Advice for a starting bass player

[TheBassGuy]

Almost 2 years ago I started playing guitar. I never intended too, but my brother bought a Squier starter pack (he also never played guitar) which he ditched after 1 day. I picked it up and started playing (well trying too ). Now 2 years later I can play some guitar.

The thing is, if I ever wanted to play an instrument it would be either bass or drums. This bass thing still haunts me. I want to play bass! That's why I'm looking for the possibility to start playing. The problem is that I don't have a clue what bass would be good for me. I mean, I'm used to guitars. I love contoured body's, not too wide neck's and a fat sound. What's the difference between the Musicman Basses when it comes to these points?

Also, what are important things when starting to play bass?

 

[Frantic Slayer]

hmm, well i only own stingrays, so i can only speak for them on this. the stingrays have contoured body's. the necks are just the right size for me, however neck sizing is more a personal preference so if you can go out and try one that would probably be the best way of determining that for yourself. the stingray sound is to die for.

as far as starting out i would recommend finding a good teacher to set you on the right path. practice with your fingers, and alternate them.

good luck!

 

[oli@bass]

If you come from the guitar, I think you'd love the Sterling.

Compared to the StingRay (and other similar bass designs), it has a smaller, rounder neck, and a downsized body. It feels very agile (compared to other basses) and is quite versatile, even the single H model. And although it is smaller in body size, it has a big ego with tons of bite and attitude.

 

[TNT]

87,

Grab a "Sterling" and there goes the drums!!!

 

[TheBassGuy]

I've been looking at the Sterling. It seems like the most comfy EBMM bass. The only thing that worries me is the use of Ceramic magnets instead of Alnico (on the Stingray). Alnico has a warmer sound on guitars, so wouldn't a sterling sound more sharp?

And why do all Musicman basses have a battery thingy in the back? If i look at F*nders they don't. I know it has something to do with a pre-amp? What does that for me as player?

Sorry for all these questions, but i'm really new to the bass side...

 

[rhythmCity944]

I play guitar, I play bass...play with as many people as you can, you'll always learn faster and more

secondly, the warmness or brightness on musicman basses from my experience generally depend on each individual bass and amp being used...i've played warm sterlings and bright stingrays and vise versa

the battery is to power the active electronics in the bass with the tone knobs being different frequencies

drums are a waste of space and energy. Have you even had to move a drum set or set one up?...besides, by playing bass, you can play in 5 different bands where as a guitar player probably wont have as many gigs due to demand

 

[Jawshco]

If you're going to start out with a EBMM for your first bass, you're already at the head of the class. I started with a series of junky basses before I was able to get my Stingray. But I'll tell you what, I've tried a lot of basses and you can't really go wrong with any of the EBMM basses.

If you can, I'd actually recommend the Bongo 4 2H. It's comfortable and I think the neck is very playable. The sound is amazing. At least that's what I'd love to have!

I'll agree with the amp head idea- that's the way to go, but make sure you get the right ohms.

When it comes to playing- take your time learning techinique. Don't do like I did- jumping into a band before you know how to play and just using the most conveineint techniques to get you by. That's how I developed bad techniques, and bad techniques are so hard to break. But...then again...I did have a lot of fun.

Instead of starting with scales and standard bass lines- I bought video lessons from Flea, Victor Wooten, Abraham Laboriel, and Lois Johnson. I definitely learned to slap early on, and did impress some folks, but ulitimately it didn't make me a good bass player. I've had to go back and learn the basics, and try to overcome my bad techniques on top of it. I'm slowly getting there, but there is nothing worse than being known the guy who can slap like a champ, but can't hold down a solid bass groove to save his life. For a long time that was me, but luckily I'm playing with a very patient Worship leader at church (who writes awesome bass lines from his keyboard) who has transformed my playing. I'm 100% more valuable to the band nowadays.

Actually, playing in a church band is great way to learn many things, especially if you get to dabble with many different styles the way our band does it! It allows you to work on the basic stuff with out the pressure that other types of bands can put you through.

