I've asked before but since I am going to really take the leap this time:

I'm buying my first bass. I need a half way decent one. What do you guys think of Ibanez? Dean? Shoulod I just get my first from a pawn shop?

Oh, it has to be a left handed one.

Vendetta1 said:

a left handed bass? you might find one at a pawn shop but if not.. you might find one decent My 1st bass was an aria pro II Loved this bass. OMG my next bass will be a fretless.

IAintTheOne said:

Fretless, huh? Really? Why?

Vendetta1 said:

The sound of a fretless is something beautiful to the ear

IAintTheOne said:

I think even without physical frets, I'd want some sort of markings - either painted on or different color stain.

This really did sound amazing! Very organic.

Here's another alternative you can consider.
Your main concern might be to get a decent instrument without spending a great deal of money.
(Just in case you get frustated or lose interest. You've got kids you know what i'm talkin' about).

This company has become very popular in the "project guitar" community.
Project guitars are low priced instruments that people then "upgrade" the hardware and electronics.
The deciding factor with "PG" manufacturers is the quality of the body & neck.
Rondo Music: http://www.rondomusic.com/
Some people love them and some hate them.
SX is their entry level line with Agile and Douglas at the upper end.

Here are a few threads:
http://www.guitarworld.co...32&t=61262
(There's a little surprise for you at the bottom of the page )

http://www.thegearpage.ne...10548.html

http://homerecording.com/...p?t=257726

http://jsguitarforum.com/...ight=agile

There are 2 reason for giving these folks a look-see.
1) Personal experience

I have one (an Agile Tele)...



...that i've had modified and for the price, i'm quite satisfied.


A friend purchased this SX Fender Jazz copy...



...and is also quite satisfied.


2) Lefty-Friendly

They have a nice section devoted entirely to the "Leftys" among us.
You'll find with most name brand guitars, if they have a left-handed model at all, you're gonna pay at least 10% more than a comparable right-handed model.


Something to think about.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

Thank you Neal.

just hit the pawnshop

Vendetta1 said:

My pleasure...


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

Indeed. Thanks, Neal.


I don't need another bass or guitar...

theAudience said:

Ness need new bass

I saw a RED left-handed Fender Jazz on Ebay for 200 bucks.

Vendetta1 said:

grab it

IAintTheOne said:

Yeah? A-ight.

Vendetta1 said:

Wait! I'm all for the bargains on eBay, but do yourself a favor and try something out before you buy it. eBay can make guitar purchases complicated. I'm of the belief that you need to try out something and see if you connect with it -- instruments can vary even within the same model.

ThreadBare said:

She trusts my judgment.

IAintTheOne said:

Just sayin' -- I've yet to eBay an axe.

ThreadBare said:

My wife got my axe from ebay and she's perfect in everyway

ThreadBare said:

So Thready are you saying I should go to a store and try out a Fender Jazz before I buy it?

You got basses, right? what do you suggest?

Yeah, I think you should try out some cheap basses first. There's a world of difference, for example, between a Fender-style bass neck and an Ibanez-style bass neck.

I have an Ibanez 5-string, and a Curbow/Cort 5-string fretless. My next bass will be a Fender 5-string Marcus Miller Signature model. I love his sound, and the feel of the bass. But, I've tried some that have been OK and nicely priced and some that have wonderful and highly priced.

But, my Ibanez feels entirely different. And, its neck is a lot easier to play than a Fender-style bass'. That means it's more forgiving, easier to build speed and scaled to accommodate more/higher notes. It's been the perfect bass to learn on. And, the sound still blows me away.

Ivy should connect with the sort of bass that fits her and feels right, rather than chasing a bargain on something that doesn't speak to her.



This has just given me another reason to hit the Chi: bass-shopping!

.
[Edited 8/3/09 20:55pm]

ThreadBare said:

I understand as a musician myself i know

ThreadBare said:

i'll pick you up from the airport.

Vendetta1 said:

Me thinks you should have asked for advice from bass guitar players.The guitar (usually a six string instrument, sometimes a 12 string instrument) is totally different from the bass guitar. FYI
Some bass guitars are 4 stringed, some are 5..

RnBAmbassador said:

Yeah, I know. I've even seen six string.

I figure I'd ask the guitar players here because I know some play both acoustic or electric and bass.

I suggest you go to a music shop, try out different basses, and see which one you feel the most comfortable playing. That's most likely the best piece of advice I can give you

I am also left-handed by the way, but I play right-handed bass (and I used to play right-handed guitar when I was younger)
Anyways, it's nice to hear that you're picking up an instrument.

Take care

LoveIsTheMessage said:

i had no idea who this was but i knew it was someone I like.

I even asked a friend if I should just learn to play bass right handed. But when I picked up a bass, it just felt natural the other way.

I got a Jazz Bass and an Ibanez SR-705 (five strings)... go for the Ibanez.
The Jazz Bass is great but it's an old instrument with a design made 50 years ago, the Japanese improved all that in many ways and made a fantastic instrument with the SoundGear bass serie. Neck, pickups, ergonomy, everything is better.

Vendetta1 said:

Fender Jazz basses have to be tried before buying, some are the worst piece of shit you can imagine (even those made in the USA).

ChimChimBadass said:

From what I've heard, the Mexican made Fender basses are mostly of superior quality compared to the American made ones. Of course, there are exceptions, and yes, you should definitely try a bass out first before buying it.

Vendetta1 said:

If playing left-handed bass makes you feel more comfortable, then by all means, go for a leftie