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Help a total newb choose a bass/gear.

J

Judy/Lessard

Jan 28, 2008
4
0
#1
To start...I have basically no musical experience of any kind(playing clarinet for a week in the sixth grade doesn't count does it?).

I'd like to learn how to play the bass. With that said there is a chance I will be less enthused in the near future, there is also a chance I may really like playing the bass.
For this reason I'd like to get a reasonable setup for as little money as possible.
I need an entire setup. Bass,amp,and whatever other stuff I will need. I am completely clueless(other than what research I have done online).

From what I've seen it looks like I should go with a Squier P/J or MB-4.
The P/J come in a pack with a 15W amp("Start playing, stop dreaming").

If the amp is junk I'd obviously rather buy a bass and amp separately...

I'm pretty much wide open to suggestions here...

Also, suggestions on where I should make my purchase are appreciated. There is a guitar center nearby. If I can pickup what I need there for a decent price that is preferable.

(I know you guys probably get a ton of questions like this. I am a member of various tech/online poker forums and we love bashing noobs who post the same question as everyone else. So I apologize in advanced.)
 
#3
The 15 watt amp won't come close to cutting it if you plan to play with people. But it would certainly get you started. It would help if you posted your budget.

Ibanez has good affordable basses too.

I'm an online shopper so I'd recommend Invalid Link Removed and Invalid Link Removed Though when you're new its really hard to know what to buy without trying it out.
 
#4
I can see spending $500-$750 or so if thats what I need to do.

However, if $300 for a p/j value pack will get me started then Im all for saving the rest.

Also...from what I've read is the P vs J debate all about preference or does particular music sound better on one vs the other?
 
#5
If you are not sure as to whether you will like it or not, you could always get an SX starter pack...like Link Removed
for $139 + shipping...you get a good bass (at least as good or better than most squier's that come in the packages :hiding:).
I know that I for one like mine and why not save some money while you are trying it out. If you decide that you don't like it as much as you thought, you could always turn around and sell the kit on here for not very much of a loss...Just my $.02.:smug:

If you don't like the looks of that bass, look on Link Removed website and check out all of the other ones available.

Good Luck
 
#6
Judy/Lessard said:
Also...from what I've read is the P vs J debate all about preference or does particular music sound better on one vs the other?
Click to expand...

Its all about preference and the right tone for the situation. There are instances where I, a player who definitely prefers the Jazz tone, would prefer a P. But, most of the time, I am going to defer to a J. Another person will be the exact opposite. Its just about what works to your hands and ears.

That said, I think any kind of P/J is a great place to start because it will help you figure out which of those two (P or J) you prefer. Helps in decision making down the road.
 
#7
I'd get an SX, a cheap combo like the Fender Rumble 60 (around $250), and a bunch of lessons. Take the time to learn how to set up your bass (adjust the truss rod and action) by spending a few minutes reading the stickies in the maintenance forum so that you can get your bass playing its best.

You're not really going to be able to even jam with a friend too well with one of the 15watt combos, IMO. The SXs are perfectly acceptable basses for the money, but a crappy amp won't take you far.
 
#9
buy used and get the most value out of your money.
become a gold supporting member and get the dragonfly amp for free :)
also, you can get a good and affordable tuner for under 25.
then, if u like playing along to some easy songs go in to a guitar center and try out a bunch of amps and buy it here used for cheap or in craigslist.
 

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