Help! Bass sounds like crap :)

Get a peavey maxbass 110

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-MAX-110-Bass-Combo?sku=481447


And when you've gotten that, ditch that bass if you can afford to. For a rookie* just looking to get started, I'd suggest a Squier VM Jazz or Precision bass (make sure you get someone to set it up for you, the necks and bridge need some TLC) or if you want something that needs less maintenance, go for an Ibanez SR500 if you have the money.

Squiers (make sure to get a VINTAGE MODIFIED or CLASSIC VIBE one): http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...-electric-bass-guitars?N=100001+304428+200986

Ibanez SR500: http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-SR500-Soundgear-4String-Bass?sku=515055


**EDIT - Sorry, didn't see you picked it back up! Anyhow, can't go wrong with that stuff anyways. You might be able to do small gigs with that peavey if you have PA support...it's a pretty sick amp for a 1x10 combo

 

His RBX270 is perfectly fine, and it's not worth it to upgrade.

You'd be surprised how good they can sound out of a good amp (at least I was about my RBX170).

 

You just need a little more help in the amp, walk into GC and lay down for an Acoustic B200, it would be another nice step up. BOB

 

That Crate amp will never sound good - so don't get yourself down. Go to GC and try out some other amps and see what you like - then try to find them used on CL to get a cheaper price. Plenty of great stuff out there for $2-300 that will take you from practice to gigging.

 

for practice amps i don't think you can beat peavey. i had a 20watt microbass and totally regret selling it (the portability, tone, affordability, and volume is phenominal on these)
also, i would take the yamaha over a squier VM any day... my $.02

 

+1. The bass is fine.

I'd also recommend a little Acoustic combo from Guitar Center. They're super cheap and they seem to do pretty well. I try to play them every time I go in.

Don't be afraid to buy used once you need a rig you can gig with . . . it doubles your quality gear / dollar ratio. If it's good stuff, it will have been able to withstand regular use from its previous owner. You wouldn't want it if it wasn't reliable enough to be used. As for a little combo to practice with, they're cheap enough that buying used won't make a huge difference. You will save a lot of money later on, however, if you're willing to buy used.

 

ditto on the used side. the tb classifieds are a good resource for finding some great deals. When buying used you can usually get a small gig worthy rig for the same price as you would pay for a new practice combo. you just have to wait a bit for the right deals. It helps to know what to look for too, some older heads and cabs are classics and bulletproof.

 

EBarf you dont get a chance to play it, however with Craig's Club you get to drive there and plug in. You aren't forced to buy the stuff.

You might want to sell the AMP back on CL or even here, or the Bay for that matter. Any reasonable separates or combo will be a step up. That mid-range amp market is full of reasonable deals right now. BOB

 

In my opinion,(and its just my opinion) the amp you have is more than half your drama.....it should be spelled CRAP.

 

That existing Crate -

I doubt any bass or player could sound decent on that.

Older used Peavey's are pretty bomb-proof and sound decent.

The new Acoustic combos sound really good for the money.

 

Didn't I tell ya to get a P bass?

 

I also suggest one of the new Acoustic combos. A buddy of mine just bought the version with a twelve inch speaker in it, and for what he paid, it sounds phenominal. I was really surprised.

 

The bass is fine. Get a nice amp an dyou're set. Genz Benz, Roland Cube, etc.

 

if you're just starting out and don't want to break the bank, but are looking for a good bang for the buck I would give the Ibanez gsr200 a go. I think its about the best sounding punchiest entry line bass going. For an amp I really like the Galien Kruger backline 110. just my 2 cents worth.
the other thing to keep in mind is that bass guitar doesn't sound bassy. its a bass guitar because it is tuned one octave below the guitar. your sound should be as distinctive as the guitar players sound. too much bass on a bass amp is like too much bass on a guitar amp, it just ends up sounding like washed out crap.

 

If you are not planning to gig eith it Ampeg makes some nice small amps you can get for $99 brand new.

 

That would've been great info to have 3 years ago.

 

+1

 

They don't call that kid slowbake for nuttin'