Recommend me...

[nedab]

...Hey guys, generally im a guitarist, but im looking to start playing some bass (mainly for recording, but id love to expand on slapping and popping ect.) Was just wondering if you guys could recommend me a decent beginner set up? Looking for the best sound for the least cash basically, no real price limits because right now im just looking to see how far my money will go, i play primarily metal but im looking at playing some funk influenced things too. Im mainly looking for a 5 string bass as i dont like the feel of a 6 but dont want to have the limitations of a 4. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also im looking for clean as well as distorted tones. Thanks in advance.

[PrimalConcreteSledge]

I would recommend a Schecter Stiletto 5 string:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-Stiletto-Custom5-Bass?sku=513050

I played one at Guitar Center, and special ordered the 6 string version. Awesome for slap and funk, and also could be dialed in for metal too.

[Jimbobntnr]

I'll second the Schecter

[lemoley]

i know you said money is not important but seriously how much are you willing to spend?

[nedab]

when i said money wasnt all that important, i was trying to get some varied options tbh, like what would be the best low cost option then mid range stuff and so on, just trying to see how far money goes in the bass world. I dont really know how much bass gear can cost which is why im looking for some price suggestions? idealy id like the best possible sound for the least cash.

[lemoley]

well considering you live in the U.K like me im afraid the chances of you getting a Schecter are low as they dont really have a great distirbution deal over here - Sound Control are the only guys who stock them and they only recieve what Schecter can be bothered sending over, nothing worth purchasing

i had to get my mum who lives in America to order mine from GC

anyways onto your question..

i would personally suggest a Yamaha BB series bass and depending on which model you get (there all great) you will have a bass at every price level

other good brands which produce highly respected 5ers are Musicman and Warwick but for summit decent your looking at like 1k plus

what sorta sound you want to get out of this bass?

[nedab]

soundcontrol have/had loads of basses from schecter in stock last time i was there? luckily im not far from there shop so managed to pick up a schecter guitar from them, didnt have any problems. Im looking for a really smooth clean tone but quite a sharp distorted tone, a lot of contrast maybe but i thought most of that kind of stuff would come with what i was playing it through? Ill look at the yamaha, because the schecter is more than i want to be spending. What sort of amp would be my best option? im not really looking to gig anytime soon (not bass anyway)

[lemoley]

well from what your telling me a Yammy would be perfect for you esp. the BB415 due to it being a PJ - and from owning the 4 string version i can safely say that bass has alot of contrasts ;)

as for your amp due to you not being able to see yourself gigging with a bass might i suggest a combo from the likes of Laney

very well priced amps and sound fantastic - dont let the 'Extreme' series of their guitar amps put you off

[nedab]

any model names on laney amps?

[lemoley]

well considering your not going to be gigging try the R1 - thats the 65 watt one i think, loud enough for a jam session with you and your buddies but wont break your bank balance

[fajitaben3]

Get any bass, then get a truck, then run it over and start playing drums or some other instrument that is real.

[Livewire]

Ben you are useless GTFO. But I would have to agree with Lemoley. Get a Laney as a amp, as far as a bass not too sure. I'm not a five string kind of guy so I'm guessing a Shecter or a Ibanez.

[Polyamarous]

I'm gonna say your average schecter plus an ashdown mag combo or something would float your boat.

[Richi]

I'm definitely seconding the Yamaha, but I suggest you look into the RBX series. They have real entry level basses, amazing top quality basses and everything in between.