My 3 Best Beginner basses... or backup basses

[@kingstumble]

Kids of today have never had it so good (grandad speaking!) There is so much choice available at affordable prices. Back in the 60s my first bass was a homemade affair that my schoolmate and I knocked up in the school woodwork shop "after hours". When I left school a few months later I joined a band and gigged with it for about a year. It had a habit of cutting out intermittently and I had to literally slap the pickup to bring it back to life. I wonder if that made me the first slap bass player?

[@TothLaszlo77]

that's awesome sir, you might be yup there among the first

[@poltergeist3194]

Awesome recommendations. Nothing wrong with any of those. It still blows me away about Harley Benton’s price points. My preference would be an Ibanez SR300 to SR400 range of basses. Great right out of the box and can do almost everything. Plus you still get an active bypass switch.

[@davejones7475]

Maybe your best review yet. You already know you carry tremulous etiquette and influence, yet you stayed humble and honest. This will help so many people become the next James Jameson or Jaco. Everyone has to start somewhere, and that my friend is exactly what you just did!

[@sadstatus]

As a player of 40+ years, I'm basically here out of curiosity. It's funny how much better the options are now than they were in the 80's. Great information, by the way! And I really like your approach. I'll be subscribing and checking out your other vids.

[@UseARockOrSomething]

With great quality at a low price point for gear and the wealth of knowledge available online, it's such a great time for people to get into music and I'm excited to see where it goes.

[@markblackstad8705]

I am a quantity over quality guy myself. All those basses are good choices Bully! I have the Squire Affinity PJ and play and gig with it often. I put flats on mine and mainly use the P pickup. You guys who don't have one (some) need to get a Harley Benton. Heck , get several and that will soften the shipping cost per bass. I still don't see how they can make such quality and extra features for such ridiculously low prices. Also, if you dig the Stingray vibe , the Sterling by Musicman options are great too. A bit more cost, but most of them are around $300-400. You can find sales from time to time as well. Also, if you are so inclined, all these basses make great mod platforms. The quality of these "lower end" instruments has really went way up in the last few years IMO.

[@Plexyglazz]

Great recommendations and good advice overall. (Subscribed!) From experience I would like to add some tips of my own (I wonder what you think of them?); When buying a back-up bass: - Make sure that the sound and playability are close to your main bass. You don't want to change settings on your amp or effects after switching to your back-up. - Consider buying second hand. Save money and most of the time there is a case or gig-bag included - Cases aren't cheap! - Spend time (and/or money) on setting it up right. Is it worse spending 5 minutes to change a string or to mess up a gig with an unplayable instrument? Starting out: - Have it set up by a professional. I know of to many people who quit learning an instrument because their instruments were unplayable.

[@markmccormack1796]

As someone who's going to buy his first "economical" bass in the next week, I appreciate this video. On my list to hold and try are your first two choices. I am also going to try the Yamaha TRBX174 and the Cort Action. I'm sure the Miller is great for intermediate players. But, seven controls; ain't nobody got time for that when you're just learning the basics.

[@iamLexxKelsey]

I learned alot between u an lobster an few others...These type of vids really help 💯🎸

[@pine3737]

I am glad that you really try to give new players options that are affordable. Also a JBass is a good starting bass, it covers all style situations. Good advise!

[@TheGAMEGod_YT]

Man,… LETS GOOOOO (Respectfully)

[@MarcG7424]

Nice video Bully I chose the Squire because it's passive it's versatile with the pj configuration and it's a good modding platform

[@JimKostBass]

Great list! I would personally suggest the v5 instead of the v3 though. For 100€ more (on thomann, the v3 costs 360-370€ and the v5 costs 468€) you get a significant upgrade on hardware, pickups, roasted maple neck with no fret sprout, etc.

[@marlen2801]

Great video again 👏👏👏...perhaps in the PJ configuration I would prefer the Yamaha Trbx 174 or the Cort action....boss are really well made..one with caoba and one with poplar body ( that have very low weight and sound good) and both are very good balanced.. something very important for a beginner bass...thats what I thing about... Thank you for making so good Video...King regards from Spain🤗🤗🤗..And sorry for my bad ingles🙆🏽‍♂️

[@TreySharp-v5f]

Thanks for the video. My young g starting to catch up to me on drums so I got to go ahead and get sturdy on bass.

