Tone/setup help.

lobster937 · #1 10-05-2010, 06:32 AM

I'm wondering what can be done here. I haven't been a bassist for long as i've played guitar most of my life. So, i'm wondering if i should go with an okay head and get a Sansamp driver DI, or just start over and get a power amp with a sansamp RBI? For the RBI, i dont need a great power amp, just something to be heard over drums in a room with crappy acoustics. Any help here is much appreciated

jpTron · #2 10-05-2010, 07:50 AM

I'd go with the 2nd option

tharv · #3 10-05-2010, 08:04 AM

I'd start with a good head. It can make even a cheap bass sound good. I've been playing a Markbass LMII for a couple of years now, and can always get a good tone no matter what bass I plug in. It's compact, lightweight, and has plenty of power too.... With something like that, you wouldn't need the Sansamp DI.

My $.02

T. Alan Smith · #4 10-05-2010, 08:25 AM

Just bear in mind this law of pro audio-
"Your only as good as your weakest link."
What budget are you working with? I would at the very least go with a Peavey TNT. If you are giging, then simply reinvest your earnings for the next step- a GK 800RB head and an LDS(Low Down Sound) cab. Once you have that solid foundation to grow from, then look into something like a Sansamp for color to inspire your playing a bit.
As for your instrument, as long as you've got fresh strings and have it professionally set-up, your good to go.

Gearhead17 · #5 10-05-2010, 12:00 PM

Start with a good head and cab first. Forget the pedals and power amps and what not. Do you know what the pedal sounds like? Do you want to carry around a power amp show to show? You just started out and I suggest you keep it simple for now. A 410 cab and a 300 watt minimum head is a great way to start and you should be able to hear yourself over the drummer if you don't decrease your mids too much.

""As for your instrument, as long as you've got fresh strings and have it professionally set-up, you are good to go""

That's the other key!

RickenBoogie · #6 10-05-2010, 12:33 PM

+1 A GOOD AMP AND ESPECIALLY GOOD SPEAKERS ARE KEY TO GOOD TONE. tHE OTHER HALF IS YOU AND YOUR BASS. Sorry about the caps lock incident, I'm not really shouting.