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Begginer Would Like Equipment Recommendation

B

bandjwet

Nov 27, 2008
1
0
#1
Experienced Bassists:

I am a father learning how to play the electric bass guitar for the first time (my son is learning acoustic guitar). I have found a teacher and would like a recommendation on what type of equipment to purchase for the lessons.

1. What specific "pieces" do I need (guitar, amp, etc)

2. What guitar / equipment would you recommend?

I am a 47 year old who has not previously played any music, am 6 ft 2" tall and r-handed. I do not know if I will like/love/hate playing and practicing. Therefore, I will not be investing a lot into the equipment right out of the box. My goal is play along with some classic rock songs at some point.

Regards

BWET
 
#2
My first bass was a mexican fender precision bass. I bought it like 6 years ago and still play it from time to time. It's a quality bass for the price. I paid 250$ for it. I wouldn't recommend getting a really cheap bass just becuase the quality won't most likely be there. Spend like 300 and get a bass that will last you. Try to by used. Go to all the local shops and check out used basses. If you have questions about a particulat bass just post a thread about it. People here a pretry helpful.
 
#4
You might ask your teacher for recommendations. I've had very good luck buying used equipment on Craigslist since they were local purchases and I could try them first. My first amp came with a bass; it is small, under-powered, and sounds lousy, which made practicing a chore. My next amp is much more capable, sounds great, vibrates stuff off of shelves, was reasonably priced on the Craigslist, and makes practice much more fun.

For new inexpensive basses, many here like "SX" basses (Link Removed). I have no direct experience though.

A though might be an Dean Playmate (fairly inexpensive and widely distributed but there are many other brands available) acoustic bass guitar since your son is on acoustic as well. ABGs usually don't have enough volume for playing out but are very enjoyable for practice since you can drag one anywhere without the need for an amp.

I started in at a few years older than you and have enjoyed it immensely. Have fun!

=wr=
 
#5
FAQs should be very helpful.

I'd suggest
- tuner
- good strap
- decent instrument cord
- decent USED bass, & get it set up to suit a new player
- decent USED practice amp
- sturdy music stand, one that'll hold a 3" binder not the ones that tremble after the 3rd sheet of paper.
 
#6
My teacher has a practice amp that lives in his studio, along with chords and a chromatic tuner. So all I need for lessons is a bass! Check with your teacher beforehand, though.

I would strongly recommend getting a cheap practice amp. No acoustic bass you buy will be loud enough by itself anyway, and I wouldn't recommend practicing with an electric just by itself. Really anything will do, here. 20W, 15W, 10W - whatever. I routinely see small amps around on Craigslist, so you might check there.

As for basses, check out some of the new Squier VM and Classic Vibe basses. Read up on Precision versus Jazz basses, play a few in the shop, and have a go. I hear SX basses are good (and very cheap), but I personally prefer to try before I buy.
 
#7
Skywalker83 said:
Read the stickies and use the search funtion, there is a wealth of similar posts to yours. So go and have a dig around first and if your still having trouble come back and see us. :bassist:
Click to expand...

Wow dude, if you didn't have anything to contribute wouldn't it take much less energy to NOT post anything at all?

To OP, You will need a bass (of course), an amp, a cable, a strap and a tuner. IMO that is the minimum kit needed for getting in and having a good time with your kid.

Bass-wise, you really can't go wrong with one of the entry-level basses from Ibanez, Yamaha or Squire which is a division of Fender. You can walk into almost any music store and find at least one of those basses hanging on a hook. A lot of people on this forum like to juice about the SX instruments from Rondo Music but as far as I know they're sold online. Personally I'd like to wrap my hand around the neck of the instrument before I buy it.

Don't get too worried about woods, pickups, active/passive and fancy hardware. At that price level the instruments are all essentially the same and if anybody wants to contradict me on that, they need to stop drinking the marketing Kool Aid. The basses are all coming out of the same Asian factories and they only look different because their importers are ordering them that way.

Amp-wise Line6 seems to make a pretty good little practice combo for about $250. Check it out:
Link Removed

Buy a good strap and cable. If the music store is throwing one in for free that is the same as throwing one into the trash can. Freebies = junk. I like the cables from Planet Waves. I hate the straps that are made of that nylon-web material. You can easily spot those because the usually are printed with skulls, hearts, Police Line Do Not Cross, etc. A good, wide leather or padded cloth strap are all you need.

Korg makes a great tuner.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The one I've had for 15 years isn't made anymore but it still works great.

If you go to a chain music store like Guitar Center or Sam Ash, ask them to put a new set of strings on when you buy your bass. If you are buying a whole package at once they shouldn't have a problem with that.

This list I've put togther:
Bass ~ $250-350
Amp ~ $250
Strap/Cable/Tuner ~ $150

I'd stay away from the premade guitar/amp packages that are common around Xmas time. Half of the stuff in there in junk anyway.

Have fun!
 
