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New bassist, not sure where to start on basses.


Fisheth
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Hey guys, I'm a new bassist and I've got no idea where to start on basses. As a guitarist of seven/eight years, I've learn't many things and one of which was to ask knowledgeable people about their choice of instruments so I can learn and make mistakes, so I can come crawling back and apologize and pass my new found knowledge onto newbies who were once in the same position.

So I've been looking around for basses, as a bassist in a NWOBHM/Power Metal band with the influences of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Ozzy, Angel Witch, Saxon, Clovenhoof, Thin Lizzy, Queensryche, and with some Thrashier influences thrown in such as Megadeth, Testament, Exodus and Overkill, but my own personal influences range from Geezer Butler, John Entwhistle and Steve Harris. All the way to Bootsy Collins, Victor Wooten Jaco Pestorius (Spelling) and some other stuff.

I'm not really sure where to start as I've been looking around and there's so many things out there and so many brands. I'd like to buy new if possible and I came across this;http://www.thomann.de/gb/bc_rich_widow_bass_5_2.htm and I love the look of it, especially due to the space in the bottom.

For medical reasons right now I can't really play a standard shaped bass and that's why with my guitars I've started playing V's instead of the standard shapes I previously had

I've got a budget of £400-£550. (Pounds, I'm in the UK)

I'm open to standard shapes, if there's a stomach cutaway at the back however. I'm not really sure on specs as I know nothing about Bass's in terms of scale length and the pickups used in the instrument, but I have some guitar related knowledge.

So hit me with options!

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[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1406248408' post='2509856']So I've been looking around for basses, as a bassist in a NWOBHM/Power Metal band with the influences of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Ozzy, Angel Witch, Saxon, Clovenhoof, Thin Lizzy, Queensryche, and with some Thrashier influences thrown in such as Megadeth, Testament, Exodus and Overkill, but my own personal influences range from Geezer Butler, John Entwhistle and Steve Harris. All the way to Bootsy Collins, Victor Wooten Jaco Pestorius (Spelling) and some other stuff. [/quote]

From your list, I'd have immediately said 'Precision'. After all a P was good enough for Harris, Daisley, Geezer & a raft of others - it is the Hawker Hurricane of Rock after all :D

At the risk of prying, however...

[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1406248408' post='2509856']For medical reasons right now I can't really play a standard shaped bass and that's why with my guitars I've started playing V's instead of the standard shapes I previously had[/quote]

...what are the medical reasons? Basses can be a fine source of all manner of long-term injuries if you don't get things right - back strain (they can be heavy), Carpal Tunnel issues (usually down to bad posture, but the instrument's ergonomics play a part too) & shoulder problems (too narrow a strap + a heavy bass).

As far as ergonomics go, the BC Widow looks like it **could** be a complete nightmare, but I've never played one so I'm voting with my eyes & could be completely wrong. I'm sure that someone on here has one though so maybe they can chip in with some facts.

Here's a possible: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/239015-aria-pro-zzb-deluxe/"]http://basschat.co.u...pro-zzb-deluxe/[/url]
That's a 1984 example; I have an '83 ZZB Custom & can vouch that they're surprisingly comfortable & not at all heavy. Neck is very slim & fast - Fender Jazz profile but 32" (medium) scale; the pickups are hot - wide open it'll venture into Rickenbacker Territory, but the tone can be easily moderated to get a Bluesy 'honk'.
No cutaway, so it sits a tad further outboard than most.

The biggest problem I've had is finding a gigbag that'll fit. It's longer than a Gibson T-Bird!

Gratuitous pics:



The more common Blue/Black 'burst finish crops up on Ebay & Gumtree fairly regularly at prices well within your budget.

This thread might provide some more food for thought: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/133346-pointy"]http://basschat.co.u...c/133346-pointy[/url]

Pete.

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Check out the Yamaha TRBX basses. The 304 runs at about £250 which would leave you with a decent budget for the rest of your gear (amp, effects etc.)

They're light, have a huge sound with lots of variety. You get a 2 band EQ to boost or cut the bass and treble, and a 5-way switch that offers up another 5 pre-set tones.

My experience with Yamaha gear is excellent, particularly when it comes to the quality control and factory set up. I don't think anyone else offers the same quality at this price point.

http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical-instruments/guitars-basses/el-basses/trbx/trbx304/?mode=model&vmode=pc

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/yamaha-trbx304-4-string-bass-car/81931

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Thanks a lot for the responses ([quote name='Bloodaxe' timestamp='1406254790' post='2509869']
From your list, I'd have immediately said 'Precision'. After all a P was good enough for Harris, Daisley, Geezer & a raft of others - it is the Hawker Hurricane of Rock after all :D

At the risk of prying, however...



...[b]what are the medical reasons?[/b] Basses can be a fine source of all manner of long-term injuries if you don't get things right - back strain (they can be heavy), Carpal Tunnel issues (usually down to bad posture, but the instrument's ergonomics play a part too) & shoulder problems (too narrow a strap + a heavy bass).

As far as ergonomics go, the BC Widow looks like it **could** be a complete nightmare, but I've never played one so I'm voting with my eyes & could be completely wrong. I'm sure that someone on here has one though so maybe they can chip in with some facts.

Here's a possible: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/239015-aria-pro-zzb-deluxe/"]http://basschat.co.u...pro-zzb-deluxe/[/url]
That's a 1984 example; I have an '83 ZZB Custom & can vouch that they're surprisingly comfortable & not at all heavy. Neck is very slim & fast - Fender Jazz profile but 32" (medium) scale; the pickups are hot - wide open it'll venture into Rickenbacker Territory, but the tone can be easily moderated to get a Bluesy 'honk'.
No cutaway, so it sits a tad further outboard than most.

