Bass guitar/amp buying questions

[Syle]

I am looking at purchasing either a http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-Stiletto-Deluxe5-Bass?sku=513048

or a

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-Omen5-5String-Bass-Guitar?sku=513489

or is there a better bass out there in this style and range for a better price?

I am also looking for a middle line bass combo amp. I am planning on playing gigs with this amp so it needs to be of the right wattage and speaker size/etc.

I am an experienced guitarist but I am completely ignorant on bass stuff.

thanks for any help!

(I play metal/progressive rock)


PS: any tips on effects pedals too?

[ebe9]

As far as the basses go, you are on the right track.

With regards to an amp.

What sort of sized gigs are you looking at?

Is there going to be PA support?

As a good bet, I would think that somewhere in the region of 200W RMS should be okay, obviously if you are doing pretty big gigs without PA support then you might need more.

Some amps to have a look at.

Fender Bassman Series
Fender Pro Series

David Eden (The Nemisis range might be more agreeable with you wallet)

SWR

Aguilar (I do not like their AG500 head, but their cabs are great)

Hartke

Ampeg


I would say that as far as speaker combinations go, it would depend on the type of music you are playing.

Just a general Guideline:

10's: Fast and punchy, quick response. Good quality ones can handle the lows (Good all rounders)

15's: Slightly slower response depending on the weight of the driver. Cover the lows well and push more air. (Good for the lows)

12's: A nice mix of the 10 and the 15, with a good response but with the ability to cover the lows. (A good mixture, sometimes more of an aquired taste)

All the above is personal experience and other may disagree with me.

For your needs I would say a 2X10 would be sufficient for now, and maybe add a 1X15 at a later point.


A great setup that I have played through many times but unfortunately do not own is the Fender Pro400 Combo (2X10) with the matching 1X15 cab.
500W RMS in total and a great sound. It will knock you quite a bit in the wallet department though.

[pitchfork]

Ashdown blue combos, or fender rumble 100.
Both good combos.