Beginners Bass Rig

[Whitbass]

Hello TB friends
I would very much appreciate your input for the following;

A friends teenage son wants to learn bass, and we are looking to put together a starter rig for him. I would like your suggestions....anything reasonable

......we are not specifically looking for the cheapest, but on the cheaper side and usable........personally, I am thinking maybe something like a Peavey Millennium BXP and a GK MB112. Something along this line would run in the $550 + range, but would be quite usable and initially gig worthy too.......its a bit more than a super cheap beginners rig, but I feel it might be a better value to have something that would also be a bit more usable down the road....vs say a 20w practice amp and a $100 bass............of course we will check out used gear too.....just looking at brand and model options for starters...

I am open to and would be grateful for your suggestions.....

[BigDaveyTwinkle]

Originally Posted by Whitbass

Hello TB friends
I would very much appreciate your input for the following;

A friends teenage son wants to learn bass, and we are looking to put together a starter rig for him. I would like your suggestions....anything reasonable

......we are not specifically looking for the cheapest, but on the cheaper side and usable........personally, I am thinking maybe something like a Peavey Millennium BXP and a GK MB112. Something along this line would run in the $550 + range, but would be quite usable and initially gig worthy too.......its a bit more than a super cheap beginners rig, but I feel it might be a better value to have something that would also be a bit more usable down the road....vs say a 20w practice amp and a $100 bass............of course we will check out used gear too.....just looking at brand and model options for starters...

I am open to and would be grateful for your suggestions.....

My money would be on a Squier Vintage Modified Bass, either precision or jazz, and a Fender Rumble 150 amp if you are buying all new gear.

I played my first show at age 16 with lesser gear than that and had an absolute blast! 27 years later I still don't know how I played a high school gym with a 65w bass amp but where there's a will there's a way, I suppose ...

[Whitbass]

Originally Posted by BigDaveyTwinkle

My money would be on a Squier Vintage Modified Bass, either precision or jazz, and a Fender Rumble 150 amp if you are buying all new gear.

I played my first show at age 16 with lesser gear than that and had an absolute blast! 27 years later I still don't know how I played a high school gym with a 65w bass amp but where there's a will there's a way, I suppose ...

thanks for the input...!!!
I know what you mean, bass gear has come a long way too with newer technology, and some trial and error.........

thanks again!!!

[Din Of Win]

+1 on the new Squier VM and CV models. They are pretty scary-awesome quality for their price point. You also have a wide array of options; P, Jazz and the new Jag (which is a P/J config).

As far as amps go, i REALLY like the new GK stuff. I think a really smart option would be to get the MB210. Super light and easy to transport, and it has a speaker out, so that if he DOES get into a gig sittuation which requires more air to be moved, he can just spend some cash on a cab. They also sound great!!


Good luck!

Always rad to hear about supportive parents (and friends!)!

[iamdenialNJ]

SX basses are an awesome deal for the price and I also agree to buy him a combo amp that has an output to add another cab. Buy used and get him a good teacher. That is more important.

[Classickbass]

http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars4.html

Here is a link to a site that specializes is low budget, quality basses. I know you don't hear the words 'low budget' and 'quality' used together often but there are many here who can attest to this statement.

There are many good combo amps that any beginner would be quite satisfied with out there. We had a thread running recently about the Acoustic B20.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....Faxd7AoduEWLCg

But as I stated earlier, there are many good combo amps out there and this is just an example of one.

The most important thing that you can give him is lessons and support. May his musical journey be a lifelong one.

[warnergt]

Originally Posted by BigDaveyTwinkle

My money would be on a Squier Vintage Modified Bass, either precision or jazz, and a Fender Rumble 150 amp if you are buying all new gear.

I like these choices. The Fender Rumble 150 may be a little on the
expensive side for a starter rig but the value is definitely there and it
is something he could use for a long time (maybe even forever).

[garmenteros]

Look out for a used peavey t40 bass that should be in the 200 to 300 range... As far as bass amps go I'd get a gk400rb or peavey mark III, IV, V or VI head into any good used cab. He can always add more speakers if more volume is needed.

[Din Of Win]

Originally Posted by garmenteros

Look out for a used peavey t40 bass that should be in the 200 to 300 range... As far as bass amps go I'd get a gk400rb or peavey mark III, IV, V or VI head into any good used cab. He can always add more speakers if more volume is needed.

+1000

I have a Peavey t20 ($180), a GK400rb ($80), a Peavey Mark III (free/gift), IV ($100), and VI ($75).

Inexpensive does not mean poor quality.

[BassmanPaul]

I'm not in the loop for budget basses but I did pick up a Peavey Cirrus, if that IS budget, at a local store and found it to be the best playing instrument I've ever played at a music store. It's setup was well nigh perfect!

On the other hand I play Carvin six string basses exclusively now and you could check out their website. They also market bass kits at a fair price if you or your friend'PostScripts son is handy with a screwdriver. I put together an active five string using their parts and the result was a really nice instrument. I had them Tung oil the neck and body for me which cost an extra $60 and was well worth the price. It's a great feeling making your own bass even if you just assembled it.

Paul

P.S. My avatar features one of my sixes - LB76WP christened Pippin.

[blackriverstan]

i would go the squier bass route and find a used rig on craigs list...something like a 15" and a 300w head.

[Whitbass]

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

I'm not in the loop for budget basses but I did pick up a Peavey Cirrus, if that IS budget, at a local store and found it to be the best playing instrument I've ever played at a music store. It's setup was well nigh perfect!

On the other hand I play Carvin six string basses exclusively now and you could check out their website. They also market bass kits at a fair price if you or your friend'PostScripts son is handy with a screwdriver. I put together an active five string using their parts and the result was a really nice instrument. I had them Tung oil the neck and body for me which cost an extra $60 and was well worth the price. It's a great feeling making your own bass even if you just assembled it.

Paul

P.S. My avatar features one of my sixes - LB76WP christened Pippin.

I have to agree on the Peavey Cirrus. I have a USA Cirrus 5, that plays wonderful and sounds quite good too. Very respectable instrument.

and thanks for the input!!

[Whitbass]

many thanks to everyone that has posted thus far!!!

[Bmorefoozler]

Squire/GK gets my vote. Maybe the mB15 instead of the 12 if the budget allows.