Starting out, need help

[Rostislav]

Hey guys,
I hope my question belongs here, as it deals mostly with amplification. I've tried using the search function but got so overwhelmed with information that I decided to start this thread.
So, in a couple of months I'm going to buy my first bass. I'm looking for the "modern" tone (clean, trebly, good for slap), and I'm probably going to get either a 1987 Ibanez SR-600 or a japanese JB copy (ash body, passive electronics). However, I'm completely stuck when it comes to choosing an amp.
I would be grateful on any advice on what I should get: a combo? a DI-box to plug into my sound card? an effects processor? or save up for a head+cab? should my choice depend on which bass I get?
I'm only going to play at home, so it shouldn't be too powerful.
My budget is pretty tight (sorry, I can't be more specific - here in Russia the prices are different), but I'm willing to look into any possible options.
Any help would be appreciated. Cheers!

 

[JimWasHere]

Hey, welcome to TB and welcome to playing the bass!

I'd have to reccomend for you to get a small combo or mini head and a small cab. Either way, it should have a headphones out, so that you can practice silently. I would also suggest waiting on the effects processor till you know more about what your personal style and tone will be.

 

[Rostislav]

Hey, welcome to TB and welcome to playing the bass!

I'd have to reccomend for you to get a small combo or mini head and a small cab. Either way, it should have a headphones out, so that you can practice silently. I would also suggest waiting on the effects processor till you know more about what your personal style and tone will be.

Cool, thanks a lot! I guess I'll settle on a combo for now.

 

[davidjackson]

I would go for the smallest, best quality combo you can afford. If you do decide to take this more seriously you are likely to upgrade your instrument so you having a good quality combo will pay dividends then too. Very few of us are ever going to practice at home through a head and cabinet and we all need to practice!

If you are interested in slapping you might also look for a combo that has a built in compressor on a dial that you can turn up and down. This really helps smooth out your slapping and will be a big help.

As JimWasHere has said, no need for effects processors. Practice hard so you get good enough never to need effects to disguise your sound!

 

[CL400Peavey]

If all you need it is for bedroom practice, and you dont mind headphones, I would look for a very small mixer. One of those 1 to 4 channel jobs with tape/cd in and headphone out. Sure you wont get much coloration from it in your sound, but they can be had for cheap.