $$ to have it set up by a good tech.
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This ^^^

I am a bass player. Fender P Bass will do you well. That includes the Squier lineup also, CVs are good. Any MIM (made in Mexico) Fender, or if you want to spend some bucks step up to the Player or Performer series by Fender. Sky’s the limit if you really want to spend.
Best bang for the buck: Fender MIM P bass used.
 
steelciocc said:
Can’t go wrong with a P Bass, most recorded bass in history. The Squires and Mexican Fenders are surprisingly quality instruments. At this price-point expect only a gig bag (or nothing at all).

Maybe a used one from Craigslist? In any case, it’s worth your $$ to have it set up by a good tech.
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DRFury said:
This ^^^

I am a bass player. Fender P Bass will do you well. That includes the Squier lineup also, CVs are good. Any MIM (made in Mexico) Fender, or if you want to spend some bucks step up to the Player or Performer series by Fender. Sky’s the limit if you really want to spend.
Best bang for the buck: Fender MIM P bass used.
Click to expand...

I'm not savvy enough to determine a deal on Craigslist or FB Marketplace. This ad on Craigslist says this is a US made Peavey RDS, but it clearly says BXP on the headstock. Interwebs say the BXP is made in Indonesia. I have to go to a dealer, or have someone help with a selection.

How about Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass? $450 plus tax new at big box stores. That's about my limit for entry price. I'd rather spend a few small bucks on something I have to give to a kid, in the miraculous event I can even learn to play the thing, and then invest in a better axe.

raleigh.craigslist.org

Peavey Bass Guitar - Made in the USA - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

Used just a handful of time, zero scratches USA made with serial number on the neck. Beautiful condition, as if from the store. The strings might need to be replaced. I have also books to play bass...
raleigh.craigslist.org
 
Just a quick scan of Raleigh Craigslist and this is the only one on there in your price range.

Assuming this is in good condition and functioning properly, this would be a better place to spend $450 (if you can stand the color combo : )

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/msg/d/chapel-hill-fender-bass-mim-case/7691182189.html

- MIM Fender vs. Squire
- Hardshell case
- “Upgraded” pickups
- No sales tax
- Might be able to negotiate a little lower.

I’d ask if he still has the original pickups and would include them.

Whatever you get, try to budget for a proper setup (~$75-100). Even a new one from a big box retailer would likely need a “real” setup. Mark Kane at thefretking.com in Cary is my go to.

I have one of these MIM P’s from 2013 and am very happy with it.

@DRFury needs to weigh in though, I’m just a novice on bass.
 
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dmarbell said:
That didn't come up in my search, or at least I didn't know what to look for. Where are these made?
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I‘m not sure exactly where in Mexico but, Fender has a very big operation there and has for many, many years. I have both an American made P and a Mexico made P and really, blindfolded I doubt I could notice a difference.

@sixtysevensg and @GeorgeBush could probably provide some wisdom too.
 
That used P-base looks nice. A new one at Sweetwater is $799, so $450 might be an okay deal, especially with the hard case. I have a MIM Fender Mustang PJ bass and an American P-base that cost 3x as much, and I mostly play the Mustang tbh.

Player Precision Bass - Buttercream with Maple Fingerboard - Sweetwater

Looking for 4-string Bass Guitars? Sweetwater has 55-Point Inspections, 0% Financing, FREE Shipping, and FREE Sweetwater Support for 4-string Bass Guitars!
www.sweetwater.com www.sweetwater.com
 
dmarbell said:
raleigh.craigslist.org

NEW Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass Olympic White - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

CASH ONLY 💵 NO TRADES ❌ NO LOWBALLERS 📉 NO DELIVERY 🚚 ACTIVE POSTING = STILL AVAILABLE CALL OR TEXT • BRAND NEW no marks, scuffs or scratches and still in box w/ original tags, manual, stickers,...
raleigh.craigslist.org

This seems like it might be a pretty good deal. Probably made in China.
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Yes, made in China. Aside from it coming from China it is probably a solid build. The biggest spec difference I see is at it has a glossy neck. MIM and American models have a silky smooth, matte neck finish (called “supernatural” in Fender parlance) that makes them very comfortable right out of the box.

That one would definitely need set up and likely some fret work.

Hopefully some one with personal experience with the MIC Squires will chime in.
 
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They are made just south of Tijuana.
I've read that some employees drive back and forth between the USA and Mexico factories regularly.

NC - Vintage Ibanez Bass & Ashdown Amp

This is probably a better place than the "other" category of BST. Stuff gets lost in there among the air compressors etc. Take $50 off all the BST prices just by being here in the super-cool-person sub forum. Thanks! Located in Statesville, send me a message!
carolinafirearmsforum.com carolinafirearmsforum.com

Shameless plug.
 
