Your First Bass
Where to Shop
Visit your local music store and check out the basses. You'll likely
find them in or around the electric guitars. Tell the salesperson that
you're just starting out and that you'd like to find out what bass
would be best for you. Whether it's because the instrument looks cool
or is very comfortable to hold, feels good, or is the color and shape
you love, something is going to appeal to you. You have to play for a
while to know how well it works as an instrument. If you know someone
who has been playing bass (or even guitar) for a while, ask them to
check out the bass you're interested in. They might be able to help you
choose something that's fairly good—or help you avoid getting the wrong
bass. In addition, if you've found a teacher before you have purchased
a bass, ask their advice (if they teach at the music store, ask them if
they have the time to check out the basses with you).
Your main goal is to get started, and a bass that feels good and is easy for you to play is important. If you stick with the bass, then someday you may want to buy one with more features, cooler looks, or whatever you want. For now, concentrate on a bass that suits your budget and feels good.
Long or Short Scale?
The electric bass is a large instrument, and if you're still small. In
most cases, this won't be a huge problem, and because you mostly play
one note at a time on the bass, you don't necessarily need large hands.
However, If the largeness of a full-size bass seems like too much to
handle, consider what are called "short-scale" basses. Their overall
length of these basses is shorter (mostly because the neck is shorter),
and the instrument is more manageable. Some of the more well-known
brands are good choices for new players because they have a solid
reputation and offer good service and a good warranty, and the same
quality that is designed and built into the long-scale instruments is
employed in the short-scale ones. Note that there aren't as many
short-scale basses as long-scale models, so you will probably have to
do some hunting. The salesperson at your local music store will be able
to help you.
Get Amped!
If you don't have a bass or an amplifier, you may want to shop for both
at one time. Several manufacturers offer what they call "bass starter
kits," which include a bass and a small practice amplifier, as well as
a cord (for connecting the bass to the amp) and a strap. Most of the
major manufacturers offer these kits, and they give you a lot of value
in one purchase. Besides price, check out the brand's reputation, find
out about the warranty, and ask about other basses in the same price
range. Don't just jump on the first bass you see that you can afford.
There may be others that aren't in plain view, or which the store can
order.
The Set-up
When you go to your first lesson, take your bass to show it to your
teacher. Find out if any adjustments need to be made. It's not unusual
for any bass, even a new one, to need at least one good adjustment.
This is so the instrument can be set-up to fit your personal playing
style, mainly how hard you hit the strings. It will make the bass
easier to play and sound better. The cost of a setup is usually around
$30 or $40, but is well worth it. Most repair shops in music stores
offer this service. If the instrument is easier to play, then you'll be
less likely to be uncomfortable playing it.