Guitar Center™ Challenge

[1954bassman]

If I drove to Asheville tomorrow with $1500 to buy a bass and an amp at GC - I would probably buy one of those $300 Sterlings, and Fender Rumble. And not plan on keeping either one of them.

If I went to Music City in Asheville, I would buy a Genz amp and a $400 bass. Or a D800, a used cab and a $300 bass.

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

Now, if I were to actually look at GCs around me then I would go with a Fender Rumble 200 and either a Washburn Taurus T-24 or an Epiphone Thunderbird Classic IV-Pro.

 

[+6dB Dan]

Considering I'm a lefty, I'd be screwed.

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

Make a phone call for a recommendation, hire the PI recommended by the person I'd call. Telling any more would get me kicked off of TB.

 

[mikeswals]

I'd go home get my other truck, my other amp, and one of my other basses, and have all spare cables at home too.

 

[BeardedFrog]

LTD B204SM if I can find it. If not, Sterling SUB MM.

Fender Rumble 200.

2 20 ft cables, Levy strap, D'Addario chrome flats, Boss CEB-3 chorus, and a clip-on-the-headstock tuner (Deltalab or whatever equivalent they have).

That puts me at basically what I already play, so it's not really a comprise for me.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

$1500? That's not a challenge! Try $500!

 

[spaz21387]

Id probably get a sub ray4 and a vt bass and just di...

 

[KohanMike]

Since I only play sub-short scale (21"-25"), I'd be sitting at the bar sipping a club soda (I never drank), listening to the substitute/pickup bass player.

 

[JimmyM]

If someone steals my van, how the hell am I going to get a cab, go to GC and get some gear, then go to the gig and set up if I only have an hour to do all of it?

Seriously, you guys gotta start thinking these scenarios through a little better!

 

[el murdoque]

Since GC is not available over here in Germany, i just pick JustMusic as my provider, if that is ok.

Last time i was in my local shop, they had a used Aguilar AG-500 for 500 bucks. I'd go with that if it was still there.
If not, i'd take the Markbass blackline head and whatever cheap 410 sounds best, over here they have hartke, laney, ashdown and a few minor brands for around 350.
That would cover the amp-side for around 650 and leave me with the choice of bass.
I'd pick a fiver. Possible candidates would be:
A Yamaha they had last time, i can not remember the name, but it was a decent player for 569,-
the Epiphone Thunderbird V in natural finish I played and liked a LOT more than all the Gibson ones they had, 449,-
Peavey Grind 5 - also cheap, also a lot better than i expected, for less than 500.

Since i did a lot of business with these guys in the recent past, i expect that they throw in a strap, a clipon tuner and cable,
So i'd be set and ready for something around 1000. So i'd either look for an upgrgade of amp or cab or bass and toy around a bit with what is possible.
If the amp and bass are fine, i'd take a Tech21 Bass Flyrig or quickly set up a small board with tuner, preamp and dirt.

 

[Matthew Fisher]

Assuming no PA or unknown PA:

Squier 4-string (P or J to taste), strap, instrument cable, and whichever loud combo or head + cab sounded best with that bass. The current crop of Rumbles sound good to me.

I acknowledge that amplification beyond my means is a good investment for those who have the funds and want to please the people. I had the chance last night to play through a Phil Jones 6-Pack + 12-B last night at an open jam, and oh my.

 

[WaynerBass]

Fender© Jazz Deluxe Active V - $599.99

Fender© Rumble 500v3 - 210 combo - $599.99

Fender© Pro Series tweed case - $139.99

Monster© Bass Cable - $52.99

Levy's© 3" padded leather Strap - $41.99

Dunlop© 2.0 picks - $3.99

Dunlop© Strap Locks - $13.37

And the $40 you have left is for gasoline and a coulpe of drinks at the gig.

 

[Sid the Kid]

I'd have to grab a sterling Ray34, Markbass JB players combo, korg pitchblack tuner pedal, 2 cords, 1 strap. Should come in at around 1350.

 

[bassist4dalord]

Squier Vintage Modified Precision
D'Addario Strings (Chromes, Tapes or Nickels, not sure)
Markbass CMD210P 2x10" Combo

 

[Worldeeeter]

I'd buy gear that I can return to GC the next morning and get my money back.

 

[bassstrangler]

I'd go to CL and find someone in desperate need of cash buy their stuff then play the gig. Flip my purchase and order something from Sweetwater.

I made a promise to myself never to step foot into a GC after the way I was poorly treated by the manager recently. "All of our items are opened box..." Is it normal to sell damaged gear at 100% retail prices?

 

[wintremute]

Markbass CMD 102P + Ibanez SR300.

I already play an SR300, so it's what I'm used to. The Markbass is just a great amp that will fit pretty much any situation and bring the boom.

 

[rtslinger]

Fender P 499.00 and Fender Rumble 500 599.00
P works for nearly all musically styles and the Fender Rumble series has a great tone even before you dial in the room. So you are looking at about 1200 after taxes, leaves you money to buy the others stuff you'll need like a strap, a tuner, pics if need be and a stand gig bag if it doesn't come with one

 

[AltGrendel]

I'd honestly debate returning the stuff as well - I'm a Dingwall + Fractal Audio guy, and there's really nothing in the GC that will replace either of those. So I'd buy up the next 5 string Dingwall that I saw, buy another Axe-Fx II, and use my AX8 until that showed up.

Thing is, you need it NOW!