I am about to purchase a Bass Guitar and needing some help please. I played the viola cello for over 10 years and the guitar and bass for about the same. Last instrument I owned was a Fender Telecaster, but it was stolen when my apartment was robbed.... Can anyone suggest a good model, it has been years since I have even looked at any or owned. I am always partial to Gibson and Ibanez. Help would also be nice on selecting an amp.. Thanks to any responders !!!


OH!!!! Good strings too.... I used Ernie Ball Extra Slinky for my Fender.... What would be good for bass?

Only have a couple of comments for ya - son Wade plays an Ibanez, sounds good, looks good. Eric advised he uses SIT strings as he changes them for every show. But in studio, he uses Elixir strings cuz they have that dippity-do on them which makes 'em last longer.

Depends on how you wrap your fingers as to the Fender P bass vs J bass or Ibanez. What I've observed is that if you wrap your hand around the neck and really lay your fingers down, then the P bass with its thicker neck fits better. Or, if you're like Wade and Eric Bass, the thinner neck works better, as they use their finger tips more for pressure on the strings over the frets.

Not being a stringed instrument player myself (unless you count the hammered dulcimer), these are just observations.

Thank you for the info Mama!!!! I do need a thinner neck, my fingers are small. Looking to find a fretless, and I thought that Ibanez were the pros at making them, but have not found one yet. I will definitely check out the strings you suggested, and hope to find a bad@ss bass to go with... Hammered dulcimer, that's great, they make pretty cool noises. Do you play any other instruments?