Ponderin' the Bass

[Dweller of Sabaku]

Good info all and regarding your bass guitars Jim......VERRRY NICE.
BTW, do you have any experience with some of Ampegs smaller combo amps? Wouldn't want to end up with a fart box ya' know

 

[spideyjg]

things NOT to buy! i agree w/ jim - happy ears = happy fingers - helps with ear training and speeds up the learning curve. if your not planning on jammin w/a drummer i'd get something like a bass pod. then you can try all the amps plus have some fun fx. yay! hobbs is gonna be a bass god!

There was a bit of a recurring theme in there huh.

Jim

 

[Steph Harris]

Soo I've been thinking over the last few years about taking up the base. Learn something new, musical, requiring dexterity and concentration.

Thing is, I know nuffin about starting out, what brands are good, what to avoid, etc.

So any advice would be appreciated, 'specialy from Wanda

If you're starting out, just find something that's comfortable and sounds okay but doesn't cost a lot. No point breaking the bank at this point 'cause you don't know if you're even going to like it yet. If you decide that the bass is for you, you can always upgrade later. My first electric bass was a Tiesco that I paid $25 for ~ it wasn't a great sounding bass but it was good enough to get me going. Also keep in mind that everyone has different tastes and preferences when it comes to instruments and gear so try out a lot of stuff on your own and find out what you like. Happy hunting!

 

[HobbesDawg]

Thanks for the info and advice so far The wife wrote off on it, thank goodness (hehe) so now the search and research will begin for a good starter and cheap starter amp, as well as taking a look into lessons, but it'll be 2-3 months before that'll be happening.

Still, I've always liked the bass line and how it helps maintain the whole coherent sound.

 

[spideyjg]

Thanks for the info and advice so far The wife wrote off on it, thank goodness (hehe) so now the search and research will begin for a good starter and cheap starter amp, as well as taking a look into lessons, but it'll be 2-3 months before that'll be happening.

Still, I've always liked the bass line and how it helps maintain the whole coherent sound.

Great plan. A few things, be sure the teacher is a bass instructor not a guitar teacher doing bass on the side.

When testing basses stick with one amplifier, and testing amplifiers stick with one bass. Test with any EQ set flat to minimize coloring the sound. Reduces variation that way.
On active basses when comparing to a passive one be sure to set the EQ flat. As an example the MusicMan basses have a spot in the center of the rotation of the EQ knobs that is "flat" where a passive bass you keep the knobs all the way up. Then they are on equal footing.

For a starter amp I'd go with at the minimum a 10" speaker ala the Peavey Minx ($85-$100 on E-bay). In their line up it was replaced by then Max 110 ($150). A 10" or 12" gives a better sound than a 15".

Avoid effects at first. They tend to hide sloppy technique. The most brutal thing is a headphone amp. You can't hide anything there.

Jim

 

[yosmark]

Jim you could be an awesome Bass instructor, teach hobbes, do you have any "demonstration" on video so we can watch, i have a strange feeling that you play amazing.

 

[HobbesDawg]

Great plan. A few things, be sure the teacher is a bass instructor not a guitar teacher doing bass on the side.

When testing basses stick with one amplifier, and testing amplifiers stick with one bass. Test with any EQ set flat to minimize coloring the sound. Reduces variation that way.
On active basses when comparing to a passive one be sure to set the EQ flat. As an example the MusicMan basses have a spot in the center of the rotation of the EQ knobs that is "flat" where a passive bass you keep the knobs all the way up. Then they are on equal footing.

For a starter amp I'd go with at the minimum a 10" speaker ala the Peavey Minx ($85-$100 on E-bay). In their line up it was replaced by then Max 110 ($150). A 10" or 12" gives a better sound than a 15".

Avoid effects at first. They tend to hide sloppy technique. The most brutal thing is a headphone amp. You can't hide anything there.

