Buying a Guitar, complete novice

[Qmavam]

I'm prowling pawn shops for a bass guitar. I no nothing.
So far I'm just looking for physical damage, making sure the neck is straight,
and checking wear on the frets.
I have my eyes on a Ibanez EDB700 at $249 and a SR300DX at $180.
From what I can find the EDB700 was originally the more expensive guitar.
I probably won't pay the asking price.
What other things should I look for, and since I don't have a clue, when I have them hook it to an amp and pluck it, is there anything I should listen for and check while hooked to an amp.
Thanks, Mikek

[Sweetfinger]

The Ergodyne was more of a mid to top level bass in the Ibanez lineup. Those seem to be pretty good prices for pawn shops. Usually they charge too much. Most music stores that deal in used gear are usually cheaper. If those ARE at a pawn shop you could try haggling a bit- offer $200 for the EDB, or get them to throw in a case if the bass doesn't come with one. (what am I saying? It's at a pawn shop, of COURSE it doesn't come with a case!).
Ask if they have a return policy or 60 day warranty, something like that. If the bass works and plays well enough, take it to a shop and have it checked over and if ok, set up with a new set of strings.
Personally, I'd recommend finding a MIM P-bass but that's me.

[Qmavam]

Originally Posted by Sweetfinger

The Ergodyne was more of a mid to top level bass in the Ibanez lineup. Those seem to be pretty good prices for pawn shops. Usually they charge too much. Most music stores that deal in used gear are usually cheaper. If those ARE at a pawn shop you could try haggling a bit- offer $200 for the EDB, or get them to throw in a case if the bass doesn't come with one. (what am I saying? It's at a pawn shop, of COURSE it doesn't come with a case!).
Ask if they have a return policy or 60 day warranty, something like that. If the bass works and plays well enough, take it to a shop and have it checked over and if ok, set up with a new set of strings.
Personally, I'd recommend finding a MIM P-bass but that's me.

Yes about pawn shop prices, they few times I checked out something at a pawn shop I thought the price was very high. My other fun experience at a pawn shop' I was driving by and I saw a good looking blonde on her way in, so I turned and went into the pawn shop. So I went in and started checking out the blon er I mean the merchandise the blonde was redeeming 7 rings shae had pawned. When the guy dumped the rings out f the pouch she exclaimed where's my momma's ring? It has two blue stones!
She immediately ran to the ring display and started looking. Then she said "that's it right there" That's when I left. The experience didn't improve my opinion of pawn shops.
Ok I have seen references to the P-bass and I did see a P-bass in one of the pawn shops. But what is the MIM part?

Thanks, Mikek

[Sweetfinger]

Originally Posted by Qmavam

Yes about pawn shop prices, they few times I checked out something at a pawn shop I thought the price was very high. My other fun experience at a pawn shop' I was driving by and I saw a good looking blonde on her way in, so I turned and went into the pawn shop. So I went in and started checking out the blon er I mean the merchandise the blonde was redeeming 7 rings shae had pawned. When the guy dumped the rings out f the pouch she exclaimed where's my momma's ring? It has two blue stones!
She immediately ran to the ring display and started looking. Then she said "that's it right there" That's when I left. The experience didn't improve my opinion of pawn shops.
Ok I have seen references to the P-bass and I did see a P-bass in one of the pawn shops. But what is the MIM part?

Thanks, Mikek

MIM is the common abbreviation for "made in Mexico". The Mexican made Fenders are a great value for the money new and used, even more so. If you get a slightly older MIM, the neck will have been made in the USA factory, but really, the quality control is good throughout.

[Qmavam]

Originally Posted by Sweetfinger

MIM is the common abbreviation for "made in Mexico". The Mexican made Fenders are a great value for the money new and used, even more so. If you get a slightly older MIM, the neck will have been made in the USA factory, but really, the quality control is good throughout.

I stopped at the pawnshop today with $220 in my wallet, I offered $200 for the Ibanez EDB700 if they'd throw in a decent strap. He played with the computer and said best he could do was $225. I stood firm and he finally agreed to $200. He charged me $200 exactly. I made a better deal than I thought, Guitar $186, tax $14 total $200. I thought I'd pay tax on top of the $200.
I'm going to work with this site for a while http://www.studybass.com/
then get some lessons.
Thanks, Mikek

[wolfmancharlie]

You got a sweet deal, and an Ibanez is a very good bass to start with.there are a lot of sites to learn from ,so much easier today. Just have fun and practice as much as you can.