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The Fender MIM model is spoken for, buyer driving up from somewhere to get it tomorrow. I'm in second place. Seller welcomed me to bid higher than $450, but I declined to interrupt a deal some buyer thinks he's made. Maybe if the rains delay the deal I'll reconsider. Craigslist is not CFF integrity on deals, but we have to live up to our own standards.

The Vibe 60s get good reviews. That one on Craigslist is $450 at Guitar Center.
 
Just as observation. I’ve had an American standard Strat, and a Mexican made Strat. As stated above, the fit and finish wasn’t as good, VISIBLY, on the MIM Fat Strat, but it had hot pick-ups, a Floyd Rose set up, locking nut and bridge, and it would wail. A great value for the dollar.
 
That MIM P bass would be a good deal. Semour Duncan’s are a good and pretty standard upgrade. You would want to check for fret sprout on the neck with any bass you go to look at. That’s where the metal frets stick out along the edge and can feel like a cheese grater. While it can be fixed, it’s best not to start with an extra expense.
The Peavey mentioned upthread could be nice as the Cirrus line is okay. Definitely not made in America though. Old USA Peavey can be found for decent money though they have gone up in the last few years. I have an old Peavey Fury that is a great P Bass clone with a Jazz width neck.
 
Here are a couple in Raleigh area that may be worth looking at.
raleigh.craigslist.org

40th Anniversary Bass - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

Squier 40th Anniversary Vintage Edition Precision Bass. Satin Dakota Red. Hardshell TKL molded case. Mint! Like new! Professional setup. $375
raleigh.craigslist.org
raleigh.craigslist.org

Peavey Fury Bass w/hard case - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

Peavey P Style bass, electronics are in good condition, fresh strings 50-105 Ernie Ball Slinkys. Did a quick string length intonation that works well, neck has slight slight relief. Comes with...
raleigh.craigslist.org
raleigh.craigslist.org

NEW Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass Olympic White - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

CASH ONLY 💵 NO TRADES ❌ NO LOWBALLERS 📉 NO DELIVERY 🚚 ACTIVE POSTING = STILL AVAILABLE CALL OR TEXT • BRAND NEW no marks, scuffs or scratches and still in box w/ original tags, manual, stickers,...
raleigh.craigslist.org

With any of them you need to plug them in to an amp and make sure it makes sound and the knobs make the sound change. One knob is volume and should have obvious change while the other knob is for tone and the change will be more subtle but should be noticeable.
 
DRFury said:
I did see the butter cream one also but you said it was taken. It would be my first choice though if it was still available.
raleigh.craigslist.org

Fender P Bass MIM w/case - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

2018 Buttercream Fender Precision Bass w/ Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound Pickups and Fender TSA latching case $450 obo. Cash only. No trades.
raleigh.craigslist.org
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I got an email from the seller saying he suggested I bid and interrupt the sale because the buyer had already flaked out twice on him. Maybe the third time's the charm and I could end up with this.
 
DRFury said:
If you need an amp I know a guy.
raleigh.craigslist.org

Fender Rumble 40 - musical instruments - by owner - sale - craigslist

Great bass amp for home practice or intimate gig. Guitar sounds great through the Rumble amps as well. Price drop $125 firm. Pick up in Moore County.
raleigh.craigslist.org
(It’s mine)
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I obviously don't have an amp, so hold on till I actually get a bass.

On the MIM, I'll give the guy one last chance to make it good, as that is what the seller said as well. I could score the Vibe 60s and the amp for a little less than the MIM. I might have a little more if it has to be set up, but I might have to have you look it over during the amp buy to see. As I stated, I know zip about bass guitar except for the (now) hours I've spent watching reviews and demos, and what you all have taught me.
 
dmarbell said:
I obviously don't have an amp, so hold on till I actually get a bass.

On the MIM, I'll give the guy one last chance to make it good, as that is what the seller said as well. I could score the Vibe 60s and the amp for a little less than the MIM. I might have a little more if it has to be set up, but I might have to have you look it over during the amp buy to see. As I stated, I know zip about bass guitar except for the (now) hours I've spent watching reviews and demos, and what you all have taught me.
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I would even help you do a set up on a bass if you buy one. It’s not terribly difficult. Obviously I would not be able to level frets or that level of work but basic set up is no more difficult than cleaning a gun.
 
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Bass don't play electric guitars... only acoustic. Water and electricity don't mix...


(Sorry... )
 
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GeorgeBush said:
They are made just south of Tijuana.
I've read that some employees drive back and forth between the USA and Mexico factories regularly.

