Spec me a starter Bass

The Big T

The Big T

The Big T

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Joined
9 Oct 2003
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You don't often see a "Spec me..." thread in here so I thought I'd start one up.

I'm looking for a starter Bass. My budget is around the £250 mark. I'm looking for a more growly sounding one. No real reason why.. just cos :).
 
Can't go wrong with a Squier imo. My first bass was a squier jazz bass.
Maybe a precision would suit you over a jazz?
 
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Cheers Jumpy, I'm looking at a Squire P bass or a Epiphone firebird.

Fargo, I like playing Queens of the stone age and foo fighters and the like.
 
Np OP ;)

Hint - don't just buy one online or whatever... go to a shop and have a go, see how it feels when you pick it up, play it etc. No proper music shop would be anything other than helpful to a beginner looking for their first guitar. Besides, you might be able to get a bag and a strap thrown in the deal for free, or some arrangement on a practice amp? If you don't ask you don't get! :p
 
I think I've decided on a Epiphone Thunderbird IV. Any opinions on this bass?

Jumpy, cheers but I've been playing guitar for a long time so know to always try first ;)
 
I had a TB but had to get rid of it as I found the squared off body very sore on my wrist, especially when gigging; had to wear a wrist sports cuff for months afterwards. Its looks great and was fine for house use but just uncomfortable to play, especially too when considering a lot of neck dive!

I've also had Squier stuff and started out with one of their Precision's. Precision or Jazz are the classic basses. Each has a distinctive sound. I play a Fender American Standard of each. The P is great for rock and gives a real clang; the Jazz is smoother and has the famous growl, although more tonal variation with the two pick ups and the tone control.

There's a reason the P and J are so popular and copied so much. Agree with previous post though. Go and try them out; no substitute.

Good luck.
 
I'd definitely suggest the squier as the better quality overall bass but the thunderbird will likely be a better fit for the sound you're after. Might have to relocate the strap button if you find neck dive to be an issue.

If you don't mind going used head over to http://basschat.co.uk/ , some fantastic guys on that site and you wont find a selection of well looked after used basses anywhere at some great prices.
If you go down the used road your budget might stretch to a Warwick rock bass which will definitely give you the growl you're after.
 
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Cheers for that Ampeg, I'll have a look now. I already play a Epiphone Sheraton II which suffers from neck dive.. think it'll be worse than that? The Sheraton is a semi hollowbody so I'm thinking the weight of the Thunderbird's huge headstock could be a problem for me.

Damn, just when I think I've made up my mind I get doubt cast over it. Cheers for the info guys :)
 
Epiphone thundebird is a great if a little heavy bass.
I play an ibanez as well, i switch between the two for a bit of contrast.
 
Squire P Bass special if you can still get them, got mine for about 145 quid, the action is a little high for my liking, but you the benefit of both Precision and Jazz pickups in it with a Jazz neck!

Great starter bass, slap some beefy strings on it, tune down 2 steps, and start whacking out that Mexicola bass line ;)

http://www.reidys.com/index.pl?subm...&utm_medium=Feed&utm_campaign=PriceComparison

Got mine in a cool gun metal grey though ;)

Also worth investing in a half decent amp once you think you're going to stick at it, I got one of these which is great for at home!

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/produ...=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=base
 
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Just thought I'd let you guys know... I listened. I'm now the proud owner of a Vintage Modified Precision Bass and I love it!

I recorded Mexicola the other day and it sounds awesome! So thanks guys.
 
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