[@masterquan4891]

I got the Harley Benton JB-75 Natural I had a bit more cash and figured that it looked good and just plugged it in, and it played awesome. Thanks for the information about HB. It is much better than the 20; I can't believe for a 139, it plays like a dream.

[@craigparse1439]

I ended up picking up a used bass from the 80's and I love it. It's an '83 Ibanez Roadstar II. The only problem is... you can't count on "the" specific bass you want to be there. Great list! Keep it thumpin'!

[@blurplebear8573]

I just back into playing again and I am a Jackson fanboy so I got a Dave Ellefson signature model. It's sick. I would say that Yamaha, Ibanez, Squier, Ernie Ball all make good basses that fill this type of slot too. I am going to buy a 5 string soon as well. Good video homie.

[@asuntos.publicos]

I have a high level basses collection for gigging and recently I've chosen a TRBX174 I am very happy with. It replaced my old backup bass, a Peavey Foundation USA. The TRBX 174 feels smooth sounds loud and clear, it's light weight, it's passive and sounds modern. I would include it in your backup list, even gigging only with it. I've received pretty good compliments about the Yamaha's sound, of course a little bit makeup'd through a Boss ME 50 B dor compression, enhancing and a subtle overdrive for any kind of music. Plus an Eden WTDI DI Box almost flat EQ just for an additional beefy sound. It keeps sounding natural in the end.

[@markzanger64]

Awesome video . Hope you do one on combo amps as well. Have a great day.

[@toddwalker4301]

Just blew my mind.....$88.00! I must try this bass!

[@floydlay9189]

Great stuff,,Bully,,I can't believe those HB are so cheap,,!

[@drakeb6168]

hey man, i just happened to stumble across your channel. I do not always agree with your opinions, however I love your honesty and how you wont recommend something you HAVE NOT PLAYED like some other channels I have come across. Keep up the good work man. I am just getting back into the hobby myself and you have been a wealth of information.

[@sicilianmammalian]

I’m still holding out on a 5 string jazz bass from Harley Benton, but my suggestion for a beginning bass is usually a pbass (great sound and plug and play), if they’re a guitar player needing a bass I recommend a jazz bass (more playability, thinner more accommodating neck) and if they’re a music tech needing a bass to go the mm route (for modability). The bass I gave my niece for her first bass was a sbmm with Seymour Duncan basslines in the neck

[@rnr-js6gk]

Totally agree with the squire affinity p/j my main bass is an aerodyne jazz bass but my backup is a squire affinity p bass with p/j pickups... Great back up

[@johndobbins1105]

I’m surprised you didn’t put the Ibanez Talman on the list. You recommended it to me a couple years ago when I was starting off and I still have it. My Stingray shorty is my favorite at the moment. Hope you’re doing well, my guy!

[@BullyThaKidd]

It might have been on if I expanded to top 5

[@sunn_bass]

Agree. I have the Ibanez TMB30 short scale and a Fender MIM Mustang. The Ibanez is a better playing and sounding instrument. The Fender is nice and has a little better fit, but I prefer the Ibanez for 1/4 the price.

[@ricardojmestre]

The Talman is pretty good!

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@sunn_bass Nice thing about a fender is the wide range of options available on the aftermarket to customize it, and it has a better resale value compared to an equivalent ibanez

[@sunn_bass]

@@jasondorsey7110 So true about Fender resale and parts. Pretty much able to swap parts on any 1959 thru current P-Bass. I love that about Fenders. Still, in this case I think my Ibanez TMB30 plays and sounds better than my Fender MIM Mustang at 1/4 the price.

[@basskilla3050]

Harley Benton basses are solid as EE MUGG!!! Just bought 2 of them about a 2 mos ago.......Still unbelievable with the prices of these instruments!!!! And now I'm waiting on my Glarry GP Bass (Baby Blue) to fall up in hurr!!! LOL!!! Got some tricks up my sleeve to give it that vintage look yet keep in NuSchool too!!!! Thanks for the vid!!! 💙💙💙💙💙

[@TacticalLifewithT]

Appreciate the advice MAB 🐺

[@zenupe84]

I have the Glary P J Bass I haven't had a chance to play the Harley Benton. My main bass is an Ibanez G10 active but it doesn't have a passive option so the Marcus Miller looks appealing. Thank you for the insight my D9 brother

[@know_not_wickedness]

Longtime Squier lover. I've always been hesitant on the Harley Benton because of the super low price. Thanks and this was a great video.

