New Player........ I NEED advice ASAP

[sarab]

What is the best kind of bass for a beginner?

4 string vs. 5 string
type of wood
nething else you have advice on!!!!

[Jon Gauthier]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to go bass shopping with a bassist. that way, you can get something that is right for you. My first bass was purchased on looks alone. it ended up being a great bass, but I think I lucked out. For a beginner, I think the type of wood is somewhat irrelevant, other than maybe the fretboard being rosewood or maple. they have a slightly different feel, tone, and playability. it also wouldn't be a bad idea to get something with a slimmer neck if you have small hands, or vice versa. I like a 5-string for certain types of music, so choosing the number of strings is based on what type of music you're going to be doing. I've been playing for years, and have even tought lessons, so if you want some pointers on purchasing bass and getting started, you can call me here at Sweetwater. otherwise, I'd find some bassist in your area that you trust to help out.

[Trumpetguy7]

I'll add in this: Pick a bass that will feel soft on your fingers. If the fingers are too far from the fret board, then it'll be tough to play. Also make sure the bass isn't crooked by playing each string on each fret. just a little test. But the best thing to do is take a bassist like Jon said. I would go with a 4 string cuz its cheaper and the 5th string isn't really necessary for a beginner in my opinion.

[bassman20]

I've found that cheap instruments can actually discourage a beginner, so you might want to keep that in mind as well. Playability is most important in the yearling stages!;)

[billybass]

if you are going to play stuff that requires a certain thing out of an axe, then that is the tool that you need.
5 string is not all that much harder than 4 string, it has benifits and draw backs.
my advice is, don't go for broke on your first axe and don't buy from a catalog. Take along a teacher or long time player and find something that works well.
Every single axe feels different. Forget about the wood. Get something that's easy to play and can put out the sound that you think you like.
A good working cheap axe is the ibanez sr series. tiny necks make it feel like a toy so you won't kill yourself playing. price is reasonable.
Playing and going through equipment will evolve over time for you. as you gain experience, you'll know better what you are looking for.
Don't forget, you can save money on a used axe.
Ask around to find a great setup guy. it makes all the difference in the world.

[elsteve9]

I wouldn't buy a 5-string first thing. Please note that the Low E on a regular 4 string is 40hz, (actually, I suppose it's like 41.2hz or something like that) so it's already at the edge of human hearing, much less what your average speaker cabinet can reproduce.
In short, I'm not arguing against 5-strings (actually, I'dlike a 6-string), but I AM arguing that players should learn to maximize the 4 before learning the 5th. In my experience, persons who had a 5-string all the time get addicted to the extra bass of the 5th string, and lose their minds, never learn to play, and can't tell that, generally, the 5th string is WAY too bassy.

FURTHER: Most cheap 5-strings suck.
And most beginners are going to buy a cheaper instrument, of course.
Therefore, most beginners who buy a 5-string buy crap.

So there's my .02. DON'T BUY A 5-STRING!


-Stephen

[GibsonJ50]

Action is pretty important, especially when you are
getting started. Depending on the size of your hands,
you might find the reach on a Precision Bass, for example,
a little less comfortable than a Jazz Bass---- if you are
checking Fenders. Definitely play a bunch of them
before you rush into anything............:)