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So I want to learn bass guitar, because at every jam me and my friends go to, there is almost never a bassist, so I'm thinking of taking the responsibility and learning bass. I've got about 80 dollars, which I know is not enough for a good quality bass, so how much more money would I need, and what should I look for?
That's the first step, once I've found a bass guitar and bought it and made it my baby, I'll ask for tips for playing if I need them.
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Sorry, but I know nothing that can be of any help.
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07-02-2011, 19:54
(This post was last modified: 07-02-2011, 20:12 by Jerome.)
OK 80 bucks is not going to get you much but remember it's not always about how much you spend. Your ability to play the instrument properly is what it's about. The rest will come later. Learn scales - morning, noon and night and if you don't know what they are find out. It will unlock the instrument for you. Don't know what kind of music you like but a couple of bass players to check out - there are many more
Jaco Pastorius - a legend.
Stanley Clarke - an album called 'Rocks, Pebbles & Sand'
The guy from Toto - can't think of his name!!! - great player
John Entwistle (The Who)
Nathan East (Eric Clapton)
Chris Squire - if you like Progressive Rock (Yes)
and many many more.....
And if you are going to gig - a DI box (to counteract impedance) is a must. A good one is going to cost you more than your guitar! The bass is the instrument that uses up the most energy in the audio spectrum so you need a good amp too. A lot of people give up playing an instrument because the one they are playing on is crap and they get frustrated but you have to see past that until you can afford the right one. Many many people I know have given up learning the guitar because they could never tune it properly. So they though it was their lack of ability that was the problem. The real problem was that the guitar either had really bad intonation or the action of the strings made them virtually unplayable. So going for a cheap instrument can sometimes ruin your passion to learn. Having said that, Seve Ballesteros (world renowned golfer) learnt to play by hitting potatoes around because he could not afford real golf balls. Look where that got him! It's all about attitude and discipline!!!!!!
Finally - a lot of people think the bass is the 'easy' instrument. It's not - and you need a lot of strength in your hands and arms to master the bass. And you need a very good 'ear'. Know when to play and when not to. One secret to the bass is leaving spaces between the notes. That way it makes a bigger impact when it's heard.
Good luck!
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[FONT="]The bass guitar may not be for everyone but it is an excellent instrument that can bring many hours of fun and enjoyment to a great number of people who learn how to play it well. Learning bass guitar has its difficulties but it becomes simpler once you start to understand the nuances and similarities involved.[/FONT]
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Here's a sample of a great bassist -
http://youtu.be/lRflGVcRxCI
'The purpose of life is a life of purpose' - Athena Orchard.
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I've always loved the way Jaco Pastorius could virtually play the bass like a guitar !
[video]http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=jaco+pastorius+solo&oq=jaco+p astorius&gs_l=youtube.1.3.0l10.15382.19848.0.25336 .14.6.0.8.8.0.300.1323.0j2j3j1.6.0...0.0...1ac.1.1 1.youtube.Va3Pm45DGJ8[/video]
The ultimate connection is between a performer and its' audience!
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That might be of help for bassists around hear:
what gear use the 10 best bass players
:-)
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pawn shops sometimes have bass guitars at that price especially if they are scratched and worn. You'll need a bass amp of course. I bought a bass & found it very easy to play. If you play it close to the bridge it sounds like an ordinary guitar except the thick strings have endless sustain. Bass guitar makes everything in the house & surrounding areas vibrate & rumble to the core & so i can't play it loud like i'd like to. The bass amps with one big speaker have a different projection range than the amps with lots of smaller speakers & so if you are going to play in a large hall then you might want to study which amp is going to give you what you need. Maybe phone or email a few pawn shops & let them know what you want & then they'll get back to you if anything turns up. Also ebay has some great deals. What i've found is that a real musician can make great music on a dirt cheap instrument & so you don't need an expensive instrument. I just had a look at ebay & there is a bass guitar for $90.
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12-05-2015, 23:44
(This post was last modified: 13-05-2015, 16:37 by jazzboCR.)
Doogie Wrote:pawn shops sometimes have bass guitars at that price especially if they are scratched and worn. You'll need a bass amp of course. I bought a bass & found it very easy to play. If you play it close to the bridge it sounds like an ordinary guitar except the thick strings have endless sustain. Bass guitar makes everything in the house & surrounding areas vibrate & rumble to the core & so i can't play it loud like i'd like to. The bass amps with one big speaker have a different projection range than the amps with lots of smaller speakers & so if you are going to play in a large hall then you might want to study which amp is going to give you what you need. Maybe phone or email a few pawn shops & let them know what you want & then they'll get back to you if anything turns up. Also ebay has some great deals. What i've found is that a real musician can make great music on a dirt cheap instrument & so you don't need an expensive instrument. I just had a look at ebay & there is a bass guitar for $90.
To back that up, an excellent guitarist has made a whole career on pawnshop guitars:
http://www.allmusic.com/artist/teisco-de...0000747458 and
https://www.facebook.com/dan.forte1 He's written for Vintage Guitar Magazine (as Dan Forte), so he preaches
and practices.
A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind--Dr. Johnson
What he said. Amen, Bro--JazzboCR
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Hey there!!! Finding a great bass doesn't have to be a mystery. There are so many well-made, affordable basses on the market today that itâs never been easier to find a good instrument. But donât just buy the first bass you get your hands on. There are still problems to be aware of and features to consider to insure that you get the best value and an instrument youâll be happy playing for years to come.
