Yet another beginner bass thread

[xjeganx]

So I'll throw it out there, yes I am a guitarist and no I am not wanting to pick up bass because I think it is easier than the guitar. I want to pick up something decent but not too expensive. I read the reviews most people had on this board about the SX basses and for the money it seems they are what I am looking for. My real question is about an amp. Would it be better to get a cheap practice amp for myself at first or just play unplugged and save up more for an Avatar cab and Gallien-Krueger head? I don't want to make the same mistake I made with the guitar and keep spending money on cheap amps and cheap guitars that weren't really an upgrade from what I had.

 

[gold_member_321]

www.rondomusic.com has a beginner pack that includes pretty much everything youd need (except a tuner), and its only $140


I own an SX and have played a few and they're absolutely wonderful, but if you decide not to go with the beginner pack id strongly suggest looking around what people are selling here and ebay for amps.


Good luck with the search.

Gary

 

[Phalex]

My basses have changed but my amp has stayed the same almost since the beginning. Cheap basses are easy to upgrade, but you don't want to keep spending money on amps. Seeing as how you're just getting into it, I'd get the lowest dough amp I could find with the intention of buying a real rig sometime in the future.

Ebay and Craigs list are your friends!

 

[Jamesemt]

Don't know if this is advisable, but I've used a guitar amp as a practice amp for years - obviously not going to sound quite as good...wonder if I'm doing any damage

I'm kind of an ex guitarist (I'm playing a bit of both...).

My advice Bass wise would be to go short scale - I made the transition very very easily by going to a short scale.

Oh, and Bass is far more difficult than lead guitar (I used to be/am quite competant on guitar and can play a couple of flashy Vai pieces.)

 

[eleveniseven]

bass is easier...maybe easier to learn how to play the simple things,
but when you get into the meat and potatoes, im sure you will find much to learn.

 

[burno70]

Well I started off with an Aria Pro II and its a decent workhorse of a bass at a very reasonable price. You could always upgrade the pick ups at a later date.

The problem with basses you get in some package deals is that they are little more than blocks of wood with strings on. A good bass makes you want to play it. If you go really low budget just make sure you play every fret for buzzing and that it feels right to you.

I'd definately get some kind of cheap amp. A poor sound is better than non at all. If your not making any noise you may well lose interest and stop playing before you've got anywhere. If you get a cheap one then you can save for something better as your skill level increases.

Hope that helps.

 

[rappa29]

I just started playing last year. I started out with used Fender Bassman practice amp. The smallest one, something like 30watts, 1x10. Before I knew it, I was rehearsing with a band and now gigging! Had to upgrade my rig real fast!

However, I still have my little Bassman and use it all the time for solo practice b\c I can use headphones (have a toddler that sacks out at 7pm) and loading my rig (head, 2 cabs) in\out of my house all the time is a pain.

So my little Bassman is my stay at home 'go to' shedding rig.

Have an SX also. Currently my main gigging axe.

 

[xjeganx]

I appreciate the advice. I think I will pick up a decent small beginner amp (no fancy stacks just yet) that will still be decent for practice in my house and jamming with a friend. As for a bass, I thought of going with SX for the value and the future of upgrading it. If money were not as much of an issue I would definately try to find a Rickenbacker 4001 or in my dreams, a Wal (I'm a big Tool fan).

One more question though, how does a PJ bass compare to a regular P or J bass in terms of sound. Is it a case of having the best of both worlds or having a bass that doesn't quite sound as good as a regular Precision or Jazz.

 

[Pokeroo]

One more question though, how does a PJ bass compare to a regular P or J bass in terms of sound. Is it a case of having the best of both worlds or having a bass that doesn't quite sound as good as a regular Precision or Jazz.

Depends on what sound you like. If you want to keep your options open, get the PJ.

Don't worry too much about getting stuck with a cheapo bass, you've got the right idea -- upgrades to pickups, pots, bridge, even the neck will make a huge difference down the road. For now just get something that feels comfortable in your hands, isn't too heavy and if you buy it from a store try to get them to throw in a free setup -- it will make a big difference.

Ken