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 Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 12:43 pm
GUIDELINES FOR FIRST TIME BASS GUITAR BUYERS
Buying your first instrument can be a difficult task. You're not sure what to look for, how much to spend, and on and on. Here are a few tips to ease the pain in your minds.
First, have a budget in mind before you go into the stores, so that you won't be dazzled by the flash and splendor of the "SPGX5000VR"!!!. With today's instruments you should be able to find a good, playable instrument for between $250 and $500.
Second, look for simplicity. Basses with tons of controls and gold hardware add to the price and are a distraction from the goal...to learn to play bass guitar. Watch for easy to understand control layout and straight forward hardware (tuning keys and bridges).
You will run across two different types of pickups, the single coil & the hum canceling.
Single coils are usually about 2 cm wide by 9 cm long and offer a brighter sound.
Hum canceling pickups are made up two coils each 3 cm wide by 6 cm long. They are set up in a staggered side by side format and produce a darker, 'beefier' sound.
Third, ask the salesman about the materials the bass is made from i.e., the woods for the neck and body. Some $250 range instruments have bodies made from plywood that don't produce as nice a tone as many solid wood basses do. The neck of the bass is the shaft where a player presses the strings down against metal bars called frets to produce different notes and sometimes chords. Necks are typically made of maple wood and their fretboards may be either maple (known for a brighter sound) or rosewood (known for a mellower tone).
Finally, avoid obscure brand names no one has heard of unless there are undeniable good qualities that show you that the instrument is an excellent deal. Recognized brand names will help you when either you decide to upgrade because you're getting so good! And you want to trade your bass in or you decide bass isn't for you and you want to sell the instrument.
With all this in mind, make sure that the instrument is comfortable to play, hold, wear on a strap, etc. Don't be afraid to ask the salesman to correct things like strings that are too high off the fretboard or buzzing, rattling frets. If you've noted these points you should come away with a great first bass and initial for a lot of enjoyment.
Checking the Bass Before Purchase
When you decide to purchase your Bass guitar from a pawn shop or private party (someone you don't know) you are taking on the risk of buying a defective product, as in most cases the manufacturer's warranty has been voided. In such cases, be sure to check the bass thoroughly, with your eyes and your ears. Look for nicks and dings on the body. Listen for crackling noises when you turn the controls. Always plug it in and try it before you buy it. If you're a novice, bring your teacher (or some other experienced bass player that you know) with you. If you don't know anyone, the my greatest suggestion to you is to just buy a bass from a licensed retailer.
Bass Amps
Bass amps are generally simple in design. Usually they have a volume control and 3 tone controls. Entry level are usually 20 watts with an 8" speaker. I recommend going with a larger model, as bass needs more wattage and a bigger speaker to "kick out" a good sound.
If you are jamming or going into a band you should be shopping in the 50 watt & up with a 12" speaker range. Bass players should be looking at 50 watts & up with a 12" - 15" speaker (and a graphic EQ if available).
Price-wise, Bass amps at the entry level will start at about $119.00 & up.
In short, determine your budget & size requirements. Choose the one that sounds and feels right for you.
