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Starting from scratch, what gear are you rolling with?

kln_bc

kln_bc

Aug 24, 2011
207
493
Canada
#1
Long time guitar player/Drummer and I have no bass gear (other than guitars). I'm currently playing through Helix Native through my studio monitors for practice and it sounds good... but the time to get a real setup is coming.

I see lots of people running DI's, while others are using amps of various sizes. Then there's an all in one like the Helix. What's going to serve me best? If you were in my shoes, starting over, what are you using?

I suppose an amp is a smart place to start? If I'm playing with people and have no other sound option, then I'd need one, unless people run their DI/Helix through an FRFR (I used to use my Helix this way when I played guitar)? Not sure... FWIW, from what I've heard, I really like GK, Orange is also cool, then maybe Ampeg. Using my Native software I run-through a GK and a Fender model at the same time and it's a great mix. But also, this is something I'd have to lug in and out of my basement with narrow ass stairs, so lighter and portable is nice.
 
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#5
Good question and has me thinking :unsure:?
Hmm not sure if:

Orange Terror Bass
Orange OBC115 X 2
ESP LTD Bunny Brunnel / EBMM Stingray Special HH
or
Mesa Boogie WD800
GK NEO112 X 2
Spector NS Dimension
or
TC Electronic RH750
TC Electronic RS210 X 2
Fender Jazz Bass
or
Genz Benz Streamliner 600
Genz Benz UBER QUAD & 115t
SBMM Ray34 / Schecter Omen Extreme

I'm at a loss, but if I had to start from scratch any of these combinations would be great.:bassist:
 
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#7
Wicked G said:
Good question and has me thinking :unsure:?
Hmm not sure if:

Orange Terror Bass
Orange OBC115 X 2
ESP LTD Bunny Brunnel / EBMM Stingray Special HH
or
Mesa Boogie WD800
GK NEO112 X 2
Spector NS Dimension
or
TC Electronic RH750
TC Electronic RS210 X 2
Fender Jazz Bass
or
Genz Benz Streamliner 600
Genz Benz UBER QUAD & 115t
SBMM Ray34 / Schecter Omen Extreme

I'm at a loss, but if I had to start from scratch any of these combinations would be great.:bassist:
Click to expand...

I heard the Terror head and it sounded so good. I'm tempted to go with that.

buldog5151bass said:
Depends on a LOT of things:

1. Budget.
2. Type of gig.
3. Whether you will have FOH support.

To play it safe, 500 watt class D head (my go to is a GK MB-500), and a good 212 cab (I have a Revsound).
Click to expand...

Budget is not irrelevant, but not a huge factor within reason. You're just starting out...you don't have gigs yet! Maybe plan for practicing, rehearsals, and small venues. FOH is doubtful, but who knows. Trying to be prepared for anything.
 
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#13
I recently started from the ground up and this is where I ended/really only just begun! :roflmao:

Fender American Pro ii Precision Bass
Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 (Mesa D800+ was second running. I just got a killer deal on the TH)
Mesa Boogie Subway 2x10
Tuner (need a pedal format still)
Edison Preamp

I bought everything but the Pre amp used, and I would definitely recommend that for significant savings.

I'd recommend going to music's stores if you can and demoing as much as you can to get a feel for what you like. I tend to default to reading 100's of
 
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#15
buldog5151bass said:
Depends on a LOT of things:

1. Budget.
2. Type of gig.
3. Whether you will have FOH support.

To play it safe, 500 watt class D head (my go to is a GK MB-500), and a good 212 cab (I have a Revsound).
Click to expand...

good advice!

I’d start with your use case then your budget.

Playing on your own at home? Playing with others in a rehearsal space? Performing without PA reinforcement? Performing with reinforcement?

Need one good bread and butter tone or need a variety of esoteric tones?
 
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#16
kln_bc said:
Long time guitar player/Drummer and I have no bass gear (other than guitars). I'm currently playing through Helix Native through my studio monitors for practice and it sounds good... but the time to get a real setup is coming.

I see lots of people running DI's, while others are using amps of various sizes. Then there's an all in one like the Helix. What's going to serve me best? If you were in my shoes, starting over, what are you using?

I suppose an amp is a smart place to start? If I'm playing with people and have no other sound option, then I'd need one, unless people run their DI/Helix through an FRFR (I used to use my Helix this way when I played guitar)? Not sure... FWIW, from what I've heard, I really like GK, Orange is also cool, then maybe Ampeg. Using my Native software I run-through a GK and a Fender model at the same time and it's a great mix. But also, this is something I'd have to lug in and out of my basement with narrow ass stairs, so lighter and portable is nice.
Click to expand...
what gear are you rolling with?
My current rig:
USA Peavey Millennium 5ers into traditional pedal board into Mesa Subway D800+ into 3X12 vertical Genz stack.
Several years invested building this rig. The Peaveys are now pretty much unobtainium now (bought the green one new in '01) so no idea what I would look at to replace them.
Non Identical Twins 2.jpg pedal board complete 10-31-23.jpg full rig 03 10-16-2022.jpg
 
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#17
kln_bc said:
Long time guitar player/Drummer and I have no bass gear (other than guitars). I'm currently playing through Helix Native through my studio monitors for practice and it sounds good... but the time to get a real setup is coming.

I see lots of people running DI's, while others are using amps of various sizes. Then there's an all in one like the Helix. What's going to serve me best? If you were in my shoes, starting over, what are you using?

I suppose an amp is a smart place to start? If I'm playing with people and have no other sound option, then I'd need one, unless people run their DI/Helix through an FRFR (I used to use my Helix this way when I played guitar)? Not sure... FWIW, from what I've heard, I really like GK, Orange is also cool, then maybe Ampeg. Using my Native software I run-through a GK and a Fender model at the same time and it's a great mix. But also, this is something I'd have to lug in and out of my basement with narrow ass stairs, so lighter and portable is nice.
Click to expand...

I am all about keeping it simple. I don’t want to lug anything heavy around and want to ride in a comfy sedan.

1. Bass that sounds good without any extra bullshot.
2. Passive DI box of some flavor.
3. Decent earbuds for IEM gigs.
4. 212 combo for gigs that require amp. I like the GK MB212 but this is subjective.
5. Say no to gigs where I’ll need a bigger amp due to inadequate PA for the room.

Other than the other gig bag contents like cables and tools, this is how I would go about it (and currently an going about it).
 
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#18
For ease of portability, I have a 112 combo, in this case a Markbass CMD 112, that is great for small gigs and rehearsal and a matching additional 112 cab I add for larger gigs. They weigh around 30lbs each, are very compact, and are very loud, especially when combined. If I were to start over, I would just buy that combination again. I wish I knew about it sooner.
On a side note, I do have the Fender Rumble 210 combo, but it has a larger footprint and is slightly heavier. It’s a good backup, but not my first choice.
 
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