Beginner Upgrades

[MattySledge]

Folks,

I wasn't really sure where to post this since it includes bass and hardware modification and amplifier/cabinet discussion. So, if this topic is better suited in anothere sub-forum, then by all means.

I posted it this morning in the "Basses" forum, but didn't receive any feedback and it slowly sank to page four.

I've been playing for six months, and am just now getting my fingers under me. I'm also complementing my muscle memory and dexterity with a healthy dose of music theory. I've dabbled in 6-string acoustic guitar and 5-string banjo over the years, but this is easily the most fun I've ever had in my various forays.

I've been playing solely on a Squire Affinity P-Bass through a Fender Rumble 15 bass amplifier. I bought this as a starter kit a few years ago for reasons unknown at the time. I've had it set up properly, and have installed Fender flatwounds. I'd like to eventually upgrade to a nice bass/amp package, but don't have the funds to throw at that right now.

I'm playing mostly blues right now, but have a desire to play just about anything.

I was considering this approach, and would appreciate any feedback you may have:

1. Immediate Term - Upgrade Squire pickups. $60-$70 investment for either the vintage Fender P-bass pickups, or some Seymore Duncan quarter-pounds. If there are other pickups in this price range that come highly recommended then I would appreciate any advice. Also, any advice regarding the aforementioned pair.

2. Near Term - Upgrade bass amplifier. I'm not planning to be gigging anytime soon, but would like something reliable that would serve me well down the road. Also, for a rank beginner is it a no-brainer that I seek a combo rather than procure head and cab separately? Something in the $200-$400 is what I'm thinking, but am open to suggestions.

3. Long Term - Upgrade bass guitar. Leaning towards a J-bass, but am in no real hurry. I'd like to have something by Christmas 2011, or no later than a year from now. I'm thinking my budget here would be not to exceed $1,000, and I'm much more of a function first, aesthetics later type of guy.

I'm primarily a lurker here as I really have little to offer in the way of bass knowledge, and I do appreciate the collective information of this community. I've learned an awful lot from you folks in very little time.

Any feedback you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.
Regards,
Matty

[Blackbird]

Hi there.

There's a thread in the Miscellaneous forum (Link here) that discusses this question.

A lot of people argued that upgrading the amp would do more for the sound than upgrading the bass.

Squier pickups may be cheap, but they are not bad sounding and can be made to sound quite decent if your amp is versatile enough.

[tangentmusic]

I too would concentrate on a better amp first.
Those little 15 watters are ok for bedroom practice, but you'll want to upgrade to a more powerful amp in order to really determine if the bass meets your needs.
+1 to what Blackbird said above.

[BigOldHarry]

My thoughts:

Bass: Unless you bass plays really badly or the pickups are VERY noisy, do not spend ANY money on it. You are still learning, and your focus really needs to be on practice not gear. HOWEVER, if an experienced player can honestly tell you that your bass is just hard to play, a setup is likely in order. Given that it's an Affinidy bass, it could be hopeless (those things are pretty cheap) - but the fact is, with a good setup, the bass should play well enough for you to learn. As for the P'ups, there is no reason at all to change these out unless they flat-out malfunctioning or suffer from gross 60 cycle hum. Keep in mind that no matter what you do with this bass, it will still be an Affinity Squier when you are done, and those are the absolute cheapest Squiers out there. Any money you put into it will be wasted.

As for amp - Let's define you needs. Are you playing with friends? If not, then I'd strongly suggest a headphone amp. If so, well, you need some amp. I tend to NOT like combo amps - they limit you and are usually not powerful enough to get you heard over a drummer.

Let's assume this scenario: You are a kid with this gear who wants to play with his buddies (much as I was when I was 15). You bass plays okay and sounds decent - no noise or malfunctions. It isn't great, but it does the trick. Take any money you might have thought about putting into that bass to get a decent USED rig. What's decent? Well, how about old GK-400RB and a Aguilar GS212. I just sold my GS212 to a guy for $350, and those old GK heads can be had for as little as $150. These are just examples, but for a n00b player, that is a ROCKIN' RIG.

Lastly, as a n00b, you are no doubt sorely wanting to get in on the whole buying stuff for the sake of buying stuff thing. I urge you to resist and focus on playing. Less Ebay, more Mel Bay!! If you don't have a good teacher, GET ONE. Set time aside every day to practice. Since you're just starting out, try to learn two very hard things that will pay you back a thousandfold: Learn to site read AND learn to sing & play. Either one of those skills will assure you gigs for the rest of your life

Good luck

[MattySledge]

Thanks for the prompt replies, folks.

