Dr. Cheese's Tax Time Formula for Newbies

[Dr. Cheese]

Say you have a $1,500 return this year and you want to get into bass. I say look to spend $600 on a 250-400w combo. It will be loud enough to serve you once you can actually gig. Spend $300-500 on a bass. You might spend even less, but for $400, you can be sure you will have a solid instrument that can stay in tune with good tone and the ability to take a good set up. Take the rest of your money and sign up for lessons no less than four months. Your progress will be much, much faster with a qualified teacher.

[Modern Growl]

Or buy a $5K setup and go in debt

[Baird6869]

Nice your Cheese-ness!

Good advice.

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

Or buy a $5K setup and go in debt

Do as I say, not as I do!

[dalkowski]

I nominate for Stickie status!

[Modern Growl]

Originally Posted by dalkowski

I nominate for Stickie status!

....but what if someone's return is $4K ?

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

....but what if someone's return is $4K ?

I'd get a nice Markbass combo for $800, spend up to $1K on a bass, and set aside $800 for lessons. Save the rest!

Seriously, we all know one can burn through $4K and not be satisfied, so why set up some sort of magical expectation for gear that it will
never match?

[jasper383]

Great post.

Find a band at the same time as starting lessons. I have had several adult friends ask me about starting to play the bass or guitar, and I always make a point to say don't let lessons become a crutch. Don't wait until you are good enough to be in a band--let the band be much of your training.

I suggest:
Squier P or J bass, SUB Sterling Bass $280
GK MB 200 head $260
Acoustic B410 cab $299

$839 total. This setup would be good for many years of practice and gigging.

[pacojas]

or you could drink alcohol until the desire to play bass wears off,... then spend what's left on a trip to Maui!!!

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by jasper383

Great post.

Find a band at the same time as starting lessons. I have had several adult friends ask me about starting to play the bass or guitar, and I always make a point to say don't let lessons become a crutch. Don't wait until you are good enough to be in a band--let the band be much of your training.

I suggest:
Squier P or J bass, SUB Sterling Bass $280
GK MB 200 head $260
Acoustic B410 cab $299

$839 total. This setup would be good for many years of practice and gigging.

I think that encouraging a new player to join a band early is a great idea. It is crucial for a player to know that performance is not just for virtuosos.

[DwaynieAD]

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Say you have a $1,500 return this year and you want to get into bass. I say look to spend $600 on a 250-400w combo. It will be loud enough to serve you once you can actually gig. Spend $300-500 on a bass. You might spend even less, but for $400, you can be sure you will have a solid instrument that can stay in tune with good tone and the ability to take a good set up. Take the rest of your money and sign up for lessons no less than four months. Your progress will be much, much faster with a qualified teacher.

you can get a gk rig here on the tb classifieds for 600 bucks. 700rbII and a 410 cab.. now thats a good use of your money.

[basspraiser]

great advice Doctor!

[JACink]

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

....but what if someone's return is $4K ?

"I'd get a nice Markbass combo for $800, spend up to $1K on a bass, and set aside $800 for lessons. Save the rest!"

Send the rest to Dr Cheese for his excellent advice.

(@ Dr Cheese: Please pm me for my comission rates )

[Basshappi]

Originally Posted by pacojas

or you could drink alcohol until the desire to play bass wears off,... then spend what's left on a trip to Maui!!!

THIS

Originally Posted by Modern Growl

....but what if someone's return is $4K ?

Add hookers and blow.

[Dr. Cheese]

I think the main thing is to stress lessons and getting involved in
playing. There is nothing wrong with loving gear, but it is key to start your hobby with a healthy perspective.

[bikeplate]

Better yet just buy an economy bass and get some instruction ASAP. So where life takes you from yhere

[lang3735]

I agree. Make this a sticky thread.

[tank73]

Great advice and wish I would have listened to similar advice several years ago. Would have saved a lot of money and avoided some bad habits.

[Dr. Cheese]

Originally Posted by bikeplate

Better yet just buy an economy bass and get some instruction ASAP. So where life takes you from yhere

I disagree about getting an economy or cheapest bass. Marcus Miller started off on a Jazz, and when he got good, he was already at home on a fine instrument. I say start on a really nice bass and invest in instruction, then see where life takes you!

[bikeplate]

My first bass was a used Peavey T 40. Cheap but a solid bass. Think I paid $225 That was a long time ago. You can get a solid bass, especially used, for very little cash