New-B needs recomendations

[Dano59]

Just got my first bass, an ESP B-205 LTD, and a SWR LA-12 amp to learn with.
I have a Boss EQ but would like to know what I need to get over the next few months. I plan to play primaraly christian praise music and some blues. I see myself as a straight forward "keep the bottom end going kind of guy so nothing exotic needed.
I would like to get the right stuff the first time so any help and ideas would be great.
Thanks
Dano

[Jared Lash]

How long have you been playing?

I ask because if you are just starting out on bass and don't plan on playing music that requires certain effects or sounds (which from your post I think is the case) then I would suggest not buying any effects for the time being. Work on the basics and when your playing progresses and a need for a specific sound emerges then start buying pedals.

If I've misread and you are already an intermediate player, I think the music you described doesn't need much in the way of effects but perhaps an overdrive and/or a chorus might be useful.

[bongomania]

Hi, welcome to bass and welcome to the TB FX forum. The honest truth is that you don't need anything more than what you have, aside from possibly a tuner. Effects are fun, and they can be useful, but seriously- they will not help you be a "straight forward keep the bottom end going" bassist. Some will even say getting caught up in pedals and such will distract you from spending time learning proper playing technique (then we all break into a barroom brawl over that subject).

Once you have accepted that all you "need" is a bass, an amp, and a cable, then you can look at fx devices as something fun to add flavor to your practicing.

[Dano59]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Hi, welcome to bass and welcome to the TB FX forum. The honest truth is that you don't need anything more than what you have, aside from possibly a tuner. Effects are fun, and they can be useful, but seriously- they will not help you be a "straight forward keep the bottom end going" bassist. Some will even say getting caught up in pedals and such will distract you from spending time learning proper playing technique (then we all break into a barroom brawl over that subject).

Once you have accepted that all you "need" is a bass, an amp, and a cable, then you can look at fx devices as something fun to add flavor to your practicing.

You said what I was thinking. I do have a tuner comming forgot to mention it.

I guess I was just making shure that there was not some "you gotta have" item I was not aware of.

I realise just starting I have a long way to go but planning ahead is just my way.

I know that the SWR LA-12 wont do the job other than practice and learning what amp and power I will need will come with time but I do have a question....

Would running an output through the PA from a small combo like a SWR LA-12 and using the amp as a monitor be a common way to go? Of course we are not talking a super high volume gig, or would you still need a "bigger" amp to handle the situation?

When I am doing my vocal/harmonica blues thing I have completely gotten rid of the amp and gothrough a small tube preamp and EH reverb straight into the board so I figured this may work with the bass also. Unless the PA can't handle it I guess as I would thing the power requirements for a bass would be much more than my harp setup.

Thanks
Dano

[bongomania]

Yes, it is very common to rely on the PA for the "big amplification" and use the amp you bring as a monitor. Depends on the PA and a few other factors, but again- very common approach.