What is a good beginner setup is best for this course

Hi, I am looking to buy a beginner’s setup that I can use for this course.

What is best to learn, 4 or 5 string? Full or 3/4 length?

I also want something that can do Jazz Funk bass.

2 Likes

Have a budget?

Welcome! 4 string full scale if you don’t have physical limits. My opinion, Precision or Jazz configuration. Less knobs and setting to fuss with starting out.

Go to actual music stores and look at what they have in your budget. Pick the one that you find the most appealing visually. While you are there buy an instrument cable and clip on tuner. If the music store offers a set up service have that done. Scour FB market place/reverb for an inexpensive used amp. Something with a 10 inch speaker and 40 watts minimum, it’s likely you’ll upgrade this before your next bass so no need to over do it here 1st. The goal for your 1st bass is to get you playing. it’s easier to practice when you have an instrument you want to pick up whenever you look at it. Just like your teen years, your 2nd bass is where the fun begins.

3 Likes

You might also consider a headset for silent practice (Waza Air Bass / Neo Spark) - it depends on how close are your neighbours :wink:

2 Likes

Have you looked at the bass buzz lessons yet? I think the first lesson covers exactly what you need to start, right down to the strap. He even tells you how to set the bass up for the first time.

1 Like

Asking for a budget is a good suggestion, there is a wealth of equipment out there and good to narrow it down.

You need an instrument, amp, cable, stand, tuner.

Most bassists prefer long scale 34"; I play short 30", few are in between medium scale. Scale is not important though you have most choice in 34" scale.

Understand that your first bass is unlikely to be your last bass so no need to dump a lot of money in it (there are quite good instruments available cheap)

I would advise a P bass, not many things to fiddle with and you can focus on playing and getting good tone out of your fingers. I wish I started on a P. I spent a lot of time playing with settings when the answer to good tone is practice.

1 Like

I researched then bought a cheap Donner P bass and a Rumble 25 off Amazon. You can even buy used. Spend your money on the Beginner to Badass course then something like Groove Trainer from TalkingBass. Money on those are far more important than a specific bass at the start. Good luck!:sign_of_the_horns:t2:

Don’t forget the StingRay style basses as well.

Buy used, get a professional setup whatever you do, and ask them to show you how to do basic string change and tuning if you don’t already know how. You’ll change strings more at the beginning learning stages than you will after you’ve been playing awhile so it’s a good thing to learn.

Hi all, I purchased an EastCoast PJ4 Sunburst Bass Pack.

I did not know what Andertons was so close to where I live about 20 miles away.

It came today and it is really nice.

I have a 20W amp, stand, cables, and tuner with it.

All I need to do now is set it all up and get going.

2 Likes

I purchased a EastCoast PJ4 Sunburst Bass Pack today and I have already plugged my headphones in the amp. I don’t want to annoy the neighbours. Thanks

2 Likes

Definitely a 4 string - what ever feels best for you. In regards to amp, something that has both an Aux in and headphone jack. That way you cant plug your computer into the Aux in while watching Josh’s videos and listen to him through your headphones while you play along.