Who here plays bass?

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If he follows the instructions on Gary Willis' then he won't break his truss rod, he'll save $40-$60 a set-up and he'll be able to learn what kind of setup he likes and so his bass will play better for him

[qoute]By wear our I MEANT, go dead, as in lose their finer tonal qualities. They can also rust and get visible wear in certain areas. I have been recording guitar for over 20 years in big and small studios. Old strings can sound good if that's the sound you want, but mostly new strings are put on prior to a session.[/quote]

I realize that is what you meant, I merely wanted to clarify that he doesn't have to change his strings when they go dead, to say they wear out implies that they break somehow and absolutely require replacment.



No, but he should know that 10" 12" and even 8" speakers can make fine cabinets.



Yes it does, but newcomers (and some not-so-newcomers) to bass often over do it, in milder climates it is rarely needed, and when needed only a small amount should be used.



No thank you, I know quite enough about my bass.

Again, I don't think your advice was bad. I disagree with you on a few points and wanted to provide a second opinion. On other things (like strings) I just wanted to clarify and expand on what you said.

I am having a bad moment... oven repair guy is here and he is seriously getting me aggitated.

Strings do break, although not as common on bass as on 6 strings.

It sounded like you were disagreeing with certain things to the point that you were saying I was wrong, but in your last reply you were more specific about what you meant.

I agree that every guitarist should learn the basics of maintaining and adjusting an instrument. I prefer to do my own setups because the techs have no idea what I want. It is also impractical to take a guitar to a tech every time you want to make a minor adjustment. HOWEVER, I also don't think that he should worry too much about trying to get his new bass (to him) setup perfectly, unless the neck is obviously bowed, or something. I think setups are good to learn after you are already comfortable with the instrument itself. He doesn't even have the slightest idea how he would want it setup, so he could spend quite a bit of time making adjustments. I recommended he take it to a pro because it would be easier to say "I have never played bass before and I would like it setup." Then the tech could do something with the instrument to give him a place to start. Later, as he progressed, he would know if he wants a different gauge of strings, or if he wants the action different, or whatever. I just don't think that the first thing he needs to learn on his first bass ever is how to set it up. Get it done by someone else the first time if it needs it (he may not even know if it needs it or not) and then later, learn to do it yourself.

Speakers/amps are another matter of personal preference. Every bass amp I ever used had 15" and I was fine with that. I have also known bassists that have used other configurations.

As far as the oil goes, yes it can be overdone. Knowing when to do it and how much is important, otherwise it can do more harm that good. I wasn't suggesting that he do that right away, in fact I probably shouldn't have even mentioned it, but when he said the bass had been passed around a lot I just visualized a grimy fretboard with tarnished frets. If I were getting the bass, cleaning it and setting it up would probably be the first thing I did after making sure that all of the electronics worked and it didn't need anything major like a fret job. Again, if he does take it to a tech, the tech can do all of that if it needs it.

+1, that was a perfect post.

Thanks for all the tips... I went and picked up an electronic tuner, good advice. My ear isn't that great, so I can't really tell the difference between notes very well. Well I can recognize some intervals now when I hear them, but the basic sounds of notes I have no idea if they are off or not.

I noticed one problem though when playing, I have extremly stubby short fingers which makes it very hard to move around the frets. I guess I'll just have to learn to move my hand faster...

It's slow going learning an instrument at first, but I have shown improvment just after one day... so thats a plus... But it will take a bit before I can start playing the instrument to a level where I can play along with the songs I have written... and eventually just come up with some bass lines. But it'll be a fun challange.

I am curious, what type of bass is it?

Kent... a name I have never heard of... probably something cheap...

But... I can't complain considering the price...

Definitely vintage, made in the 1960's perhaps. Does it have F holes?

Yup, it does have F-holes.

Tell us more. I like talking about gear. Did it come with an amp and if so what type? What condition is it in? How does it feel?

I have memories of Kents from back in the 70's when they weren't considered vintage, but I don't remember the specifics and I never had one myself.

The amp that came with it is a small Fender amp 38W. I don't think its designed for Bass Guitar though, but it does have a headphone jack...

The bass seems to be in very good condition. I really don't think the people who had it before really used it that much. I think my uncle said he replaced the strings, bit I don't know with what kind. It was always kept in the case and sat in a closet or something...

My other uncle, who the bass really belongs to say this model of bass is high-amauture low-end professional in quality... but I really can't tell... considering I haven't played any other bass.

This bass seems to have a really long neck, and the spacing between the strings is very large for my fingers. So if I were going to actually buy one, I'd probably get one that has different physical dimensions.

I am getting pretty used to moving up and down the frets though. No real blisters, but I am noticing a little tenderness in my fingers. And it was a bit tricky using both right hand fingers at first, but that is coming along. I learned the pattern for a scale, and am learning the note names of some frets. Moving up more than 3 frets, especially at the top of the neck, is very difficult for me. I can't really hold both frets and the same time, so I have to hold the top one... then quickly move down to the low fret with my pinky...which doesn't have the best control or accuracy. But I am sure this is something that comes with much practice.

The best thing is that with a scale I can just play around, and figure out a bass groove I like and then I can use that in my composing of a song. Which is really all I wanted. I also am able to play around with the midi music I have made, take out the bass part and play around... that is helpful too.

The amp should be fine for practicing. The 34" scale necks can be too long for some people and there are basses with shorter necks, but even if you eventually decide to get another bass you should keep the Kent. They were the instruments that you would see in J.C. Penney, or Sears catalogs many years ago. There was one on EBay with a buy it now price of 590.00, which is more than what most beginner basses cost.

I am not sure of what could help you with the fingering difficulties other than practice, maybe someone else who reads this thread will know some tricks. I have long fingers and have difficulties with 6 string necks that have a smaller radius (where the strings are closer together).