Jim

Woot! Feedback rocks Thankye sir. The savings of the Monies is begining

 

[Metallicat180]

Jim you could be an awesome Bass instructor, teach hobbes, do you have any "demonstration" on video so we can watch, i have a strange feeling that you play amazing.

I've heard Jim play and he's an excellent player, contrary to what he'll probably tell you!!

 

[LowGuitar253]

I would have to agree with Wanda, no need to spend a lot of money on that first bass. Look for something used but that feels comfortable. My first bass (when I was a kid) was a POS SG bass copy that was probably made out of plywood but I didn't care. Even when I was playing for a living I played a range of basses from $250 Peaveys (not bad at all, very comfortable) to custom jobs (my guitar player's stepdad worked at Warmoth and built some sweet stuff).

Just find something to get going with and have fun. As far as learning to play, lessons are great, and lots of practice and especially LISTENING to great players...listen, listen, listen. And don't limit yourself to specific genres. Have an open mind and you can learn a TON from players who may not play your favorite types of music.

PS. Here's a bass to ponder, and it may also provide a PLACE to ponder...

Good luck in your pursuit of the bass!

LG

 

[yosmark]

I've heard Jim play and he's an excellent player, contrary to what he'll probably tell you!!

I want to hear or watch something I WANT IT!!!!

*MOM I WANT TO SEE (HEAR) JIM PLAYING*

 

[Metallicat180]

I want to hear or watch something I WANT IT!!!!

*MOM I WANT TO SEE (HEAR) JIM PLAYING*

I'm trying to remember what he played me now. There was Where Eagles Dare and another off Piece Of Mind I think. Also a short video clip of Killers cos I'd posted a vid of me playing it but it wasn't quite right and he was showing me the proper way. That was aaaaaaaages ago tho.

 

[spideyjg]

I would have to agree with Wanda, no need to spend a lot of money on that first bass. Look for something used but that feels comfortable. My first bass (when I was a kid) was a POS SG bass copy that was probably made out of plywood but I didn't care. Even when I was playing for a living I played a range of basses from $250 Peaveys (not bad at all, very comfortable) to custom jobs (my guitar player's stepdad worked at Warmoth and built some sweet stuff).

Well in a way I agree that you don't need to spend a fortune but these days there is no reason to buy a plywood piece of junk, avoiding more crap uses Sara, . It won't take too long you will learn enough and want a better bass. I've seen decent used basses that aren't plywood duds go for <$200. Old USA Peaveys are built like tanks and sell for peanuts. Regardless if you buy used, you can sell it without losing much at all. Hell you may make a few bucks when you flip it.

Just find something to get going with and have fun. As far as learning to play, lessons are great, and lots of practice and especially LISTENING to great players...listen, listen, listen. And don't limit yourself to specific genres. Have an open mind and you can learn a TON from players who may not play your favorite types of music.

Steal from everybody!

 

[spideyjg]

I've heard Jim play and he's an excellent player, contrary to what he'll probably tell you!!

Nah, I love the instrument and I'm fascinated with making odd noises I am nowhere near the league of player many folks are.
I do have quite the fascination with gear and gadgets so trying out gear is like a hobby for me.
I will say I am pretty good at dissecting a bass sound to figure out how to get it to sound right with the subtleties.

I have thought of maybe doing some little gear demo stuff but have no facilities or enough spare time to do it. Maybe someday though.

Jim

 

[mission_from_arry]

+1 to finding a bass instructor that is an actual bass player.

Many lose sight of the fact that the bass is a percussion instrument.
Not a guitar.

I learned to play bass from a guy who has a doctorate in Cello performance, but really came to understand bass playing even more from playing with a really great drummer.

Finding a drummer to jam with will help you immensely.

My advice would be - never trust gimmicky gadgets.
There are lots of products out there that will widdle you down financially and not help you play or understand your instrument any better.

Better to spend that money on a quality instructor.
Never stay with the same instructor for more than a year.
The more perspectives you have, the more easily you will be able to figure your own musical identity.

Hook up with a drummer.