NC - Vintage Ibanez Bass & Ashdown Amp

This is probably a better place than the "other" category of BST. Stuff gets lost in there among the air compressors etc. Take $50 off all the BST prices just by being here in the super-cool-person sub forum. Thanks! Located in Statesville, send me a message!
carolinafirearmsforum.com carolinafirearmsforum.com

Shameless plug.
Click to expand...
I play an Ibanez bass that I really like, guess it’s 25 years old at this point. It’s not this model and I don’t know if they are all like this but the thing I like most is the neck. It’s so much thinner and the finish is a lot more slick than others, which makes it easy to play. Every time I pick up a Fender it just seems so chunky! If you haven’t played one and haven’t committed to something else, might be worth trying an Ibanez to see how it feels.
 
I can do fret work no problem. I've been dressing fret ends a lot here lately. It's that time of the year.

The CV line is a good line as well. China stepped up their game on QC and are building solid instruments. Have been for a while.

Be careful with the Peavey basses. 90% are good basses, but I have seen/owned some that have had truss rod problems. The ones from the 80's can have questionable rods in them. I used to love Peavey and used it for years. and then the Undercover Boss came out and they really shit on some of their people and could not have cared less. Google fu it.
 
The Tijuana comment was referring to Mexican fender. I had a Baja tele that was really nice.

My ibanez for sale is south Korean.
 
Have had a Peavy years ago, nice buy DANG was it heavy
Since then Ive had a Squire Jazz, MIM P-Bass, and now I have a Fender Aerodyne
FB/CL are great sources for good stuff used, that's my suggestion
 
Well, thanks to a flaky CL buyer, I am the proud owner of a Fender MIM P Bass. It looks exactly as pictured with not a mark on it that I can find. The seller was a very nice guy, and brought me an amp to keep included in the purchase price of the bass. He said it was his demo amp and this was his last axe for sale and didn't really need it anymore. It'll be fine for an amp for me to learn with.

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions.
 
dmarbell said:
Well, thanks to a flaky CL buyer, I am the proud owner of a Fender MIM P Bass. It looks exactly as pictured with not a mark on it that I can find. The seller was a very nice guy, and brought me an amp to keep included in the purchase price of the bass. He said it was his demo amp and this was his last axe for sale and didn't really need it anymore. It'll be fine for an amp for me to learn with.

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions.
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Looks like you got yourself another fine axe.
 
Okay, so hear me out.

You won’t need sheet music, tablature, or anything else, to get started.

Louie, Louie.

Smoke on the Water.

Sunshine of Your Love.
 
fieldgrade said:
Okay, so hear me out.

You won’t need sheet music, tablature, or anything else, to get started.

Louie, Louie.

Smoke on the Water.

Sunshine of Your Love.
Click to expand...

I've been working on Smoke on the Water already based on your prior suggestion. It will take some getting used to the distance between the strings, the size of the neck, and the feel of the strings for the right hand. Not exactly like anything I'd have been used to.
 
dmarbell said:
I've been working on Smoke on the Water already based on your prior suggestion. It will take some getting used to the distance between the strings, the size of the neck, and the feel of the strings for the right hand. Not exactly like anything I'd have been used to.
Click to expand...
Just like shooting a striker fire gun versus a 1911.

You can do it. It’s just muscle memory.
 
dct said:
I play an Ibanez bass that I really like, guess it’s 25 years old at this point. It’s not this model and I don’t know if they are all like this but the thing I like most is the neck. It’s so much thinner and the finish is a lot more slick than others, which makes it easy to play. Every time I pick up a Fender it just seems so chunky! If you haven’t played one and haven’t committed to something else, might be worth trying an Ibanez to see how it feels.
Click to expand...
I'd recommend doing this *after* learning to play the instrument. I prefer the string spacing and neck of my Ibanez SR to Fender P/J basses (and they play VERY differently). That said, I think the Fenders are more universal to learn and play on, and if you decide a different instrument is more to your liking, there's a much bigger market for buying/selling them (Fender basses).

That said, after you've been playing for about a year go pick up a few other basses just to try them out (you may simply affirm that the P bass is where you want to be). In the mean time, enjoy the hell out of that P bass. Awesome deal and a good instrument that will serve you well.
 
dmarbell said:
Well, thanks to a flaky CL buyer, I am the proud owner of a Fender MIM P Bass. It looks exactly as pictured with not a mark on it that I can find. The seller was a very nice guy, and brought me an amp to keep included in the purchase price of the bass. He said it was his demo amp and this was his last axe for sale and didn't really need it anymore. It'll be fine for an amp for me to learn with.

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions.
Click to expand...

Seriously, though, congratulations on finding a fine deal.

1704588226015.png

Oh, and the bass line from Highway Star:

 
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