A few comments.

1. Yes, I'm playing with friends. It's a weekly jam with two guitarists, and nothing fancy at all. Just a few cold beers and some blues.

2. The Squire is set up quite well, and I don't have any real issue with it at this time. However, my ear is largely unrefined when it comes to evaluating bass guitars. It stays in tune, and the intonation is decent all the way up the neck.

3. I'm 100% positive my first "real" bass will be used. Regarding the head/cab over the combo, that's duly noted, and appreciate the feedback. I agree that Mel Bay is much more important than eBay, and I do have a teacher whom I meet with weekly.

I also agree with the sentiment about plugging any money into the Squire at this time, and don't want to buy gear just for the sake of it.

Thinking outloud mostly, and looking for logical, cost efficient procurement steps given where I'm currently at.

Thanks again.
Regards,
Matty

[MalcolmAmos]

If I only had a new set of golf clubs I could break 100.
If I only had a _______ you fill in the blank.

Do we need better gear or do we need to learn how to use what we have? Yes there is a time when we do get better than our gear and then it's time to upgrade. I'm no where near that now.

[MattySledge]

Wow.
I merely intended for this thread to be an honest inquiry into beginner hardware upgrade strategies, but apparently it came across as something more.

I agree that a set of new Pings won't shave fifteen strokes off of your handicap, nor will a vintage Jazz churn out a beautiful "Donna Lee" on its own. But, thanks for the affirmation.

I'll continue to eagerly window shop the TB Classifieds, but if anyone knows of a reliable used stack in the $400-$500 range, then I'm all ears. Until then, I'll continue to plug away on my Squire Affinity and Rumble 15. Quite happily, and nearly content.

Regards,
Matty

[mambo4]

Originally Posted by MattySledge

I'll continue to eagerly window shop the TB Classifieds, but if anyone knows of a reliable used stack in the $400-$500 range, then I'm all ears.

I always recommended a used SWR Working man's 15 Combo. Can be found in the $300 range.
for any beginner looking for a giggable amp (unless you are competing with stacks of 100+ watt guitars in a metal band).
It was my first "real" amp bought in 1995 and I used it without issue for 10 years in various genres, and venues.
It's 300 or so watts can fill any small venue, and It has a built in DI for going straight into the PA for larger ones.
It's a little bulky but lightweight enough for portability.
Even has a headphone out for practice.
Probably the most used piece go gear I ever owned after my P-bass.

[Lo-E]

I can't think of a single thing that BigOldHarry said that I don't agree with. He's right on the money.

Stick with the bass you've got and get a bigger rig. This doesn't need to be your dream rig, it just needs to be loud enough to be heard at your weekly jams. There are always used rigs on craigslist. Don't worry for now if it's not "THE RIG" for you. You're just starting out, and you'll go through a lot of gear in your journey. Use what works for now, and try other people's gear any time you can so you slowly get an idea for what you like. Ask your teachers about gear, too. If you're happy with their lessons, you may find their gear experiences just as useful.

[MattySledge]

Yeah, Harry's words, and many others' here really make a lot of sense.
I see growth in my playing with each passing day, but I'm an absolute neophyte when it comes to rig knowledge. Aside from plucking a few notes on my teacher's American P, I haven't even played anything other than my Squier Affinity. I've never plugged into a rig other than my little friend, the Rumble 15.

I have no idea of what my dream rig is, and am really just trying to find a reliable solution that will serve me well for the next couple years. My Rumble 15 works just fine when I'm sitting on the couch, but it's only turned up to 3. In our jam session, if I want to be heard the little guy just can't keep up. The tone is sacrificed completely if I increase the volume at all.

Appreciate the continued feedback, and encourage further recommendations.

Regards,
Matty

[MattySledge]

Well, I pulled the trigger on a rig last night.

Two low end GK Backline cabinets, 410 & 115, and an Ampeg B2R. Cables and carrying case for the head were also provided. All units were used, but the previous owner took great care. The B2R looks brand new.

It only set me back three bills total, so I feel pretty good about that. It's certainly more than I need for our weekly blues jams, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I let the 115 rip last night when I got home, and it's definitely an improvement over my beloved Rumble 15. I dropped a couple brown notes that rattled the windows, and helped my dog pass her dinner.

Little Feat's "Spanish Moon" never sounded so tasty.
Well, almost.

Regards,
Matty