I am going to get back into bass playing after 45 yrs. I am considering a Squier Classic Vibe, and Fender 30W. I read music in the past, and would to know the best way to go, with lessons, or online lessons. Also, any comments on the equipment I am looking at purchasing? I have varied music taste, 60-70-80's rock. Also, some C&W.
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Getting starting again
- Thread starter Slapper0202
- Start date
Well, its really too broad a question to answer, but I'll chip in anyway.
For the music you like a P bass is pretty standard. Can't really go wrong there (but whatever you like of course).
For an amp, I'd start with one that could pump out enough sound at a classic rock rehearsal with other members. Bare minimum would be 100 watts, but 250 would be more like it. Get an amp with a headphone jack and a DI to run through a sound board at rehearsal. (but whatever you like of course)
If its just a bedroom practice amp only, practically anything will do that you like the sound of. I can practice all day on my Fender Rumble 30. (headphone jack helpful).....whatever you like of course.
Lessons? Can't help you. Never took a bass lesson. I still warm up on my bass with "Hanon" exercises designed for piano players in the 19th century.
Forget tabs. Find the music you like and learn your part by ear. Practice at least an hour a day (two hours is better), one day a week off.
All of this is purely my own opinion, totally biased, as fingerstyle bass player in a classic rock/blues band. Have fun!
For the music you like a P bass is pretty standard. Can't really go wrong there (but whatever you like of course).
For an amp, I'd start with one that could pump out enough sound at a classic rock rehearsal with other members. Bare minimum would be 100 watts, but 250 would be more like it. Get an amp with a headphone jack and a DI to run through a sound board at rehearsal. (but whatever you like of course)
If its just a bedroom practice amp only, practically anything will do that you like the sound of. I can practice all day on my Fender Rumble 30. (headphone jack helpful).....whatever you like of course.
Lessons? Can't help you. Never took a bass lesson. I still warm up on my bass with "Hanon" exercises designed for piano players in the 19th century.
Forget tabs. Find the music you like and learn your part by ear. Practice at least an hour a day (two hours is better), one day a week off.
All of this is purely my own opinion, totally biased, as fingerstyle bass player in a classic rock/blues band. Have fun!
The bass should be fine but you will definitely want a more powerfull amp if you plan to play with others.
The Squier Classic Vibe basases are very good for the money what one you get depends on what feels best to you play them all and get the one that Feels like oit belongs in your hands. Any one of them will be fine for the type of music you want to do.
As for an amp I Would say get the most power you can and look at used way more power for the buck. Go find some amps and cabs you like then if you want you can post what you have found and ask if they are woprth the price and what the general consensus on them is
As for an amp I Would say get the most power you can and look at used way more power for the buck. Go find some amps and cabs you like then if you want you can post what you have found and ask if they are woprth the price and what the general consensus on them is
If you are in the Americas check out Carvin.com. They sell direct but offer a 10 day return policy.
IMO their basses are superb and their amps well priced and reliable. They even have kits to allow you to build your own 4 or 5 string bass and they're cheap!.
Paul
used instruments/amps are cheap and plentiful,and you will be able to get your money out if you upgrade or quit....method books are a good place top start if you plan on learning to read and there is a lot of music available to work on if you do.....
check out the tab forum,but it's misleading as a lot of notation happens there.....the on line lessons are useful,but i would hold off spending any money on dvd's/teachers until you have figured out what your goals are.....youtube vids are great for learning songs
Thanks for all the help, and ideas. I believe I will get a Rumble 150. Any comments would be appreciated.
I agree with the recommendation to get an amp that is at least 100W.. I also suggest that you try to get something light.. like this: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. If you are coming back after 45 years then I am assuming you are at least 55-65.. and light works. This [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] isn't bad either.. it is 55lbs.. but it does have wheels.. but I would go with the GK..
For online stuff consider StudyBass.com, especially if you have read in the past. Also the technique section of this forum is pretty helpful as well. 45 years.. wow.. and I thought my 15 was along break.. all the best to you.
For online stuff consider StudyBass.com, especially if you have read in the past. Also the technique section of this forum is pretty helpful as well. 45 years.. wow.. and I thought my 15 was along break.. all the best to you.
Your situation is much like mine. I quit in the early 70's and got back 5-6 years ago. I am in two bands and having a great time. I was looking at Mexican Fender when I started again but was convinced here on TB in part to go used G&L etc.
You would be surprised the amazing values available right here in the TB classifieds. The folks here with multiple positive feedback are very reliable and usually just own way to many basses amps etc.and want to help fund their next purchase by selling one or two. Usually at half of retail.
The problem with buying new entry level stuff is you will take a hit when you sell. Craigslist is littered with Fender entry level stuff. I usually get nearly the same price I paid when I turn something over that I bought here or once experinced, on Craigs. When you start jammin you are gonna sell and buy up anyway.
You would be surprised the amazing values available right here in the TB classifieds. The folks here with multiple positive feedback are very reliable and usually just own way to many basses amps etc.and want to help fund their next purchase by selling one or two. Usually at half of retail.
The problem with buying new entry level stuff is you will take a hit when you sell. Craigslist is littered with Fender entry level stuff. I usually get nearly the same price I paid when I turn something over that I bought here or once experinced, on Craigs. When you start jammin you are gonna sell and buy up anyway.
I just started again after about a 9 year layoff. My old 94 Carvin LB76 has a truss rod problem that needs to be fixed, so I just bought a new MIM Jazz 4-string. I tried a few Classic Vibe models but liked the MIM Jazz a little better. About a week later I heard about a 2002 MIA Jazz I could have bought for the same price. Oh well.
I would go with a higher powered amp if you are going to be playing out. My Carvin BRX 410 NEO came in last week and my Carvin BX500 should be here Monday. I'm trying to buy lighter stuff this time around. I have been using an old Digitech BP200 (that has been repaired once and is going out again) to practice and learn tunes with headphones. Good luck - I'm 45 and my hands are starting to not hurt as bad after playing for a few weeks. Don't know how I am going to make it through several sets a night soon.
David
I would go with a higher powered amp if you are going to be playing out. My Carvin BRX 410 NEO came in last week and my Carvin BX500 should be here Monday. I'm trying to buy lighter stuff this time around. I have been using an old Digitech BP200 (that has been repaired once and is going out again) to practice and learn tunes with headphones. Good luck - I'm 45 and my hands are starting to not hurt as bad after playing for a few weeks. Don't know how I am going to make it through several sets a night soon.
David
Thanks to all. I bought a Squier Classic Vibe pb, and A Rumble 350. It is not as heavy, as I envisioned.
