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how to get bigger sound.

#41
Metallica865 said:
if i had a steady source of income i would, but im 16 and dont have a job so im screwed there, i couldnt somehow set it up to a speaker and make it louder?
Click to expand...

I'm 16 with no job and have never had one and I have the bass of my dreams and a full stack with all the MIDI software I could want. The secret?


Save.


Seriously. I haven't been to the movies since 2009, I don't take myself out to eat. Virtually 95% of my money goes to music stuff.

I don't have a "rich dad who buys me everything" or any of the sort. (Though I will admit I got a good chunk for xmas/birthday) I just allocate somewhere around 95% of my cash to music.

If your parents are willing, and I hope they will be, get a google docs account for yourself and start a spreadsheet while they take the physical money. It will be much easier to save if you don't hold the cash yourself.

I started this one back in 2009 when I bought my half stack. Just make sure you get the formulas right and it's easy to keep track of your money.

261m7px.jpg



Recently I've spent a bit more on non-music items. As you can see though, $850 to software and more to music shows and various music accessories and music and whatnot. It's been a while since I've bought a bass or amp or anything, but you get the whole idea of the structure. Date, money in, total money, money out, and description of revenue/expense in case of question.




Now start saving. :bassist:
 
#42
Ladies and gentlemen, future President Jarrhead!

:D

Dude, that is awesome! You are an example to follow. They say kids today suck? Well they do, but not all of them do. You are clearly one who doesn't.
 
#43
jmattbassplaya said:
Not to be 'that guy', but I was working by the time I was 14. You can most definitely pick up a job and start saving :)
Click to expand...

Hah. That's not entirely possible anymore though! ;)

In North Carolina, which I just moved out of, it was illegal to work at 14. You could work at 15 with a permit, but employers hated to hire because they required transportation from parents and whatnot; you had to live next to the area.

16 is the standard age for work.
 
#44
JimmyM said:
Ladies and gentlemen, future President Jarrhead!

:D

Dude, that is awesome! You are an example to follow. They say kids today suck? Well they do, but not all of them do. You are clearly one who doesn't.
Click to expand...


Politics don't interest me as a career. ;)


And the only reason I don't have a job (there's literally over 100 places to work in walking distance here) is to focus on school. Once summer hits, I'm going to work.
 
#45
Metallica865 said:
i saw on craigslist a 200 watt combo amp for 80 bucks, im thinking 150 or more is enough for me as of now
Click to expand...


Any more detailed info on this? It could work out, especially if it has the ability to add a second cab to it in the future. Otherwise, save more and look for used Peavey gear.

And tell your vocalist to save as well and get themselves a small vocal PA powered mixer and a couple of speakers, or at least a single all-in-one powered speaker to sing through. Guitar amps for vocals........yuck.

Good luck in your work search. Keep your priorities straight, save some money. It's easy to cut back spending on stupid stuff like going to movies, bars, eating out, buying junk food, etc. By some gear with that and you have something to show for it that you'll still have for a long time....long after you've forgotten about the movie or crapped out the expensive food.
 
#48
Jarrhead, most adults would benefit from your example.

I was told a long time ago, by my very wealthy part-time employers in college, that the secret to success is "Have attainable goals, and set a commensurate budget." It doesn't get much simpler or more effective than that; and has shaped my life since. You don't have to be a genius to succeed, just disciplined- and you define "success" for yourself.

Good work...

And to the OP- the other option is power amp to cab. With a bit of digging, you can find both within your current budget. Ebay, craigslist, the local electronics repair shops, pawnshops, flea markets, the local classifieds.

Look for "used DJ equipment" "PA equipment" "Audio equipment" etc. Be creative in your search.

You could even pick up a fat 15" speaker or a couple of 10's and screw em into a used car audio box/chassis.

With that in mind, look at car audio places as well for used/cheap enclosures, but remember that vehicles run on different voltage (in terms of speaker choice) so lok for standard PA-type speakers. You've heard the thumpa-dumpa cars that drive by late at night? That's bass you're hearing, amigo.

The most important thing is to keep playing and imploving on your instrument right now, especially in an ensemble with other musicians like you're doing now. With that in mind, increase your headroom by hook or by crook. Play on!
 
#50
Baron Von Vik said:
And to the OP- the other option is power amp to cab. With a bit of digging, you can find both within your current budget. Ebay, craigslist, the local electronics repair shops, pawnshops, flea markets, the local classifieds.
Click to expand...

Yes, there are some truly ridiculous deals on these. And most will accept going a little less than the advertised price if you ask. You just have to know what you want and make sure you test everything before leaving with it.
 
#52
jarrhead said:
I'm 16 with no job and have never had one and I have the bass of my dreams and a full stack with all the MIDI software I could want. The secret?


Save.


Seriously. I haven't been to the movies since 2009, I don't take myself out to eat. Virtually 95% of my money goes to music stuff.

I don't have a "rich dad who buys me everything" or any of the sort. (Though I will admit I got a good chunk for xmas/birthday) I just allocate somewhere around 95% of my cash to music.

If your parents are willing, and I hope they will be, get a google docs account for yourself and start a spreadsheet while they take the physical money. It will be much easier to save if you don't hold the cash yourself.

I started this one back in 2009 when I bought my half stack. Just make sure you get the formulas right and it's easy to keep track of your money.

261m7px.jpg



Recently I've spent a bit more on non-music items. As you can see though, $850 to software and more to music shows and various music accessories and music and whatnot. It's been a while since I've bought a bass or amp or anything, but you get the whole idea of the structure. Date, money in, total money, money out, and description of revenue/expense in case of question.




Now start saving. :bassist:
Click to expand...

Excellent work and sound advice young man. A well deserved kudo's to you. I know plenty of adults who don't have their $#!+ together nearly as well as you do. Here's to a fun and prosperous life for you, sir.
 
#53
+1 to the accolades. Most 16 yr olds are useless- yet here we have one that's head and shouders above both his peers, as well as some so-called adults. I'd buy you a beer, but I don't drink, and you're not old enough. How about a refreshing CocaCola?
 

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