Electric Bass
Should a beginner on electric bass buy new or used?
I am interested in learning electric bass and I was considering buying the Ibanez GSR200 4-string bass as a starter.
I don’t know if I should buy new ($200) or used ($90 to $120) considering this going to be a beginner’s bass.
Your thoughts?
There’s nothing wrong with buying a used bass, but it would be ideal if you (or a musician friend) could play it first and make sure the action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard) is low and the electronics sound clean when it’s plugged into an amp. If you’re going to buy online, that could be a problem. But even if you bought the used one and it arrived with high action, you could have it adjusted for probably about $20 at any guitar store. It’s not uncommon for a new bass to arrive with high action, but lowering the strings is really easy. If you buy from a guitar store, they’ll set it up properly for you at no extra charge.
I’ve got an Ibanez bass I bought used more than 20 years ago figuring I’d use it to learn to play and then upgrade to a Fender Jazz Bass. I eventually did get the jazz bass, but still primarily use the Ibanez for both recording and live shows, since it’s an amazing instrument. The neck is nice and thin, the action is low, it always sounds punchy, and I haven’t had a single problem with it in all those years.
You’re wise to start with Ibanez, since their instruments are built like rocks, sound great, and are often nicer than ones costing twice as much. I’ll bet you’re so happy with your bass, you’ll still be playing it in 20 years. Good luck!
Reason Electric Bass
August 20, 2011 12:00 am 
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