OK i have no clue what type of bass to buy! I need to know what type is good for beginners? and what brand? how many strings? i am really lost and need all the help and information i can get!!

alright i was really hoping to find my last reply for this very question on an old thread but it's gone... ah well...

first off... have you ever played guitar or bass before? even if you can't really play it helps if you know how your hands and fingers should go on the instrument... it helps you get a better feel for the neck

second... this is hard to get through people's heads but... BRAND IS IRRELEVANT... it does not matter what name is on the headstock... ever... as a beginner all you want is 4 strings and frets... there is absolutely no reason to start with anything different...

as far as price goes that's up to your pocket... being in eastern canada i can only guess at massachusetts prices... there shouldn't be much difference... $150-250 should get you something pretty nice to start on... if you're planning on buying a new instrument in a store you'll probably have to pay a bit more too... personally i love pawn shops... you never know what you'll find (like a 5-string fretless for $399... i already made a deposit... it'll be all mine on my next paycheck... woohoo )

something else to keep an eye for when buying a new instrument is dead frets... just play each note on each string to check before you buy to make sure everything is cool...

most importantly though... have fun... don't buy an instrument for the name... just find something that sounds cool and feels good when you play it... you'll develop a lot further as a musician...

ernie ball Stingray