I need a bass guitar - suggestions?

thomasross20

Over the years I'm going to be recording a whole load more new songs for even more album releases. 

I'm going to need a bass. 

Question is, how good does it need to be? It will only be used at home for recording. 

My room is cluttered as it is with 4 guitars, an amp and pedal board. Should I think about one of these mini (short-scale, headless) basses? 

All suggestions welcome - would rather keep the cost as low as possible - I think my recording interface can get a good sound out of anything so not much need for a super sounding bass..?

gusman2x

Get a well good quality squier for around £100 or less.

ICBM

Yes, you can literally get a Squier or a cheap P-Bass copy (Westfield etc) for under £100 that will do the job just fine.

Headless basses feel really weird until you get used to them, it wouldn't be my first choice for a bass.

axisus

Yeah, buy my hohner headless 5 string!

thomasross20

Link? 

Honestly - I'm still at the drum programming phase - I need to get a handle on a bass at some point but wont be immediate - have received a few pms and got some info, need to digest

UnclePsychosis

You need to play some and work out what you like.

The difference between a Jazz neck and a Precision neck is huge. Getting the right neck profile is much more important on bass than it is on guitar IMO.

Brand wise Squier/Yamaha/Ibanez. Hard to go wrong there.

thomasross20

WHat's the difference between those two necks? Google here I come!

speshul91

The ibanez gio range are good for the price, ive got a gsr with a spalted maple top thats gorgeous

UnclePsychosis

thomasross20;694135" said:

WHat's the difference between those two necks? Google here I come!

Talking in very broad strokes :

Jazz - small and skinny
Precision - big and chunky

They obviously vary a bit from model to model. You really need to play a few to get a feel for the variations.

chrispy108

Second-hand Ibanez or Warwick Rockbass would be my recommendation.

They aren't "trendy" at the moment, so resale prices aren't great, which is get for second-hand buyers like you

thomasross20

Jeezo, just looking and basses are cheap as chips, even new. 

Must try some out, as suggested. 

thomasross20

PRS bass!?

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=14101616385532

Haha

Will go to town today/tomorrow hopefully and try normal basses (Squier/Ibanez/Yamaha). P vs J necks, and hopefully headless and SHORT SCALE!! Might be keen on short scale...

thomasross20

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/bass_guitars_detail.asp?stock=11040415262231

thomasross20

The one I linked to last gets rave reviews for the price (with Ibanez Mikro coming close behind). Going to town now, will probably return with one!

OK, I bough this!

http://www.squierguitars.com/series/vintage-modified/vintage-modified-jaguar-bass-special-ss-rosewood-fingerboard-black/

chrispy108

I wouldn't get a short-scale bass as my only bass, especially if you want to be recording heavy rock/metal stuff.

You get so much bass for your money second hand at the moment, I'd really advise that over new.

thomasross20

I don't know, do you reckon it makes that much difference? It sounds good to me and is way easier to play than a full-scale bass. I agree about second hand bass values. Oh well - too late now - I bought the Squier short scale - and to be honest, it's pretty awesome and £200 isn't going to blow a hole in the bank. I need it to start recording now, didn't see a decent second hand one and didn't fancy the full-scale.

chrispy108

I find them a bit vague and wooly sounding, and I find I don't play them quite the same as I do a normal bass. But I've only messed around in shops.

If you like it you like it.

thomasross20

usedtobe

I've been fancying a shorter scale bass, recently.. Must be something in the water..

thomasross20

Try the squier out - it gets rave reviews and I liked it!

usedtobe

Certainly will.