muttley

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' post='1182547' date='Mar 30 2011, 06:32 PM']+1, and maybe get your teacher to go along and try it. He/She ought to have [i]plenty[/i] of experience in such matters... If not, do you have any friends who know what to look at/for? Take them along. Do remember that the instrument is for [u]you[/u], and you get the casting vote...[/quote] Thanks, I may do that. Sadly, I don't have any friends that play bass, only my uncle and he's a dyed-in-the-wool Fender man having previously been a dyed-in-the-wool Gibson man :-\.

[quote name='Rayman' post='1182541' date='Mar 30 2011, 06:19 PM']Depends a lot on what you want mate. Are you a rocker, or a funk machine, a pop player etc etc.[/quote] Not rock, but probably just about everything else! Bassists I like include Mick Karn, Bootsy, Chris Squire, Andy Rourke, Jaco so the list is varied. [quote name='Rayman' post='1182541' date='Mar 30 2011, 06:19 PM'][b]Golden rule number 1[/b], go and try some basses in as many shops as you can get to. Find one you like the look of, and sound of, and feel of, and that is within your budget and start from there. PLEASE don't just buy one from ebay if you don't know what you're looking for.[/quote] My local shop didn't have a great range but I liked the Ibanez for the light weight, slim(ish) neck and contemporary looks. I remember in my teens my uncle lent me his Gibbo (G3?) which was lovely but it weighed a ton. Fenders don't do a lot for me I'm afraid. Nice to play but boring looks. I'd like a Warwick or a Wal but that will have to be for later. [quote name='Rayman' post='1182541' date='Mar 30 2011, 06:19 PM']Yamaha BB basses (BB414 for example) are great, Ibanez RBX basses (RBX170 for example) are great value, and Squier classic vibe basses too, but you really must go and try some out to get a feel for what you like, that's so very important.[/quote] I like the look of the Yamaha RBX series. I understand from reading comments here that the BB range is also highly regarded by also on the heavy side. Is this the case? I'm a ten stone weakling so don't want anything too heavy (my main instrument is the violin).

I'm starting lessons tomorrow on a borrowed instrument but I'm keen to get my own bass asap. Buying 2nd hand will obviously get me better vfm in the first place plus the ability to move something on for little loss should I decide to change/upgrade. However, I have no experience in buying a used instrument privately so I need advice from those more experienced on what to look out for. BTW, electronics pose no problem as I'm handy with a soldering iron. TIA

Looked at a few basses this morning. Was really taken by the [url="http://www.ibanez.com/BassGuitars/model-SR300"]Ibanez SR300[/url] but it maxes my budget so I'll have to see if they'll do a deal. What's the overall opinion of this bass? Reviews seem good. Slightly cheaper Ibanez GSR200 also very nice but the more expensive bass is certainly worth the small extra. Tried a Squire VM Jazz - did little for me. Nice neck, but heavier and the 70s styling puts me off (sorry, I remember it first time round). Anyway, I saw my soon-to-be teacher later and he said he wants to start me on fretless and will loan me a bass. Still, that gives me more time to look around.

Hello, I'm new to the forum and about to buy my first bass to begin learning*. My budget is around £300. I have small hands so I'll need an instrument with a slim neck. I'm looking to learn to play in a jazz/funk style (if that makes any difference) but my musical tastes are very wide - everything from classical to rock - so I don't want anything that might limit my repertoire. Oh, I prefer wood or plain lacquer finishes, no BC Rich or similar heavy metal axes! * I'm not a total newbie when it comes to music. I am a competent violinist and I can read music (well, treble clef ). I played guitar in a band in my teens (now mid 40s ) and I had to take over on bass on a couple of numbers but all I did was learn the parts, nothing further. Thanks in advance.

Bilbo: thanks for the info re the Major's Boot Camp. I'm downloading them now . pikeman: West Suffolk. I'm going to pop into Sounds Plus in BSE at the w/e to look at some basses.

Hi Everyone, I am a "failed" musician (grade 8 violin, dabbled with guitar in my teens) but I have decided to learn to play the bass, properly. I've always loved the sound of the bass and have been fascinated by the scope of the instrument in terms of musical and playing styles. I have therefore joined this forum to gain some useful info. I'm currently looking for my first instrument. Any advice welcome!