Keep It Groovy: Tips For Buying A Bass
Hey folks!
This new “Keep It Groovy” lesson is here to provide you with insight and tips for picking up an instrument and determining if it’s right for you.
Here are a few of the strategies that I use for determining whether or not I should invest in an instrument. I’ll do this whether I’m in a music store and testing basses or reviewing something that I’ve ordered online. It’s also a great way to see if instruments in your current collection need to undergo a bit of maintenance.
Things to look for…
- Aesthetic. Does it look cool? What can you learn about the bass just by looking at it?
- Feel. Does the neck feel even across the board? Does the action need to be adjusted?
- Tone. How does it sound? Is the intonation good? Are there any dead spots? What do all of the controls do?
- Versatility. Can you use it for all techniques or does it do something specific?
Purchasing an instrument can be stressful, but you can take some of the pressure off by playing familiar grooves, testing the range of the instrument, and knowing what you want the bass to be able to do.
Keep it groovy, everyone!
Ryan Madora is a professional bass player, author, and educator living in Nashville, TN. In addition to touring and session work, she teaches private lessons and masterclasses to students of all levels. Visit her website to learn more!
