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First Bass! Any Suggestions?

1. Get both basses to a shop to get everything check and set up, so they willbe easier to play.
2. Lots of bassists do not use pedals, but that is your choice.
3. Not sure what your goals for playing are, but I would consider a light weight head, and a 2x10 cab if you hope to gig. That would be a great start.

Enjoy.
 
Yea the Telestar's look is what sold me. I wasn't able to play it before purchasing, but even if it sounded terrible I couldn't pass it up for $40!

As far as condition goes the Telestar's neck looks great I'm just concerned with the body. Random holes on it and a slightly rough feel over the streaks running through the body (potential cracking?)
whoa... I didn't expect that Telestar! I was thinking of a different one altogether. Basses like this and the Hofner are prone to cracking or "checking" as I think they're called, not much can really be done about it other than a complete refinish. Comes with age and also temperature variances as the body finish isn't as sturdy as most, shouldn't harm the bass and actually adds to the mojo. It might be hard to replace the pickups if they're not working on this bass but might be able to find something like it on the internet.
The Peavey looks to be in great shape from what I can see, also has the super ferrite pickups which are top notch for these Foundation basses and pretty popular and highly regarded. Excellent buy! Here's an interesting read on the Foundation bass. http://guitar.lovetoknow.com/Peavey_Foundation_Bass_Guitar
 
Some Telestars had pick-guards. Those little holes look like the perimeter of a telestar pick-guard to me. The other one, you got me; it looks almost like the switch was moved for some reason.

That is a pretty bass I wouldn't cover it up with a pick-guard and can easily understand why someone might take one off. If you feel a pick-guard is necessary you could make one out of Plexiglas (wouldn't be any uglier than an opaque pick-guard and you could still see that beautiful bass).

EDIT: The neck on the telestar looks like in might be a bit crooked, the strings are a little off center over the poles but, more importantly they aren't centered on the neck. Someone like Hopkins should be queried.
 
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Some Telestars had pick-guards. Those little holes look like the perimeter of a telestar pick-guard to me. The other one, you got me; it looks almost like the switch was moved for some reason.

That is a pretty bass I wouldn't cover it up with a pick-guard and can easily understand why someone might take one off. If you feel a pick-guard is necessary you could make one out of Plexiglas (wouldn't be any uglier than an opaque pick-guard and you could still see that beautiful bass).
I believe there was a pickguard, I don't know what the other small holes are on the other side of the body though.
Regarding the switch, I think the owner moved it from it's original location as it was in the way- he/she probably had a specific way of playing this bass and where the thumb was placed on the bass. I can see how the original switch location might have been somewhat in the way with the wrist inadvertently flipping the toggle every now and then-so he/she moved it.
Anyway, here's a picture and some info on that Telestar V4 (that's the model #) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
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I'm still pleased that you got ~$800 worth of pedals essentially for free...gives me hope when wading through tea cozies, baby clothes, broken bicycles and other horrifying yard sale crapola. Though I once scored a lovely vintage parlour guitar worth $1500 for $125, so I guess I've already got my sweet deal of a lifetime. I really liked the new Fender Rumbles myself, tried on the other day, very nice sound and price. And I'm a big fan of GK stuff in general, check it out. Actually, you'll probably find an old 800rb for $12 this weekend...try to talk em down to $10...
 
I'm still pleased that you got ~$800 worth of pedals essentially for free...gives me hope when wading through tea cozies, baby clothes, broken bicycles and other horrifying yard sale crapola. Though I once scored a lovely vintage parlour guitar worth $1500 for $125, so I guess I've already got my sweet deal of a lifetime. I really liked the new Fender Rumbles myself, tried on the other day, very nice sound and price. And I'm a big fan of GK stuff in general, check it out. Actually, you'll probably find an old 800rb for $12 this weekend...try to talk em down to $10...
You never know.... I was at a garage sale a couple of years ago, there was an OLP MM1 guitar in the corner going for $40. It was going for a cheap price because someone had defaced the guitar with a signature from a local GC event..some dude named "Eric Johnson" scribbled his name on it.
 
I believe there was a pickguard, I don't know what the other small holes are on the other side of the body though.
Regarding the switch, I think the owner moved it from it's original location as it was in the way- he/she probably had a specific way of playing this bass and where the thumb was placed on the bass. I can see how the original switch location might have been somewhat in the way with the wrist inadvertently flipping the toggle every now and then-so he/she moved it.
Anyway, here's a picture and some info on that Telestar V4 (that's the model #)

Thank you! That's exactly what i was looking for! Also the Foundation article was a great read!

EDIT: The neck on the telestar looks like in might be a bit crooked, the strings are a little off center over the poles but, more importantly they aren't centered on the neck. Someone like Hopkins should be queried.

The action is also incredibly high. Iv'e never setup a guitar/bass like this, is it relatively easy or should I just drop it off at a shop?
 
Thank you!...The action is also incredibly high. Iv'e never setup a guitar/bass like this, is it relatively easy or should I just drop it off at a shop?

Its relatively easy if you have the PROPER tools and follow the basic procedure, you can search these threads for that though. Before you start make sure the neck isn't twisted (that is, make sure the highest fret and the nut sit in a common plane), if it is take it to a pro.

Its really just a big guitar so, if you are familiar with adjusting them, its basically the same thing.
 
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first of all great find! as for suggestions, you got a few really good ones. as for building gear, i say if it motivates you to play and find your sound then enjoy the journey but don't go nuts :)

the most immediate thing you may want to consider is new strings. its a simple change but i believe strings are a bit part of my sound and an expensive journey to find out what you like (sometimes for each instrument it will vary). along with new strings is your amp search. in fact they should probably go hand in hand.

if i knew then what i know now, i would take both basses to GC (yes they can be bottom feeders but some folks there are helpful) your goal is NOT to buy from them but play each bass thru a variety of amps. in fact have a store person play them as well so you can focus on what you hear in varying styles, technique, etc. then buy what you like used off craigslist or tb.

and always have fun :)
 
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