Just started a bass fund...

[Malak the Mad]

I set up a "Rainy Day Fund" by way of a savings account with my primary bank. I have it set to transfer a small, specified amount from my checking account to my savings account on the same day I get paid via direct deposit. Basically, it tends to itself and grows a bit every couple of weeks. And if I need the funds for that "rainy day"…be it sudden car repairs, extra vacation funds or a sudden GAS-attack…I can instantly transfer it to my checking account with a single phone call.

 

[Thumb n Fingers]

Bass funds are a great idea. It's how I buy all of my musical equipment. Gig money, money from selling any musical equipment, and random extra cash and change go into the fund and I make my next purchase from here. Figure out what you want, then save about 50% beyond that. Just in case you find something else... or to get you well on your way to the next purchase.

A few decades ago, I got myself upside down with credit card debt. I worked my butt off and lived like a pauper for about 18 months to pay it down and have vowed to never do that again. I use a credit card for the benefits from transactions, but all is paid for the day I get the bill.

 

[Clark Dark]

For another $50 you could purchase half of what Rondo sells brand new.
Start going to the music stores and play a few basses to determine
what feels and sounds good to you. Don't be pressured, just
"window shop" until you find the one you want to target.

 

[mikeyjm2]

I don't have a separate fund for music stuff but I'm thinking now I should. As to what to do with it? I don't know what you already have equipment-wise OP, but I wouldn't limit myself to just basses. For example, earlier this week I bought a flight case for my keyboard that I'd been contemplating for a while. I find myself as time goes on concentrating more on utilitarian purchases like that rather than just about a new bass which, in my case at least, I don't really need.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Start saving more money - less beer, less Starbucks, etc.

 

[nonohmic]

The wife gets coffee for free from her old roasters so that's a good savings

Beer on the other hand yah I got no excuse, it tastes good.

 

[Bodeanly]

I found a chick who'd rather watch Netflix than go out every other night. Had a new bass by the end of the month.

Edit: Just saw that you're married. You might wanna check with the wife before adding a chick.

 

[nonohmic]

I found a chick who'd rather watch Netflix than go out every other night. Had a new bass by the end of the month.

Edit: Just saw that you're married. You might wanna check with the wife before adding a chick.

Ha yeah best not.

That's the funny thing I've realized when you're married...women don't cost the real money when you go out, buy them drinks etc. They cost you the real money when they want a West facing house, or a new heating system. Bah!

 

[Bodeanly]

Ha yeah best not.

That's the funny thing I've realized when you're married...women don't cost the real money when you go out, buy them drinks etc. They cost you the real money when they want a West facing house, or a new heating system. Bah!

Trust me, they also cost after you've divorced them.

 

[Wesley R]

I would get home from a gig, take some of the money out of the cash for the gig, lift the corner of the waterbed mattress and toss the rest under the mattress. The cash bought a washer and dryer, an amp for the guitar, reconed PA speakers and fun stuff like that.

 

[MobileHolmes]

Trust me, they also cost after you've divorced them.

Yeah, that led me to buy a couple basses not the smart way.

 

[andruca]

Generally speaking it's a buyers' market right now (at least here in Europe), lots of people selling nice gear at great prices. I'd try to get to the 1000-1500 range, that'll get you lots of "real deal" gear options (MIA Fender, Musicman, RIC, amongst many others).