Buy a decent bass.
Get a great amplifier.
When you are starting out, invest more in amplification - than the bass.

Most of the overseas milling machines can crank out decent playing instruments to the masses at Guitar Center for a pretty good deal. And you can find them used on Craigslist for even less. This will get you playing.

Better to have an amp powerful enough to play with a drummer and hear yourself - than 3 or 4 basses and you can really only play alone.

Often I see players get addicted to buying instruments - and end up having great instruments plugged into really crappy amps.

I have always felt that you can get a decent playing bass - upgrade the pickups - and with more of your money spent on a quality amplifier, you will have a great sound.

A really expensive bass - through some cheap ass amp ... still sounds cheap.
A cheap ass bass with great pickups, through a kick ass amp ... will totally rock.

The added benefit of better wood, thin coat or nitrocelulose laquer is only really adding about 10-15% of extra sound quality ... usually at the expense of an extra $1000 or so. My opinion, is starting out ... spend your funds on the amplification. (Same goes for guitarists).

Get lessons.
Oh, and find a drummer.

 

[Deadnight Warrior87]

^Totally!

One of the best things and most important things to do if you want your talen to progress is to play with musicians that are better than you. Luckily as a beginner they're not hard to find.

 

[LowGuitar253]

Well in a way I agree that you don't need to spend a fortune but these days there is no reason to buy a plywood piece of junk, avoiding more crap uses Sara, . It won't take too long you will learn enough and want a better bass. I've seen decent used basses that aren't plywood duds go for <$200. Old USA Peaveys are built like tanks and sell for peanuts. Regardless if you buy used, you can sell it without losing much at all. Hell you may make a few bucks when you flip it.

I should say that I wasn't suggesting that anyone should buy a plywood bass! Just that I had a cheap-ass bass and a 5 watt "amp" with about a 3" "speaker" and that was enough to get me hooked! Of course I was probably about 11 years old at the time, so I had to take what I could get. It seems like back then there were fewer inexpensive but decent brands on the market. I think a someone beginning now has a great selection of instruments to choose from that won't break the bank.

I agree with Spidey, an old Peavey or something of that level would be a great way to start out.

LG

 

[HobbesDawg]

So as I delve more into planning things out, I noticed many of ya all mention the sound quality (and alas I won't have a drummer to jam with ) so I've been looking at getting a new amp to start and maybe a used or inexpensive bass after that.

I know people hate the big chain type stores but I'm wondering for a starting amp what ya all think of this:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_ibanez_sw35_35_watt_bass_amp?full_sku=480136

I like the tilt back because for once it would give a clear sound while practicing from the speakers angled towards you. Of course you can always headphone it as well I guess.

Anywho! feedback appreciated.

As for a package set up that looked ok, tho the comments were not raving about the amp:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/pr..._electric_bass_pack?full_sku=519527&#37;2e001

 

[spideyjg]

I know people hate the big chain type stores but I'm wondering for a starting amp what ya all think of this:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_ibanez_sw35_35_watt_bass_amp?full_sku=480136

I like the tilt back because for once it would give a clear sound while practicing from the speakers angled towards you. Of course you can always headphone it as well I guess.

Anywho! feedback appreciated.

As for a package set up that looked ok, tho the comments were not raving about the amp:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/pr...string_electric_bass_pack?full_sku=519527.001

Never heard one but the amp is as full featured as I would recommend. CD in, headphones out, effects loop, and 10" speaker.

I say go to GC and try out the Ibanez GSR basses and see how you like them. Remember the ergonomic factor. Keep an eye out for used stuff on the cheap also. A local one here had an old '80s Ibanez Roadstar for $180.

The starter kit could be nice but the cord, strap, and phones look real cheap and reviews reflect that.

If you are handy with a soldering iron any marginal electronics in the bass should be simple to change out.

Jim

 

[HobbesDawg]

Roger that. I think I'll hit GC tomorrow after the FA Cup final game