crompers

Is £330 a reasonable price for a MiM Jazz 2001 with a few scratches?

[quote name='Ironbar' timestamp='1488391013' post='3248580'] I own a Sire V7 4-string, and it's my go-to bass. I love everything about it and have found absolutely no fault with it at all. It's the second best money I ever spent on a bass (and that's only because I got the #1 best value for dirt cheap). [/quote] They do look like very nice instruments, going to see if i can get something good second hand first though. Just found out one of my friends has started playing drums and is paying for a practice space, could be good! We are going to try and jam soon so apparently I need to learn Lonely Boy by the Black Keys. Should be interesting since we've both just started messing about with music. In fact I'd go as far as to say it'll be a right racket.

[quote name='Rikki_Sixx' timestamp='1488378722' post='3248417'] I'm so glad I spotted this. I've been wanting to learn scales etc. but I struggle with knowing where to begin sometimes. A lot of usually helpful YouTube channels seem to have 'beginner' scales videos that are still throwing technical terms around. This kind of thought process would really open things up! [/quote] Still need to dissect it at the mo but certainly glad of the advice

[quote name='Sammers' timestamp='1488297197' post='3247639'] Ah awesome! I caught 'em at Desertfest then again in Coventry last year - blew me away both times! [/quote] I was also at Desertfest! Wo Fat and Truckfighters, loved it. Sleep this year dude are you going?

Cheers mate I'll have another look at Oblivion tonight, one of my fave tracks that one too. I think I've just been a bit scared by the tempo of some tracks but probably need to get over that. So far I have 100% on Everlong by the Foos and Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers

[quote name='Sammers' timestamp='1488278363' post='3247429'] I'd try get that if you can, you can't go wrong with a Fender jazz in a stoner/doom band! Also nice to see another Elder fan roaming these parts too [/quote] Been my obsession for a coupla years mate, seen em twice own all the vinyls etc. Spoke to Nick at the lastest gig in Manchester, really lovely fella and they absolutely killed it. The bass tone on Dead Roots Stirring is my perfect sound, grotty, growly, punchy. [quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1488284706' post='3247491'] Rocksmith is a fantastic tool to have, regardless of your skill level. Aside from anything else it means that you're playing along with music right away which is perhaps the most important thing. It also has a great variety of music on there, especially if you import the tracks from the original version (I assume you're using 2014, which is the practice tool, rather than the classic version from 2012 which was more Guitar Hero with real guitars). I'd never recommend someone learns ONLY from Rocksmith, but I would certainly suggest it be something everyone has as part of their practice routine. It's just so easy and fun to get playing good music, and it will make you try things from styles that you might otherwise ignore. I'd also point you in the direction of Mark Smith and his Talking Bass channel. He's a fantastic player, great tutor and has some top notch lessons on there. I took some 1-2-1 lessons with him too, and he was really good. Worth every penny. Finally, I would say that when it comes to scales, starting with the major is the right way to go. Basically all scales are just modifications of the major scale. However, I would advise that you think about it in terms of intervals rather than fret-board patterns. This was a tip Mark gave me when I was just starting out and it opened up the fret board for me over night. It'll also pay massive dividends when you come to thinking about different keys, scales and chord tones. [/quote] Thanks for this I will check out Mark Smith. By intervals do you mean tones and semi tones? Rocksmith seems like a good way to get you moving around the fretboard and grooving I think. Although a lot of the stuff I would want to play on there is far too difficult at the moment! (Slayer, Pantera, Mastodon etc)

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1488179047' post='3246453'] I hope you are learning the notes on the fretboard whilst playing Rocksmith If I hear you saying "3rd fret red string" there will be some splainin to do hehe don't knock the Squier VM and CV range, probably the best value for money new. used MIM Jazz and P basses from 2010 onwards would be a good buy too [/quote] Haha, I'm using Rocksmith as my 'Fun time Rocking out after a few beers' stuff. Other than that at the moment I'm learning C major scale, trying to get this shape absolutely down before I move on, thinking of buying the Scotts Bass Lessons membership. I'm currently in talks with someone about buying a slightly knocked about MiM Jazz, its had active pickups added but I'll probably try and grab a second hand set of original pickups and try those out at some point, I'm fairly handy and can manage a soldering iron to a reasonable standard. I quite like the idea of getting something that has been well used and that I don't mind fiddling with (I like fiddling).

[quote name='No. 8 Wire' timestamp='1488126869' post='3246080'] Quite a bit of info here: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/287321-scotts-bass-lessons-sign-up/"]http://basschat.co.u...essons-sign-up/[/url] Doesn't quite answer the question but scroll down that thread and you'll see a few answers on value for money and also some alternatives. For me, its been great value. Doesn't mean i don't check out other online teachers free material though, especially talkingbass.net. Its got to be said though, that's SBL isn't only Scott teaching any more, quite a few top class players giving seminars and creating courses too. I think basically we're all different, so we'll respond in different ways to tutors. If you like Scott's free material, you'll probably really enjoy the full courses. [/quote] Cool cheers, I think I'll sign up I really like his style of teaching

What is people's opinion on this? Are there better resources for the money? Only been playing about a month and I've found his youtube stuff really useful.

Thanks for the suggestions! I've been having a think and I definitely reckon a jazz of some description is probably going to be best. I reckon I might pick up a Sire but also got an eye on the classifieds here. Don't really want to fiddle with the Warwick tbh as its not mine

[quote name='BassBunny' timestamp='1487926450' post='3244125'] Think the Farida is basically a generic bass that Dawsons seem to feature a lot. Probably out of the same factory as a number of well known brands and as such same bass but cheaper. The good thing is you can try one at Dawsons in Manchester. Downside, resale value unpredictable if you decide you don't like it. I'd get down to PMT and Dawsons and try as many basses as you can and then get a 2nd hand one of what you fancy. Another one questioning the "no Squier" comment. I have 2 custom ACG's and also a Squier VM P Bass. The Squier is astonishing value for money. [/quote] I actually work close to Trafford Park so will check PMT on my lunch next week, is there anywhere in Manchester you would suggest for a set up in particular? Happy to try a Squier I obviously had the wrong impression with them. I'm going to take my time with this and make sure I get the right one, I have the Warwick for now and I have my eye on the second hand market. Thanks for all the help everyone.

