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Buying a New Bass

by Kenn Smith

Buying a new instrument can be a bit intimidating, looking up on that wall of basses, so many choices. Having to deal with sales people who are a bit pushy or don't know anything about what they are selling. Not knowing how to tell the difference between a good one and a lemon. Well here's a simple guide to buying a New Bass.

The first thing to do is do a little investigating. Check out some online stores and music stores in or outside of your neighborhood. See what you like, what catches your eye. Most online stores have a rating system. This can tell you what others think about the instrument. Ask professional bassists, music teachers, or friends who play, what they think about certain instruments. This can be a great source of information. When going to a music store, take your bass strap or ask to use one at the store. Check out the weight of the bass. How does it feel across your shoulders? Walk around the store a bit with it on, and sit down with it strapped on as well. Check the balance of the bass. Is it neck heavy? You can tell by letting the bass hang without holding it with your hands. If the head of the bass tilts down towards the floor, it's neck heavy. This could be a problem while performing because the neck will rest in your hand more while you play which can tire out your fingering hand and arm. A good balanced bass hangs on you evenly. When checking out the sound of a new bass I always plug up to a cheap amp first. If it sounds good through the cheap amp, then it will sound great when plugged up to a better one. While playing the bass, pay close attention to how it feels. Ask yourself these important questions. "Is the neck to fat for my hands? Does it feel comfortable to play? Is it to heavy? Does the body shape work for me? Check to make sure there are no knobs missing, loose parts, cracks or scratches in the finish or in the wood. If you notice something like this but it doesn't affect the way the instrument performs and it is something you can live with, point this out to the salesman and ask for a reduction in the Price.

Most basses come with a case but some stores will charge you extra for one. See if you can get both the bass and a case for reasonable price. Ask if they can throw in some extras like a free strap, or a, pack of strings, or a cord. Make the sale work for you, as this is a major investment. What the salesman wants doesn't matter, it's what you want and need that is important.

If you have some used gear you don't need or want and it is in good shape, use it as a trade in. I always wait to see what kind of deal the sales person is willing to give me first then throw in at the last minute "oh by the way I have something to trade in". Like I said, make the deal work for you. Don't let them bully you. If the deal doesn't sound good just say, " No, I'm sorry that doesn't work for me" or "I can't afford that". Be firm and shrewd. It also helps to take a sales paper or a printed copy from the stores competitors. This can help you by letting them know you can get a better deal elsewhere. Make sure you get a money back guarantee and a warranty no less than 15 days for a new or used bass. Some stores have a 30-day money back guarantee. Ask about this before buying anything. Remember to keep your receipt not only for your guarantee or warranty, but also for tax time. If you are in a working band this can be used as a good write off.

All in all, the most important thing is that you are happy with your purchase. Nothing like getting a great instrument at a great price!

Kenn Smith
Kenn Smith Music