Our bass player's SO is asking for something he might like as a surprise gift ... let's say $200 or so ... what would light up your dials (and his)? (Most gigs are in-ear these days, so rarely are there amps on stage).
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Gift ideas for a bassist?
- Thread starter rp911
- Start date
A Zoom MS-60B might be a nice choice. If nothing else it will give him something fun to mess around with.
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Does she know about bass stuff? What he likes or needs or wants?
I'd think a regular gift would be well appreciated unless she knows what he might want that's bass specific.
I'd think a regular gift would be well appreciated unless she knows what he might want that's bass specific.
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
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Headphone amp, probably the most useful piece of modern gear ever invented next to the digital tuner.
Nice strap and matching instrument cable. I was pleasantly surprised by what my wife picked out for that, and use both exclusively.
Thanks for the input. She's not knowledgeable so asking his bandmates for ideas 
Is there a decent amp simulator in the $200 range? The SV looks great but it's more like $500. Almost always going direct to the board with no amp on stage so might be some nice tone shaping possibilities. He has an older Boss ME but not sure it does much for tone shaping or compression. When we uses amp he has an Ampeg SVT. Pretty active player with a Modulus, so sort of that Phil Lesh/Mike Gordon type tone going on, punchy with a lot of note definition.
Is there a decent amp simulator in the $200 range? The SV looks great but it's more like $500. Almost always going direct to the board with no amp on stage so might be some nice tone shaping possibilities. He has an older Boss ME but not sure it does much for tone shaping or compression. When we uses amp he has an Ampeg SVT. Pretty active player with a Modulus, so sort of that Phil Lesh/Mike Gordon type tone going on, punchy with a lot of note definition.
Set of CD,s. Depending on the bass players interest. 100 classic blues favorites,Jazz, rock,metal,classical, Motown,whatever floats the boat.
If my wife gave me that shirt, she would be sleeping on the couch.
Smooth_bass88
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- Oct 31, 2006
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Sweetwater or Musician’s Friend or Guitar Center gift card. Guaranteed win. I received TWO substantial gift cards this year (Sweetwater and GC) and I was really psyched because I redeemed them for several things I really needed- strings, a couple really nice leather straps, cords etc.
The key is to get him something that he would NOT buy for himself. Since she's obviously looking to band related stuff, how about on of those stomp lights? I think they are cool but would not spend the $$$ on them for myself. Here is a link: StompLight® - Stage Lighting For Musicians (there are cheaper ones out there too.
A high end cable or even a planet waves cable is always useful. Amp plugs are cool, but unless the player already uses or needs it, it might be closet fodder.
A nice Hercules, K and M, or Ultimate guitar or mic stand is always useful.
A nice Hercules, K and M, or Ultimate guitar or mic stand is always useful.
hard to say without knowing what gear they already have, but things like a good set of headphones, a really nice leather strap, etc.
I suggest make a special shopping trip to the local music store. Maybe he has his eye on a new pedal or something, and then take him and make it a fun trip to get what he wants.
I suggest make a special shopping trip to the local music store. Maybe he has his eye on a new pedal or something, and then take him and make it a fun trip to get what he wants.
This summer, a fan. A clip on or pedal tuner visible outdoors in daylight. Hamilton hanging stand(IME less likely to fall over). Quality ear plugs for amp on stage gigs.
I would love that as a gift! I wouldn't spend money on it myself, and anyone can pick out something really nice.
I am sceptical about gear as a gift, though. There is too much of the player's taste for sound involved, that other people (especially non-musicians) will have a hard time choosing something he actually likes and uses.
Jazzdogg
Less barking, more wagging!
I have always been very picky about the things I buy for bass, woodworking, and my other interests; I've done my homework and know exactly what I want, but there's no reason for anyone else to be a mind reader if they want to buy me something.
My solution has been to maintain a wish list on Amazon that my wife has access to. She (or one of the kids...) can buy any item on the list and be assured that it's something I will love. My agreement with her is that I will not buy anything on the list for myself (I maintain other wish lists for myself).
Sometimes, the simplest solution is to ask the person directly what they want.
My solution has been to maintain a wish list on Amazon that my wife has access to. She (or one of the kids...) can buy any item on the list and be assured that it's something I will love. My agreement with her is that I will not buy anything on the list for myself (I maintain other wish lists for myself).
Sometimes, the simplest solution is to ask the person directly what they want.
