Good Price Points for Intermediate Players

Let’s start with what your budget is

There are generalizations that can be made about what qualifies as a beginner, intermediate, or professional piece of gear but plenty of beginners will start with a MIA Fender and plenty of pros will gig a CV Squire.

Depending on what your current instrument is you may want to put all your funds into upgrading your rig. But depending on your needs you might not have any need for a rig and might be better served with a new instrument or with purchasing lessons from a local teacher.

 

I built my MIM parts bass for $400, picked up my Markbass 121p combo for $450 and can add the extension for around $400 (just haven’t really needed it.) Got about $400 invested in a decent backup bass and rehearsal amp. New prices, all that gear would’ve cost around $3000

I feel like this is pretty much endgame for me, at least for the foreseeable future. But everyone has different tastes and preferences.

I think if you get that Duff sig and the GK rig, you’ll be set for a good while

 

That's a tough question because it depends on LOTS of different things, including how much you're willing to spend.

You can buy a quality, perfectly gig worthy bass for $300 to $600, and the amp will depend on what size rooms you're looking to play, and what kind of music. For that the least amount of power I'd ever go with in a head is 300 watts, with 1x15 inch cab. That can be had these days for between $500 - $700.

All in all, if you're looking to buy new you can hook yourself up for as little as $800, and well, you can take it from there.

Hope that helps.

PS. If money is tight you can pick up an Ibanez TMB100 for $199, and a Bugera BXD12 for $350. That would do the job too. $550 and you'd be set.

 

Id focus on the amp first. Even if there are glaring errors, barring a warped neck, they can be fixed/addressed for pretty cheap. a nice amp will make even a Squier Affinity sing

Absolutely killer. Yamaha is a seriously underrated brand.

 

Rumble 500 combo, which so Happens to be your exact amp budget. They get a love/hate thing around here for their baked in tone, but I really don’t think you can beat that for price and portability. They’re loud on their own, but you can add an extension cab if need be.

Was just referencing my old Peavey Mark III in another thread- weird! They’re great heads, but heavy!

PS I’m in the love camp, my rehearsal amp is a Rumble 100

 

The Yamaha is always a solid option. I'm a proponent of spending most of your time and money buying the instrument you like best.

Also, I've always liked the value proposition offered by combos. Something like a Rumble 500 is a very useful and reliable piece of kit for any intermediate player. Of course there are just too many good class D heads out there now, at good prices ... not a lot of truly bad options. Go light.

 

By old, do you mean from the 60-70s? I'd stay away from old rigs unless you can work on them yourself. Just like old cars.

Btw, what rig do you use for theater and gym gigs? Rehearsal?

Have you had your bass set up by a pro?

 

Old stuff is heavy, and possibly a pain in the neck in other ways. I feel like a bass you really like, and a big combo with a line out and an option for extension cab, should have you all set up for the next decade and only cost around a grand altogether.

 

You could also look out for a first generation GK MB combo. They’re super light (just like the 2nd generation) but are old enough, they usually pop up for decent prices. There is a 210, or this is the 212 for less than a new Rumble 500. I think the tone is more up your alley (GK, duh) and... you can crush your enemies!

 

This is a little over your budget, but worth it if you can manage the cost: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Mesa-Boogie/1x15-Walkabout-Scout-Tube-Bass-Combo-Amp.gc

 

I've seen used 500 watt heads here for about $350. Fender Rumble is probably the best new bang for buck.

 

I'd suggest researching what I suggested before bashing it. You could start here: Walkabout Scout Bass Combo | MESA/Boogie®

Maybe it isn't right for you, but it is a pro piece of gear that is designed to be convertible from combo to head/cab