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

[gunslinger_burrito]

I miiight ask for some kind of bass for christmas, and see if I can split the cost or something.... But I don't know if I'd prefer a regular 4 string, a 5 string (for that low B ) or one of those squire bass VIs.....

I want something pretty versatile, as I don't know what bass tones or styles I'll enjoy playing. Also, for those of you who've built Bass VIs, was it more cost-effective to build, or to just buy a squire?

[Disarm D'arcy]

Having estimated the cost of assembling a VI myself it's cheaper to buy a Squier.

[gunslinger_burrito]

That's kinda what I was thinking..... So I guess it's really between the 5-string or the VI......

[MEC]

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.

[WayToHip]

I would recommend getting a 4 string bass before a 5. cheaper strings for one, Also necks are smaller but also more variety.

[kbit]

Four string all the way. If you got a bass vi you would probably just play it like your guitars, where a four string will be bigger in all aspects, especially string spacing which is a big one.

A five string could be cool but it isnt thay hard to play a four string tuned down to D or C or even B. Circle K strings are your friend.

I'm a big fan of working within limitations to fostrr growth

[Holy Schnikes]

Four string all the way. If you got a bass vi you would probably just play it like your guitars, where a four string will be bigger in all aspects, especially string spacing which is a big one.

I agree with this.

[WeHuntKings]

Get a 4 stringer. Start with a beater p bass and then move on from there. You should try longer scale stuff before you say "fuck it" and get a short scale bass. This is what I did and now my eb-3 feels like a guitar.

[gunslinger_burrito]

Yeah, I don't want a short scale. . .

What are decent starting basses? Pbass huh?

[Pepe]

A Precision Bass has only one pickup which doesn't make it very versatile in sound. I always disliked the Fender Jazz Bass model, because of its weight and its look, but this year I fell in love with the Squier Vintage Modified 70's Jazz Bass. It's a pretty cheap, but extremely good bass regarding the price/performance ratio. I'm going to purchase one of these in Olympic White in a few months.

[kbit]

What kind of cleanish bass sounds do you generally dig? Might be a helpful starting point.

[gunslinger_burrito]

Hmm. I'm not really sure. I think I'd want something with a little to a lot of attack? I don't think I'd use a bass tone that had no attack, if that makes sense.

[rot gut]

You want p+j pickups.
http://www.fender.com/squier/basses/pre ... -sunburst/
http://www.fender.com/squier/basses/jag ... -sunburst/

[KaosCill8r]

I have one of those Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special's on order at the moment. In crimson trans finish. Wont get it till earlier next year if I'm lucky. They are all gone in OZ. Apparently they are very popular. Good Bass for cheap.

[GAS KING]

USA Peavey. Used.

My favorite bass is a Peavey Foundation 5.
Got it for $190 used.
After Rics, USA Fenders, Musicmans, Warwicks etc.........it's the one that always just felt and sounded right to me. Similar to a J bass.
(note: I really dug the Warwick Corvette $$ 5 too.......ugly as hell, but that one was really good too. Sold because money reasons. )
I've had a lot of bases over the years, and the Foundation was always my go to.

Pretty much all of the USA Peaveys are good.
T-40 is really good, but often weigh WAY too much.