#8
I would say buy a used Fender bass. I don't care if its a Mexican or American you'll always get your money back if you decide you no longer want to play. I like Fender jazz basses my self.
A Fender Jazz bass has a thinner neck and a Fender Precision has a wider neck. Go to the music store and see whice one you like.
As far as an amp just get a cheap combo amp for now. When you get more experienced you can get a bigger amp and use the old one for a practice amp.
 
#12
bandjwet said:
Experienced Bassists:

I am a father learning how to play the electric bass guitar for the first time (my son is learning acoustic guitar). I have found a teacher and would like a recommendation on what type of equipment to purchase for the lessons.

1. What specific "pieces" do I need (guitar, amp, etc)

2. What guitar / equipment would you recommend?

I am a 47 year old who has not previously played any music, am 6 ft 2" tall and r-handed. I do not know if I will like/love/hate playing and practicing. Therefore, I will not be investing a lot into the equipment right out of the box. My goal is play along with some classic rock songs at some point.




Regards

BWET
Click to expand...

Congrats on the undertaking,
I too am 47 and started back about 1 year ago. I did play a little about 25+ years ago although things were a little different back then.
I would suggest that you buy the best quality you can afford, I would also suggest that you get a good amp. I would think most people spend on the Bass then cheap out on the Amp. I guess my thought would be to go 50-50 on what you have to spend if that makes any sense. I would start with a combo amp with at least 100 watts. I would also play some instruments so you can get a feel for what you do and don't like. I did have some some disposable income thus I was fortunate to afford some pretty decent stuff. One other thing, great that you are taking lessons, grab a copy of Bass Guitar for Dummies, well written, easy to follow and a must have for any beginner. (my opinion)

Enjoy your journey
 
#14
JustDavid said:
FAQs should be very helpful.

I'd suggest
- tuner
- good strap
- decent instrument cord
- decent USED bass, & get it set up to suit a new player
- decent USED practice amp
- sturdy music stand, one that'll hold a 3" binder not the ones that tremble after the 3rd sheet of paper.
Click to expand...

Very good list. One thing to add, most people start on a 4-string bass. Play a few different basses, you probably won't be able to tell much about tone differences until you have some experience under your belt. Don't spend too much on a bass (no more than a couple hundred), if you buy used you'll obviously get more for your money but if you don't know what you're doing the potential is there to get stuck with a lemon. Go to your local music store and play many basses. Get something that plays well. Playability is the most important factor.

Bass amps - if you don't anticipate playing with a drummer you will be completely set with a smallish practice amp. One speaker will be fine, 10" or 12" is the most versatile. 50 watts would be totally sufficient. Anymore would probably be overkill for just playing with an acoustic guitarist.

My first 'rig' was a Fender Squire P Bass ($150 new) and a Peavy Minx 110 ($150 new). The amp is 50 watts with a single 10". I still use this amp as my main bedroom practice amp. I highly would recommend any Peavy combo amp. The fender squire basses aren't flashy, aren't tone monsters, but they can handle a beating and will get the job done.
 
#15
this has all bee great advice to you .. i am a 41 year old who used to play a little and just picked bass back up a couple months ago as everyone else has said play a few to see what feels good than look for something used you will get more for your money. I bought a douglas from rondo Link Removed
many people are happy with their SX's from rondo alot of bass for the money. although there are occasional lemons.

you might want to ask your teacher if you have one picked out if he has any suggestions. maybe he has an old student who decided bass wasnt for them and would like to get rid of something for a good price.

what suprises me is that no one has said get a metronome. bass is part of the rhythm section in my mind and practicing with a metronome is a must. I have the boss tu-80 http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Boss-TU80-Guitar-Tuner-Metronome?sku=213014 and love it metronome with different rhythm's plus tuner for electric or acoustic. I use a different tuner at home now but this stays in my bag in case I forget something.

oh also think about getting a "set up" on what ever you buy just to make sure its all nice and comfy.
 
#17
One thing you want to think about is the differences between the fender precision bass and the fender Jazz bass.

Precision:has one split-single coil pickup that gives more of a "thump", typical "rock bass" but can be used in any genre well, usually has a wider neck than a jazz.

Jazz: has thin, tapered neck, and two single coil pickups that are typically said to "growl" Used widely in all genres.

Listen to some Rush for a jazz bass sound, (the big money, freewill)
and some Black Sabbath for a good representation of a precision (heaven and hell, wishing well)
 
#19
I don't know how much you have to spend,but a Carvin PB100 is a NICE 100 watt amp that can be used not only to practice,but for pretty good sized gigs. It is around $300.00,but WELL worth the money, I'm not sure about your bass choice,but when you buy from Caevin,you pretty well design your own bass,which is American made,and by-passes the middleman. I highly recommend Carvin,because it's great equipment and they also have a GREAT service department that can answer your questions and help you if you have any problems,
Kent
:bassist:
 

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