Any bass players here?

MVF

MVF

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Joined
Sep 2, 2005
Messages
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I just picked up the bass guitar. I played trumpet for quite a while, but my neck is giving me problems and I always wanted to try bass, so...

Anyway, after doing some homework and trying some basses I got a Ibanez GSR200- only $200 and it got good reviews for a starter bass. Not being totally blown away by it, I was dumb enough to go back to store and ask what the next step up would be. So now I'm thinking about stepping up to the Ibanez (I have small hands and really like the slim necks) SR500- for $600! The good thing is I'm still within the time I can return the 200 for a full refund.

Anyone have any experience along these lines? Is this a good move while I can still get full money back from the 200, or am I just being a gear whore and should just stick with the 200? The 500 feels better and seems to sound better but I'm such a beginner that it could be wishful thinking (it looks better, too). The really bad part is the price difference will have to come out my knife collection! If it makes any difference, I got a Hartke A35 for an amp.

Any help will be much appreciated!
 
I played bass as a yougster and went through the gear whore phase. On the one hand, practice is 100x more valuable to your sound than equipment is. On the other hand if you clearly like another model more than the one you have, you are bound to remain dissatisfied with what you have, so I would say trade up while you can. Then be sure to keep your new bass in fine condition so that you can sell it for a good price if you want to get something even better later on, BUT resolve not to get another bass for at least a year of constant playing (so that you focus just on technique for at least a year). My .02
 
I've been playing for almost 15 years meow. I highly recommend checking out Talkbass.com . I've owned many , many basses over the years from Fender to Sadowsky, Zon ,Warwick. More than anything a good feeling bass is important in my experience. Something you can get around well on, balances well on a strap, is fairly lightweight. Make sure the neck is straight. A bit of bow in either direction is adjustable, make sure there isn't any warping or twists. The grain pattern of the neck will give you a clue. Multi-laminated necks will somewhat mitigate this.

A great playing bass with a good neck will serve you well. If at some point you're not digging the electronics or hardware it's a fairly easy process to swap them out.

If its something you think you'll stick with I'd get the 500 in a heartbeat. If its something you want to dabble with there are better choices than the 200, not that it's a bad bass. .Feel free to shoot me a message with questions. I love talking gear! I might even have a bass to trade !
 
Another thing. The Ibanez SR500 would be worth upgrading down the road if you choose to. There are a wide variety of pickups that would work in the bartolini soapbar size and a number of good preamps. The cost of the upgrades can vary but it can get up there.
 
The Ibanez is good if you're just starting out. If you stick with it look into the Dean line of basses if you want to upgrade.

This is what I'm currently using:

BC Rich Mockingbird circa 1983

Dean Edge 09 M

Ibanez Electric Acoustic

Kala U-Bass Mahogany

Peavey 215 bass Cabinet w/ Marshall MB450H Bass Head

Crate BX-100 Bass Combo Amplifier

Boss GT10B Bass Effects Processor
 
Thanks for the help guys! Anyone else?

Fishface5- that sounds like great advice- one way or another, once this decision is made I plan on that being it for at least a year- and hopefully longer.

benthughes- I've been checking out Talkbass- great site. PM sent

Ken C.- Nice stable ya got there!
 
Pictures?

I love guitars, but can't play a note.

Tom Petty plays a Rickenbacher bass in the Mudcrutch videos, if that's any help. :D
 
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