Need Help Choosing First Bass and Amp

[vacant3x5]

I'm in a band playing guitar but we need a bassist so I'm switching over - I've played a little bass in the past but nothing serious. Anyhow I need to buy a starter bass. Nothing to0 fancy, definitely on a budget, will be getting something used on Ebay.

We're a FUNK/SOUL band and I definitely need to be able to slap. It's driving me crazy trying to find somethin. I'm torn between just going SUPER cheap and getting the Squier P Bass (I hear slap and pop on that is not so great) or trying to find some kind of middle range. I was looking at the Fender Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass but the reviews were so-so, apparently the tuners are horrible (though I could fix this myself). Someone also recommended the Yamaha RBX 170. Anyhow, I definitely need some guidance.

Also looking for an amp 150-200 watts that will go well with whatever bass I get. The power needs to be able to cut through a 300 person venue or so.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[Mazatleco17]

Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass, is great imho as far as I know most of the people who own one are pretty happy with it (including myself) you could get an SX but with that bass is a hit or a miss deal.

 

[low2groove]

With what your looking for you're going to spend somewhere nearing $800 to $1000 for both bass and amp.

Even used it'll cost you probably $500 minimum not including shipping.

I look for a Dean, Schecter, or MIM fender if possible. Though none of these bass manufacturers are on my list of professional equipment they will do for a beginner.


Amps , Gallien Kruger, Peavey, Fender. Once again I don't put these amps in the pro catergory but a beginner will love them.

PS Just because I don't liike the equipment listed above doesn't mean there aren't people out there who love em or thats all they can afford. Steve

 

[vacant3x5]

I heard squiers in general are difficult to get good slapping sounds out of them. Is that true?

Anyone else with any other ideas?

 

[vacant3x5]

With what your looking for you're going to spend somewhere nearing $800 to $1000 for both bass and amp.

Even used it'll cost you probably $500 minimum not including shipping.

I look for a Dean, Schecter, or MIM fender if possible. Though none of these bass manufacturers are on my list of professional equipment they will do for a beginner.


Amps , Gallien Kruger, Peavey, Fender. Once again I don't put these amps in the pro catergory but a beginner will love them.

PS Just because I don't liike the equipment listed above doesn't mean there aren't people out there who love em or thats all they can afford. Steve

Do you have exact models that you might recommend? Thanks for the info.

 

[refbassist]

I would fo for MIM fender jazz not expensive and it's a fender regarding the amp i guess you might need more than 200W at least to cut through,try looking for GK backline series or ashdown MAG series!

 

[landry.bass]

I think you would be safe with the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz. It is a good sounding, good playing bass. And it definitely has a great slap tone. Whoever said Squiers don't have good slap tone obviously haven't played enough Squiers. Used, you might get it for $200-$250. I think. Honestly, that's a great price for that bass. As far as an amp, I'd recommend Yorkville combo amps. Don't know if you'll get one used, but you might. The Yorkville XM50C or XM100C are both nice. I owned the 200 watt version, and it was killer. Depends on what wattage you're looking for.
The 50 watt will be about $400 new, and the 100 will be about $500. Check the bay for used, I dunno. You can find cheaper amps, but the Yorkville stuff is good quality and you can't go wrong with it.

Good luck dude.

 

[landry.bass]

I would fo for MIM fender jazz not expensive and it's a fender regarding the amp i guess you might need more than 200W at least to cut through,try looking for GK backline series or ashdown MAG series!

I would say that the Squier VM Jazz is easily as good as any Fender MIM Jazz I've played. Mind you I don't own either. However, I have played many hours on both.

 

[vacant3x5]

I would say that the Squier VM Jazz is easily as good as any Fender MIM Jazz I've played. Mind you I don't own either. However, I have played many hours on both.

Do you prefer the Squier VM Jazz over a MIM Jazz? I've been looking at both. Just worried about the tuners and general quality of the Squier VM, also re-sell value, incase I decide to upgrade. What do you think?

 

[Bootzilla]

I heard squiers in general are difficult to get good slapping sounds out of them. Is that true?

Anyone else with any other ideas?

That is completely untrue, slap sound has nothing to do with the manufacturer and more with the model and pickup configuration. Of course a fender sounds better than a squier (at least most do) but not specifically for slapping. I would go with a squier jazz bass (either the vintage modified or the classic vibe) or a fender mim jazz if you find a good deal. For the amp I would look into the hartke lh 500 and just look for good deals in general (don't skimp on the cabinet).

 

[vacant3x5]

What do people think about the Acoustic b200h?

 

[baddarryl]

Ashdown Mag Series plus 1! I have a 2x10 combo that when hooked to an added 1x15 cab pushes 307 watts.Used I payed $375 for both. Very warm tone for a ss amp and plenty loud.That speaker combo gives me a very puchy yet round tone.

Ibanez soungears are also a great value.

 

[refbassist]

Ashdown Mag Series plus 1! I have a 2x10 combo that when hooked to an added 1x15 cab pushes 307 watts.Used I payed $375 for both. Very warm tone for a ss amp and plenty loud.That speaker combo gives me a very puchy yet round tone.

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