Thinking about picking up a bass.

[dystrust]

Re: Thinking about picking up a bass.

The Squier Vintage Modified is probably the front runner if I buy new. I'm also looking around the used market a bit as well. I'm seeing a ton of Ibanez bass guitars used. They look "cool", maybe more modern is the appropriate term, but I've no clue which one's are good or not.

I found a '93 Ibanez SR400 for Longcat used at a GC in KS for $135. Add in shipping to the local store and tax and I spent about $160. Best part was when I opened the box and found a EMG P/J set installed. :headbang:

For a home / rehearsal / small gig amp we're looking at a used Line6 LD150. I was just blown away by how great they sound even at super low volume, and they go in the $200 range.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Thinking about picking up a bass.

Along these lines, I have a deal pending to acquire a lightly abused/neglected Warwick Streamer Pro M for a very silly price. Gonna need some work and a proper hardshell case but, otherwise, a killer deal.

Right now, I have to sit on my hands until the guy who is trading the Warwick in at a local shop settles up the cash balance for the brand new Rick 4003 displayed in the store.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Thinking about picking up a bass.

Quick update.

I bought the Warwick Streamer Pro M. It has the two-in-one double J pickup. The balance control seems to shift the sound from Precision to slightly brighter Precision. It never sounds like a 'Ray or a Jazz. What it does do is a mean Adam Clayton or Bill Wyman circa Let It Bleed > Exile On Main Street.

This week, I gave in to temptation and purchased a Squier VM fretless Jazz Bass. These play so well out of the box that they embarrass Fender MIM and American Special instruments. This particular bass is getting SD Lightnin' Rod pickups and a chunkier bridge before going to my brother.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Thinking about picking up a bass.

As for amps, just plug into one of your Mesa halfstacks, set clean and EQ'd for bass. If you're not gigging as a bassist, your guitar amps will work just fine. If the Bassman 410 can hack it, a Mesa halfstack definitely will.

 

[tonello]

Re: Thinking about picking up a bass.

Bass:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/squier-left-handed-1970s-vintage-modified-jazz-bass

Amp:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/fender-rumble-75-75w-1x12-bass-combo-amp

 

[Jason_The_Angry]

Re: Thinking about picking up a bass.

I happened upon a used Eden Silver Series 2x8" practice amp. It's pretty tiny, but very punchy. It won't cause earthquakes if you have a 5 string, but I think it's a great sounding little amp. They're out there...

http://www.eden-electronics.com/products/discontinued/silverseries/indiv/n28s.asp

 

[constant mesh]

Re: Thinking about picking up a bass.

Another vote for Yamaha RBX if buying used.

Yesterday I got a Squier Affinity JB V in my shop, liking it very much. Very well built, even the factory setup is up to Fender specs.
They still make them.
http://www.fender.com/en-US/products/affinity-series-jazz-bass-v-five-string