I started learning bass last month on my Ibanez gio I got from guitar center. It recently broke (not surprised- it was like $80) and my budget for my new bass is ~300 dollars. There’s a guy selling an 8 string bass for $325.. I looked up reviews for the bass and it looks great, but I can barely even play- is it just plain stupid to get an 8 string? I don’t really have a style or anything yet, so wouldn’t more string just help me keep my options open? The one issue I’ve seen for a lot of people is that the neck is too thick, which shouldn’t be a problem for me, as my hands felt too big for my 4 string. It’s such a good deal but I feel like a dufus having an 8 string and only fingering the E and A strings.. but then this might help me change from that.. ugh.
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You are just starting out, my recommendation is stick in the more conventional bass zone for now- I’d get a 5 or 4 string either Squier or Ibanez again.
If I was just starting out again, knowing what I know now, I’d start off with a 5 String Squier and spend a few years playing it, getting the art and craft of bass playing down on it. That will give you a good foundation to go on
If I was just starting out again, knowing what I know now, I’d start off with a 5 String Squier and spend a few years playing it, getting the art and craft of bass playing down on it. That will give you a good foundation to go on
Most music is made with 4 and 5 strings basses.
Learning the fundamentals, and learning songs by ear, will be 10 times easier on a 4 or 5.
You've got to walk before you can run.
Learning the fundamentals, and learning songs by ear, will be 10 times easier on a 4 or 5.
You've got to walk before you can run.
It's only dumb if you think so. It's your money.
What kind of bass is this?
Is it a double course (octave strings) bass, or does it have 8 separate strings?
Is it a double course (octave strings) bass, or does it have 8 separate strings?
8 separate strings. There’s also one that is a double course for about the same price
Well, I'm an adventurous guy, and recently bought myself a cheap 7-string bass, but: If this would be your only bass, I would be quite wary of buying a cheap 8 string bass.
Anyway, if you would tell us the make and model, people here could perhaps be of some more help with regard to determining if it is a good deal or not.
OK. Based on my, admittedly limited, experience with Galveston, I will recommend against buying this one. I had a Galveston 12 string bass (double octave strings) for some time, and while it was sort of playable, it was not comfortable in any way, and did not sound very good.
If I were you, I would look at the used basses for sale here on Talkbass, or any other local community near you, instead. You can probably find a quite good beginner bass for 300 used.
Good luck, happy bassing!
For a beginner, I highly recommend a 4 or 5 string bass to learn on. When you get a couple years of playing under your belt then you can look at an 8 or 12 string octave course bass. Right now stick to something basic. Good luck. 
When I was just learning guitar, I almost bought an electric sitar. Boy, am I glad I did not. Stick to a four string.
Sounds like you need a Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar (or Jazz or PJ) to me. Great quality and in your price range, an excellent bass for the beginning bassist.
Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS Guitar
Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special SS Guitar
godofthunder59
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I'd take that $325 and buy a used Sqiuer and a decent amp. You won't be getting many gigs breaking out a eight string at a audition.
I'd stick with a plain vanilla 4-string until your hands/fingers have the strength to play in positions first, then once you get familiar with that, TRY an 8 string out- see if it fits or is just another "intimidation machine"...
Wait.... let's back up a second. What do you mean that your Ibanez "broke"? What exactly is wrong with it? Maybe it's something that's easily fixable, and you won't need a new bass after all.
Yeah I thought the same. It shouldn't be difficult to get it back running. They are simple instruments.
If anything, invest your money into fixing what you have rather than buying more stuff.
There is room for improvement on a GIO. At the very least, a good setup with fret dressing will change it altogether.
If anything, invest your money into fixing what you have rather than buying more stuff.
There is room for improvement on a GIO. At the very least, a good setup with fret dressing will change it altogether.
Exactly as in buy a used squire and practice amp maybe a used fender rumble. My quote didn't get added to my other post.