[@4everJazz]

I will be purchasing my first bass within the 2 next weeks and I'm so glad I came across your video, this was so helpful. Question, disregarding the price point which bass would you go for between the Harley Benton JB 20 or Glarry? And if the Glarry which one would you recommend?

[@thebigbadwo11f58]

great advice, thanks MAB

[@joecarstens5201]

Totally agree on the V3, as I own one and it's cool. The hardware is simple though, it tends to detune slightly more than it should and the passive tone control is, let's say, subtle... But it plays great and sounds really good. I got the 5-string version too, and that one is perfect! It costs about 440€, so it may be a bit out of range for beginners (if one actually contemplates a 5-string). I like Squiers too, the new Affinity models seem to be well worth a try. Can't say much about HB, except that I did the P-bass kit (99 €) a while ago, which turned out pretty good and sounds surprisingly like a p-bass, so no complaints there! (And I live in Germany, no shipping costs from Thomann... I'm blessed). I would like to look into Ibanez basses some time or other; I'm a bit sceptical though because most of them seem to have passive-option (is that right??). I don't like to always have to depend on batteries. Thanks again for your great content!

[@Invictus13666]

There’s an official Harley Benton us location now. Free shipping from Connecticut. Not the full inventory yet. Store is on reverb

[@BullyThaKidd]

Nice

[@markmilner842]

I’ve got two mid-level Sire basses - an M5 & a P5 - and highly recommend them. The necks are just phenomenal. For myself, and what I play, I’d probably lean toward the passive offerings (they now offer a V3 passive), but I have no complaints about the preamp. I used to own a Squier Affinity Jazz, and it wasn’t a bad bass once it had a proper set up, but I really prefer their Classic Vibe series. Either way, with Squier you really need to play the bass before you buy it, because quality control isn’t as consistent as with Sire.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

That vintage looking HB is sexy!!!! I’ve been wanting one and also their stingray version of the 5string HH my 3 were sterling, a squire J and the Harley Benton Oh snap yea Sire!! It’s a lil more but still!…

[@jimmymonet1882]

Love the channel. I’m still a beginner and I started with the Squire Jazz bass. Love it! I’d highly recommend as a beginner, if you’re planning on sticking with it. Thanks for the tips brotha.

[@KevinPaulWood]

Awesome video, I would love to see a video on a full set up for $x maybe $500, $1000 and lottery win for fun lol

[@jakesensi5552]

Great list.

[@tigerscott2966]

Good video. Harley Benton is on my list. I was having good luck finding basses in the pawn shop, but not lately. Getty Lee found his number one bass in one and me too.

[@drakeb6168]

DUDE! FRFR the basses that have been hitting shops (at least in my area) have been a bunch of crap. Cant even hold tuning for 10 minutes yet they have a price of like 400$.... like what

[@jakesensi5552]

Bully. I just scored a Paranormal Jazz Bass off a site for 200 bucks. It's neck and neck ( no pun intended) with my Squier Jaguar modified that I scored for 80 bucks. Love ya vids brother.

[@mrlotuss]

Thanks for sharing. I've been digging the Harley Benton's. I want to pull the trigger on the JP-55OP. What are your thoughts?

[@brandinwilson9613]

I had a Jackson Bass my tuning key went dead. In May 2022, I brought a fender jazz bass for $314 and I have grown into it. I started learning bass again in November 2021.

[@chuckhollins9891]

Great video Bully , of the three the Marcus Miller would be my first choice although they're all great instruments , I'm actually looking to get the Sire V7 2nd Generation 5st they seem to be a great sounding and well built bass for the price

[@RobVespa]

Thanks for this guide. Aside: Harley Benton opened an "official USA" site through Reverb... BUT they've a limited selection and the prices are almost exactly the same as shipping one from Europe. What?!? SMH. Also, the Marcus Miller price has shot up since this was published. It's not a $300 bass anymore... it's got a $469 MRSP now and while you can get them for less, it's not that much more less. Wonder if this would impact your thoughts on this as a beginner bass today.

