• 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.

New guy here!

Eddie Jones

Eddie Jones

Sep 18, 2019
259
791
63
Sylacauga AL
#1
I have been trying to play the guitar for quite awhile and know all of the basic scales, patterns, and some theory. However, I saw a bass player this past weekend in a P&W band that was using a simple set-up...(cheap Ibanez bass and Peavey bass combo) and he and his tone were outstanding. I think the bass may be a much better fit for me. I have always loved the bass as a "setting the groove" instrument but was rather enamored with being the guitarist and playing screaming leads. But, I never progressed to that point. I was passable but not anywhere close to good. I also checked out a band, "Riverside" and the bassist was doing things I did not even know were possible on a 4 string bass. I want that...I want to be able to make people go, "Damn, check out the bass player" So, here I am. I do not have a bass rig yet but will ask for advice for a beginning bassist on a good, cheap bass rig to play at home, just for now. As I get better, obviously I will look to getting better and better equipment.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wisebass, MTN.bass72, Spidey2112 and 7 others
#3
Greetings from the North,

Welcome to TalkBass.

Since you already have understanding of the fret board I would point you in the direction of....

Squire Precision or Jazz Bass new/used

Fender Rumble 100 or 200 Combo Bass Amp new/used

Great sound and useful features.


You can always develop and expand from there.


Rezdog
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: wintremute, Oddly, EatS1stBassist and 2 others
#4
Stumbo said:
Welcome to TalkBass!

What's your max budget?
Click to expand...
Haven't really thought about it. I will probably start out small and cheap but good quality regardless of nameplate. Like with guitar, I started with a Ibanez IC300 (Iceman) and slowly made my way up the scale to much better. As long as the neck and fretting feels good and I get the sound in my head, I am good to start. What would you suggest...let's say given a budget of $500.00 for small amp and guitar?
 
  • Like
Reactions: EatS1stBassist
#5
Rezdog said:
Greetings from the North,

Welcome to TalkBass.

Since you already have understanding of the fret board I would point you in the direction of....

Squire Precision or Jazz Bass new/used

Fender Rumble 100 or 200 Combo Bass Amp new/used

Great sound and useful features.


You can always develop and expand from there.


Rezdog
Click to expand...
Great suggestion. That may be the direction I take. I have also thought about Peavey bass and amps off ebay or even Yamaha bass which is hard to beat at any price point. At least in their Pacifica line of guitars.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pellomoco14
#6
Bass:
Squire Precision bass (aka "P bass" or just ”P") or a Jazz bass (aka "J bass" or just "J")

or

a used Made in Mexico (MIM) Fender P or J

Amp:
Fender Rumble 100 could be good to get you started - loud enough to do some not-too-loud playing with others while being light enough to carry to someone’s house or to a jam or later a gig and not too expensive. You’ll eventually want something more powerful, and arguably you could start with something even smaller just to get going at home and for lessons and maybe an very low volume jam with a guitarist, but the 100 is kind of in the middle, size-wise. A little more power than the minimum needed to get started but a little less power than you’ll want available when you’re playing with a band, but flexible enough to cover a lot of early situations reasonably well.

Of course there are other brands and choices for basses and amps that would be fine — too many, really! That’s part of why a lot of people start with the Fender classics. Keeps things simple and gets you going.

Ibanez SR300 basses or their Gio bass would be a popular alternative to Fender that presents a quite different "modern" look/sound/feel compared to Fender’s "traditional" look/sound/feel, if that’s more your style.

Good luck with your bass journey!
 
  • Like
Reactions: MynameisMe, Spidey2112, Rezdog and 1 other person
#7
dmt said:
Bass:
Squire Precision bass (aka "P bass" or just ”P") or a Jazz bass (aka "J bass" or just "J")

or

a used Made in Mexico (MIM) Fender P or J

Amp:
Fender Rumble 100 could be good to get you started - loud enough to do some not-too-loud playing with others while being light enough to carry to someone’s house or to a jam or later a gig and not too expensive. You’ll eventually want something more powerful, and arguably you could start with something even smaller just to get going at home and for lessons and maybe an very low volume jam with a guitarist, but the 100 is kind of in the middle, size-wise. A little more power than the minimum needed to get started but a little less power than you’ll want available when you’re playing with a band, but flexible enough to cover a lot of early situations reasonably well.

Of course there are other brands and choices for basses and amps that would be fine — too many, really! That’s part of why a lot of people start with the Fender classics. Keeps things simple and gets you going.

Ibanez SR300 basses or their Gio bass would be a popular alternative to Fender that presents a quite different "modern" look/sound/feel compared to Fender’s "traditional" look/sound/feel, if that’s more your style.

Good luck with your bass journey!
Click to expand...
Thanks...one thing I found with playing guitar is that sometimes, simpler is better. My main squeeze was a TMG Strat-style that looked plain but sounded extraordinary. I hope that is true with bass. I have a friend that uses a Squire bass and a Peavey amp and plays and sounds absolutely wonderful.
 
  • Like
Reactions: EatS1stBassist
#8
Eddie Jones said:
Thanks...one thing I found with playing guitar is that sometimes, simpler is better. My main squeeze was a TMG Strat-style that looked plain but sounded extraordinary. I hope that is true with bass. I have a friend that uses a Squire bass and a Peavey amp and plays and sounds absolutely wonderful.
Click to expand...

