I need guidance purchasing a bass and amp. My 20 year old son would like a bass for Christmas (he played the trombone for many years) and I don't want to drop a ton of money into something that he may not love. I could use help selecting a make and model for a beginner. Thanks!
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Suggest a Starter Set - New player
- Thread starter Needful
- Start date
Here are a couple of links to previous TB threads on your topic:
First bass advice
First amp advice
You also may want to check out the links in my sig. below for more great TB learning info.
Good luck.
Let us know how it goes.
First bass advice
First amp advice
You also may want to check out the links in my sig. below for more great TB learning info.
Good luck.
Let us know how it goes.
There are several bass / amp combo packs available for around $200. Fender makes one, and it's hard to beat Fender.
One thing to consider - are his hands large or small. If they are small hands (like my midget hand) a jazz style bass / amp combo might be worth asking about.
One thing to consider - are his hands large or small. If they are small hands (like my midget hand) a jazz style bass / amp combo might be worth asking about.
Your son played trombone in the high school band? If that is true, chances are that he will be successful as a bassist.
If you know what you're doing, understand the gear, Craigslist is a great way to go because you can purchase a pro instrument on the cheap, a move up instrument for an entry level price, or entry level for next to nothing. Failing that, head to the local B&M for an education. You will become familiar with the major brands and the various models at each price point. That way when you read unqualified opinion on the internet you'll be able to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Speaking of education, it would be fantastic if you could also give your son a gift certificate for some lessons. He already reads so that is one hurdle that he doesn't have to negotiate. Some lessons will put his hands on the guitar the right way. That will eliminate a great deal of frustration for the beginning player.
The Squier starter packs are fine to start out on. They give you a choice of P-bass or Jazz bas and come with a small bedroom practice amp (with a headphone jack! 
) . The basses don't come with great setups so maybe have a good one done professionally or learn how to do a basic one yourself.
If you don't mind buying used, you can get better deals.
) . The basses don't come with great setups so maybe have a good one done professionally or learn how to do a basic one yourself.If you don't mind buying used, you can get better deals.
Personally I think the Squier packs are great value although it is a bit cliche.
Plus I have always felt a Jazz is a fairly middle ground bass in terms of style sound etc and it will give a good yardstick to compare other basses to in the future, just my two-cents.
Plus I have always felt a Jazz is a fairly middle ground bass in terms of style sound etc and it will give a good yardstick to compare other basses to in the future, just my two-cents.
fender 08 am.dlx P5 and an Amepeg svt cl rig. that should be ample and take a while to grow out of
He needs beginner's gear, not expensive pro gear! And not a 5-string!
Maybe you were attempting a joke.
SX Bass. Cheap Hartke Amp. That's how I started, well, minus the SX bass but it is still your best choice.
Also, small Hartke Amps are affordable and most definitely good sounding.
SX Also has some nice starter packs.
SX's Website: Link Removed
A Nice Hartke Amp: Invalid Link Removed
ALL THIS IS IMO. GO WITH WHATEVER YOU FEEL BEST
Also, small Hartke Amps are affordable and most definitely good sounding. SX Also has some nice starter packs.
SX's Website: Link Removed
A Nice Hartke Amp: Invalid Link Removed
ALL THIS IS IMO. GO WITH WHATEVER YOU FEEL BEST
+1. I messed around on some lower end Squiers last time I was at GC and they were surprisingly good for the money. Better in quality than the Yamaha starter I began on (not that it was a bad bass itself).
If your budget can handle it, I'd recommend getting a Squier VM or CV series bass. Great instruments for the money. Get a decent small amp to go with it and your son would have a great way to start.
