What do I look for when buying?

pats7768 · Posted: Sun Oct 26, 2003 11:39 am Post subject: What do I look for when buying?

Hi everyone,
I need some help!
My boyfriend of 2 years used to play the bass. However, his instrument did not actually belong to him, it was his stepbrothers. When it got stolen, his stepbrother didn't get a new one and my bf doesn't want to spend that much money on himself, so he has since given up playing. I would really like to buy him one for Christmas, but I don't know much about instruments and don't want to ask him so that it will come as a complete surprise to him.
I don't mind getting him a used one, but I don't know what I'm looking for really, or even how to tell if it's in good shape. How much would a pretty good bass run? I don't want to spend the money if I'm not getting him quality. Also, I know enough to know he needs an amp too...how much do these go for? Someone told me what I get him depends on how good he is, and i don't really know because he quit before we were together, but I know he is very musical and he was not a beginner, but not really a pro.
I'd appreciate any tips or advice!!!
_________________
~Patti~

CaptainSaveAHo · Bear Cub Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 647

Cool present!

A good bass will run $300-700 USD. Anything less is a starter bass, anything more a semi-pro player might buy. Brand names: Peavy and Fender are good. Avoid squire, low end Ibanez, low end Yamaha, Hartke, Rouge and stuff like that. I can't help with which style, or even which options the bass has, it all comes down to personal preferance ^_^.

Used basses, even in good shape will have scratches on them. -BUT- If it has any cracks, the neck is bowed out or in badly, or electronics don't work, don't buy it!!

Amplifiers aren't cheap either. They run $250 and up for a decent one. If it has a 10" or 12" speaker and 25-100 watts of power it'll be fine for practice. If it's for performing though, you'll need something bigger.

Good luck ^_^.

gander · Newbie Alert Joined: 17 Nov 2003 Posts: 3

Hi Pats, How about talking to his stepbrother and seeing exactly what bass he was playing? Probably a Precision type, jazz type or a P/J(one precision and one jazz pickup). You can buy a new MIM Fender P or jazz for around $400 at Guitar Center. If you buy around the first of December you'll have until the first of the new year to return it if he wants something else(we have a 30 day return period at our local GC). The Fenders are easily upgraded(better pickups, etc) later down the road. Just an idea. Hope this helps.

lethargytartare · Sea Monkey Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Posts: 10

If you do get a used bass, the first thing you should do is call a guitar or music shop (like Guitar Center) and ask them if they will "set up" the bass for you. A tech will adjust the neck, action, etc. and that can do a lot to get the most out of a used bass -- and it should be free or cheap to get done (our GC has a guy who comes out weekly and does basic set up stuff for free).

Cheers!

Jeff

lethargytartare · Sea Monkey Joined: 02 Dec 2003 Posts: 10

As far as amps go, do you know if he'll be playing mostly in an apartment, house, etc.? There are tons of amps in all sizes and volumes. But one thing that might be a neat option -- and this is especially nice if he has an apartment where noise is a concern -- is an "amp modeler." These are little units that are loaded with effects and can sound like many different amps, and you can play through headphones. The expensive ones (like the Line 6 POD) are in the $300 range, but you can get modest ones for under $100 (they can also be called "multi-effects" processors or pedals). And the nice thing there is that, should he get back into playing more, he could get an amp and this effects processor would still be useful and would give him a lot to play with.

And, while I'm not a shill for them, Guitar Center is usually where I buy my stuff because they manage to undersell everyone on just about everything. But they do tend to be a bit on the hard-sell side, so have a budget in mind and don't budge from it!