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I found a pretty good article that should be able to help out alot of you on some more bass purchasing tips. I take no credit for any of this article and all credits have been given to those deserving it... so... Enjoy!madthumbs Buying Tips
Written by madthumbsWhen buying any gear, there are many aspects that you should look into: Versatility
Construction
Price
QualityListed above are only some of the things you should look into, these four are the main things I look at. Versatility My gear must be versatile since I play a wide range of music and the genres I play can vary from jazz to thrash metal to funk even to blues. You have to make sure the bass/amp/gear you buy suits best for what you play, and it must be good for anything that you want to try. For example: Gibson/Epiphone bass guitars are made for rock, the tone is the classic rock tone that any avid rock fan would want (judging on observation and listening). If you were to buy one of their basses to play something like funk/slap then it would not really suit that. So you would have to find a bass that is versatile enough for anything you want. ConstructionConstruction is very important in gear. Trust me you do not want to spend x amount of dollars on a product and then get home play with it all night and have it break or something. So to prevent that happening make sure you look at the product from every angle and make sure that you are not going to be buying something dodgy. Fiddle with knobs, look at wiring, look at the bridge, and look at the headstock, at the neck, at the back, at the pickups, anything that could break in the future and make sure that it is perfect and good to buy. With amps look into everything, try it out and make sure that every control on it works to its peak. Most of these tips apply to buying second hand products but check in the stores to, because you never know there may just be a shop that sells anything but the best product. PriceBass gear can be very expensive, as most of you would have found out already. But don’t get put off there are always bargains around! Just recently I got a Trace Elliot 4x10 300-watt combo for only $900 (AUD). If this were new it would be about $1,800+ but with some searching I found the right product for the perfect price. You can find/buy many magazines that have guides to buying certain gear for under $500 for example, these guides can be found in magazines such as Bass player (www.bassplayer.com) or Guitar Worlds’ Bass Guitar (www.guitarworld.com Follow the links to the bass magazine). QualityThis aspect should speak for its self. When you buy gear you have to look at the overall quality of the product otherwise you will get jibbed. I have nothing more to say on that subject really. REMEMBER: Before any of you make a thread on which bass, which amp, which effect etc to get, do your research and you will know what is best, and don't forget to TRY THE PRODUCT! Please do not rely on other peoples opinions, because we all have different ones don't we.Good luck. Source: Muscian Forums
I hope this has helped out all my fellow bass players (and bass players to be) in their constant seach of their 'perfect bass'. If you have any questions feel free to ask (just please keep it on the thread and not in my messege box. biggrin
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Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 11:37 pm
KYRENX'S GEAR REVIEWS
Now that you have the basics of how to buy a new bass and your at the purchasing stage but dont know how any of them stand against the rest? Well... your just in luck, here I shall provide my very own reviews on today's most popular models or any bass, effect pedals or amps you want me to look into (dont you feel lucky xd ). Be sure to keep all questions and requests on this thread and out of my messege box. thx.
now then... on to..
THE GEAR REVIEW OF (09/08/04)!
Make / Model:
Rickenbacker 4003
Gear Type:
Bass Guitars
Cost / Purchase Detail:
Musician's Friend has them for $999.99 (plus tax)
What I liked:
First off, I couldn't get my hands on a Rickenbacker 2230 but I did by chance find a Rickenbacker 4003 so I decided to do the review on that. I apologize if this isn't the exact review you were after but as I said, I couldn't find said item to do the review and would rather not give any opinions on it unless i've actually tried it out myself. Okay, now that that's over with on with the review!
Not only is this one of the best looking basses on the planet, straight off I when I played this beauty, it gave me a very distinctive sound (I mean this in a good way). Every note was crystal clear, (not muddy at all from what I could tell) and it manages to hold the volume all the way up and down the neck. (ie-The high notes are just as loud as the low notes.) This beauty definitely has tons of punch!
What I didn't like:
I'm assuming I was playing on a used instrument because after going through a couple of scales and warm-ups on it, E & A strings began to slightly buzz, that problem was fixed for the most part by retightening the bridge more securely onto the body. Also, this bass was a bit over bearing and is rather heavy compared to other basses.
Construction / Quality:
The construction, fit and finish was rather remarkable. The finish was so deep it looks like you could reach in to it. And being plain and simple, the action was great. Something interesting I noticed specifically about this bass was that it had a stereo output called "Ric-o-sound", which allows you to split each pickup signal to two different amps. First time I used such device and to let you all know... it works quite well.
Bottom Line:
The bass is highly recommended for every kind of music and style. It truely is a rare treasure to find a bass so sweet. (Too bad I couldn't afford to buy te bass I did this review on.. for now.. sad )
Kyrenx Rates this Guitar: 5 out of 5!
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Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2004 6:59 am
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Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2004 8:25 am
Troubleshooting Your Amp Answers to Some Common Amplifier Problems courtesy of: http://www.crateamps.com
My amplifier doesn't appear to be receiving power.
