Starting to Play

[PECOAE]

I play guitar, drums, and piano, and know a bit of theory from the guitar.

I was thinking of starting to play the bass, because really, its the coolest instrument I know - I'd love to be the one playing it.

So - if I know roots and all - and know theory from guitar, what else should I learn?

And what type of bass should I get?

Keep in mind I'm on a really tight budget and I know nothing about basses.

Thanks guys!

[bottlerocket]

Well, you can't say, "What type of bass should I get?" What tone(s) are you looking for and what style(s) of music do you want to play? It's all relative for your budgest, too, so how much are you willing to spend?

Just learn some theory, I guess. It's not necessary to be able to play the instrument but it helps.

-Gav

[PECOAE]

Oops.

Thanks.

Well, I know a lot of theory from guitar already, I was thinking about learning some stuff more native to the bass Techniques, I guess.

I'm looking to play some alternative in the vein of Radiohead, but I'd probably like a very hypnotic clean tone. I like that. I can fuzz it up later with distortion if I need it.

I'm just starting out though, so, yeah.

I'd probably be willing to spend about 250 USD...

Something very beginner and cheap would be fine for me, as long as it works and its not bad per se.

[ebe9]

Is the US$250 for the bass alone, or are you wanting to include an amp with that?

[PECOAE]

I dunno. I have a Peavey guitar amp, I don't know if it'll work.

Probably not, so yeah I guess I could put 50 bucks in the budget for both together or something.

[ebe9]

I dunno. I have a Peavey guitar amp, I don't know if it'll work.

Probably not, so yeah I guess I could put 50 bucks in the budget for both together or something.


A guitar amp would not be suitable.

You are going to need to invest a bit more cash in order to start out with something decent.

I would suggest first trying to get about US$500 together for both the amp and Bass.

[PECOAE]

Okey Doke. Thanks.

So let's say that I get this 500 dollars.

Then what?

What do I look for?

[ebe9]

Well the Fender rumble 100 is a decent starter amp.

Ibanez and Cort both make very decent basses for very decent prices.

You can also look at SX Basses as a starting point.

[British Kid]

well, are you going to be playing out? if not, then you probably dont need a whole lot of amp power. I suppose a decent starting point would be a Squier Starter Pack, but I'd save up a little more money and either check out some pawn shops or maybe get a pretty decent bass (like an ibanez GSR200) and maybe a little Crate amp, maybe about 25 watts?

[museic]

a small fender rumble amp and a low end yamaha or an ibanez would be cool

i started with a squier and a kustom amp.. the amp was cool and the bass was ok.. it got me going but after about 6 months i wanted to upgrade.. do you want something you will be happy with for a while or something you would be willing to just learn on and then upgrade after a few months?

[JodyLecompte]

Everyone is going to tell you a guitar amp under no circumstances will work, but its a crock of crap. It might not sound as good and you don't want to play very loud at all, but it works for the time being. Your going to need ALL $250 to get a bass even slightly worth anything.

As for an actual bass, I don't really know what to tell you that you'll wan to hear.

[Polyamarous]

Get a Ibanez GSR200, and a nice small Ashdown Electric blue, then get lessons.

You may also need a job.

[PECOAE]

So, should I get full lessons?

I mean, I know most things about notes and everything, but i need to get some technique lessons.

And yeah, I'd get a job, but I have school. I did in summer though.

[Afrokid]

Ibanez SR400

[bass&cookies]

an olp mm2 sounds right in your price range. solid, reliable starter. and you can play through a guitar amp, so long as your not pushing it. i would say lessons arent necessary, though they might speed you up a bit. it really depends on how much you practice.

[Jimbobntnr]

I picked up a Peavey Minx 110 for $75 and I use it at practices. He doesn't need a Rumble to start with.

[Akira]

an olp mm2 sounds right in your price range. solid, reliable starter. and you can play through a guitar amp, so long as your not pushing it. i would say lessons arent necessary, though they might speed you up a bit. it really depends on how much you practice.
I second the MM-2. In my opinion, it is way more than a starter bass. You can get one for around $250 or less. Just play through the guitar amp, but don't turn up too loud.

[Mr. Pickle]

I can fuzz it up later with distortion if I need it.

ha.









i'd go with an olp for the bass as well.

[PECOAE]

Thanks everyone for their opinions.

I think the OLP would be good.

But I might just give in and get the Squier Beginner's Pack.

By the way, "ha"?

[mastrrbasser]

go for a used fender MIM precision bass. I'm pretty sure the guy from radiohead used precision and jazz basses.

[darrell]

I second the MM-2. In my opinion, it is way more than a starter bass. You can get one for around $250 or less. Just play through the guitar amp, but don't turn up too loud.

I also agree. I like my Stingray... and I've heard that the OLP version of it is pretty good from some people who know their stuff. Well worth their weight in gold... something like that.

[Mr. Pickle]

By the way, "ha"?



well, there is distortion pedals and there is fuzz pedals.

[PECOAE]

I know that - I was being punny.

Oh - that explains "ha."

[Shinobi_sniper]

Everyone is going to tell you a guitar amp under no circumstances will work, but its a crock of crap. It might not sound as good and you don't want to play very loud at all, but it works for the time being. Your going to need ALL $250 to get a bass even slightly worth anything.

As for an actual bass, I don't really know what to tell you that you'll wan to hear.

wtf I agree with Jody...

I played on a guitar amp (for practicing) for my first coupla years.

[Duncster]

Everyone is going to tell you a guitar amp under no circumstances will work, but its a crock of crap. It might not sound as good and you don't want to play very loud at all, but it works for the time being. Your going to need ALL $250 to get a bass even slightly worth anything.

As for an actual bass, I don't really know what to tell you that you'll wan to hear.
Yeah I was just gonna say that.
Go ahead and use the guitar amp man. Never do it if you have to jam with a drummer or a guitarist, but if your just looking to learn the instrument and practise a bit you can use the guitar amp until your ready to play in a band. I'm assuming if your in a band you'll be playing one of your primary instruments, so you may not even need a bass amp.
If you play too loud it will blow though of course.

[Criss Frantic]

Colin Greenwood (Radiohead bassist) uses a Fender P-Bass nowadays I'm pretty sure, but he has also used Musicman Stingrays and Sterlings on the earlier stuff. I'd say maybe look for a used Fender MIM Precision or, as the others have said the OLP MM-2 is a pretty solid bass for the price.

[sinister]

TBH i dont think it would be a good idea to try and buy second hand if you dont know anything about basses cos you could get ripped off.

The OLP is a good idea and probably alot of people here started off with a squier.
If you go with the starter pack you'll get a strap too and (judging by my squier guitar starter pack) cheap case and little amp and a lead. Possibly an instructional dvd to get you started?

I wouldnt worry too much about the amp when you're starting off, the guitar amp will produce sound.
You wont realise what you're missing on until you get a proper bass amp though, if you wish to continue playing bass and see it a good investment.

Lessons would be definatley be good for you if you got any spare cash.

Good luck