A musical instrument is a great investment, especially when you are just starting out. This guide provides some recommendations on how to buy the best bass you can afford.
Steps
Step 1. Set the price range
A new bass can cost anywhere from € 200 to € 5000 depending on the brand, quality, and finish. Used basses tend to range from € 100 to € 1500 and are often just as good, although prices and selection vary from store to store.
Step 2. Look around
Over the past year or two, some department stores (like Target and Wal-Mart) have started selling "starter" instruments that are far less expensive than you'd find in a guitar store. For example, a bass currently listed on Target.com costs $ 110. However, your best bet is to frequently search guitar stores and pawn shops to find a good deal. Also, check out the ads. Most people have no idea what they are selling, and you could get a good deal.
Step 3. Try the tool before buying it if possible
Most guitar stores allow you to hook up and play with any instrument in the store. See if you like how it sounds, if you like the look, and how you feel it in your hands. Don't buy something used without trying it first, unless it comes from a reputable dealer and has some sort of return policy if you find you don't like it. Be very cautious about buying tools on websites like eBay. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Step 4. Bring an experienced bass player with you
Let me try all the tools you intend to buy. If you are a parent in the process of purchasing a tool for your son or daughter, find someone who can try out the tools. Your baby will thank you in the future.
Step 5. Consider buying a used bass guitar
Most used equipment drops in price over the years and can offer better sound quality for the same price as a new bass. Always check that a used instrument is not damaged, and play it (or have someone else do it) before buying it. If you are shopping remotely and therefore do not have physical access to the tool, use your personal judgment and make sure you have the option to return it.
Advice
- Take your time. Analyze the guitars.
- Squier, Epiphone, and Ibanez are the top three manufacturers of instruments, of good quality at affordable prices.
- Fretless basses, acoustic basses, and five- or six-string basses each have their own unique sound and advantages, but it's easier to learn on a four-string electric bass. This is especially true if you intend to learn using online resources or self-taught books, which are usually written for people who play a four-string electric bass.
- Even if you plan to buy an instrument on eBay or through an online seller, first try to find the same instrument at a guitar store to try it out.
- Stay away from Squier Affinity Series basses. Good sound at a low price, but they forget like crazy and are poorly built.
- Remember, you generally get what you pay for. If you buy a $ 100 bass, it will sound like a $ 100 bass. Beware, however, of some very expensive basses. With some you would only pay for paintwork or age, rather than sound and reliability.
- The SX, Douglas, and Brice brands are well built for their cost, and you would pay for the low and not for the advertising costs.
- If you like effects, the LD15 Line 6 amp costs around € 160 and has a wah, a chorus, an octaver, and a fuzz with 4 different amp models. It is the best amplifier in that price range.
- Most professional musicians got their first instrument gold from a thrift shop, it doesn't matter where you start, but where you end up.
- Look for someone who has purchased an instrument and realized they are not talented. If his guitar or bass is just taking up space, maybe he'll sell it cheaply.
- Buy your first bass and amp with your personal money, no more than € 800 in total, and don't worry about changing it until you are making money as a musician, then use the money to buy better instruments, you can get good stuff for less than 1000 euros, and it will sound good.
Warnings
- A department store beginner bass guitar is likely to be the most affordable solution to start with and will be fine for lessons, home practice, and playing with friends, but will not perform as well in terms of quality. I don't recommend buying any of these tools, unless it's the only one you can afford. Many of them are poorly built and will not last.
- Sellers often try to sell lots of accessories to new buyers. You will likely need a tuner and beginner instructional DVD or at least a book to get started. You don't need to buy the high quality cable and pedal effects from the store. Just tell the seller that you will come back to the store when you need more items.
- Remember that most brands have different quality products, just like car brands (compare a Festiva to a Mustang). A branded bass that costs $ 200 will be no better than an unbranded $ 100 instrument.
