# Should I buy a new electric bass? Any recommendations? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 20, 2020, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180 "2020-04-20T12:26:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/81 "2020-04-27T12:58:24Z")
\*\*Rick Beato posted a short bass tips video yesterday. Very fundamental stuff that often gets overlooked. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/9Vhl5HBS8Nc/maxresdefault.jpg "5 Things EVERY Bass Player SHOULD Master") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vhl5HBS8Nc) \*\*Rick is a former record producer. Has his own studio. Bio > **[Rick Beato](https://www.discogs.com/artist/739088-Rick-Beato)** > > Explore releases from Rick Beato at Discogs. Shop for Vinyl, CDs and more from Rick Beato at the Discogs Marketplace. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/82 "2020-04-27T13:04:23Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > You have given me the thinnest excuse to post photos of my Bass Project. > > Specifically, here’s the custom [thumbrest](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XTWmMtj/0/X3/i-XTWmMtj-X3.jpg), made out of 1018 steel, polished, jeweling applied, and then heat blued. > > And here’s a [gallery of all of the machine shop work](https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-37gDJZ/)when I made the thumb rest, knobs, and bridge. > > Why yes, I did post a [thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=872195) about it, of course! > > ETA: And for the OP, though I always say you can’t go wrong with a P-bass (my favorite), try out some different woods…try Alder…you might find one that is much lighter and easier on your back. Buying new bass guitars is fun! That is one nice-looking thumb rest, and an impressive shop you have there! I’m really glad you posted to this thread. What do you think of the Yamaha I’m looking at? (Don’t think you can just show off your beautiful work without answering a few questions!) Also, Sweetwater doesn’t have the color I like, but some smaller music stores may have it – anyone ever work with Island Music in Maryland or Heidi Music in Wisconsin? Or, should I stick with SW? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/83 "2020-04-27T13:31:39Z")
Have you looked on Reverb? You may find the exact model you’ve picked out and in the right color. A lot of music stores list on Reverb. Use the search filter to select brand and condition (new or used) ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/84 "2020-04-27T13:34:28Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Have you looked on Reverb? > > You may find the exact model you’ve picked out and in the right color. > > A lot of music stores list on Reverb. They have the one from Island in Maryland listed, at least. What does that mean? Does Reverb screen sellers or back any sales? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/85 "2020-04-27T13:54:50Z")
I’ve bought from Reverb several times. Sellers have ratings just like eBay. I’ve bought from Chicago Music Exchange. It’s a well known store. I feel more comfortable buying New equipment from stores. Used from individuals with a good rating. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/86 "2020-04-27T14:00:26Z")
Reverbs protection policy > **[Reverb Protection](https://reverb.com/page/reverb-protection)** > > We are here to help make sure you get what you pay for on Reverb. Find out about our protection policy here. It’s similar to eBay. You also have PayPal’s protection policy for Sales on either auction site. Assuming you use that form of payment. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/87 "2020-04-27T14:35:59Z")
I’m this close to pulling the trigger on that Yamaha TRBX-604FM in the dark red color that I like. I like the active-passive switch, the LED low battery warning, and the idea of playing with active pickups. Seems like you could shape the sound how you want. When in passive mode, the treble knob becomes a tone knob. Am I a jerk for not buying from Sweetwater? I would, but they don’t have the color I want, and don’t have any shipments arriving anytime soon. Tell me why I’m being silly for not getting the Fender or Squier. Tell me I’m a jerk for not buying from SW. This bass seems to get good reviews for sound and playability, although all basses I’ve looked at get very positive reviews – very different from camera equipment. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/88 "2020-04-27T15:03:55Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > … > > Tell me why I’m being silly for not getting the Fender or Squier. Tell me I’m a jerk for not buying from SW. > > . Happy to oblige - You, sir, are a silly jerk! Sorry, no opins on the brands/vendor. 😃 If it were me, I’d still wait till I was able to put my hands on one. Maybe I’d look to rent in the interim. JMO. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/89 "2020-04-27T15:06:38Z")
IMHO you shouldn’t hesitate to buy what you want. A Bass is a purchase you’ll be living with for a long time. I wouldn’t settle for a color you’re not happy with. Sweetwater usually keeps a good stock. Right now it’s low. That’s their problem to solve Yamaha makes a very good bass. They’ve been popular since the 80’s. Usually the factory setup is pretty good. A new bass should play good out of the box. Do you have a local Guitar shop that can setup the bass? You may want to get one after the virus settles down. There’s no rush. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/90 "2020-04-27T15:51:10Z")