For bass, I personally (not that I’m anybody important) find simple is better (a 4 string P bass or Mustang bass [both of which are single pickup passive basses with just 2 knobs: 1 volume, 1 tone], cable, tuner pedal, cable, amp). That could probably seem "too simple" coming from guitar, but that kind of simple setup works for a lot of bassists. However, many other people go for quite complex instruments and setups. Others of course go for something in between. So, go with your instincts in that regard, then mess around with some different gear here and there as you get the chance, keep your ears open for what you like (both in your own playing/gear and in others) and see where it all leads you
 
  • Like
Reactions: MTN.bass72 and Spidey2112
#9
dmt said:
For bass, I personally find simple is better (a 4 string P bass or Mustang bass [both of which are single pickup passive basses with just 2 knobs: 1 volume, 1 tone], cable, tuner pedal, cable, amp). Could seem "too simple" coming from guitar, but that kind of thing works for a lot of bassists. However, many other people go for quite complex instruments and setups, while others go for something inbetween. So, go with your instincts in that regard, then mess around with some different gear here and there as you get the chance, keep your ears open for what you like (both in your own playing/gear and in others) and see where it all leads you
Click to expand...
Having basic understanding of theory and where the notes on a fretboard are, I think I will focus a lot of my practice on "playing for the song". IMHO, bassist and drummers are the foundation of any song regardless of genre. But especially so in rock, blues, metal, etc. Without the "drive" of the rhythm, the guitarists and the vocalist could just go home. I recently discovered Riverside and that is the direction I would like to eventually head with my playing. Their bassist, Mariusz Duda, is so talented and versatile, it made my head hurt imagining the dedication he placed in his playing.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Spidey2112, EatS1stBassist and dmt
#10
Ahoy. For your budget, and as a neighbor of Mississippi, see if you can track down a Mississippi-made Peavey Fury bass and Peavey TKO or TNT. You'll have enough left over to get a swanky strap and a good tuner pedal, and you might not ever need to get anything else.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Spidey2112, NoSlapForYou, pellomoco14 and 3 others
#11
Eddie Jones said:
Haven't really thought about it. I will probably start out small and cheap but good quality regardless of nameplate. Like with guitar, I started with a Ibanez IC300 (Iceman) and slowly made my way up the scale to much better. As long as the neck and fretting feels good and I get the sound in my head, I am good to start. What would you suggest...let's say given a budget of $500.00 for small amp and guitar?
Click to expand...

Pawn shops. You can often find Squier Affinities for $99. That's a decent, playable starter bass, and if you don't like it, clean it up and you should be able to get your money back easily. Should be able to find small bass amps for that or less.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Spidey2112, jamro217 and EatS1stBassist
#12
Go used. A US made Peavey bass and a Peavey TKO combo should be easily had for $500. There have a run of Peavey basses in the Cincinnati area lately and they have been listed pretty reasonably. $175 for a Foundation and $150 for a Fury. I have heard that keyboard combos aren't a bad way to go either. Fender Rumbles are good. I like the sound we get with an Ampeg 2x10 combo.

Also look for used Yamaha BB basses. The BB300 is a "P" that should inexpensive when found. Yamaha RBX line is good as are the BB23x and 43x lines.

A new Squier Mustang if you want to go short scale will run ya about $349.

Ibanez GSR and lower SR line are fine. The TMB's are fine too.

Enough rambling...just go play and find the one that feels good!
 
  • Like
Reactions: EatS1stBassist
#15
Eddie Jones said:
I have a plan. Peavey for first bass. Also Peavey for amp. Cool thing about bass is that is all you need in most cases. When playing guitar I was always checking out and buying different pedals to get my "sound". But with the bass, all I need is the minimum and personal drive to practice.
Click to expand...

Famous last words before you dive deep into TB :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bunk McNulty, MTN.bass72, Fat Freddy and 1 other person
#16
"""I want to be able to make people go, "Damn, check out the bass player"""

Keep that goal as a motivator, but there is much more to bass than that kind of stuff. I play guitar, mandolin, and a couple of other things and getting showy on those is very fun. It IS fun to be showy on bass too. But, as you learn bass, you'll discover the majestic beauty of locking into the groove with the drummer and finding the pocket. When it happens, and a lot of times it happens playing simple lines, that will make me happier than the showy things because that is what makes a song great and makes the band shine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dmt
#18
For $500 I would buy a decent bass, if it were me it would be a Fender Jazz, looked quickly though guitar centers used site and you can get one for $375 ish. Then for an amp I saw GK backline 110 combo for $99. I am sure you can go Peavey, Ibanez, schecter etc but put a little extra cash towards the piece that is in your hands and see how you like it. Then get an amp that’s truly gigable.
 
#20
Eddie Jones said:
... I do not have a bass rig yet but will ask for advice for a beginning bassist on a good, cheap bass rig to play at home, just for now. As I get better, obviously I will look to getting better and better equipment.
Click to expand...
Welcome to TalkBass!

A lot of people will say Fender this or that, or some other big brand name. If you're after the mystique of the headstock, those are all fine.

BUT!!!

Many of the new "dirt cheap" basses (Glarry, Harley Benton, Cort, J&D, etc) are just as good, if not better, than the entry level instruments of the "big names". Many of these are made in the same factories that give you Squier, Ibanez, Epiphone, etc. Most are also excellent platforms to upgrade/hot rod later on down the road.

The days of Asian no-names being crap are long behind us, but the stigma remains.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sonicfrog, Spidey2112 and jamro217

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back