Music n00b looking for advice (bass)

[UnutterableSquid]

Hey all,

As much as I've always loved music, I've never really gotten too involved in playing it. Well, now I'm interested in changing that.

I've always had an affinity for the basslines in songs, and I'm quite interested in giving the bass-guitar a try.

Since I am such a n00b, I obviously know very little about what makes a particularly good instrument, however, I kind of need a bass before I can try to learn how to play it.

I've been looking at this deal through Guitar Center:

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Dean-Edge-09-Bass-and-Amp-Pack-105178685-i1401242.gc

It is a Dean Edge 09 and comes with an amp and some other stuff for about $200.

Has anyone happened to have played this bass before, and if so, is it easy to recommend to a beginner?

Thanks in advance for all your help! 

[PlaysLikeMyung]

I haven't played a Dean, but personally I'd recommend a Squier or Peavey starter kit. Squier's are actually decent, and some will play as well as any Fender. Peavey's are great as well. I started playing on a Milestone IV and I still own it and play it regularly

[UnutterableSquid]

Cool, thanks!

I'll try to check out some Squier & Peavey basses over the next few days.

[Quadrochosis]

Last time I checked, they have pretty good packages out there for Squire Bass Guitars that come with amps, cables, etc.

Usually under $300

[ZBomber]

I've played that Dean before actually, its a great entry level bass. I recommend it. Played much better than my old squier.

[PlaysLikeMyung]

I played a Squier jazz bass at a GuitarCenter a few months ago and was amazed at how great it sounded. It sounded almost exactly like the actual Fender

But Peavey is better than both Squier and this Dean thing. I love my Peavey

[Quadrochosis]

When it comes down to it though, your going to be a beginner, with no idea of how far you're going to go before you decide to either 1) Get a better Bass and get serious, or 2) move onto a different instrument. That being said, as a college student I'd say go with whatever is cheapest.

[UnutterableSquid]

Well, that is always of consideration, hence why I'm looking for the sub-$300 range of stuff.

Doesn't help much when the government decides that I owe them several paychecks worth of taxes because the stimulus bill counts towards my income despite never getting any money from it. 

Well, I'll keep an eye out for any Squier/Peavey deals, but if nothing else appears within the price range, I might go with the Dean, since there is now positive feedback on it.

[skydivingninja]

I've found the Squier starter packs to be very good, I have the J-bass one and it hasn't failed me.  Of course I'll eventually upgrade, but right now I like it.