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Conference napalm::guitar

Title:GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion
Notice:Discussion of the finer stringed instruments
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Thu Aug 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3280
Total number of notes:61432

2811.0. "Looking for advice on buying Bass guitar for son" by PROXY::GRUDA () Mon Sep 20 1993 12:42

 My 13 year old son is currently taking bass lessons and
is messing around with a bunch of other kids trying to play
something and get a band together. I got him a full size bass
(a St George?) that my brother in law had in his cellar, 
needed a nut. Put a nut on and some strings and away he went.
The thing doesn't play that well. Lot of buzz and needs frets
and so on. he says he wants somthing better. I don't blame 
him for asking for something better. I would.

	He seems pretty interested. I would like to encourage him.
I would like to get him a bass for Christmas. I am looking for
something reasonable but also something that plays well. I would 
like him to be able to use this for a few years. 

(GOOD STUFF CHEAP). 

What can you guys suggest? Any offers I can't refuse?

Regards, Ray
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
2811.1Used Peavey A Good ChoiceTECRUS::ROSTDeath to Home Shopping Channel!Mon Sep 20 1993 14:0216
    Depends on your budget.  The best deal is to buy something used that
    has cosmetic wear but is functionally sound, because cosmetics have a
    *lot* to do with the price but have little effect on the sound.
    
    Used Peaveys are way undervalued.  You could look for a Peavey T40,
    T20, Foundation, Fury or Patriot bass.  I bet you could find one for
    $150 or less (sold my T40 for $125 a few years ago after noone would
    touch it for $200).  The good part is that they are actually better
    basses than most of what you'll see in that price range.
    
    I would *avoid* Hondo, Madeira, Grand Prix, Memphis, Kay.  
    
    A St. George!  Man, what a find!  Where's Mark Jacques? He *needs* that
    bass 8^)  8^)
    
    						Brian
2811.2 one option EZ2GET::STEWARTIt's like bobbing for water!Mon Sep 20 1993 15:0911
    
    
    If you look at new stuff, Fender's Squire II P-bass is a nice playing
    instrument, but the pickups are more effective than they should be in
    the 60 Hz region, if you know what I mean.  You could start him with
    one of those (around $200 new, maybe $150 for a good used one) and not
    have a lot of heartburn as it acquires the inevitable nicks, dings, and
    scrapes.  If he sticks with it long enough to complain about the
    pickups, you can drop in a set of EMGs for $80 or less.
    
    
2811.3NWACES::HICKERNELLVictim of hype abuseMon Sep 20 1993 18:419
    If you know anyone who plays bass, take them with you when you go
    shopping.  It's important to have someone with experience evaluate the
    instruments you look at.
    
    Also, I agree with the other replies about brands to look for; you
    should also consider Hohner (yes, the harmonica people) as they make
    decent entry-level guitars.
    
    Dave
2811.4Got an EpiphonePROXY::GRUDATue Nov 09 1993 16:3015
Well,

	Was on my way to Daddy's to look for a bass and stoped at 
Hampshire music. The guy was finishing up working on a Epiphone bass that 
he just took in. My son picked it up and was playing with it and I asked 
the guy how much. We talked it down to $159.99. My kid loved the unit. It was
black with maple neck. It had PJ pickup configuration. Neck was straght, frets
were not worn down. While we were looking at it another person came in looking 
for a cheap bass and was waiting for my son to put it down. I told the guy I 
wanted it. The other person left sort of mad. I got a hard shell case for $40.
So I got out of this with somthing I think is playable for $200.00. 

	Any thoughts or experience with Epiphone Basses.

Ray
2811.5Sounds goodNWACES::HICKERNELLThe dog ate my software!Tue Nov 09 1993 17:016
    Sounds like a good deal.  I've never played an Epi bass, but I have
    played several of their Gibson-copy guitars (in fact, I own one) and I
    think they're a lot of guitar for the money.  Is this one a copy of
    some (gulp!) Gibson bass, or does it resemble anything else?
    
    Dave
2811.6Epi's are good value MILKWY::JACQUESVintage taste, reissue budgetWed Nov 10 1993 00:244
    If it's an "Accu-bass", I've played them and they are pretty nice
    bases for the money. It's sort of a precision copy.
    
    Mark