Getting a new bass rig, need ideas.

[daveinvain]

I'm planning on getting a new bass rig over the summer but since I'm only Sixteen, my summer job will only pay $1300 at most. I might get an extra $300-500 from my parents but lets just assume $1300 is the budget. I'm getting a 5 String Bass, perhaps a soundgear, not too sure. My main question is not about the bass but the amp. I play a lot at home and I'm wondering whether I should get a Gaming Computer with a decent sound card and get a home recording going or If i should get a powerful amp for gigging and perhaps an effect pedal. Here are my Ideas.

Ibanez Soundgear 405QM 5 String Bass $500
Peavey TKO 115 Combo Amp $350
Boss ME-20B $150
+ Accessories $200

or

Ibanez Soundgear 405QM 5 String Bass - $500
Gaming PC from iBuyPower with decent soundcard - $500
Line6 Pod UX1 with PodFarm - $150
Parents will most likely pay for accessories.

Should I get an amp or home recording. Not too sure if im going to gig.

[lomo]

Good budget gear on your list. Keep in mind you'll get far more for your money used. If you or your folks are gun-shy about the TB classifieds, why not consider used stuff on eBay sold by music stores that offer a 7 day return policy? As far as which direction to go is concerned, it depends on whether you're going to gig or play with other electric guitars and/or drums vs how much recording you'll be doing. These are things only you can decide. Having said that, if I were in your shoes, I'd definitely get at least a decent 12" combo; it'd be a real bummer to have a chance to jam but have to back out because you don't have a rig. Used peavey combos are as good a price/performance ratio as you'll get. Once again, I know shiny and new is sexy, but used will get you twice the quality for the same price.

[daveinvain]

Yea, I'm probably gonna buy used but I'm just adding the standard prices just to make sure I don't go over my budget. The extra money will probably go into getting an effects pedal. Yea about the jam, I totally get your point. But I want an affordable combo amp that I can gig with at bars. Small bar/School talent show gigs.

[pudgychef]

If I were you I would keep in mind a great deal of the posters here are guys in their 40s who have been earning for a LONG time and have very different desires/needs than you. Also the 'budget' gear of today is light-years ahead of where it was when I (for example) was 16....you can get SO much for your budget - easily as much as you will ever 'really need'

good idea for a bass - also keep an eye out for a used Music Man Sub 5 if they interest you at all - that is a TON of bass for what they sell for used.....(Kingston 5s too imho)

I would say get yourself a good solid amp that can handle jams, rehearsals and small gigs - something like the Peavey you mentioned or a Rumble 350 or a GK MB115 and like you said Used is best value.

For recording - I would suggest just getting a small USB interface like an M-Audio or Tascam or even Behringer - they will let you use any computer to assemble demo (or better) quality home recordings - no need to invest in a new laptop imho. OR grab an old Pandora or Palm Studio 4 track - not as fancy as DAW - but more than good enough for what most of us will ever do .....

effects - likely not the guy to offer any advice - I tend to use a Boss TU3 tuner, BBE Opto Stomp compressor and keep a Sans Amp on my board in case I need a boost, to go direct or to run into a provided amp that doesn't agree with me......I would want sometime to get to know the bass-amp relationship before I tossed a multi-effect in the line - but I am old fashioned that way....

[pudgychef]

I would also say at 16 its well worth buying a couple 'good' cables with lifetime warranties...thats many a year of worry free cable life for $40 a pop.....

and a good gig bag - if you get the Ibby they make some good bags - these are things I have found worth spending the cash to 'buy once'. Cables, cases, gig bags, stands....buy decent stuff once....

[daveinvain]

Pudgychief, Thanks a lot man. That was extremely helpful. I'm leaning towards the Peavey for the distortion but the GK caught my attention. It's extremely light and versatile but im a bit skeptical. Can it handle small gigs with drummers and guitarist?