I'll defo take a look at the Yamaha. Any opinions on a farida fjb 20? Can see one for sale at £180. Nice looking bass.

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1487861041' post='3243658'] That's the kicker... they can only be had from Thomanns in Germany. BUT they have a returns policy so if you buy and don't like you can send it back with no bones broken. Or see if there's an owner near you who can let you try it out. [/quote] I'm guessing the dimensions are the same as the Jazz? Could maybe just try a Jazz for the fit. This Andre Berry guy is off the chain by the way. [quote name='Naetharu' timestamp='1487860701' post='3243652'] I do own an Ibanez SR-300 and I can certainly say that it is a very good quality instrument. The build quality is great. But also the electronics are top notch which is often where the cheaper basses can fall down. It comes with a three band on-board EQ that works really well. It has quite a bright sound, very modern and crisp. You might be disappointed if you’re after more of a classic P-bass tone but aside from that it is great. The only warning I would offer is that the necks on the SR basses are very narrow and thin (i.e. small both across the fret-board and front-to-back). I found this caused me to get cramps in my hands when playing for long periods of time. If you have big hands, perhaps try one out first before committing. [/quote] Great info and thanks for the offer but I'm in Manchester! I am 6' 3" so I guess that thin neck could cause me a problem.

[quote name='Mudpup' timestamp='1487859978' post='3243636'] Budget 300/400 quid? You're not far off a used mexican jazz from this site - there's usually a few kicking about. Dont buy new!!!! Get something secondhand from here and if you dont get on with it you can usually flip it without much of a loss (consider it a rental fee if you lose a bit). As you're quite new at the game you may find it takes a few attempts to get something you really settle with [/quote] Really? I haven't seen a genuine Fender for any less than £600 tbh. As I say I'm not against buying second hand I just want to be able to play the model first and make sure its comfortable, so I'll probably be going into a few guitar shops to try things out and then keeping and eye out for them second hand. The good thing about my situation is I have the Warwick so I can take my time and still have something to play. [quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1487859939' post='3243635'] With that money and you're looking for a jazz or jazz clone if it were me I would look no further than the Sire. Massive sound, very serious bass yet you can currently get one new from Thomanns ( the only place to buy them) for £338 including shipping to the UK. When they do come up 2nd hand which is rare the alder 4 string is about £275 ish. Check out Andre Berry playing one with Sanborn [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-_D5bpeF1Y"]https://www.youtube....h?v=K-_D5bpeF1Y[/url] . [/quote] Thanks I'll check this out for sure, do shops tend to stock them?

I would also say my favourite look is stripped back to the wood with a modern shape, love the look of a thru neck.

[quote name='lownote12' timestamp='1487858306' post='3243599'] Bigwan plus one... The Sire is generally agreed to be pro quality for beginner money. Andre Berry and even Marcus Miller play them. Squiers can command high money, the JV series go for up to a grand - I know Gary Numan's bassist and he plays a JV Squier. If you're into Scott he just put up a video in which he specifically suggests that people can do worse than start with a Squier and maybe upgrade some components. He even cites two serious bassists who play Squiers. See time code 9:12 in this video [url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d0-MzMwfrc."]https://www.youtube....?v=1d0-MzMwfrc.[/url] What sort of music do you like /want to play? Do you like modern active bass sounds, thumpy gravelly P bass sounds, or jazz bass sounds? That will clearly define what sort of bass you need to look at. Budget? [/quote] OK I will check out that video, I guess I just always associated Squier with the Argos catalogue but I have an open mind! I like a lot of guitar based music but my starting points are Zeppelin and Sabbath, I also like some prog King Crimson etc and a lot of the new wave psych rock that is coming out at the moment (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, All Them Witches) If I was to say one sound that I would like to emulate at the moment its Jack Donovan from Elder who uses a Jazz. Massive sound and quite growly in the low end. In the end I would like to join a band and play Stoner/Doom. Thanks for suggestions so far I will check them out. Budget £300-400 (£400 for something special), I should say that I wont be buying an amp just yet and will be running it through my PC soundcard (Asus Essence STX) and monitors (Presonus Eris 4.5)

A friend recently lent me a Warwick 5 string to play with and I think I've got the bug, been playing RockSmith and watching some of Scott's videos on Youtube which are very good, starting to learn some scales too. However, he is going to want it back at some point and I also feel like I want a 4 string. I'm playing mainly rock and soul stuff on Rocksmith at the moment, but when I get a bit better I'm likely to want to play some metal and stoner/doom stuff. While the Warwick is a nice instrument in many ways the action is pretty high and I find it tough to play so I would like something a bit more comfortable. So at the moment I'm looking at: Yamaha TRBX304 Ibanez SRxxx - Is the 400 now discontinued? I can only see the 300 new, really like the style of this beaut: https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/ibanez-2015-sr400bcw-bass-in-natural-gray-burst-flat#product-details Fender Jazz would be great but obviously very expensive (I don't want a Squier). This almost entirely based on the fact John Paul Jones uses one. I don't have anything against buying second hand but I would want to try playing that model of bass before I commit, so this is more a list of things I want to try out really. So my question, is there anything else I should be looking to try or keeping an eye out for on the second hand market?