Buying a first bass

#22
I would recommend the used Squier, assuming you love to play it. Squiers are super inexpensive, and *potentially* a great value for the money. Their quality varies a lot, so play every single one you can find until you get a feel for the variety, and find one that you can't put down. I just picked up a 1989 Squier 2 P Bass for $100 via Craig, and it's a great bass, unmodded!

If you have time to look around, look for an early 90's Squier (you can schmoogle "Fender Serial" to learn how to identify the year by the serial number) — they tend to have great vibe and playability, and the List of Craig has loads of them. Re Ibanez: personally I'm not a fan of the newer Ibanez basses, but again if you have time to look, go for an 80's Blazer or Roadstar / Roadstar II — they usually go for $300 or so, but prices are going up since hipsters are 'discovering' them.

Also, definitely get it set up and intonated by a tech that you trust. Be sure to get recommendations from professionals in your area, don't just have it done at first place that offers! A good setup of action & intonation should cost you around $20-40, and this should include double checking that the nut is cut/filed properly, frets are level (and hammering down a popup or two), etc.
 
#23
I'd go for any of those 3, but probably one of the used ones first depending on cost.
The TMB is a great bass, I played one and was extremely impressed. I own a 20 year old Squier Standard Precision and it's an excellent bass, the neck is great and it sets up well. The Affinity is the lowest end of the brand, not that there's anything wrong with it. If it's a nice one that would also be good, considering it should have a warranty.

No matter what, good luck and enjoy your first bass!
 
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#24
badstonebass said:
While looks aren't everything, you might raise a few eyebrows showing up to play jazz with the TMB.
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badstonebass said:
It's just that trying to fit in as a noob in Jazz circles the TMB would be out of place, as would many other basses.
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:thumbsdown:

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Pirate Captain said:
If you've got the chops and the tone, nobody is going to care what your bass looks like.
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my experience!
 
#25
Try lots of instruments. I bought my adult daughter an Ibanez after trying a bunch of basses in a store. It's something her adolescent kids can play too if they want. I was at a buddy's last fall and he had a fender Precision and a Yamaha electric bass nd the Yamaha felt and sounded like twice the instrument the Fender was. I think the Fender may have been a MIM.
 
#27
Get the Squire and play it till the dots come off the fretboard. By then you will have a much better feel for music, playing music, and defining "your" sound. Enjoy the journey
 
#33
Personally, I continue to be impressed by Ibanez products every time I pick up one. My first bass 13 years ago was an Ibanez GSR200, it was definitely a solid bass, but they have soooo many fantastic basses available now. Quality, price, and durability are unbeatable value IME.

The TMB line is great because it's bucking some of that perception that Ibanez makes "Guitars/Basses for Metalheads", it's a very classic looking bass that has some solid electronics for the price. I'm a mod junkie, but the tone is definitely great for a beginner. If you're ever worried about "Raised eyebrows", showing up to a gig with a Squier is going to do that FAR more than an Ibanez TMB will.

I was looking to drop close to $800 on a bass when I went to Guitar Center last Saturday...know what I have on order? An Ibanez SR300e ;)
 
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#38
I don’t think there’s a bad choice in that selection, but let me share a recent experience.

I own quite a few basses (including a USA G&L L-2500 as a main bass) and I’ve been playing for 27 years. I gained experience with basses, and I like to work on them (setups, even electronic work).

I recently bought a Squier Affinity PJ and I’m quite surprised! It’s great! I will definitely keep that bass forever and simply upgrade it with new pickups along the way, even though the sound is satisfactory as is.

A good choice! An affinity jazz should be great, try a few to see which feels best and ask for a setup included in the sale if you buy at a store.
 
#39
Just for the record I like the TMB....and I also spelled Squier wrong. :D

I also think play what you want. In the end it might not make a difference. You guys must have different experience than I do. Show up at a bluegrass jam with a 6 string banjo.
 
#40
gverdi said:
So I've been learning on and playing a friend's Fender Jazz bass for a while now, but I'm looking at buying a bass of my own. I'm not looking at spending too much, and I've narrowed it down to a few. I'm either looking at a used Ibanez TMB100, A new Squier Affinity Jazz, or a used Squier Standard Jazz. The Ibanez is in excellent condition and the Squier is in good condition. I would be using it for playing jazz and rock, but mostly jazz. Thanks in advance.
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If it's not over your budget I would recommend the Sire Marcus Miller line of basses. For that price I don't think there's a better bass. Sire Webstore-USA – Bass guitar, Microphone, Earphone
 
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