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First "real" Bass question...

raferalston

raferalston

Jan 26, 2011
150
6
#1
So, I'm about to pick up my first "real" Bass and hope to start playing with people soon. I want to get either a Modulus Q5 or a Alembic Epic 5. My amp is only a Genz Benz 100 watt combo amp.

The question is;

Should I spend less on the Bass and upgrade my amp to say a 300-400watt amp with a 4x10 cab and settle for a Ibanez 5 string or similar?

or...

Should I get the "dream Bass" and worry about upgrading the rig if I ever start playing out?

Thanks for any insight.
 
#5
Great. That's the advice I was hoping for. I can't imagine gigging anytime soon. I want to get the Bass I want and hopefully have it for many years.

I just thought that perhaps it would be stupid to show up to a practice with a 100watt combo amp, a less than great skill set and a Modulus...
 
#7
The Modulus is what I would prefer. Just have to wait till one comes up on the classifieds that I can afford.

I love the TBX on there but can't go much higher than 1,500. Bolt on will have to do.

Thanks for all the help...
 
#11
If you have played the Modulus, then you know how it feels, and if the sound really is inspiring you.

I found a BTB455, and it was inspiring in a cruddy Ampeg Combo. Only a Boogie could make it sound bad.

Now I have 4BTBs.

Amps in ways are overrated. The guys who talk of a DI Box and a good PA have it Right. A Long time ago I opened for a band called Petra. I think Clair Bros. was doing their sound.

They DI's me from my Yamaha PB1 PReamp, and that was it, I turned off the crown and had the stage hands take the speaker cabinet to the trailer.

Get the Bass you want. Nothing can replace inspiration in your growth.
 
#14
"They DI's me from my Yamaha PB1 PReamp, and that was it, I turned off the crown and had the stage hands take the speaker cabinet to the trailer."

"Heh, been there, done that. I gigged with 100 watt solid state amps; they'll work if your band has a good enough PA to DI into"

Isn't it hard to hear yourself in those situations? That would be my biggest concern.
 
#15
raferalston said:
"They DI's me from my Yamaha PB1 PReamp, and that was it, I turned off the crown and had the stage hands take the speaker cabinet to the trailer."

"Heh, been there, done that. I gigged with 100 watt solid state amps; they'll work if your band has a good enough PA to DI into"

Isn't it hard to hear yourself in those situations? That would be my biggest concern.
Click to expand...

Your amp is your monitor in those situations.
 
#16
Oh!

Was trying not to bore you.

The Front Washes had 1 and the Side Washes had 2 per side of their Myers Cabinets.

I heard everything everywhere I went on stage.

Never heard such until I BiAmped the Crown into an SVT 8x10 and a Cerwin Vega 18 Folded W cab, crossed over at 100hz.

It was like I finally got to stand in Entwistle's shadow.

Thunder and Lightning
 
#17
No offense on the Ibanez Comment.

I still have some thoughts on a headless Status. Would like to try out a CF/G necked instrument. Al CF/G was what Entwistle last played and Mark King is doing the Status thing.

You have my respect in your forward thinking. Modulus just did not get my attention
 
#18
The bass's you mentioned are very nice yes indeed,but when you start playing out you will find yourself worried about nicks scratch's dents and dings.I have high dollar and rare bass's and found that I play out on my cheaper bass's .I leave the good ones at home ..in my opinion slit the difference and pick up a good rig and a decent bass a 100 watt bass combo can't keep up with a 50 watt Marshall half stack , and your high dollar bass will not shine at all. The way bands work is members rotate often due to personality conflicts and you never know when something will just land in your lap and you better be prepared..
 

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