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New bass player Needs help!
Hi guys an gals.
I am a drummer who is about to purchase a bass guitar.
I am looking for a 4 or 5 string bass and I would like the input of actual bassists before I spend my money. The reason I ask random strangers on an open forum is I don't trust the guys at george's music. (I do have honest reasons for the distrust.)
SO! Here's what I know. Preferably 5 string to hit E flat easily without having to retune. Active pick-ups in a P-J fashion. Not a Rogue bass.
And that's all I know. Well that and It has to be used since I have a budget of 110.00.
Thanks for the help,
BlakeM
Ok so here is the deal. OFC is a curmudgenly old bastard that has been playing since Christ was a corporal and doesn't have to and won't settle for less. I on the other hand have played MANY sub $500.00 basses. What you are asking is a tall order. Taller than possible more than likely so you may need a bit more scratch. Don't run from the Rouge basses. I've played 3 and they were all good basses that could easily be gigged with. As OTDY mentioned used Ibanez would be a good place to start as well. If you aren't hung on the active part your world will open up exponentially. Look on e-bay and at Rondomusic. Good Luck!
H
Yikes. 110. I'm going to assume you are aware that you're going to be looking at used stuff.
Here's some manufacturers to look for.
Samick makes a very good bass that fits all your requirements. I don't know that you'll find one for 110. Maybe 150 - 200 would be my guess. Used, of course.
You might, if you're extremely lucky, run across some desperate soul with a made in Mexico Fender Jazz who will let it go for 110. Wouldn't hold my breath, though.
Dean makes some inexpensive stuff that might suit you.
I've played some Carlos Robelli and Brownsville basses but not too fond of them.
Why is it that you are dead set against Rogue?
You got an amp or are you just recording or what?
Just out of curiousity, what did the guys at Geoge's Music tell you?
Are you in a big hurry or can you hold off until you can scratch up a few more coins?
If I were you I'd snipe Craigslist for some Squier's. Honestly, some of the Squiers are just as good as Fenders. (And even if it isn't, you can soup it up and make it cherry)
Then again, I don't know if you'll find an active P/J style with 110 bucks. But give some of them Squiers a try...and you can always turn it into a P/J if it isn't!
The peavey International series has a great 5 string, I had one, I don't get on with 5 strings though, they seem to go for Peanuts over here at least.
Try Rondo music and the SX good quality for a low price.
If I were you I'd snipe Craigslist for some Squier's. Honestly, some of the Squiers are just as good as Fenders. (And even if it isn't, you can soup it up and make it cherry)
Then again, I don't know if you'll find an active P/J style with 110 bucks. But give some of them Squiers a try...and you can always turn it into a P/J if it isn't!
This seems about the best bet. Headle had a Squier 5 that he really liked. It may have J p/u's, but should work quite well.
Finding a used one for <110 may be a challenge, but with this economy there are certainly deals to be had if you keep a sharp eye out.
P-pickups for fivers are somewhat uncommon until you reach a fairly high price range.
1 hundo is real tough, especially for a fiver that can hold together. I say make a trade with a good bass player in town that needs something you already have. If you have no real knowledge of bass or instruments in general you are going to walk into a lot of headaches buying a super cheap bass....
trade someone a nice bike or something for a decent old Fender...
just my pennies
1. When I was getting a drum set the guys a George's (at least here) weren't helpful.
2. I don't have anything Against a Rogue. I just don't want to have issue's with it, spend my cash, something go wrong and end up Bassless.:mad:
3. When it comes to drums I know my stuff however bass is virgin territory.
I know (____:confused:____) <-- That much about the Basses.
3.5 I have found a Rogue LX205b-ii Series 5 string for 110 New. If you can recommend Rogue as a starter bass then I'll get it.
4. This is just a starter bass it will most likely never see a stage. Although I might use it in GarageBand instead of the presets.
5. I like both Active and Passive. Although with passive you have one less circuit to possibly die. (I do know the difference between the two.)
Lastly I will continue saving unless something is just to good to pass up.
Any comment, suggestions are great.
Much thanks!
Blake M
+1 to what has been said allready. You're looking into a used, passive bass. eBay and Craigslist are your best bets. Local pawn shops may also be a good place to look. As was mentioned, the SX basses from Rondo Music are quite a good deal. Used Ibanez tend do be cheap and good. Look around until you find something you like. Let us know if you need any more specific pointers.
You might, if you're extremely lucky, run across some desperate soul with a made in Mexico Fender Jazz who will let it go for 110. Wouldn't hold my breath, though.
FM he'll turn blue methinks.

Well, for 110 that really limits your options... severly.
I'd say try to shop around for a used Ibanez
Acoustic 408 coming to a stage near you soon