Need help shopping for a bass.

Tiga · Sat Oct 30, 2021 8:39 pm

I'm the first to admit I know nothing about the bass guitar. I think I played one once in high school. My daughter has been working working with electric and acoustic guitar for a little while now and says she'd like to get a bass. She's 14 and on the small side, so should we be focusing on short scale models?

Any recommendations for beginner models? How are the SX basses? Jaguar bass? Honestly I'd appreciate any recommendations to get her started. Thanks all!

honyock · Sun Oct 31, 2021 12:43 am

SX makes a very solid inexpensive bass (at least coming from a total amateur who only rocks out on bass via Rocksmith)

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ID10t · Sun Oct 31, 2021 1:13 am

I have an IVY 5 string from Amazon that I like after changing tuners and polishing the string trees. It was like $160 but currently out of stock, but they come and go frequently.

Mossman · Sun Oct 31, 2021 1:46 am

SX basses can't be beat, man... My #1 and #2 basses are both SX. They both beat any Fender I've ever owned (made anywhere). I would say that current SX basses don't even really need any upgrades. Fortunately, there are a lot of short and medium scale basses on Rondo right now.

Partscaster · Sun Oct 31, 2021 12:19 pm

If she isnt lanky, I'ld go short scale. Its important to be comfortable while playing. Short scale feels and sounds great to me, and several available on Rondo.

rrobbone · Sun Oct 31, 2021 1:54 pm

I have no experience with SX basses, so I can't speak to them.

I have played quite a few Squiers in the lower price range and can definitely recommend them. As all lower end models, they'll just need a bit of setup work. I have an Affinity model that remains one of the best playing/sounding instruments in my collection with only two mods: a new nut when I broke it (tusq xl), and a Hipshot Detuner. Bone stock other than that.

I think if she's doing well with the guitar work as far as dexterity, she'd probably be just fine with a normal scale bass. I have very small hands and have no issues playing a 34". I'd run her over to a music store and have her try out a full and a short scale, if possible, just for comfort's sake.

For short scale, I'd look into Squier's Bronco and Gretsch's G2220 Junior Jet. Those were the two models I was considering before I decided to do the predictable thing and build my own.

uwmcscott · Sun Oct 31, 2021 5:01 pm

Another vote for SX. I had also never owned one and bought a medium scale Ursa last year on a total whim. I can’t speak to the electronics much as I don’t even have a proper bass amp ( been playing it on the clean channel of a Boss Katana ). Fit and finish was great however, and the action/frets are playable out of the box.

Tiga · Tue Nov 02, 2021 12:36 pm

This has been great feedback - thank you all. She's a bit short for her age and I think a short scale will work best for now. Going to run the Bronco, Jr Jet and SX past her and she what she likes. I like the look of the SX Ursa models myself.

glasshand · Tue Nov 02, 2021 2:29 pm

I agree with your choice to look for a short scale bass. I would never say that a small woman can't play a 34" bass, but I think it's probably not the way to start. Even I, a man of only slightly below average height, found 34" basses a little challenging until I got used to them. I'd also suggest looking at the Squier Jaguar basses - there have been a few different models in 30" and 32", and they're good-feeling instruments.

Jaymo · Wed Mar 30, 2022 9:00 am

Ibanez also has the GSRM20 mIkro bass.
It’s a short scale. 28.something different much scale.
I like mine but they can be a pain to intonate with the factory bridge.

Also, being as short scale as it is, there are some drop tunings it just won’t do (E string gets floppy when drop tuned for some songs)

I’m interested in the SX medium scale offerings.
I’m hoping they get the lefty medium scale PJ back in stock.

I’m also hoping one of the online dealers will finally get the Sire Marcus Miller P7 lefty in stock in sunburst. White just isn’t my color.

tlarson58 · Fri Apr 01, 2022 11:02 pm

I am playing more bass in the band so I asked the local shop owner if he had something that makes "bass sounds" (read: I'm not picky).

$250 got me a Fender something that makes bass sounds but is impossible to intonate and the mile-high action can't be addressed because I do not have the smallest allen wrench in the world.

I'm pleased with it, though. It makes bass sounds.

Partscaster · Sat Apr 02, 2022 2:26 pm

I love short scale bass.
The Douglas Beatles bass was tops for my $, and also was short scale.

nomadh · Fri May 13, 2022 6:04 pm

tlarson58 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 01, 2022 11:02 pm I am playing more bass in the band so I asked the local shop owner if he had something that makes "bass sounds" (read: I'm not picky).

$250 got me a Fender something that makes bass sounds but is impossible to intonate and the mile-high action can't be addressed because I do not have the smallest allen wrench in the world.

I'm pleased with it, though. It makes bass sounds.

You maybe asked for that one.