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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 2191
Location: Lëtzebuerg
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 Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2011 20:59 |
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Some questions about electric Bass guitars!
These last years I kept on dreaming playing the bass, so I finally ordered one via amazon.
Because I'm an (almost) absolute beginner, I bought a starter set, with a kind of replica Fender Precision Bass, bag, small amplifier..., for a very reasonable price.
http://www.amazon.de/Rocktile-Groovers-Bass-sunburst-6-teilig/dp/B001MESZBO/ref=pd_rhf_pe_p_t_2
Tomorrow I'm going to collect it at a friend who lives close to the German-Luxembourgish border on the German side, because they won't send the gear to Luxembourg. (I wonder why, but that's just another story.  )
Well, I will practise on my new bass from tomorrow on. (I'm getting all nervous here!) And when I'm getting the feeling of it, I might go for a Squier (the official Fender replica brand) or even maybe an original Fender, like Paul Turner! 
Here my questions:
1. What is the big difference between a Precision and a Jazz Bass, except their shape and the fact the Jazz Bass looks cooler?
2. Is there really such a big difference between a Squier and an original Fender, except that Squier is much cheaper and built in Indonesia and Fender more expensive and built in the US, Mexico or Japan?
3. Instead of going for a Fender/Squier, should I go for a Warwick, like Stu Zender? ^^
To be honest, and I'm going to answer myself now partially, I always liked the look of a Fender Jazz Bass and of a Fender Stratocaster guitar, but it's not only looks that count!
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Funk Fiction
Joined: 07 Nov 2010
Posts: 128
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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| Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2011 03:11 |
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Congratulations ophone! You've gotten yourself into quite a magical hobby.
The difference between a P-Bass and a J-Bass isn't very black and white simple. You'll get tons of subjective answers from many different musicians, but there are some things that can be universally agreed upon. P-Basses tend to have a lot of low end bottom bassiness. They're not necessarily muddy, but they typically pack a low end punch and lack treble. J-Basses have more of a mid-range loudness that really makes them sing. They're usually preferred for slapping although I've seen videos of expert musicians demonstrating the contrary.
I would try to encourage you to stay away from Squire stuff. Once you get decent enough at your bass, go straight to something more intermediate. Of course, I'm a bit biased when it comes to this, but Squires really do suck. If you want something, get the original even if it isn't one of the greatest instruments.. but don't settle for a replica. I find it much more fun and full of character to get something that stands on its own and isn't trying to 'replicate' something per se.
I started learning bass about 5 years ago and my first bass was actually a Warwick. This was back before I was heavily into Jamiroquai and still didn't know Zender played Warwicks! It's a 4-string that actually has BOTH a J and a P bass pickup. It's an intermediate level bass that has lovely action and I get the best of both worlds with both pickups controlled by their own knobs, and one more knob for 'tone'.
Don't forget the most important thing is to use your ear! It's your best friend and will lead you into a more inherent understanding of music before reading or theory (although theory becomes very important). Congratulations again! I'm very happy for you and good luck! 
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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 2191
Location: Lëtzebuerg
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| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 08:50 |
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Thank you for your advice!
I appreciate that!
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Guly from Argentina
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 632
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| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:32 |
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Hello Ophone. Here are my opinions as a an amateur bass player.
1.- Differences between P-Bass and J-Bass? Well, as for me, the J-Bass it's more eclectic, that means that you can find more variety of sounds that with a P-Bass. As for me, that's the main difference.
2.- Squier, Fender? Well, as a beginner, as for me almost any bass could be good for you. Of course there are differences between top marks as Fender, Warwick, MusicMan and smaller marks like Squier or Rockbass (by Warwick) But now you're starting to play, so I think that there is no reason on spend a lot of money in a top mark bass. As the other ones said, Squier is the 2nd mark of Fender and I think that it's a reasonable option If you are starting to play. For you as a beginner, the most important thing is to practice, practice and practice (hand position, finger movements, right time groove) That may take you a few months and, believe me, it's important that you really want to learn how to play an instrument, but soon you'll understand that you have to work and practice and that'll be the time when you'll realize If you are really enthusiastic with the instrument. Just like with cars, when you're starting to drive, why spend money on a Porsche when all that you need is a Fiat?