> [@RitterSport](#): > > I’m this close to pulling the trigger on that Yamaha TRBX-604FM in the dark red color that I like. I like the active-passive switch, the LED low battery warning, and the idea of playing with active pickups. Seems like you could shape the sound how you want. When in passive mode, the treble knob becomes a tone knob. > > Am I a jerk for not buying from Sweetwater? I would, but they don’t have the color I want, and don’t have any shipments arriving anytime soon. > > Tell me why I’m being silly for not getting the Fender or Squier. Tell me I’m a jerk for not buying from SW. > > This bass seems to get good reviews for sound and playability, although all basses I’ve looked at get very positive reviews – very different from camera equipment. Hey, I’ve already given you permission to buy an axe 3 times in this thread, don’t look at me. 🙂 The only proviso I’d make for you is to look for a good return policy. Sweetwater lets you play the bass for a month with returns no questions asked (but you pay the shipping both ways if you return). Last I looked so did Guitar Center / Musicians Friend. Basically you can _rent_ that bass for a month, cheap. Keep it if you like it. Other shops also do the same, but you should ask specifically what the policy is. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/91 "2020-04-27T15:55:29Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Hey, I’ve already given you permission to buy an axe 3 times in this thread, don’t look at me. 🙂 > > The only proviso I’d make for you is to look for a good return policy. Sweetwater lets you play the bass for a month with returns no questions asked (but you pay the shipping both ways if you return). Last I looked so did Guitar Center / Musicians Friend. Basically you can _rent_ that bass for a month, cheap. Keep it if you like it. Other shops also do the same, but you should ask specifically what the policy is. This Island place had free shipping and you pay for one-way shipping if you return it. At least, that’s what I got from a phone call today. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/92 "2020-04-27T16:26:11Z")
Then get it in writing and pull the pin already. 😃 that’s _four_ times now ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/93 "2020-04-27T16:29:08Z")
Ritter are you looking at the Bass from Empire Guitars? > **[Yamaha TRBX604FM | Reverb](https://reverb.com/p/yamaha-trbx604fm?ended_listing=32936709)** > > Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear. I agree it has a really nice finish. I like a Natural finish. 5 star seller review. I’d try and see if they’d sweeten the deal. Throw in a free set of D’Addario strings. It can’t hurt to ask. Either way it’s a good price with free shipping. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/94 "2020-04-27T16:30:20Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Then get it in writing and pull the pin already. 😃 > > that’s _four_ times now I don’t know whether I need more friends like you or fewer! Just pulled the pin! I ordered from Island Music – seem to be pretty nice on the phone, I have 30 days to send it back if I don’t like it, just pay for my own shipping. I’ll report back with how much I love it, because otherwise I’ll have too much cognitive dissonance. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/95 "2020-04-27T17:10:43Z")
Yay! Hope you enjoy the new toy, **Rittersport**! ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/96 "2020-04-27T17:13:00Z")
> [@squeegee](#): > > Yay! > Hope you enjoy the new toy, **Rittersport**! Thanks! And, thanks to everyone for all the help! I’m going to buy a nice wide strap from Sweetwater, just to pay them back for the help they gave me, too. I assume a new bass would come with strings, right? Should I get strings from SW as well? I don’t even know what strings I like, but I’m trying to play faster, so thinner, I guess? ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/97 "2020-04-27T17:17:51Z")
Your instrument will definitely come with strings from the factory. I’d play them and see how they feel. New strings actually annoy some people, too bright. There was a poster on here that would apply chapstick to new bass strings to dull them up properly. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/98 "2020-04-27T18:06:56Z")
New instruments come with strings. I had suggested earlier getting a free extra set for purchasing the bass. Bass Strings are a very personal choice. Flats or Rounds? Tape Wound? Lights, Medium or Heavy? 😃 a lot of choices. It’ll often change with experience. I’m still experimenting with strings. I change my bass strings at least once a year. I like seeing how the feel and tone changes with different strings. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/99 "2020-04-27T18:28:14Z")
I haven’t been keeping up with the thread, but did anyone see the recent news linking Yamaha basses w/ coronavirus? :o No personal experience, but mighty sweet looking. Should have the capacity to take you retty far in any number of directions. Play the heck outta it! I remember when I played bass guitar, and I thought strings were pricey. Now that I play upright … just dropped $320 for a new set of guts. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![Saintly\_Loser](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saintly_loser/32/4045_2.png) [@Saintly\_Loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saintly_Loser)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2020, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180/100 "2020-04-27T19:41:22Z")
> [@Toxylon](#): > > Because of this, very few people have used them for performing and / or recording music, since the 60’s ended. Still, they are worth it to some players. Jazz/fusion virtuoso Stanley Clarke plays a short-scale bass. I’m not sure why. It can’t be because he can’t handle the long scale – he’s well over six feet tall, with (probably) proportionate hands, and he plays the standup bass, too. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-buy-a-new-electric-bass-any-recommendations/852180.md?page=6)