The biggest problem I've had is finding a gigbag that'll fit. It's longer than a Gibson T-Bird!

Gratuitous pics:



The more common Blue/Black 'burst finish crops up on Ebay & Gumtree fairly regularly at prices well within your budget.

This thread might provide some more food for thought: [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/133346-pointy"]http://basschat.co.u...c/133346-pointy[/url]

Pete.
[/quote]

I'm currently living with a colostomy bag and I just find that whenever I play a standard shaped bass (Currently using a squire P-Bass) it gets in the way of that and it's really uncomfortable for me. Apologies for quoting the whole thing, not sure how to quote one sentence.

I'll look at the options everyone has mentioned though!

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I would recommend looking at small bodied basses, Mustangs are a great bass (short scale so easy transition for guitarist) or you could look for a stienberg spirit headless (almost no body at all) and very p bass sounding . I should never have sold mine !!!!

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Hmm... Due to the size of basses I think any could cause you some discomfort to be honest. You COULD try playing with you bass swung around onto your hip a little bit but it may cause you some other issues. Have you tried having a lesson with a good teacher? They may be able to suggest something you've not thought of

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[quote name='charic' timestamp='1406287541' post='2510156']
Hmm... Due to the size of basses I think any could cause you some discomfort to be honest. You COULD try playing with you bass swung around onto your hip a little bit but it may cause you some other issues. Have you tried having a lesson with a good teacher? They may be able to suggest something you've not thought of
[/quote]

Funny I've not tried either of those, giving those a try now... The issue is playing long sets (about an hour, well it's long when you've not done it for years! Haha) Yeah, I was gonna go with the widow cause I liked the specs and the cutaway at the bottom so if it gets to much I can swing it on my legs and away I go, the issue is... I've never played a 34 scale length anything before. Always been 25.5/24.75 (Correct me if I'm wrong as I have a Squier Affinity P-Bass right now)

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[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1406287982' post='2510171']
Dean Metalman would be good as it is a flying V not sure what the pick ups are like but you could mod it to a great standard with your budget
[/quote]

Heard some pretty bad things about Dean myself! Anyone confirm?

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[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1406287683' post='2510161']That is the Bloodaxe of your moniker and I claim my five pounds.[/quote]

I suppose it is, but the moniker dates back to BassWorld days whereas the ZZB was bought in a fit of mid-life-crisis madness in 2007. Self-fulfilling prophecy perhaps?

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1406287806' post='2510162']Probably not that helpful, but have you tried shortening your strap and having your bass a bit higher up? The 'correct' height is supposedly the same sitting down as standing up. Not very rock 'n' roll though, I'll admit.[/quote]

This is a tactic that is oft stated, but one that I strongly disagree with. I cannot play sat down for longer than 10 minutes or so as my right wrist is forced into a really uncomfortable angle. We're all nailed together differently & there's no 'one strap fits all' solution - straight wrists is the target IMO, however that's achieved.

OP - if there's any way that you can 'dress to the left' as it were, you'd probably find that your options were much wider - might be worth having a discussion with your doctor. That said, I find that the Explorer tends to migrate to the right of its own accord somewhat.

P.

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[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1406287806' post='2510162']
Probably not that helpful, but have you tried shortening your strap and having your bass a bit higher up? The 'correct' height is supposedly the same sitting down as standing up. Not very rock 'n' roll though, I'll admit.
[/quote]It was good enough for Phil Lynott :)
http://youtu.be/4vwYueJQX7E

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[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1406287679' post='2510160']
Funny I've not tried either of those, giving those a try now... The issue is playing long sets (about an hour, well it's long when you've not done it for years! Haha) Yeah, I was gonna go with the widow cause I liked the specs and the cutaway at the bottom so if it gets to much I can swing it on my legs and away I go, the issue is... I've never played a 34 scale length anything before. Always been 25.5/24.75 (Correct me if I'm wrong as I have a Squier Affinity P-Bass right now)
[/quote]

Your Squier P bass ought to be 34" scale length.

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Would something like this suit? [url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/steinberger-spirit-xt-2-black/38803?gclid=CjwKEAjwgMieBRCB3bqB94e9lD4SJABW3sTNarHoRdVjbt-B_Uj-PRkkXJ9T03CZKlDZvVygrNbS0BoCpRvw_wcB"]http://www.gak.co.uk/en/steinberger-spirit-xt-2-black/38803?gclid=CjwKEAjwgMieBRCB3bqB94e9lD4SJABW3sTNarHoRdVjbt-B_Uj-PRkkXJ9T03CZKlDZvVygrNbS0BoCpRvw_wcB[/url]

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[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1406293307' post='2510272']
Would something like this suit? [url="http://www.gak.co.uk/en/steinberger-spirit-xt-2-black/38803?gclid=CjwKEAjwgMieBRCB3bqB94e9lD4SJABW3sTNarHoRdVjbt-B_Uj-PRkkXJ9T03CZKlDZvVygrNbS0BoCpRvw_wcB"]http://www.gak.co.uk...NbS0BoCpRvw_wcB[/url]
[/quote]

Maybe, but it's got no head. How would I tune it?

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[quote name='Fisheth' timestamp='1406302785' post='2510428']
Interesting, it looks good too...
[/quote]

Quite a few fans of these on here - especially the original models. I'm sure you could get some very good advice as to modding one to suit the NWOBHM stuff you want to play.

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[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1406306746' post='2510483']
Quite a few fans of these on here - especially the original models. I'm sure you could get some very good advice as to modding one to suit the NWOBHM stuff you want to play.
[/quote]

Yeah, still tempted by that Widow though!

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