3.- Fender? Warwick? Other? You need to play quite a lot first to discover the instrument and then to discover different marks and styles of it. For example, I've started to play bass because Stu Zender, who used to play a lot with a Warwick Bass. And I always been thinking "oh, if I have enough money, I'll buy a Warwick Bass" But after a few years, when I had the money to buy a good bass, I chose a Fender Jazz Bass, because I think that a Jazz Bass it's (as I said before) more eclectic and whit it you can play almost everykind of music, from Jazz to Punk Rock, and by that time I was starting to play in bands with funkrock style (which is the style in where I find myself more comfortable). I think that the Warwick Corvette, for example (an excellet bass) It's a really good bass for jazz, fusion, R&B, but It's no so good If you want to play funkrock, rock or punk. As I said, that's my own opinion, you could perfectly find another bass player who thinks different, and that's ok. But taste and preferences come with years of playing. |
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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 2191
Location: Lëtzebuerg
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| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 13:54 |
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Thanks Guly!
So I might go for a Jazz Bass later on, because I don't even know if I find a funk/soul band. So far I just know a duo of a guitarist and a drummer, but they're more into rock.
But I'll follow Funk Fiction's advice and go to buy a real Fender straight away. This will give me some more time to practice while saving money for the new bass and a better amplifier.
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Guly from Argentina
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 632
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| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 14:20 |
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Yeah Ophone. Any 2nd mark is good for you. Again, as for me, Squier it's a standard option.
Just to give you my own example: my first bass was made in Argentina. Now I've got a Fender Jazz Bass and I love his sound. But still, my first bass sounds pretty nice (NEVER like a Fender, but it's still nice)
Almost every musician I know started with a standard instrument.
And a last advice: try to find a professor if you can. It's true that sometimes you can learn by yourself, but I think that it's better to have a professor first, to guide you on the first steps. You'll learn better and faster. Then of course you can learn things by yourself (for example, I've learnt the Slap Technique by myself) |
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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
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Guly from Argentina
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 632
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| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 14:43 |
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Well, If you got a bass, why to buy another one? I had the chance to play a Squier Bass and, as for me, is one of the better option between the 2nd marks. But I'm quite sure that the difference with another 2nd mark one it's small.
So...If you want to have my opinion, just start to play with the bass that yoy already have. |
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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 2191
Location: Lëtzebuerg
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| Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2011 14:48 |
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Perfect!
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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
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Sunnyday
Joined: 19 Sep 2010
Posts: 144
Location: Netherlands
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| Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 13:10 |
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So cool Ophone that you go after your dream!
I've been dreaming many years of wanting to play (bass) guitar, but so many things got in the way, like a child, living abroad, no money, no time, etc.
And as a child my dad didn't find it usefull to have any music lessons. ('Bach learned himself so you can as well  ...)
Even now I got excuses, hehe! Well, it sure aint easy as a full-time working single mum, but this keeps coming back (and again when reading your post), so my resolution for the new year is to start sorting this out as well and buy something! 
Keep us updated on your progress Ophone! |
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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 2191
Location: Lëtzebuerg
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| Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 15:27 |
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Thank you Sunnyday!
Here the 2 basses I kinda fell in love with (both are Japanese models):
After what I read on the internet, both have great reviews.
The Ibanez seems to be a brand new model, but with nearly 2000€ it's quite an expensive machine.
That's where the Yamaha stands out, it costs only nearly 900€!
By the way, didn't Nick Fyffe usually play on a Yamaha TRB?
But I'm still aware I have to try them before I'm going to buy one.
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Guly from Argentina
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 632
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| Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2011 17:11 |
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Fender American Standard Jazz Bass.
And that's it. |
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ophone
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 2191
Location: Lëtzebuerg
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| Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 15:38 |
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OK Guly, but I'll try them first. I know the Jazz Bass is a classic in optics and especially sound.
But if I feel more comfortable with the Ibanez or the Yamaha, I'll go for one of these.
Now a question about beauty, I'm interested by your opinion!
Look at this page -------> http://www.fender.com/de-LU/products/search.php?partno=0190660700
Look at the bottom of the page and tell me which colour combination you like most for a Jazz Bass!
My choice would be the Olympic white one with a Rosewood neck,
this one:
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Guly from Argentina
Joined: 04 Jan 2007
Posts: 632
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| Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2011 18:10 |
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Well, that´s a personal choice Ophone.
I prefer the all white one or the silver/white one. But choose whatever you want.
Maybe Ibanez is a more comfortable bass for a beginner, but I still recommend you the Fender. |
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