Bass and amp for $500 or less?

[stevensonmat2]

Hey all,

I want to learn the bass for home recordings, and I'd like something worth my money but not wallet-busting. Any suggestions for a bass and amp would be appreciated. (this comes up a lot I'm sure, but help a brotha out)

[FunkMetalBass]

Well, first thing's first - some background information.

What style of music are you looking to record? Do you plan on using effects and want an FX send/return? Do you want the amp to have a DI out to make recording easier? Do you want extensive EQ controls on your amp or do you use an EQ in your studio rack?

[PaulSimonon]

Look used and local, for 500$ it'll be hard to find much that's worth buying new, but if you get some deals you can get some pretty good gear. I'd suggest buying gear that you'll want to keep around for awhile. Just look around locally for what they've got on sale used that fits your needs. The advantage of being a bassplayer is that a lot of times people in shops don't know how much things should really be worth on the used market and will underprice them.

For me, I play anything I can get my hands on and whatever feels best to play I'll buy. Ampwise, whatever is loud enough for my needs, sounds good, and has decent tone shaping capabilities is what I go for.

My current gig setup (Ibanez BTB 6er and a Trace Elliot 1x15" GP11 combo) only cost me 600$ total, and with it I have the tone that I want and great playability.

Moral of the story: Buy used.

[stevensonmat2]

Well, first thing's first - some background information.

What style of music are you looking to record? Do you plan on using effects and want an FX send/return? Do you want the amp to have a DI out to make recording easier? Do you want extensive EQ controls on your amp or do you use an EQ in your studio rack?

Haha, I didn't even consider any of that!

Well, at this point I don't even have any recording gear. I'm going to buy a stereo pair of condensers and a firepod today though, just to get me started.

I do plan on using effects, and I as far as style of play I'd like something versatile. I could be doing acoustic pop one day and then droning doom metal the next.

To Paul:

I will look around for used once I figure out what I'm looking for.

[FunkMetalBass]

Amp-wise, I'd look for something with a DI out and an effects loop. I'm an EQ whore and absolutely have to have a graphic EQ, but I don't know that you'll find it necessary. If it's just for recording and you aren't going to be playing out without a PA, you wont need to look for anything huge or extremely loud. I'd look into combo amps. They will probably best suit your needs right now and will be in abundance for your price range. I'd look for a GK or Ampeg combo.

As for the bass, Ibanez and Dean used basses in the $200-$300 area are pretty nice. Granted, you'll want to try out a bunch, but both Ibanez and Dean make versatile instruments and have sound construction.

Used is the way to go. Really.

[deemo]

you COULD just plug into the firepod DI and not need an amp. i have a firebox and it works really well/sounds good. Look into the fender rumble series for bass amps, i think they can be had for pretty cheap used and they sound good for a small practice amp. i'd also recommend yorkville if you can get a hand on them.

[psbassplayer]

ibanez and GK.