Not sure if this is the right forum, but I'd like some tips on bass guitars good for apprentice players. I have not played the guitar, much less bass, in almost 10 years and don't remember much beyond the basics, but I have a friend who is willing to help.

What is a good starter bass? I'm not too knowledgeable on the different guitar manufacturers and who does what better, so as much info as possible would be greatly appreciated. Also, any pedal and amp combos/suggestions you think are worth mentioning would be cool, too!

I'm looking for a sound similar to the bass solo on "Crystal Ball", specifically. I understand that is also an actual type of playing, but I'm looking for a crisper, sharper sound that works well with pickless playing.

Spinlight said:

Not sure if this is the right forum, but I'd like some tips on bass guitars good for apprentice players. I have not played the guitar, much less bass, in almost 10 years and don't remember much beyond the basics, but I have a friend who is willing to help.

What is a good starter bass? I'm not too knowledgeable on the different guitar manufacturers and who does what better, so as much info as possible would be greatly appreciated. Also, any pedal and amp combos/suggestions you think are worth mentioning would be cool, too!

I'm looking for a sound similar to the bass solo on "Crystal Ball", specifically. I understand that is also an actual type of playing, but I'm looking for a crisper, sharper sound that works well with pickless playing.

Scroll down and ask the very knowledgeable people at the Bass Forum on HC. Yes, you have to sign up, I know but hey.

Harmony Central Forums

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/

TD3 said:

Spinlight said:

Not sure if this is the right forum, but I'd like some tips on bass guitars good for apprentice players. I have not played the guitar, much less bass, in almost 10 years and don't remember much beyond the basics, but I have a friend who is willing to help.

What is a good starter bass? I'm not too knowledgeable on the different guitar manufacturers and who does what better, so as much info as possible would be greatly appreciated. Also, any pedal and amp combos/suggestions you think are worth mentioning would be cool, too!

I'm looking for a sound similar to the bass solo on "Crystal Ball", specifically. I understand that is also an actual type of playing, but I'm looking for a crisper, sharper sound that works well with pickless playing.

Scroll down and ask the very knowledgeable people at the Bass Forum on HC. Yes, you have to sign up, I know but hey.

Harmony Central Forums

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/

Thanks, man! On it!

every time I lose the pick I also lose the crisp, sharp sound!

How much do you wanna spend?

Oh hell, I'm just gonna tell you to buy a Fender anyway. The Bass Pod also got rave reviews in its heyday, I'm sure you can get the sound you want out of that thing.

abigail05 said:

every time I lose the pick I also lose the crisp, sharp sound!

How much do you wanna spend?

Oh hell, I'm just gonna tell you to buy a Fender anyway. The Bass Pod also got rave reviews in its heyday, I'm sure you can get the sound you want out of that thing.

http://www.amazon.com/Lin...B0006JNQII
Is this the Bass Pod you're referring to?

Ideally, for a beginner instrument, I'd like to keep it at $500 or less.

Spinlight said:

abigail05 said:

every time I lose the pick I also lose the crisp, sharp sound!

How much do you wanna spend?

Oh hell, I'm just gonna tell you to buy a Fender anyway. The Bass Pod also got rave reviews in its heyday, I'm sure you can get the sound you want out of that thing.

http://www.amazon.com/Lin...B0006JNQII
Is this the Bass Pod you're referring to?

Ideally, for a beginner instrument, I'd like to keep it at $500 or less.

Yep, that's the Line 6 Bass Pod. I guess I was thinking more of the floor unit because it's cheaper, but the rackmount would be even nicer.

I use a SansAmp Bass Driver DI and I can tell you it's a nice tone shaping pedal. My model doesn't have presets, but with a twist of a couple knobs I get a really nice sound.

While not the most original choice I don't think you can go wrong with a Mexican-made Fender bass, Precision or Jazz. I've had mine for 17 years and it's never let me down, it's great (the pickups were replaced at one point)

abigail05 said:

While not the most original choice I don't think you can go wrong with a Mexican-made Fender bass, Precision or Jazz. I've had mine for 17 years and it's never let me down, it's great (the pickups were replaced at one point)

I agree, and I think trying to nail a specific sound will probably depend more on amp/pedal combination & playing style than the bass itself.

A Jazz will give a bit more flexibility, but a P-bass is a classic funk machine--hell rock too, for that matter

I am a guitar player (but have played plenty of bass), and personally I envy my bass players because they DON'T use effects.

If I played bass I would stay away from a Pod and just get a nice sounding amp. Clean & simple!

NDRU said:

I am a guitar player (but have played plenty of bass), and personally I envy my bass players because they DON'T use effects.

If I played bass I would stay away from a Pod and just get a nice sounding amp. Clean & simple!

In my band days my only effect was an MXR Phase 90 (love that funky 70s sound)

A compressor might've been a good idea, but it never seemed to be a problem.

I'd strongly recommend Ibanez's products.

Their necks are easier to handle, "faster" by bass jargon. they are well made, produce a broader range of sounds than your basic fender (and the necks are easier for beginners).

And, you should be able to get a decent one in your price range. Mine was right at $500; I've had a Soundgear 5-string of theirs for about 20 years. I've looked at Fenders (love the Marcus Miller model), Warwicks and MusicMan models. They've all rocked. But, home base remains my Ibanez.