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$200 and no idea where to start

#41
Big_Stu said:
Too much talk about Squiers IMHO. You don't HAVE to follow the crowd and use a Fender. try anything, ANYTHING that doesn't have a split P pup, or a Jazz single coil. There's a reason there's so many users on here talking about buzz problems off light tubes, feedback etc. on the cheaper Fender derivatives. Next thing you know you'll be writing one of the ENDLESS threads about "what pickup should I buy?"

Check out all the used gearshops, especially for old but not overpriced.

Yeah, yeah, "they're popular because they're good", but they're mass produced PLANKS.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:
 
#42
I've got a nice used completely upgraded Hondo P bass in the marketplace now. (see link in sig line). $175 shipped. It's not red, it's black/maple. The pickup and bridge are upgraded Fender items, the pots and wiring harness were replaced with custom built goods from Link Removed (Butch is a member here).
 
#43
If you are planning on playing with a drummer and in a band soon, Definitely get the Acoustic B100 Combo amp. It's $250, I own one and you can really dial your own sound in on the EQ and it keeps up with a drummer with ease. Not sure about how it would do live, you would probably need a bigger one, but for keeping up with a drummer you can't go wrong with it.
As for a bass: Play an SX...... I played one and now I really want one and I own an Epi thunderbird and im saying an SX is awesome.... the ones on the sight right now don't have the looks I like though but if you like them go for it.
 
#45
In relation to the 80/20 rule, I believe the individual is 80% responsible that the bass sounds great though good technique, note selection, etc., and that the instrument and amp together contribute only 20% to the sound quality.

To use an example, select any one of the greats (i.e. Victor Wooten) and I bet he could pick up an unmodified Hondo bass and make it sound awesome.
 
#47
If you may be coming into a band situation, I would look for a used head and cab. Peavey stuff is cheap and you can get decent tone out of them. Look for an old Peavey Mark series amp. Either a Mark III, VI, or VIII. You should be able to get one of those around $100

Look for a used Peavey cab. You could probably find a used 2-15" cab for around $125. They are heavy so make sure you have able bodied band mates to help lift or get a hand truck.

That would leave $175 to grab a used bass. They have all been suggested, Fender (maybe you could find an old MIM), Squier (try to get a standard not an affinity), Yamaha BB series, Ibanez, Peavey, SX (if you can find one already set up/modded).

The deals are out there, you just have to be patient. Maybe we could help you more if we knew where in the world you are. Filling out your profile with location would also help us to help you. This would get you gig volume with little bread.
 
#50
$400 for a decent gig able bass, is no sweat. And I'm sure you can find a keeper for that price. The Amp is a different story. If you buy a Used amp, you might end up spending more money getting it fixed, because of whatever you didn't know was wrong with it from the previous owner, replacing tubes and what not. If your budget was a little higher I'd suggest a lower end Ibanez SRXXX and a one of the Mark Bass combo amps. Because as Combo amps I think Markbass has really dialed it in, for a good price, and buying a cab and amp separately could cost a lot more. That being said, your not going to get that for $400 anywhere... Like others have said I'd spend the $400 on the best new Ibanez you can get for that money, and use the rest for a mini practice/headphone amp. Then save up for a Good solid rig. Buying new means you won't be fixing things and spending more money down the road, allowing you to save for the rest of your gear.
 
#52
Slayerwasco said:
well more gig related cause of course as soon as i quit the school stuff and have to reutrn everything everyone wants me to play for them (musicals, garage bands, etc) haha but yeah....definately going the used route
Click to expand...

Since you say you are into audio and electronics I presume you know which end of the soldering iron is the handle! And that is the secret to used gear. There are some totally amazing buys out there if you keep your eyes open. Often you'll find things (what I call "almost free" meaning a tiny fraction of new price) because of some minor problem like loose controls or switches. Even new SX basses require a certain amount of setup and tweaking (shielding) to really be nice. While amps are a bit more scary, if you can find one with minor problems (knobs, fuse, tubes, etc.) a lot of money can be saved. Most of my amps I got used, working, and totally like new at half the new price. I think the guys here have hit the nail on the head.

It's all about scanning the used market. Good luck.
 
#54
hey thanks everybody...sorry for not any replies but i was out of town yesterday and the day before...So far I'm really leaning towards an SX becuase 1. no one has anything bad to say about them and 2. they're a fair price which i obviously enjoy. One amp that I really seem to like and was one of the first suggested on here is the acoustic b100. it all seems to work well for me haha. I really appreciate everyone's input too. This is giving me loads of thought
 
#55
I think many people who like the SX's readily admit that they are much improved with an upgrade to the pickups.

Nobody said anything bad about the Peavey Fury (or Foundation, etc.), either. And it does not need a pickup upgrade, they're also available for very little money, and they're Made In the USA (or at least, it's easy to find ones that were).

I'm just sayin'.... ;)
 
#56
^Nice call on the Peavey basses.

I would not buy an SX as a first bass, everyone heres loves them, but they also takes a lot of time for doing a complete set-up. Something that would play OK right out of the box could be a lot better for you, IMO.
 
#57
Burlington said:
Just because it's used does not mean it's broken....that's why people try before they buy.
Click to expand...

Your post made me think of something that I feel is important for the OP to know.

I did mention earlier about playing as many basses as you could get your hands on. Since this is the first time you're buying a bass I would advise against buying anything off ebay because if for whatever reason you don't like the tone and playability you're pretty much stuck with it or will have to wait for however long it takes for you to sell it. It is important that you to go out and play the instruments so you know what they feel like in your hands.

IMO the same holds true for the amps so that you'll know what they sound like or be able to notice/hear any oddities that the amp should NOT have.
 
#60
I really think waiting one or two more paychecks before getting the amp would be good.

SX for the instrument is cool, or really any of the other ideas floated above -- some good ideas up there.

But settling for a bleh amp... if you get a combo you're kinda stuck not being able to upgrade without replacing it all, so it can take a while before you can get what you'd really like. And the amp just isn't a great place to compromise, imo. cuz it's where your sound comes out.
 

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