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Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: phbrown on October 05, 2010, 04:02:18 PM

Title: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: phbrown on October 05, 2010, 04:02:18 PM
I want to create a flow chart to help people identify a bass they may be interested. I am currently compling a list of questions. If you think of any could you please add them?

How many strings?
Active or Passive?
Maximum Price?
Certain preference for woods?
Do you have particular features you want?
Do you need a left hand bass?



Are there any other important questions that a person should ask themselves when looking for a bass? I'm assuming that answering these questions would lead a person to about 3 basses that they should try to go out and play.
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: dhagler on October 05, 2010, 05:54:47 PM
IMHO, the questions that are generally asked by novice players are, in order of importance:

1. How many strings?
2. Price range?

More advanced players may add:

1. Active or passive?
2. Electronics?

Still more advanced players may include these questions:

1. Type of wood used in the body and/or neck?
2. Type of bridge (string through or saddles?

Just my two cents.
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: dremy2006 on October 05, 2010, 07:12:07 PM
string spacing
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: Basspicker26 on October 07, 2010, 11:36:21 AM
What type of sound are you looking for?
How many frets?
Scale length?
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: phbrown on October 11, 2010, 12:21:14 PM
I'm still working on it but if you have any comments or suggestions please tell me :)


(http://www.gliffy.com/pubdoc/2272656/L.png)
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: phbrown on October 11, 2010, 12:26:01 PM
OOOHHHH!!! it updates the same picture when I save changes :)
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: dafunky1 on October 11, 2010, 04:42:45 PM
Here are a couple more factors to consider when buying a bass:

Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: malthumb on October 11, 2010, 08:05:45 PM
Quote from: dafunky1 on October 11, 2010, 04:42:45 PM
Here are a couple more factors to consider when buying a bass:

  • fretboard wood: rosewood or maple

Or ebony or pau ferro or coco bolo.......
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: DWBass on October 11, 2010, 09:09:19 PM
My List

Strings (4, 5, 6)
Style (J, P, Other)
Passive or Active
Weight
Bridge (Vintage, Modern)
Tuners
Neck (Rosewood, Maple, Other)
Neck Scale Length
Neck Profile
String Spacing
Bolt On/Neckthru
Fretted or Fretless
Fret markers (Dots, Block Inlays)
Pickups (Single Coil J, Humbuckers, Musicman, P)
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: phbrown on October 11, 2010, 10:39:34 PM
What are some ranges for string spacing? Or what are some fairly typical numbers for string spacing?
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: DWBass on October 12, 2010, 06:30:50 AM
Quote from: phbrown on October 11, 2010, 10:39:34 PM
What are some ranges for string spacing? Or what are some fairly typical numbers for string spacing?
Most production basses string spacings typically range from 17mm-19mm. There are a few in the 16.5mm range (very narrow) and some really wide custom basses at 20mm.
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: phbrown on October 12, 2010, 07:53:27 AM
Quote from: DWBass on October 11, 2010, 09:09:19 PM
My List

Strings (4, 5, 6)
Style (J, P, Other)
Passive or Active
Weight
Bridge (Vintage, Modern)
Tuners
Neck (Rosewood, Maple, Other)
Neck Scale Length
Neck Profile
String Spacing
Bolt On/Neckthru
Fretted or Fretless
Fret markers (Dots, Block Inlays)
Pickups (Single Coil J, Humbuckers, Musicman, P)

I think I'm going to have to separate each price range. I forgot just how many potential factors there are in choosing a bass.
Title: Re: Flow Chart for buying a Bass
Post by: phbrown on October 12, 2010, 09:04:00 AM
Okay this flow chart is RIDICULOUSLY LARGE!!!!! I haven't even went though all the possiblities for 1 price range.... I'm going to have to find a different way to present this information. A flow chart just will not work.

Any suggestions?

Maybe a flash/silverlight program? Or something like how on ebay you can select various options on the side and the basses show up in the search results?