Just my thoughts....

 

[rhythmCity944]

Actually, playing in a church band is great way to learn many things, especially if you get to dabble with many different styles the way our band does it! It allows you to work on the basic stuff with out the pressure that other types of bands can put you through.

That's what I did and I learned the most early on from a church band since they teach you to read music, follow along and stuff...yeah, make sure you know what you're doing before hand but keep your head on straight

 

[StevieStingray]

Also, what are important things when starting to play bass?

Yes, you need to learn good technique, and a bit of theory would help too. As suggested, a good instructor can help with both of those.

But don't wait TOO long before joining a band, or at least jamming with other musicians.

Don't stay holed up in your bedroom practicing scales, riffs, and runs.

Making music ought to be interactive, and playing with other people sometimes forces you out of your comfort zone... which is good, because it can help get you to the next level

Besides, making music should be fun, above all. And playing with others is a heck of a lot more fun than playing scales in your bedroom.

 

[Psycho Ward]

Don't take any crap from keyboard players...

 

[Moondog]

Don't lose focus on gettting a decent bass amp.

If I could do it all over again (when funds were limited), I'd place
more of a priority on securing mid to high end amplification and settle
for a less superior bass. I shot my wallet on a high end Spector and
sacrificed tone with pos amplification. IMO, if you're just starting out
& gigging, find a "comfortable" bass, but get a powerful/portable/
versatile/nice sounding amp set-up.

 

[carpedebass]

If you come from the guitar, I think you'd love the Sterling.

...it has a big ego with tons of bite and attitude.

That describes every MM bass I've ever played! GET ONE!!

 

[rhythmCity944]

Don't take any crap from keyboard players...

especially when they think they are the next elton john...i'm glad that that church i play in most, the bassist i rotate with runs the band

the thing you also need to learn is how drummers think and how guitarist think...then as a bassist you will think "wow!!! i really control this band"

 

[thunder]

i've owned a lot of basses many different brands. the only advice i can give is to sit down with a clear mind and play many different instruments. play your friends basses, visit many music stores until you find the one your looking for. just remember.... as you get older your taste change and so does your instruments. i ended up selling off those less desired instrument. just stay open minded take your time and ask a ton of question.

 

[PzoLover]

less blah blah from me

87, there is some great information already here so I'll shutup and share my humble thought that if I were in your boots today I'd be having a difficult time deciding between an ever classic and legendary Stingray4H/Piezo, a Sterling 4 HS/Piezo, or a BONGO4H/Piezo, and I just may be swayed over at the last minute to a Sterling 5 H/Piezo(subject to availability and that would leave me with the ever difficult choice of colour and fingerboard choice ... whatever you do, I wish you all good luck and good hunting for your new MusicMan bass
All The Bass,
/PL

 

[TheBassGuy]

Thanks for all the great advice! I've looked into the Bongo, the Sterling and the Stingray. The Bongo has a nice sound, but really doesn't fit my taste (painted neck, modern design). Then there was the Sterling. It looks pretty sweet and classy, but are very hard to find (newer ones for a decent price).

Finally there was the Stingray. Classic and solid design, and for me affordable. I know I'm just a starting bass player, but i looked into other brands which offer cheaper stuff and couldn't find anything that made me smile. My experience with guitars was that i had a lot of crappy guitars before I found the perfect instrument (my Silhouette), that's why I made to choice to buy a EBMM right away.

Today I bought a Stingray. It's on it's way to me and should arrive this Thursday. I'm really excited about it! It has a white body and rosewood neck. I will make my own pic's when it arrives.

Thanks again!

 

[Stoo]

Congrats!

As was said brilliantly earlier in the thread, focus on learning to groove. Whether slapping, plucking, or plectrum, your joy will be magnified from playing the right note....at the right time (this coming from me, who was a slow and hard learner of this essential truth.)

Stated another way, it's easier to impress than entertain.

You'll love the Stingray almost as much as your bandmates will. A great all-purpose choice that will always prove useful.

(waits for pics.)

Best Wishes