[@paulauskiel]

It's even easier now with Sire. They have V3P (for passive) basses. If its too much for you, you just can go all passive...

[@TheRashad40]

How you doing Mr bully got a question I got a friend that's letting me use a four-string Davidson guitar for practice I am a beginner what do you think about that guitar I want to start playing so I can play for the church

[@noel99991]

For a person on a budget looking to buy a bass, any bass that a professional musician considers gig worthy would be an excellent choice thanks!

[@korrigan6072]

I started with a Marcus Miller V3 and that bass is just amazing for the price, and looking damned good too !

[@warwickdennis4114]

I like the Fender Squire, fender is fairly reliable and parts are affordable and available for future upgrades.

[@motorcitywestauto4674]

Any opinion on an EASY playing starter bass? I played guitar in the 80s and esrly 90s then quit all together. Now im retired, mid 50s and looking for something with a thin neck thats easy to play to ping around with. I have some arthritis and will probably play with a pick. Is that HB he mentioned any good? I would like to stay under $350 since im not sure if it is going to work out or not. But looking for full scale, no or little neck dive, weight is not an issue. I played a Gibson LP standard back in the day and it was fairly heavy. Any ody else co-sign on any of these he mentioned or too cheaply made?

[@ch33secake81]

Love the vids!

[@BullyThaKidd]

I would suggest a short scale bass... p if you could find one. The size won't be as weird as a full scale. So transition to bass would be smoother... my opinion of course.

[@barondavis5692]

I’d suggest a jazz bass because of its thin neck. More guitar like and easier to maneuver around the neck. Or get any style of bass as long as it has a j bass type neck.

[@emhezmfe]

Wow the prices are amazing on some of these--really nice you can get a playable instrument in the sub-$100 to $250 range!

[@dynodansmoking]

So for worship music. Would you go with a jazz or p bass if you have to choose 1 to get first? And would you recommend MM over Fender in the mid price range?

[@joezanti5961]

Love your channel ❤️

[@mr0ash]

Thank you for the video! Could you help me choose between Harley bentons JB20 and JB75? Is there that big of a difference between them?

[@BullyThaKidd]

Yeah quality of product and the bridge pickup position.

[@mr0ash]

@@BullyThaKidd understood! Thanks a lot! 👍

[@UnitedRedDevil13]

I hadn’t played bass in like 20 years and just picking it up again now to have fun. Thinking of getting & modding a stingray sub 4 with an Aguilar pickup. Is there anything else you recommend instead of that route or you think that’s cool? The bass is $275 right now. Thanks!

[@danepaulstewart8464]

Definitely a good list. I won two basses in this list and I feel about them pretty much what you’ve said here. 😎👍👍

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

I own a Sire V7, a Squier VM series and few HBs (as well as some less affordable instruments). I thought I would save on shipping by ordering several HBs, but all of them have issues. I would gladly recommend the Sire and the Squier, but not the HB, not even for a beginner. Unless you are going to replace all the hardware and the electronics and to repair all the finishing screw ups, but that would make this purchase a project rather than a ready-to-go bass, and not really that cheap. And I'm not even that demanding player. The HBs just feel like kids toys in comparison to any other bass I have.

[@darrylpowell8247]

Hey Bully, I collect ole skool low end basses with the wood body look, (like Alembic), Peavy etc etc. Where would be a good online spot to look to purchase such basses?

[@victorbauguess8237]

my friend owns a squier affinity pj and it sounds hella nice (I had to fix it because the output jack disconnected from everything but it was from an issue where it fell)

[@SUPAROCKINDJSMASH]

u have great ideas thanks cause I love harley benton product also Marcus Miller is the guy...so yes do more like these

[@spirittoo]

Even with the shipping cost ... the Harley Benton is still cheaper than the Squire. I both two different Harley Benton basses and the shipping cost for one was 77+ usd and for the other bass it was 80+ for shipping to the door the one was less than $180 and the other was less than $170 ... still a great price ... they should include the shipping cost in the price and say it's free shipping.