First, make sure that your power cord is plugged in to a live, properly grounded outlet. If that checks out, make sure the power switch is in the ON position. If you are still not getting any power, you may have a blown fuse. Fuses blow for a reason and something may have shorted out. Your best bet would be to have it checked by an Authorized Service Center.
My amplifier is losing volume.
Many times when an amp is cutting out, it is due to a faulty instrument cable or a bad jack in the instrument itself. All cables, including the cables used for effects pedals, processors, and extension speaker cabinets should be checked for proper operation. Also confirm that the jack in your instrument is working properly. If there is still a cutting out problem, you should have the unit checked out by an Authorized Service Center.
I turn my amplifier all the way up, but I can still barely hear it.
This is another problem that can be caused by a faulty cable or band instrument jack. All cables need to be checked for proper operation, including the cables used for effects pedals, processors, and extension speaker cabinets. Also confirm that the instrument jack is working properly and that the speaker cables are securely attached. Each amplifier is different in it's operation. A quick look into your owner's manual to confirm proper hook-up could save you a trip to a repair center. If all cables and jacks are in proper working order and you have confirmed that your rig is hooked up properly, you should have the unit checked out by an Authorized Service Center.
How do go about getting my amp to be repaired?
If your amplifier should require service, you have two options: The first option is to take it to an Authorized Service Center in your area. A list of service centers is available on the CRATE website or by contacting the CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT of the dealer that you bought the amp from. Your second option is to send the unit back to the factory service center for repair. You should first contact them for a RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER and shipping instructions.
If I decide to have my amplifier repaired, do I have to pay for it?
If you haven't already, now would be a good time to familiarize yourself with the WARRANTY that was included with your amp. Within it you will find all the information in regards to what is covered, how long it is covered, and what is required by the purchaser in order to obtain Warranty Service.
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Kyrenx Note:
If there is something particular you want to know.. just post it in the thread and I or some other knowledgeable member of the guild will do our best to help you. Thank you.
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Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 3:04 pm
PREVIOUS GEAR REVIEW (08/16/04)
Make / Model:
Ibanez GSR200 4-String Bass Guitar
Gear Type:
Bass Guitars
Cost / Purchase Detail:
Musician's Friend has them for $204.99 (plus tax)
What I liked:
The body is comfortably shaped and extremely light. This makes it an easy bass to plop on a couch and play, or jump around a stage, or whatever you like to do. I also like the neck. It is extremely thin when compared to Fenders. This makes it a very easy bass to play. I can move up and down the neck quickly, and this makes it possible to play many different styles of music. I play alternative, funk, jazz, etc, and it sounds great. I also like the Split-coil and single-coil pickup combination because you can really mold your sound, even without an equalizer (although this bass does come with an Active EQ with Phat Bass Boost). One other thing I like about this bass is the craftsmanship. Even though it is just a starter model it has great construction. It also has great tone and sound.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like the crappy factory strings that come on this bass. They sounded really bad and just didn't feel right. Once replaced everything should be great except that the single-coil pickup has a tendency to buzz. This isn't that noticable when you are playing, but you can just about get rid of it by fooling around with the equalizer. Other than that, I have no other complaints!
Construction / Quality:
This guitar has great construction compared to any other guitars near its price range. The bolts are tight, the finish is even and bright. Overall this bass has very good quality.
Bottom Line:
I heard so much about these guitars and decided to check out for myself. All and all like this guitar. It has good constuction, it looks nice, and plays very well. This bass guitar is best for beginner and intermediate bass players.
Kyrenx Rates this Guitar: 4 out of 5!
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Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 12:44 pm
PREVIOUS GEAR REVIEW (08/18/04)
Make / Model:
Fender Standard 4-string Jazz Bass
Gear Type:
Bass Guitars
Cost / Purchase Detail:
Musician's Friend has them for 419.99 - $454.99 (plus tax)
What I liked:
The first thing I have to say about this bass is versatility. If that's what your looking for, this bass has it in a quantity supply. The solid alder body is comfortably shaped and the 9.5" rosewood fretboard is quite smooth, allowing for hours of easeful play time. The two standard J-Bass single coil pickups sound great slapped, popped, plucked or picked.
