Which is more important? (if I only have a limited amount of cash)

[jazzboi]

Hi everyone!

I have a limited amount of cash and I'd like to buy something for myself (because I've got birthday at Wednesday ) ,and I love my existing bass gear,so I'm trying to figure out what to buy? Get a great bass (like,USA made Fender,Warwick,MTD,Music Man,Spector,...etc.) or get a great amp (like Ampeg,Eden,Markbass,Ashdown...etc.)

Which is more important from the aspect of the sound,a good bass,or a good amplifier? I know both is necessary (so please don't write that both,because I know,that without a bass there's no sound at all,and without an amp you wouldn't be heard at all) but if I can only buy one of them which should I pick? A great amp,and have a crappy bass,or have a weaker amp and get a topnotch bass?

ps.: I hope it's not discussed,if yes please help me and redirect there,because I haven't found the topic yet... Thanks!

[djsteiner]

if you love your current gear, dont buy any more until you know you need something for a certain application. if your cash is truly limited, saving is a good idea. then when you have a whole lot of money, you can buy an amp and a bass at the same time and... i ramble. you sound like you have G.A.S, and i understand.

[SevenReasons]

+1 if you don't need anything save your money. If you're not looking, something pop up for you to buy way cheaper than you were planning to spend. Always works like that.

[someguy0105]

There is a sticky thread about this with many responses on this topic in the amp section.

[cowsgomoo]

i'd rather have a mid-range bass and an excellent amp than an excellent bass and a mid-range amp...

something like a Mexican Fender Jazz or Precision will make some great sounds.. but the amp equivalent of a Mexican Fender won't be particularly good.. you usually have to spend money to get good amplification, whereas great sounding but cheap basses are all over the place

[Jeb]

Originally Posted by jazzboi

Hi everyone!

I have a limited amount of cash and I'd like to buy something for myself (because I've got birthday at Wednesday ) ....

Which is more important from the aspect of the sound,a good bass,or a good amplifier?

Save your money. A good bass sounds great through a crummy amp and vice versa. A good player sounds great no matter what. How much money do you have? Send me some, I just gave good advice! Since this is posted in the GI forum, I'd say spend your money on what would make you play better. Or just save your money for a later day, like I said at the onset.

[tjh]

just looked at your profile ... you have decent gear, and as mentioned you are happy with the sound .... dont fall into the 'name'gear trap, it will never end ... maybe time to upgrade your mountain bike

[BetterBottomEnd]

Great tone means nothing if nobody can hear it without your amp letting off magic smoke. That said your gear looks sufficient on both sides so go to a store and play tons of different stuff see what speaks to you then buy it.

[lomo]

I'd get a new bass. It'll feel great and inspire you.

[BillMason]

Originally Posted by lomo

I'd get a new bass. It'll feel great and inspire you.

+1, a new axe is always nice. But what's wrong with what you're currently using? I didn't see anything bad at all in your profile, it is all nice gear. Maybe get a cheap minivan to haul it around?

[markjazzbassist]

Originally Posted by lomo

I'd get a new bass. It'll feel great and inspire you.

+1

[Marcury]

Since as others have pointed out you have good equipment and you say you love it, then the more important question is; What is going to inspire you?