AlexBUltimateGuitar

So, I'm a guitarist who's looking to pick up bass (how many times have you heard that before? ) on the side to aid in learning music theory and just to mess around with. I walked into a pawn shop and saw a spotless Washburn T14 in its case for around $343 - accessories were a strap, extra strings and a bunch of books on bass and bass theory. I know after getting home and looking it up that I overpaid... ...but I still like it. Weight is a huge issue for me when it comes to guitars thanks to my back and I found other brands like Cort and some Ibanez models to put too much strain on it. This one, however, is light enough.

Thoughts? Did I make a bad buy?

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Guitars
1999 MiM Stratocaster
2003 MiM Stratocaster
Tanglewood LP
Ibanez AF-55

Amps
Roland Cube 80XL
H&K Blonde Edition 40

FatalGear41

The Washburn T-14 is a well-made, entry-to-middle level bass. It comes in a number of finishes, and the black-on-black fretless model was a thing of beauty (I don't think they offer it anymore). It is a very capable bass with several good tones on tap. Yes, you probably paid a bit on the high side, but if you got a good hardshell case and the bass is one of the more elaborate Taurus basses, then you probably didn't spend too much. Washburn has always - for some unknown reason - largely ignored the bass market, and the result is that they offer only a few models. They're good basses, to be sure, but the company does not aggressively pursue the bass market.

Weight is an issue with a lot of basses, as unlike most guitarists, bassists really go for multi-laminate/sectional instruments constructed out of very heavy, exotic woods. Pick up an Alembic some day and you'll see what I mean. So if you found a lightweight bass that works for you, then by all means stick with it.

Welcome to the Low End, my friend!

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AlexBUltimateGuitar

Thanks! Makes me feel a little better about it. The case is in like-new condition, like the bass, I don't think the previous player ever touched it and if it was played it was done so carefully. It has a "faux quilted maple" finish according to what I've read, which I like, and I like the sound.

To be honest about the back problems: I have a 30+ degree lower spinal curve. It's not enough to be noticeable, but it's enough to cause permanent pain even when not playing guitar. My options guitar-wise are running out (at this point I'm thinking of looking at hollow-bodies like Tokai or Epiphone, depending on how much I can spend then, simply because they might not hurt as much).

The realization that the back problems (and further joint problems) are only going to get worse as time goes on due to a degenerative connective tissue disorder tends to get me down on nights like this. Not that I should be venting about it in this thread but it can't hurt to mention.

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Guitars
1999 MiM Stratocaster
2003 MiM Stratocaster
Tanglewood LP
Ibanez AF-55

Amps
Roland Cube 80XL
H&K Blonde Edition 40

GAPendragon

I don't know if it would interfere with amps, pedals etc. but there is actually a machine you can get which is usually about the size of a Nintendo DS called a TENS machine which interupts pain signals. My mother has a back condition and I bought one for her a few years ago. They're pretty cheap now too. When they first came out you were lucky to pay 80-90GBP over here in the UK and now you can get a basic one for around 20. It's pain relief without additional medication and they can also be bought now with heat/massage settings too. Might be worth looking into.

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