More (dumb) guitarist Q's: Which beginners bass?

Matt-White

What would you guys recommend as a beginners bass?
I'm looking into it - obviously dont want to spend huge amounts as guitar playing is my first priority. But I don't want to get something that makes playing more difficult than it is! The sound should be right for rock, classic rock, blues, folk/alt-country.
And: What about shorter scale basses? Are they OK - not just for kids? Tx!

Manfred-Klose

I'd look at some of the cort models, not to pricy and also very good.
Ibanez also.

It depends on how much you wanna spend.

And: What about shorter scale basses? Are they OK - not just for kids? Tx!

You'll find that going from guitar to bass is not that hard, just takes some time for your fingers to get used and develop new muscle memory for playing bass.

AlanRatcliffe

Some kind of Precision Bass - simple and effective. Squier, Cort or something similar.

I'm not a fan of short-scale basses unless someone can't play a full-size.

Matt-White

@ A: not a Jazz? Dont they have slightly thinner necks (for a beginner) than a P Bass? Or doesnt it make a real difference?
I can get a brand new off the shelf Squier P for R2600 now...

Tx guys!

AlanRatcliffe

J Basses do have thinner necks, so if that's a big issue look at them. I prefer the tone of the Ps though - the thicker neck helps with that. There is a reason that the simple P-bass is still popular.

Jwaters

squier and dean are both pretty cheap. also, the ease of playing on a dean bass is nice from what i've experianced

Matt-White

Just some feedback: I settled for an Ibanez SR300.
It has a slim neck, P- and J-pickup configuration, is light, comfortable and looks good: Flame maple top with a grey burst finish.
And more importantly, it was a steal at Toms: discontinued model + old stock = a bargain!