I think I want to learn bass, but......questions

[coldbrightsunlight]

I'd recommend a squier vintage modern PJ as well. Good sound, bit versatile, good price.

[Mudfuzz]

I built a Mudfuzz VI before the Squires were available and it probably cost me around $350.
If you've got some spare parts lying around, you could do it cheaper.

I may be looking to sell most of mine (everything but pickups) so PM me if you are interested.

If you decide on going straight bass guitar, I'd suggest a 4 string due to neck width.
You can always throw some thicker strings on and down tune.

Yeah it depends on how many parts you have on hand, For me all that was really needed was the neck, everything else was either on hand or stuff that I was going to do to my tele anyway. Now my other Bassvi project which I will finnish someday [I've just been a bit burnt out on guitar/wood working so all my projects are molding right now] at a guess is around $600 in parts and shit… To me the cheapest way to get a bass vi is to get the cheapest sort scale bass you can find and add two tuners, change the nut and bridge and you are done… but.. all you will be getting is a bass with two extra high strings. Also personally I don't see a bass vi as a good fill in for a "normal' bass, the string spacing and pickups actually make it harder for "normal" bass playing styles and techniques, but, only you can answer to you're self what you ant to do with bass playing… so if you want a cross between the feel and sound of a bass and a guitar than a bass vi is cool, but if you want a bass that you can use for any any every style or music out there that a bass guitar can fit in then a "normal" 4 or 5 string bass is the way to go.. really I think going to a store or a friend's house and jamming on one for a bit would help more than anything else to help make up your mind.

[Deltaphoenix]

really I think going to a store or a friend's house and jamming on one for a bit would help more than anything else to help make up your mind.

This. You might hate Fender bass tones and dig a Thunderbird or whatever. Lots of flavors out there.

[fuzzonaut]

- get a 4 string and a very nice octaver.
- put that pick away.
- relax.
- enjoy the ride on those frequencies.

[kbit]

Definitely try playing with your fingers for a while but I wouldn't say swear off a pick for good. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

[KaosCill8r]

Definitely try playing with your fingers for a while but I wouldn't say swear off a pick for good. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Take a heavy gauge pick. Glue thick leather either side of it and trim it to the shape of the pick. A nice happy medium between finger sound and pick attack.

[bigchiefbc]

Definitely try playing with your fingers for a while but I wouldn't say swear off a pick for good. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

+1

[WayToHip]

Definitely try playing with your fingers for a while but I wouldn't say swear off a pick for good. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

+1

+2

[coldbrightsunlight]

+millions

They're both useful tools to have in your arsenal.

[fuzzonaut]

Definitely try playing with your fingers for a while but I wouldn't say swear off a pick for good. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Ha-ha, never swear off anything, of course. That was just proposing the starting sequence of "I think I want to learn bass ...".

[D.o.S.]

Picks are for hacks.

For real, though, play as many different basses as you can through some kind of consistent reference amp, like one of the ones you can find at any guitar store, so you get an idea of how different basses sound through the same rig. Then, once you've found the one you want, keep an eye out for a solid deal.