First I 'd like to thank all of you that gave me so much encouragement to start learning to play the bass at a senior age. Now I am looking for bass and amp and have decided on this setup. Budget is playing a big part in my decision but I am also taking the word of several pros that I have chosen a good setup to purchase for a beginner. First I chose the Ibanez 4 string (GSR200). I played this along with several other basses in it's $ range and it just felt right and sounded great. We played them through a CRATE amp BX50 (50 watts) I enjoyed the the features and effects that this amp had. Probably won't use alot of the effects but they are there if I get bored and want to spice things up. I haven't purchased any of this yet so let me know pro or con if I am heading in the right direction. Looks like I am going to be spending around 275.00 for the amp and 225.00 on the bass does that sound reasonable. I have looked at 20 or more used basses and they are in bad shape or over priced. Some I didn't know what I was looking at so decided go new unless I could buy privately and get a good deal. Thanks again and hanging out in these music stores is cool. Learned a lot just keeping my ears open and my mouth shut.
For a starting Rig, that sounds reasonable, price wise. And, I would like to congradulate you for starting bass at an older age. Guess you CAN teach old dogs new tricks! I am not however aware of any SG Ibanez. Do you mean GSR? Or SR? If it is indeed a GRS, then 225 is not bad, but can be had for 200. Unless of course 225 is after Tax and shipping (if applicable). If it's an SR, then it's a good price.
Sorry about the misquote -- The Ibanez was a GSR200 with gigbag for 225.00. Sorry. If you know a cheaper source let me know.
With a gigbag, 225 is an excellent price. a GSR200 is about 200 anyway, so 25 bucks for a gig bag is not bad at all. I as well own a GRS200, and I'm really satisfied with it, as far as a starter bass. Hopefully you will to. What color are you going to get?
Hey bcar, and - welcome to THE WORLD ! Anyway, I think the red Soundgears look really great, although red and other shiney colors are not my thing (I don´t know why, but I still stay with black basses - I just don´t like to be noticed that much on stage), if you like it go for it. It´s great to know that there are some older people who are not so conservative and try to do something new ! Enjoy your time and playing bass, Music is something you´ll enjoy more and more. But let me tell you, if you can afford, and want to, go for a teacher. I started to play bass not too long ago (a little less than two years), and tried one year without a teacher. But after that, I didn´t know so much more than I knew before I tried playing. Maybe because I learned in the wrong way, but anyway, one important thing about music is that you get to know very nice people. At least that´s what happened in my case. Enjoy your time ! David P.S. What kind of music is most interesting for you? Rock ? Jazz ? Classical ?
Congrats man! I think the Crate could've been a better than $275.. but its okay. You're finally in the WORLD OF BASS! yay!
Welcome to the wonderful world of what could end up being your most expensive hobby Actually, I honestly believe that after a year or two, you'll wonder how you ever managed to NOT have played bass I'd strongly recommend getting a teacher for a while. And, the more you practice and read, the better you'll get. I think you already know that since you said you're more interested in hearing than talking at this stage. Still, don't be afraid to provide an opinion around here. We all might have something valuable to learn or a new perspective to consider. Welcome!