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PosterBoy
I'm thinking about saving up a little and buying a bass guitar.

One reason is just to learn the instrument and learn more about groove, I'm sure it will help with my guitar playing

So I was hoping our Bass Guitar guru Bogdan (and other bass players) could give a rundown on the different options around from Precision vs Jazz bass and the less traditional basses like Yamaha RBX etc, active vs passive , 4 string vs 5 string
Headbanger
I've had a Musicman stingray 5 and a Warwick thumb 5 string and a Fender precision (4).
The Musicman was very bright sound and I sold it for a Warwick which had the' Warwick growl'. The Fender was very passive sounding but I liked it too. I liked them all and regret not having any of them any more. I'm now looking for another...but cheapo 200/300 euro bass....I will be looking for a four string as the extra string always confused me somehow!
Apologies for not being very informative!! laugh.gif But it depends on your budget and what styles you want to play/slap!
Todd Simpson
I tried every bass I could find when I was looking for a new, cheap, bass for my home studio. I ended up getting a 5 string Ibanez Gio which was very inexpensive. about $200. It played better than just about every bass I tried just due to the thin neck. But then again I like ibanez guitars smile.gif So it will come down to what you feel right playing and the only way to do that is to go to the music store and try every bass they have. smile.gif

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QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Dec 5 2013, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm thinking about saving up a little and buying a bass guitar.

One reason is just to learn the instrument and learn more about groove, I'm sure it will help with my guitar playing

So I was hoping our Bass Guitar guru Bogdan (and other bass players) could give a rundown on the different options around from Precision vs Jazz bass and the less traditional basses like Yamaha RBX etc, active vs passive , 4 string vs 5 string
PosterBoy
I'm quite limited in the west of ireland for music shops with choice. I may have to do the journey to Dublin.

In terms of styles there will be a lot of Rock in it's various sub genres but who can take up bass and not want to master the whole slap style!

I'm going to have to start paying attention to the bass players in my favourite bands from now on I think!
Bogdan Radovic
QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Dec 5 2013, 05:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm thinking about saving up a little and buying a bass guitar.

One reason is just to learn the instrument and learn more about groove, I'm sure it will help with my guitar playing

So I was hoping our Bass Guitar guru Bogdan (and other bass players) could give a rundown on the different options around from Precision vs Jazz bass and the less traditional basses like Yamaha RBX etc, active vs passive , 4 string vs 5 string


Great to hear you'll be out in the market for bass! I think that playing bass guitar can give you a very fresh perspective and surely will also benefit your guitar playing.

Since this will be a first bass - I would suggest going for a nice 4 string bass that is versatile.

That being said, my best bang for the buck when it comes to (new) basses would be :

* Peavey Millennium 4 AC BXP

* Peavey Grind Bass

* Nice Jazz Bass type of bass, for example : Squier Classic Vibe Jazz Bass or some less known brand instrument that feels good
______________________

All these are 4 string basses and first one up there features active electronics which helps squeeze some nice tone from a cheap instrument. All are relatively versatile basses (in comparison to Precision bass for example which is amazing in what is usually 1 tone it does) and should be all a very good choice in the price range. Now as with any instrument - you need to try out these in the store and to find a one that you like. When it comes to bass, look at the action (I personally like to be able to set it nice and low) and general build/feel + sound. You need to feel comfortable with the instrument in hands and like the sound of it and at this price range - quality can vary here and there.
Darius Wave
If You look for a bass with good rock/metal contour tone I can tell that Spector Performer or Legeng do the Job.
PosterBoy
After watching lots of you tube clips I'm leaning towards a P-bass or PJ bass of some kind, I'm quite traditional at heart.
Todd Simpson
This question comes up about once every few months. The last time, I remember thinking we should enshrine some of the best answers in the wiki so we wouldn't need to reinvent the wheel each time. I"ll try to see if I can locate the responses. IF not, you might be able to locate them via search.

CRITICAL INFO:)

Of course, you should obviously play whatever bass you are thinking about buying prior to purchase smile.gif I know I keep saying this like a broken record, but it seems some folks still actually buy an instrument off the internet without having played it which I find silly smile.gif

I"ve played the PBASS and I despised it. The neck was simply the worst thing I'd ever touched. Like a telephone pole. But that is just me. Some folks LOVE THE PBASS!!!!! And worship at the alter of Fender. So what other folks think can only be so much help at times.

QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Dec 5 2013, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm thinking about saving up a little and buying a bass guitar.

One reason is just to learn the instrument and learn more about groove, I'm sure it will help with my guitar playing

So I was hoping our Bass Guitar guru Bogdan (and other bass players) could give a rundown on the different options around from Precision vs Jazz bass and the less traditional basses like Yamaha RBX etc, active vs passive , 4 string vs 5 string
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