Bass players

[TGilb2007]

Ok, so I am wanting to learn bass, but am curious as to exactly what gear to start off with. Been looking at a couple of starter sets (cheap bass/amp combos), but am wondering what you fine people of TST have for input.

Musically, im more into hard rock, which is what I would like to kinda learn how to play. So......

[CHAOS]

if you are looking for a "cheap" bass ive got one i can sell you...pm me if ur interested...

im not a fan of the prepackaged deals... you usually end up getting the short end of the stick... i say pick up a decent bass for like 3-400 and a decent amp to go with it... mesa boogie, fender, etc...

[Metalhedd]

yeah pre package ftl. It all depends on what you're lookin to spend. i come across some pretty sweet deals at exton music. look for used music shops. if youfind a bass and and amp that you like, most places will let you plug it in and play with it. if you're spending over 300, i'd recommend a dean or esp ltd for hard rock. i picked up my dean bass for around 260 at exton. i play a lot more guitar than bass but i know a few things about bass.

[unclelewiewrx]

Check out a Fender P-Bass. The small fender practice amps are plenty loud for playing in your room/basement etc. You can look at the squiers or the mexican models.


Id stay away from the packages and certain companies.

[TGilb2007]

What companies? I was looking at Ibanez and Fender stuff...

[cxrock16]

my band needs a bass player

[CHAOS]

i personally think the action on fenders is way too big... my buddy has a ESP LTD and another has a Ibanez BTB but you are getting into the pricier range there.

[TGilb2007]

cxrock, i gotta learn to play first , that, and im living in RI right now, and idk if/when imma be moving back down to the area.

[97MaximaSE]

I got an ibanez prepackage with a 25 watt combo 2 or 3 years ago. I like it and its a pretty good cheap set up. However if I had to do it again I'd probably pick up a Fender Geddy Lee Bass or Power P bass. Then pick up a cheap used combo amp.

Either way I agree with everyone else on here, stay away from the prepacks if you can. Also go to a guitar center or something similar and try everything out and see what you like.

[JET02WRX]

As a bass player for some 15 odd years, i'd say yes stay away from the prepackaged stuff...why? Because many times the stuff is so cheaply made it never stays in tune, the action is almost non-adjustable, and it has no resale value if you decide to not keep up with it. My suggestion is to DEFINATELY hit up a music store and play every single bass in the place. What ever one 'feels' good to play...thats your bass. You don't want to buy something that is so hard to play that its discouraging you to even practice. As far as amps go... I wouldn't bother with anything over 100watts until you are good enough to play in a band. That will be plenty loud enough for practicing in your room.

[TGilb2007]

Yea, something I want from an amp is able to plug in headphones too, so I can play peacefully in my room. I was looking for an amp around the 25W range. Thanks for the input though. Also, what kinda stuff should I get for learning? Instructional DVDs, books, that kinda crap?

[JET02WRX]

Yeah you should find that most of the lower wattage amps will have a headphone jack. As far as how to learn... If you don't have the time or money for lessons, theres a lot of great books and dvds out on the market. Just take a spin through Amazon and check out ones that have high ratings. Also your ear is a good learning tool..once you retrain it. Start paying attention to how the bass guitar locks in with the kick drum in most songs. That marriage is ultra important. Nothing is worse than a band with a raggedy rhythm section.

[CHAOS]

Originally Posted by JET02WRX

Yeah you should find that most of the lower wattage amps will have a headphone jack. As far as how to learn... If you don't have the time or money for lessons, theres a lot of great books and dvds out on the market. Just take a spin through Amazon and check out ones that have high ratings. Also your ear is a good learning tool..once you retrain it. Start paying attention to how the bass guitar locks in with the kick drum in most songs. That marriage is ultra important. Nothing is worse than a band with a raggedy rhythm section.

boy are you telling the truth.

+10 for me being a good drummer haha


fwiw, john (jet02wrx) knows his ****... hes played bass for years and has worked in the studio with some famous musicians who i will not name. lol

[TGilb2007]

once again guys, THANKS!!

Also, im not really looking to do this as to be in a band, per se, but as something more of a productive hobby. I know drums and guitar are a little easier to reconize while listening to music. I guess just pay more attention to the bass notes of music?

[Metalhedd]

most amps should have a headphone jack regardless of power. if it doesnt, i wouldnt bother with it because it probably wont live too long. i have a 150 watt marshall and it has one. but yeah ibanez is a good company, im not sure how well the prepackaged ones work though, theyre probably good for beginners.

[xEJ20x]

I picked up an Ibanez GSR200 brand new for about $200 back a few years ago.

Find a local guitar center, they will have great used items.

[JET02WRX]

Originally Posted by Metalhedd

most amps should have a headphone jack regardless of power. if it doesnt, i wouldnt bother with it because it probably wont live too long. i have a 150 watt marshall and it has one. but yeah ibanez is a good company, im not sure how well the prepackaged ones work though, theyre probably good for beginners.

Not exactly true... To say it won't live long because it doesn't have a headphone jack isn't fair. I will append my earlier statement and say most "practice" amps will have a headphone jack... However most bass rigs designed for stage use, ie bass head / cabinet combinations that push 300+ watts don't have them. There isn't a need because most people don't practice on their $1500 stage rig.

[CHAOS]

most decent bass rigs have a line out... and from some other source you can run a headphone haha