Bass guitar as present

[Hope4534]

DD has just indicated she might like a bass guitar for her 18th to teach herself (she plays classical guitar). Anyone here got any tips / recommendations how to choose? Thx

[hulahoopqueen]

Could you take her to a local (independent if possible) music shop, and ask the advice of the staff there?

[NeverDropYourMooncup]

She needs to find her bass herself - there's so many variables that can make one a joy or an absolute pig: scale length, weight, neck profile/shape/radius, balance, shape, her height, shape, build, arm length, handspan, string gauge, pickups...

When she finds it, she'll need gig bag, leads, tuner, practice amp (strings aren't a regular purchase in the way they are for guitars - she won't be breaking them, just replacing when they're dead), strap and straplocks.

As a rule, though, I'd say a passive rather than active is a starting point and to try the Fender P-bass first. And shortscale Corts aren't particularly well made.

[Hope4534]

Thank you both. That is what I feared - impossible to buy without her being there. For a number of reasons she won't be in a position to do that around her birthday so that makes it difficult.

I've looked at the Fender P - looks great, but fairly expensive when you have to add the amp and all the other bits on top?

[NeverDropYourMooncup]

@Hope4534

Thank you both. That is what I feared - impossible to buy without her being there. For a number of reasons she won't be in a position to do that around her birthday so that makes it difficult.

I've looked at the Fender P - looks great, but fairly expensive when you have to add the amp and all the other bits on top?

If it's right for her, it'll last a lifetime.