[@drewjeers815]

I still love our Luna Tattoo I got very early on in playing. Very playable for me. They have gone up in price from the $200 they were.

[@MaddmanG]

Bruh! All I had to do was scroll a little further and I would have got my answer! 😂🤦🏾‍♂️ I appreciate you anyway 💪🏾👑

[@lumurumba]

I'd like to know more about your guitar hanging system. Cheers

[@BullyThaKidd]

google: diamondlife guitar hanging systems.

[@lumurumba]

Thank you my man!@@BullyThaKidd

[@edwardkalafat2750]

Question, how are the electronics on the fender and the mmv3? Any issues with ground hum or low output?

[@munkandbear2818]

Don't be afraid of knobs, they equal versatility which is always a good thing. Think of crayons as a kid did you want the 12-pack or the 72?

[@Rafma89]

Someone gave me an epiphone accu bass Jr early 2000s. I just haven’t been able to vibe with it. I have been looking at the Squier affinity.

[@lennylen23]

What about for a 6 string ??? I just got the SX bass with he Audere Pre amp?!?!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Harley Benton has a great 6er !! Great question!

[@Cooper-cs6dp]

I’m not really a beginner bassist, I’d say since I’ve played guitar for almost 4 years I’m in the Intermediate level, but I want to play bass more. I do have a bass (that was a gift from a church friend) but I want something better

[@TheDarkKnight73]

most HB and the old sires and a few squires are good low budget basses that can hold it down

[@iler859]

Get a Harley benton that's used and already set up, or get a Cort action and if you are small or young check out the action junior models. Otherwise SX instruments are also great.

[@shanewalton8888]

What is the best online course for learning bass? I got an Ibanez 5 string

[@daveweed2765]

Another thing. I wish someone could explain to me why batteries in a guitar is a good thing. I never got it. But have heard you have to unplug them or it drains the batteries/ battery down. But I will say one thing about your breakdown. Its good to see someone giving cheap guitars thier due. I mean a Gubson Les Paul is top of the line for six strings but... Les Paul the man actually designed and built his namesake guitar in an Epiphone factory in I belueve Chicago. Paul McCartney played an Epi Bass and my absolute favorite and perfect Les Paul six string is an Epi and picked by me over 5 Gibsons 10 years ago at Guitar Center. Anyone van say what they want about cheap guitars but that one 700 dollar guitar outplays a 5000 dollar Gibson Les Paul. Its a tobacco burst which i really like the cherry burst but... But to me guitars are like women. I have never bought a used guitar or bought one on line and actually drove 7 hours to try a specific guitar out. And drove back without it. Travelled with my tube hed and cabinets and strings. That partcular Les Paul was fucked. The neck had been replaced and not well. The sustain was not there on a tube head with feed back. Bending the neck actully felt it cracking. So trash. Pretty guitar too and the only used guitar i actually ever thought of buying. But i could have bought it through pay pal and shipped to me. But never ever buy a guitar or car on line. You need to test "drive" both. Any music store that requires payment for an order then fuck 'em. You never marry your first love mostly and if you do. Wow. Guitars are like women. They will sing with you but she has to be perfect for you and learning how to play one is like dating. Jesus Im a little drunk now but sounds like a good song. Let me think about it and may sell another. But.. been done by Waylon and Willie. But honestly the only two things in life that make it worth living is guitars in tune and firm feeling women, right?

[@barondavis5692]

Why did the V3 make the list and not a MM M2?

[@tigerscott2966]

Ibanez is still hard to beat for beginners or intermediate players. You can get a 4, 5, and a six string bass together for $1,500 brand new.

[@tigerscott2966]

I have a great idea for bass players. It's fun and profitable. Can I email you the specifics? I mentioned it to Low End Lobster. I am not into Discord or Telegram. I have my own system.

[@drakeb6168]

@@tigerscott2966 Can confirm. I started my journey on birthday gifted GSR200. I played pretty much everything till it was stolen at school.

[@andrewpounds5730]

Would like to see combo video

[@3l_Congroo]

I live in germany and the current price for the Harley Benton JB-20 BM is 119€. Would you still suggest it?

