Simple questions from a beginner

[JonahTheAmazing]

Hi. I'm just starting on bass and I have some really simple questions.

What should I be looking for in a small practice amp?

I'm looking for cheaper basses that have a long lifespan and are very durable. What should I look for?

How can I practice playing with good intonation?

For someone with background in music theory, how do you suggest I go about learning theory for bass?

Thank you for your time.

[dreasher54]

Well for a practice amp you are really going to have to determine what exactly you're going to want out of it. As in if you will be playing with others. etc. As far as basses i would personally suggest a VM squier. I have a VM Jazz and i love it. I have a couple other basses that cost 3 times as much but still play it a ton. Very durable ive even had it hanging on the wall and fall, not even a scratch

[dreasher54]

Sorry didn't realize this was under the ask the pro section. His reply will be much better.

[adamnitti]

Originally Posted by JonahTheAmazing

Hi. I'm just starting on bass and I have some really simple questions.

What should I be looking for in a small practice amp?

I'm looking for cheaper basses that have a long lifespan and are very durable. What should I look for?

How can I practice playing with good intonation?

For someone with background in music theory, how do you suggest I go about learning theory for bass?

Thank you for your time.

hi jonah-

dreasher54 posted some good feedback. i agree... you need to figure out just how loud you need a practice amp to be. no need to invest in a heavy amp with a lot of watts if it's only going to be used in a bedroom for practice on your own. for me, if i was shopping for a practice amp, i'd make the quality of the sound a priority. there are some really small practice amps that sound fantastic even though they might not get super loud... it's also nice if a practice amp has a headphone jack so you can practice without making noise if that is a concern. if the amp sounds really good, you might also want to make sure it has a line out in the event you want to record using its preamp. believe it or not, i've actually miked up practice amps in the past to record bass tracks if they have had a unique or special tonal quality to them. i have an old crate b10xl practice amp that i've had for 20 years (!), and although it's not stunning, it actually sounds pretty decent on its own and has a headphone jack and line out. it's actually become quite sentimental to me... lol.

for basses, these days the choices are far greater than there used to be. for example, the entry level fenders, yamahas and ibanez basses are well-built and offer fantastic playability for the price. there are many other options, too. i'm sure others can chime in. best thing to do is establish your budget and then go to several music stores and try out every bass they sell in your budget. that way you can learn more about how different pickup positions, woods, electronics, etc, influence the sound of the bass.

as far as theory for bass, i offer a really intensive 4 week course online at www.musicdojo.com, and i also offer private lessons via webcam. also, if you'll do a search online for 'adam nitti lessons' you'll find a whole lot of free stuff you can study, as well... hope that helps!

[Tmoney865]

There are so many. So many to try.

You do not want your tone to suffer, that will actually hamper your inspiration and thus your development.

Adam hit it with the story of the old Crate amp. But as an endorser of Aguilar he might be limited in what all he might say.

I was inspired by a GenzBenz ML (Entry level) with a 15" which got me into a GB NeoX400-112T. This is not your amp, but a GB ML 200-115 or 2x10 might impress you as I was.

They do not make them anymore, so you will have to look used.

A similar set up by Hartke at entry level would be my competing choice, by no means second, for their Deep 2x10 cab really made an impression on me one day., even on my 6 String.

I trust these 2 companies reputation for sound.

Look up specs on line. Consider a 12" or 2x10 if the frequency response fits the Bass you are playing. Compare on line, eliminate candidates, and then go play the top 3.

Pick the one that inspires you.

Blessings, Peace, and Bass