Hi. Playing guitar a couple of years and fancy trying a bass guitar. I've had a look around at beginner instruments etc and TBH feel I probably identify more with the bass lines of songs than anything else.
The 'problem' is that any discussion I've come across online is that it's an instrument that you play in a band rather than alone. I'm 40 with a busy job and kids so joining a band is nowhere on my radar...just jamming to songs.
So is anyone here a bedroom bassist or am I wasting my time adding it to guitar as a hobby?
(Appreciate that it's almost impossible to answer but would appreciate some views of people who play)
Thanks
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The good news is that you can get a perfectly functional bass for around £100, and at that it will usually be a better instrument than most guitars of the same price, because a basic bass is slightly simpler. You don't even need an amp, at least initially - at bedroom volume it's perfectly safe to play through a guitar amp. Do it .
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I had a Harley Benton shortscale P which was good for the money. I play a VM Jazz which I thought was better than a MIM Fender.
Obviously you can't try before you buy currently.
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Disagree.
I consider bass to be a function rather than an instrument. It could be contrabass, electric bass guitar, synthesizer, tuba, 'cello in a string quartet, even the lower string group of a Chapman Stick.
It is possible to perform solo/unaccompanied music on bass guitar but you probably need to be of near-virtuoso standard if you expect anyone to listen for more than fifteen seconds. Things make a lot more sense when played over drummage. (This is the essence of the group Primus. Flashy bass over complex drumming with "textural" guitar layered on top.)
The usual suspects are Squier, Cort, Yamaha, Ibanez/Soundgear and OLP/S.U.B. Unwanted Crimbo and/or birthday presents turn up at charity shops and car boot sales. Often sold as "not working" when the only thing wrong is a failed solder joint or the volume pot has worked loose and one of the cables has accidentally been disconnected.
Another source of bargains - outside COVID19 restrictions - is part-exchange trade-in items at your local music store BEFORE they get workshop attention. (Sold as seen. Repair it yourself. Quick turn around for the shop proprietor and no time wasted on the bench. Everybody wins.)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I don't sing and most of my playing currently is along with a drum or backing track. Not creative enough to write my own music and I dont sing so will plan to play bass along with the songs
But some bass lines are absolutely magical on their own...eg Billy Jean, Ironman etc could listen all day
No idea if that's true or not, but if your sound involves ancient strings than I could see replacing one being a problem, for sure.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Go for it.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Decided on a roland microcube bass amp (already have the standard versions and it's my favourite amp)
Trying to decide on a bass....know I wont get a chance to try one first so would like some opinions on these. (I know the squire is probably the safest option but would like something a bit different unless its risky)
1. Sterling S.U.B
2. Schecter Omen 4
3. EST LTD 204
4. Squire CV 70s Precision
Thanks
Of your shortlist, an accountant would recommend the Sterling or the Squier, if only for ease of resale. A modifier would recommend the Schecter. Its EMG35-sized pickups are easy to upgrade. The bass could be made to sound like almost anything you choose.
The LTD is a fairly straightforward PJ copy, hamstrung with a trade mark avoidance headstock shape.
The Squier is hamstrung by its cosmetics. Specifically, the black block inlays. Apart from the decal, the discontinued Vintage Modified series is the same quality instrument for less money.
All four instruments originate from the same factory. (Cost, Indonesia.) Thus, it might be worthwhile investigating other makes and models from the same source. i.e. Ibanez/Soundgear, Sire, Cort et cetera.
In my opinion, your list should also include Yamaha.
Finally, the MSRP of a Schecter should secure a pre-owned example of something more upmarket.