Which beginner kit to start off with?

[K-Train]

I'm currently looking at two different types of 4 string kits, for myself (The beginner) really want to find out if I like it. So I researched two kits in order to find the one that fits my price range.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=44691102&pf_rd_i=11971311

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260663878924&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I know that Crescent has a higher reputation, but the Silvertone has the higher power amp.

Which would be the best for me?

 

[Hollywars]

None, buy used things off of craigslist.

However, my friend has a Silvertone Precision Bass- style bass that's not bad.

 

[puddin tame]

don't worry about the amp power, as long as it's loud enough for you to hear it.

the way I see it neither 15 or 20 watt is big enough to jam in a group, so what's the difference in terms of functionality?

 

[Atnum]

Well, one is a J and the other is a P (pick up style, Silvertone has jazz pick ups)... I started off with a P but quickly moved to a J because I thought they sounded better and gave some more options for tone. (selecting pick up and all that). So if I had to make that choice I would go for the Silvertone.

 

[TRichardsbass]

Do yourself a favor and go to the Rondo Music website. They have SX bass packages in your price range. You will find several threads here with people lauding their quality for the price.

 

[SamanthaCay]

+ 1 to rondo being a really good deal for the beginner here’s the link.
http://rondomusic.com/
Also you can do yourself a lot of good by taking whatever bass you get to a good tech for a setup which will usually cost around 30-50 bucks.

 

[mid_life_crisis]

As a recent beginner I don't think kits are a great deal. They tend to have very limited amps with small drivers that will quickly become very unsatisfying to play with. If you do some careful shopping, for $50 or $100 more than a kit you can put together a bass and amp that will be much more satisfying to learn on and might even be a practice rig for a long time.

 

[denchiq]

+ godzillion.

Best kit choice is no kit. Get used instrument and combo instead, TBers may and will be helpful with that

Reasons not to kit:
- you will spend more money and get less;
-more like, you''ll spend money for nothing. "Beginners' " (in rabbit ears) kits are a way of taking money off unaware kids and/or their parents. The only difference from a "real" scam is that saying "beginners' " is a dealer's way of excuse;
- most "beginners' " instruments won't sound, will be hard to play and won't be friendly to learn. You won't find yourself comfortable with it,it will be hard to build your technique.
- it will be a very long start building up your sound. Likely, it will be lost time, and you'll start over later, once you've gotten a decent instrument.
- there is a chance that a decent instrument can be made out of a beginner's bass. But it often takes years to gather experience, and experimenting with better basses, before you know what to do and what to expect;
- also, the expense of modding of a beginner's bass far exceeds its price;
- you won't get back what you paid for it. You won't get the money you spent on mods. The guy whom you'll be selling it in the end is someone like you now - he'll look up amazon.com in the first place rather than buy something second hand at the same price.

Hang around TB for a while, read threads, ask questions, and in a few weeks you'll be more prepared for this.

You didn't say what kind of music you like. My best guess is your first bass will be a precision bass . However, in the long run I'll say a jazz bass is a good thing to learn bass

HINT: use "search" before you ask. I'm SERIOUS here Or else, you'll know