Hi everyone,
I’ve been practicing on a cheap bass until now and I’m ready to upgrade to a proper instrument.
Since I aspire to jam with friends, maybe record a little, I’d like to buy a bass that is very easy to play. By that I mean that it sounds fine and “clean” in the hands of a newbie, rather than great in the hands of a skilled player.
I’m thinking: slim neck, short or medium scale… What else? Any specific brand/model recommendation would be very appreciated.
A cool tone would be a plus but my main concern is people hearing awful string sounds, poor muting, etc.
Budget is no issue.
Tia!
(PS: if there are existing threads on the subject, I’d love to be pointed to them)
The answer will always be subjective based on the player. An easy to play bass for one person could not be for another. My suggestion would be to go to a music store and try as many basses as you can. See what feels easy for you to play and take notes on things like neck shape, nut width, string spacing, pickup position, weight, body shape, etc… then you can start figuring out what traits on a bass you like.
i might be the biggest advocate here for short scale basses. and many will probably say what you said, short scale, thin neck etc. i’m not sure i exactly agree with that. a lot of people find short or thin necks difficult to play and feel cramped, they like the wide-open-spaces kind of feel. what do you like? again, many will say, play a lot of basses and see what feels good. nothing wrong with that per se, but usually, as a beginner you don’t really know what feels good. personally, i would say what few here would probably agree with and say don’t sweat it too much. if you can get a chance to actually lay hands on something before deciding on it, all the better. if not i myself would not worry, i think you adjust to the bass rather then adjusting basses to you.
Definitely try many basses, but I would suggest trying a Sterling by Music Man StingRay short scale. It has a solid build featuring an amazingly comfortable body and neck, plus it sounds like a StingRay.
My favorite bass to play is my Squier P bass, it’s the one I always come back to. But I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest bass to play, that I own. It’s just more fun. I can’t explain why, maybe it sounds the best, I don’t know for sure. I’m pretty sure my Sterling Ray 4HH is “easier” to play, but I almost never play that bass. Honestly, when I buy a bass 75% of that decision is based on how cool I think it looks, given that everything is in good working order of course. Probably not the best advice, but there ya go.
I think a short scale bass would be appropriate. From experience I can only recommend a Fender Mustang bass. I have a 2017 with PJ configuration. It’s like a short scale P-bass.
I would completely echo this. That said, personally I would look towards Ibanez for something that is easy to play. I find the slim Ibanez necks to be a joy.
I’m going to politely point out that you can’t buy your way out of poor technique.
No amount of money will make you sound better. However you are in luck. Practice is free and if like a lot of us here you follow Josh’s Beginner to Baddass course you’ll have fixed your muting issues in no time.
You don’t have to spend stupid money to get a nice bass. Squier Classic Vibe Jazz or P Bass, mid priced Ibanez, Yamaha etc.
What you should do is stop reading advice on this (it’s all over the internet) because it is very subjective to the individual. The only way to know what will feel good to you and be easy to play is to go and try a few out in the store.
Personally I found Yamaha basses with their slimmer necks easiest, but your mileage may vary significantly here. Go try a bunch, it’s the only way.
If you get a Yamaha, Ibanez, or Squier CV series the neck will be playable. ESP, Schecter, and Sterling as well. Whatever sound you’re looking for is in there.
The necks are all playable though. Squier has good choices in short scale, but that’s more because I’m familiar with the line. Notably the Squier Mustang or Jaguar.
Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet-Cheap, short scale, sounds good! And if it doesn’t do it for you, you don’t have alot invested and can generally recoup your money.
