A musical instrument is a big investment, especially if you're just starting out. This guide gives some recommendations on how to buy the best starter bass guitar you can afford.
Steps
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Set your price range. A new bass guitar can cost anywhere from $200 to $5000 [1] X Research source depending on the brand, quality, and finish. Used basses tend to range from $100 to $1500 and are often just as good, although pricing and selection will vary from one locale to another.
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Shop around. Over the last year or two, some department stores (such as Target and Walmart) began carrying "starter" instruments that are far less expensive than you might find in a guitar shop. For example, a starter bass currently listed at Target.com is priced at $129. However, your best bet is to check guitar shops and pawn shops [2] X Research source frequently for a good deal. Also, check the classified ads. Most people have no idea what they are selling, and you can get a good deal.Advertisement
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Try before you buy, whenever possible. Most guitar shops will let you plug in and play around with any instrument right in the store. [3] X Research source See if you like how it sounds, looks, and feels in your hands. Do not buy something used without playing it first unless it comes from a reputable dealer and has some sort of return policy if it turns out you do not like it. Be very cautious about buying instruments on internet sites such as eBay. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
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Bring someone along who is an experienced bassist. Let him/her play any instruments you are considering buying. If you are a parent buying an instrument for your son or daughter, find someone who can try instruments for you. Your child will thank you later.
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Consider buying a used bass. Most used equipment drops in price over the years and can offer much better quality and sound for the same price as a new bass. Always check a used instrument for damage, and play it (or have someone else play it) before buying it. If you are buying remotely and you cannot have physical access to it, use your judgment and make sure you can have it returned. [4] X Research sourceAdvertisement
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can I try out the bass if I don't know how to play it?Hale y MailCommunity AnswerYou could first rent an instrument and learn how to play it. Many music schools and some shops will rent you an instrument. When you know how to play the bass, you can try out different models in a shop and then buy one. Or you could read reviews for different basses online and then buy the one that customers found best. But buy a cheap instrument when you're still learning.
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QuestionHow much will it cost for bass, cable, and amp?Community AnswerIt depends on the amp and bass. A cheap amp could cost as low as $100, a cable is about $20, and you can get a beginner bass for about $150. The prices vary based on quality, though. It just depends on how much you want to spend.
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QuestionWhat are some recommendations for a beginner brand to buy from?Community AnswerI would recommend buying a set from Fender. In the set you get your bass, amp, lead, gig bag and a few other accessories. The Fender Precision Bass would be my top recommendation for a beginner.
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Tips
- Always take your time. Study the guitars.Thanks
- Squier, Epiphone, and Ibanez are three major producers of affordable, good quality instruments.Thanks
- Fretless basses, acoustic basses, and five-string or six-string basses each have their own unique sounds and advantages, but it is easiest to learn on a four-string electric bass. This is especially true if you plan to learn using online resources or "teach yourself" type books, which are usually written for folks playing a four-string fretted electric bass.Thanks
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Warnings
- A department store "starter" bass is likely to be the lowest cost solution to get you started and will be fine for lessons, home practice, and jamming with friends, but will not be performance quality. It is not suggested to buy one of these instruments unless it's all you can afford. Many of them are poorly made and they will not last.Thanks
- Guitar shop salespeople often try to sell a lot of accessories to obvious first-time buyers. You will probably want a tuner and a beginner instructional DVD or at least a book to get you started. You don't need the highest-quality patch cable, effects pedals in the store. Simply tell the salesperson that you'll come back to the store later if you decide you need other items.Thanks
- Remember, that most brands have different quality products, just like auto makes (compare a Festiva with a Mustang). A brand name bass or guitar that costs $200 will be no better than a $100 "no brand" instrument.Thanks
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References
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