discotim

Afternoon all Having a crack at bass after years of playing a regular six string. Wondered if anyone can suggest a decent theory/technique book for me to peruse? Many thanks Tim

Well folks, The plan was to stick strictly to under a grand for my first bass, but when I picked up this beauty I just knew I had to have it. Yes, I know, it's a bit extravagant for my first four string, but I've been spoiled by a succession of high quality six strings over the last couple of decades and know quality when I see/feel it. Thanks to Rich for a smooth transaction. She's in good hands, mate - and will be for many years to come. Right, better get practising! PS Thanks to all for your guidance For now Tim [attachment=42346:Valenti_no70.jpg]

Just bought Valenti No.70 from Rich - my first-ever bass. Great chap. A pleasure to deal with. Not quite ready to say goodbye to six strings just yet but I think that day may not be too far away. Thanks Rich. It's a beauty !

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-American-Deluxe-Jazz-Bass-Butterscotch-Blonde_W0QQitemZ330377482495QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV?hash=item4cec0850ff"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-American-Delu...=item4cec0850ff[/url] Like the look of it but is it worth the extra wedge over a Geddy Lee? Tim

[quote name='Wil' post='710937' date='Jan 13 2010, 09:46 AM']Looks like quite an old one, so I'd say probably, yes. I sold my then quite new bolt on S2 classic for a grand, so I'd say for a classic neck through model £1400 would be plausible, especially as the chap from Muse is plastered all over the Status website playing one - that's bound to make them more desirable.[/quote] Oh yes, old Muse matey is bound to add a few hundred quid to the end price! Thanks for the replies chaps. I shall sit and watch and resist getting involved.

[url="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190363169161&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT"]http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...e=STRK:MEWAX:IT[/url] Had my eyes on this for the last few days. Thought £1000 would be tops. Now it looks like it'll fetch £1400 or maybe more Is this over the top for one of these? Tim

[quote name='mikhay77' post='709649' date='Jan 12 2010, 01:31 AM']Only problem with living in lincoln that there are only one or two music shops in the city and not much choice(ie fender or fender copy),so I see your predicament,but if your local pop round for a coffee and try any of my basses if you want,might give you a pointer to something you might like,at least that way your not buying blind.Havent got loads, the usual different scales and neck profiles,which as a guitarist,could be key.[/quote] Hi Mike Thanks for your generous offer. I'm, based in Stamford, bottom end of Lincs. We have a music shop in the town but it deals with fairly budget stuff. They've a bass in at the moment for £129 (how do they do it?)! I'm going to keep my eyes peeled. In no hurry to buy anything this week but would like to sort something in the next month. A trip to Nottingham could be on the cards methinks. BTW: This could be opening a can of worms BUT I'm reluctant to buy anything from China or Korea. My own personal choice, based on my own personal beliefs.

Thanks for all the input, kind word and warm welcome folks The budget is for the bass only. I'll delve into the amp side of things after that. I've owned a fair few top end guitars in my time, so know what I like, if you know what I mean. That said, I have picked up a few budget jobs and been pleasantly surprised. Thing is, I don't have oodles of time to spend driving around the country testing out all and sundry. Don't get me wrong: I'd love to, but it's simply not practical. I'm after spending a decent amount of wedge to minimise the chances of picking up a duffer. But my experience is only of six string guitars, so I appreciate all your help. Anyone tried an Organic, BTW?

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='708805' date='Jan 11 2010, 01:44 PM']This is no fun unless you tell us which horrendous bass you bought.[/quote] Have no fear. I will keep you posted of my findings. BTW be warned: I'm a bugger for impulse buys. If I like it and it pushes my buttons then it'll be mine.

[quote name='Lfalex v1.1' post='708692' date='Jan 11 2010, 12:02 PM']£500-£1k is a sizeable budget, especially if you buy second-hand! Try everything you can get your hands on. Hopefully, your guitar playing / purchasing past should stand you in good stead when considering instruments, and you should have an idea of what tone you want and how you'd want it to feel. Got any bass-playing mates? Take one along for a second opinion. Unless you're in a rush, take all the time you need. Do bear in mind that a new set of strings and a decent set-up can make all the difference. Brand-wise, there's loads to choose from. DO have a look at Fender, Musicman, G&L, Warwick, Lakland, Sandberg, Ibanez, Yamaha, Rickenbacker and all the usual suspects, but not exclusively. I've done well out of picking up something I've never heard of that was being neglected in the corner of a showroom! Just because you may not have heard of it, it doesn't mean it's not potentially excellent. Happy hunting![/quote] Have a few bass-playing mates. One in particular (an ardent headless Status man) would be rather shocked if he knew hat I was up to, so I'm trying to keep my newly-found hobby quiet for now! Ha! I like hearing everone's opinion, not just the few I know. All your input's most welcome! Have to say, I like that Jazz Antigua for sale in the forums. Pity it's out of my reach!

Funnily enough I've been looking at a Geddy Lee online... The finish on my Organic is, er, unfinished. After many hours the neck's now smoothed out beautifully and it a real joy to play. Are all Jazz necks laquered? Had a Strat with a laquered neck a few years ago. Couldn't get on with it. Anyone here owned an Organic bass?

[quote name='waynepunkdude' post='708659' date='Jan 11 2010, 11:21 AM']Where are you based? What style do you play?[/quote] Based in Lincs Yep, shoulda mentioned styles etc. In a covers band at the mo. All styles really. From jazz standards to hard rock lol! Not quite sure what kind of style of bass I'll end up playing but I think it's safe to say I won't be the next Mark King! Not really a slappy, funk style man myself - but you never know... Probably something I can develop my skills/style with. My gut's telling me a Fender Jazz. Just not sure which one! Confused? Join the club!

Morning all! After 25 years of twiddling on a regular six-string, I've decided to jump ship and start playing bass. The desire's been brewing for some time, so I'm keen to get cracking. Having been around the music scene for a whilh, I've got a few ideas of basses I'd like, but to be honest I feel like a newcomer all over again. There's such a massive choice! (how many versions of a Fender Jazz??) Play an Organic six string at the mo. Have toyed with the idea of flogging a couple of my guitars to fund an Organic bass but don't want to make such a big purchase right now. All the gear etc.... Who knows, I may hate playing bass Obviously, I'm aware some £500 basses play as well as others costing four times the amount. One's man's meat etc. Anyway, any advice welcome. Best wishes to all Tim

Many thanks. I've been scanning the already. Play and Organic electric at the mo and tempted by one of their basses. Just not sure I should be lashing out big bucks on my first purchase. Any suggestions? Tim

After 25 years of regular six-stringing, I've decided, at the ripe age of 41, to take up playing bass. It's something I've always been thinking about and have now decided to take the plunge. I'll be looking for some sound advice about making the transition to a four-string beastie; I'm already scouring the 'net in search of my first purchase. Anyway, that's my brief hello. Looking forward to spending some time here. For now Tim