Buying a Bass? 6 Less-than-Obvious Considerations

The first things you’ll want to consider when shopping any instrument are build quality, specs, aesthetics and price point. But with so many quality builds at most every price point, how do you actually choose one?

Never before have musicians had so many options to choose from in terms of makes, models and vendors, but if you don’t have a plan for making your decision, the task can seem overwhelming and you can end up with a wall hanger rather than your new No. 1.

Let’s break it down a little more and look at some less-than-obvious things you may want to consider before grabbing your new low-end partner.

Know Your Style

First you’ve got to make sure you’re getting the right model for the genre you play.

A hip-hop bassist may be looking for a five- or six-string, long-scale bass with roundwound strings and active electronics. But the bassist in a weekend-warrior Beatles tribute band would most certainly go for a hollow-body, short-scale bass with flatwounds. Knowing your style and sound will go a long way toward helping you determine what features you need and which axe is The One.

How Will You Use it?

Are you planning to take the bass on tour for daily performances? If so, you might want a bullet-proof workhorse that’s maybe a little lighter on the shoulder. If it’s going to sit in the studio, or bedroom for that matter, and get light duty for sketching out demos, weight may be less of an issue than tonal versatility. Are you looking for a utility player, or to fill a specialized slot in your stable? These are just a few examples of the things you’re going to want to consider.

Let Inspiration Guide You

Sometimes a different instrument will make you consider new ways of playing, new genres to explore, or inspire a whole new tone.

Consider that bass virtuoso Thundercat plays a semi-hollow, 6-string bass with flatwound strings behind artists like Kendrick Lamar and Erykah Badu, and Brian Ritchie of the roots/punk trio Violent Femmes slings a huge Earthwood mariachi-style acoustic bass. On the surface, neither of these is the most obvious choice for these players, but their unusual decisions contribute to their unique tones and style; all of which goes to prove that the right instrument may be what’s the most inspiring, not the most “correct.”

Buy Low, Sell High

Researching the potential long-term value of an instrument is definitely a step worth taking before you part with the cash. A 1952 Fender Precision bass sold for about $200 when new; today it’s easily worth more than $10,000. And some of the pointy pastel basses from the ‘70s and ‘80s are selling for much more than would have been conceivable ten years ago. So even basses that may seem less-than-exciting right now may be great investment possibilities for the near future.

If resale value is a high priority for you, used might be the better option. Much like a car, an instrument is going to immediately depreciate the moment it leaves the store. And a new instrument from a boutique brand may not have a pricing history to guide your decision process in the same way as the ‘52 P-bass does. Is that a deal killer? Only you can decide.

Ask for the Goodies

Don’t ever underestimate the benefits of value-added goodies that may come with your purchase. Does your bass come with a case? Will it be professionally set up before you take ownership? Does it include strings, strap, picks, or an instruction material? Asking these questions is a great way to maybe sweeten the deal and ensure you’ll be getting the most from your purchase.

Caveat Emptor

Ever examined a mint-looking vintage only to find out it has been refinished or rebuilt with non-OEM parts, or determined that it has a painted-over crack?

Repairs and modifications can greatly affect the performance, stability and value of any instrument, so be sure to look closely before you pay. Also, don’t assume repairs and modifications are bad. Sometimes a ding can add character and help you save a bit of money, and a less-than-perfect specimen may sport a lower price point and be exactly the solution for your application. Only you can make that decision, but only if you pay attention and ask questions.

Getting accurate descriptions, pictures, and reviews has never been easier — if you go online. Most reputable online vendors offer buyer protections so you can make your purchase confidently, but before you part with the cash, ask what the return/exchange policy is and check the customer reviews and transaction history. More completed transactions and better customer reviews beat fewer of either any day. You also will want to check where the instrument ships from and make sure you don’t get slapped with any surprise import duties or taxes.

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