[@BullyThaKidd]

its a good bass and i think its under 200... so yeah i would suggest it... im not sure where you can get a better deal for the quality

[@TheFreshmaker02]

Best intermediate bASS please. Good beginner choices. Never tried a Marcus Miller but I'm not big on active Axes. Also a IV string purist. My opinion but everyone has different preferences

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

There are passive Marcus Millers now, really awesome P-basses (P5 model I think) with roasted maple necks.

[@TheFreshmaker02]

@@HapyLLIuTeJIb I know they're available, just talking about Bully's picks.

[@keithsnowdon8672]

Trying to find a 4 string bass as a beginner thst isn't of Chinese manufacture. Mot easy in the UK

[@jefferyduncan9015]

I went Bass shopping today at my local store and the selection was not good. He told me it was because of Covid has slowed production down of instruments.

[@honestbrute9216]

Beginner basses? Sure..great recommendations..backups? I guess it depends…these are pretty low grade backups for most pros/semi pros..I personally eve liked active basses much so I’d never need one with a pre..

[@ambrosgonzales]

Sup up Bully.

[@lawrencetagliareni4893]

Thanks but squier cv, sterling stingray, and ibanez sr 300 sound great. Sire costs more than all of these. Sterling is best overall for the money.

[@BullyThaKidd]

Nope.

[@richardrichard5409]

Sterling Ray 4...woeful pick up and pre amp🤢

[@rickoszpar9513]

I use a Squier 70's classic JB, Harley Benton classic 70' s Jazz , and an Ibanez SR 975 5 string. I use whichever bass I need depending on the gig. B it the HB is my favorite! Pro player for 45 years. Doing bars! Never take an expensive axe to a bar gig. I have seen too many get wrecked or stolen! My good basses only come out for recording or orchestra gigs!

[@nrich5127]

Get the Harley Benton and with the money you save buy lessons which will definitely advance your playing.

[@craigmack-cv3cp]

Ibanez talman gets my vote 🗳️

[@anotherrandombassguitarcha9482]

An old Yamaha BB-450.............I own two.

[@odsonic]

Squire is a very good bass...get some pedals and your set for a while

[@rpj-sax4lyfe]

👍🏽💯

[@redwawst3258]

😊

[@stanislavmikhailiukov1005]

IMHO: the first bass should be HH.

[@Wombatmetal]

Huh. I've heard all the hype about Harley Benton, so I went and got one, and terrible quality. My experience is different than yours.

[@ledamadden6388]

New to the bass game and own the Marcus Miller bass. I love it!!!!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@ledamadden6388 great buy! Also if you love the stingray sound the sterling is a great buy!!

[@ledamadden6388]

@@bassimprovjams3772I Love RATM so Stingrays are on my radar.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@ledamadden6388 some of the best basses ever!! The sterlings are cool because they use the ceramic pickup and the neck profile is of a Jazz bass so a lil thinner that ceramic pickup is what you want! Their more aggressive the Alnico is a lil warmer hope you can get one! You’ll take it to the grave with you!

[@daveweed2765]

The thing no one teally gets is that you need the same guitars tuned different. Even bass I have thee at gigs. Half step down Whole step down and standard tuning. Same with six strings but twice as many guitars. New strings are hard but i found a way to keep from retuning them over and over again. The wound strings which all basses have stretch them an octave higher and then tune them down. On a 6 string stretch them if you are brave enough 3 steps higher it saves you the hassle of retuning all the time. They get stretched and wont wane after a sing or two. But yeah at gigs no one teal cares or likes to hear you tuning an instrument. And hell if you make extra money playing gigs then your ol lady shouldnt bitch about all your guitars, right? Guitars are like guns. One or two never work out. You need at least 10 or 20. Hunting and music is about as addictive as heroine. Right?

[@JAK0449]

i possessed sires v three (sorry computer roke) passive ad active squier p ad harley B p B ad they are great eve if the harley is ot as good as the others sire is eeptioal for the price (hope i ll e uderstoud i have letters lack o my computer)

[@sebhot]

sire need 2 batteries

[@nisselarson3227]

I would never recommend a 100 dollar bass for a beginner. That said, HB's arent' bad if you really don't give a shit about the bass, like if it's too heavy to carry home from a gig.

[@jeffjacobson59]

I’d just buy a google Fender Jazz and be done with it

[@dannydeutero]

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