Advice for buying my first bass as a total beginner.

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Esteban Alfaro

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Jul 6, 2018
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#1
Good night everyone. I decided to venture into the world of music playing for the first time in my life, at 20, and the Bass has always been my favorite instrument to listen to and watch people play; it's just so mermerizing. So, I decided to pick up my first Bass tomorrow at my local Music Store. The problem is, while I've done my research and already have a budget and an idea of the type of bass I want (narrowed down the choices), what looks good on the spec sheet doesn't guarantee a good choice in the instrument world. However, I can't do what more seasoned players do, of just trying each of the options and picking the one that feels best, because I don't have any music knowledge (don't have any bass playing friends either). As such, my question is the following: How do I test a bass for feel and tone when I can't play? What's the determining factor in this case? Thanks :)
 
#2
Find a used version of the bass your favorite players use so you have something as a common ground. It will make you more likely to pick it up and practice. If you have no experience then ask a friend who ma to go with you, even if they play guitar.
If not take some time and fiddle around with a bunch nah of basses until you find one that speaks to you. I know it sounds corny but it really happens. That’s how I ended up with my favorite bass. As for quality look for major brands as you will get a better quality bass than a $200 bass. Gender P or J are great first basses. Look for an MIM or a good epiphone. Most of all have fun and find some peeps to jam with. It will make you better.
 
#3
Dont be in a hurry. If you narrowed it down, but dont have bass player friends go to the store and pick up a couple to see if they sit on your leg and feel comfortable pressed against your body.
See if there are any bass players there while you are. I have been at the store noodling and novices have come over to ask me to play a bass theyre looking at or ask my thoughts.
 
#5
Ditto trying out as many as you can before you buy.

Then when you find the model you like, try and find it used. Your money will go a lot further that way.

You'll also need an amplifier. Fender Rumble amps are good, but a used Peavey solid state is darn near indestructible.
 
#9
This is your first bass. . . don't expect to get everything right first time out.

At this stage, developing a good technique is more important than finding "the" bass.

Choose a bass that is easy to play and learn on. You will change your mind about the best bass for you as you get better at it.
 
#10
Since you don’t play yet, buy the one that looks cool. Understand that you may not get it right the first time — 6 months or so (+/-) from now, you’ll have a lot more ability to make a choice (and then more so again after a few years of playing), but for now you just need something to start on. Get the store you buy it from to do what’s called a "setup" before you leave so that it plays as well as it can.

A Squire, or if you have the money, a Made In Mexico Fender, would be a good place to start. The basic choice for many is to get a Precision bass (sometimes referred to as a "P’) or a Jazz bass (called a ‘J’, for short). You can listen to clips on YouTube to see which you prefer, or just go by looks. The neck on the Jazz is thinner and a bit easier to play.

Another popular brand for beginners is Ibanez. These have a noteably different look, sound and feel than Fenders. Just go by looks for now to see which direction you want to start off in.

There’s lots of other brands out there too, of course, but maybe the above will help you narrow it down a bit.

Good luck. Just get something, start playing and figure out the rest later!
 
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