How to Buy a Cheap Bass Guitar

In these tough times, most musicians want to save money when buying a bass guitar. Here is how to find a good cheap bass.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Buying an inexpensive bass guitar is usually a good idea for first-time buyers and beginners. Thanks to modern design technology, the sound produced by a good inexpensive model is sufficient to develop your ear and playing ability and even perform in public. A first-time buyer or student can find a decent model for under $200. More experienced musicians and bass guitarists who aspire to be performers in rock bands will probably want to consider premium used instruments that are a little more expensive, but even they need not spend over $700 for a top brand

2. Some online music stores are great for buying an inexpensive or used bass guitar because they offer: good basic models that are suited for beginners; low prices in relation to the quality of the instruments offered; and servicing of used bass guitars to make them sound like new instruments, such as replacing old strings. Daddy's Junky Music is one such store. For other suggestions, check out http://www.bass-guitar-music.com/cheap.html

3. Beware of buying used instruments from individual sellers. It is generally best to go with a reputable dealer who will stand behind the quality of their products. Individuals may not be able to accurately determine a bass guitar's condition or whether it is suitable for an inexperienced player.

Tips & Warnings

• Websites that do not specialize in musical instruments, but have a few for sale anyway, should usually be avoided. Many bass guitars look alike at first, but their subtle differences are important and greatly affect the quality of the sound and the instrument's value. It takes experience to understand the variations in bass guitars and what they mean, and this is usually reflected in the variety and depth of an online store's inventory and selection.
• If you are shopping for a used bass guitar on eBay, be especially wary. The pictures may not accurately reflect the quality of the bass guitar as it is today, and even if they do it is difficult to ascertain an instrument's condition from a picture. For example, the strings are a very important element of a bass guitar, but it is extremely hard to tell from a digital photo if they are in good condition.

Resources

• Cheap Bass Guitars

[amyrah]

on 9/18/2009 great tips

[lucindaroth]

on 9/14/2009 Great tips on getting an inexpensive bass!

[kaulpime]

on 8/24/2009 This is great! I will have to shw my husband this article. 5*s!

[iamageniuster]

on 10/31/2008 Very cool article. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for sharing.