• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Kid’s school band needs equipment

Father Gino

Father Gino

Nov 3, 2018
616
1,218
Farthard, Connecticut
#1
The teacher has no budget to buy a bass and amp for an aspiring teenage wanna be bassist. I’m offering my 2 old Aguilar GS 112s, but I have no amp head. I also don’t have a suitable bass to give them. Does anyone have a functional bass head or bass they’d like to donate? The band is in Connecticut. I’d be willing to drive a bit to pick them up.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4StringMadness, DrummerwStrings, Iristone and 15 others
#10
A ride to Vermont is a bit more than my generosity will allow. I don’t know the kid. I don’t know the teacher either. She was the music director at a magnet school that my guitar player’s kids attended. I’ve got a line on a Mark Bass combo right here in CT that could be perfect. I’m only willing to do so much leg work on this to be honest. I’ve got very little skin in the game. I originally thought of my old Aggie cabs that aren’t worth the effort to ship. I’ve gotten my money out of them in spades. Then I thought I might find some freebies here on TB. Thanks to everyone for their responses. Hopefully we can collectively do some good.
 
#11
Father Gino said:
The teacher has no budget to buy a bass and amp for an aspiring teenage wanna be bassist. I’m offering my 2 old Aguilar GS 112s, but I have no amp head. I also don’t have a suitable bass to give them. Does anyone have a functional bass head or bass they’d like to donate? The band is in Connecticut. I’d be willing to drive a bit to pick them up.
Click to expand...
Sure it wouldnt be better to sell the cabs, and use the money to buy a whole budget rig? Bass included? Pretty sure you could get like, a rumble 200 and a squier P for those cabs, atleast.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SJan3 and LowendG
#12
I'm in the same boat - my oldest just started in the band at the middle school and the music program is in need of lots of help. Knowing what I've seen in my kid's program, my advice would be:
1) Search for appropriate used gear locally on FB, Craiglist, and Nextdoor.
2) Write a succinct message to all of those sellers, saying your trying to help out the local school program. I focus on the improvements that will happen with better gear, rather than the budget constraints.
3) Next, properly set up of the instruments, making sure they play well for the students.
4) Finally, help improve the physical space at the school.

I've found many people happy to donate older but reliable and good sounding amps. They don't need to be very powerful, and I would absolutely avoid separate amp and cab. Combo is way less problematic. Instruments in the $100-200 range play well if set up well, and a colorful pickguard or new strings go a long way. I purchased 6 hooks to hang the guitars and basses so that they are easy to locate and safely stored, plus they look cool on the wall.
 
#13
I finally spoke with the music director person. It’s an interesting set up. She’s got one HS sophomore who already plays bass and two absolute beginners. The school doesn’t offer instruction per se, they let their own students mentor others. She comes highly recommended by the guitar player in my band, so I figure she’s worth the effort. So far she’s taking my Aggies to do with what she will. Maybe an Ampeg practice amp and a parts precision. I can’t see shipping anything from those that offered, unless they’re willing to do it on their dime, but thanks for the thought.
 
#14
Father Gino said:
The teacher has no budget to buy a bass and amp for an aspiring teenage wanna be bassist. I’m offering my 2 old Aguilar GS 112s, but I have no amp head. I also don’t have a suitable bass to give them. Does anyone have a functional bass head or bass they’d like to donate? The band is in Connecticut. I’d be willing to drive a bit to pick them up.
Click to expand...
Anyone from "Farthard" CT gives me pause..
 
#15
I have an Eden practice amp that needs a repair. It powers on… but makes a buzzzzzzzz. I’m in Maine and willing to donate if push comes to shove. Absolute worst case scenario there’s always a donation plate to pass around for $220 or whatever $185 plus shipping is…

www.thomannmusic.com

🎸 Harley Benton HBP120-Set 1

Bundle offer comprising Harley Benton PB-20 BK Standard Series Electric Bass Body: Poplar, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fretboard: Amaranth, Dot-inlays, Neck profile: Modern C, 20 Frets, Scale: 864 mm, Nut width: 42 mm, Dual action truss rod, 1 PB style...
www.thomannmusic.com www.thomannmusic.com
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back