What I didn't like:
The only downfall to this bass that i see is that it's needlessly heavy compared to many others on the market. Other than that, I have no other complaints!
Construction / Quality:
Little comparison from others, this bass literally breaths sounds from its pick ups and it's overall durability is geniuine fender tough.
Bottom Line:
This bass guitar is best for any bass player looking to play anything on.
Kyrenx Rates this Guitar: 5 out of 5!
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Posted: Tue Aug 24, 2004 10:40 pm
do any of you guys play fretless? I was looking into getting one becasue supposidly the sound much better and they have nice action, but i thought i might get some feedback from other bassist before i make a major purchase. Any brand suggestions ?
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Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 4:48 am
boogiemanips do any of you guys play fretless? I was looking into getting one becasue supposidly the sound much better and they have nice action, but i thought i might get some feedback from other bassist before i make a major purchase. Any brand suggestions ? Most of the fretless basses I've heard do sound very good; mainly because there is no fretbuzz, and it sounds a lot smoother than on a bass with frets. I'm still in the market for a fretless myself, so I can't really suggest anything..
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Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2004 7:57 am
boogiemanips do any of you guys play fretless? I was looking into getting one becasue supposidly the sound much better and they have nice action, but i thought i might get some feedback from other bassist before i make a major purchase. Any brand suggestions ?
as far as fretlesses go (this coming off the top of my head) this one particular one that i love was the Warwick Corvette Standard Fretless Bass but the price for one of those is enough to make you consider just shaving down the frets yourself.. but I do believe yamaha has a suprising good fretless at a reasonable price... but i cant remember it's name right now. (EDIT: Yamaha RBX270F Fretless Bass) Hope this helps out at least a little.
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Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2004 11:53 pm
Kyrenx boogiemanips do any of you guys play fretless? I was looking into getting one becasue supposidly the sound much better and they have nice action, but i thought i might get some feedback from other bassist before i make a major purchase. Any brand suggestions ?
as far as fretlesses go (this coming off the top of my head) this one particular one that i love was the Warwick Corvette Standard Fretless Bass but the price for one of those is enough to make you consider just shaving down the frets yourself.. but I do believe yamaha has a suprising good fretless at a reasonable price... but i cant remember it's name right now. (EDIT: Yamaha RBX270F Fretless Bass) Hope this helps out at least a little.My best friend growing up had a Dean fretless that played pretty well, too. Forget the precise model, though... On a side note, any reason you're so harsh on Squiers, man? I've honestly never come across someone who's played them and preferred the Fender equivalent...That aside, the two that I have have been pretty darn reliable in all aspects. Not planning on trading them in until I have enough spare change on hand for a Rick 4001, and even then that'd only be if I had to...
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Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 6:48 am
Kaji01 My best friend growing up had a Dean fretless that played pretty well, too. Forget the precise model, though... On a side note, any reason you're so harsh on Squiers, man? I've honestly never come across someone who's played them and preferred the Fender equivalent...That aside, the two that I have have been pretty darn reliable in all aspects. Not planning on trading them in until I have enough spare change on hand for a Rick 4001, and even then that'd only be if I had to...
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Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2004 8:17 am
I have a squire strat guitar..and well, its crap more or less, for the price (about 100 bucks with amp, gutiar and all) it doest sound half bad..but when i play my friends strat..then my squire strat..i defently notice a big big diffrence. Squires are the ultament bugget guitar. i would suggest tthem to ppl lerning to play becuse there cheep..but if you play allready..you can get a better guitar..
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Herr Kaiser Matthelm Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 3:19 pm
Hey Kyrenx, have you ever played a Gibson SG Bass? I find it to be my favorite bass of all time, I have not played anything smoother that was not a fretless...
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Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:58 pm
Teth Hey Kyrenx, have you ever played a Gibson SG Bass? I find it to be my favorite bass of all time, I have not played anything smoother that was not a fretless...
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Herr Kaiser Matthelm Captain
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Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2004 5:02 pm
im not a big epiphone fan, i played a epiphone sg bass..it was pritty bad..ive also hade some bad experences wiht epiphone guitars as well..
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