Possible New Toy...

VR3

So I was playing around on a bass Geetar today and I am pretty interested in learning. I picked out a book and did a few lessons and I practiced about 30-40 minutes and got a hang of it pretty good... got some new found blisters! HA!

But I really wanna learn it and itd be cool...

http://www.schecter.co.jp/diamond_series/basses/omen4.html

Most likely will get that and a Behringer amp in the long run. Most likely wont get an amp as I dont realy need anyone to hear me until I get good... lol - the guitar unplugged is loud enough to learn on.

VR3

Maybe I should attach a question (which was my intention here)...

Does anyone who plays bass have any recomendations on stuff to help me out here?

Sax

well, they do make little headphone guitar amps, you could pick one of those. you just plug your guitar in and your headphones in... they'll have the different tonal adjustments that a real amp will etc.

for example

http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--DAVROCKGA

there's cheaper ones out there of course, but that was the first one I found.

VR3

Those headphones look pretty cool...

Ive kind of decided on this, just not all at once unless I can break it down into some type of payments with the store that is reasonable.

Shecter Omen 4 (Satin Walnut, Black Hardware)
Ampeg BA112 Amp
Monster Rock 12' Inst Cable
Korg CA30 Tuner
Hercules Single Guitar Stand
Some Polish and a Beginners book (that I found to be very helpful)

Any thoughts on this plan?

szhleppy

Nice...looks like you did your homework on this!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0967601509/002-9378313-4036802?v=glance&n=283155

Rufus Reid - The Evolving Bassist was the most helpful book I had when starting out. I didn't even know it was also on DVD before today.

unc2701

Don't use a pick for a very long time. It'll be a crutch and you'll never learn proper right hand technique if you start off with one. Also make sure you get a full-scale bass: 34"-36" ... anything shorter and you'll have a hard time switching. I'm not a big fan of shecter, but I haven't been shopping for awhile. Most the time you can get the action set up and swap out pickups to where doesn't matter too much what you're playing, as long as you've got a decent bass to start with.

Have fun!

VR3

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I will have to look out for that book.

Well Ive been working at a music store for about 3-4 months now and Ive definitely had my rounds with a few basses and amps...

I dont plan to use a pick mainly because the bass dosnt have a pick guard - and I am incredibly picky about the condition of stuff I own. Esecially if it cost in excess of 200 dollars... so yeah, fingers it is.

I really like Schecter. I also really like Elixer (sp) strings. I was playing a multitude of basses today and I found that, even though I was playing far more expensive basses... the Omen 4 was the only one equipped with Elixir strings and was by far the best/easiest to play (to me)...

dragon1952

Schecter makes some awesome basses for very reasonable prices. I chose mine over some that were much more expensive. Very recently, when I finally decided to concentrate on guitar, I reluctantly traded my Schecter Elite 4 for a guitar. The good (and bad) thing about Schecters is that they are pretty much unknown amongst the general populace hence don't have real good resale value on Ebay. You can get them dirt cheap. That's why I traded mine instead. BTW, I used a Behringer BX600 which I really like. You can get them dirt cheap also.
"Progressive Bass" (see pic) is a great starter book. I don't have the one with the DVD, just the CD. You can find this on Ebay cheap too.

dipiazza

Words of advice. BUY USED! especially if your just learning, get the cheapest stuff you can, that works well. Heck... if your interest decreases, get rid of it. Musical instruments used are the best value by far.

unc2701

Only problem with used is you have to watch out for warped necks:

Take the bass/guitar and sit the tail on the floor with the neck pointing straight up, then look down the length of the neck from right above it. All the frets should be parallel, like railroad ties. If they aren't, the neck is twisted and it'll buzz/sound like crap. Also, make sure the neck bows the right way- lay it on it's back with the strings facing up and the neck should be slightly u shaped (the strings will be closest to the neck at head and the tail, furthest around the 12th fret). If it's humped or s'd, again, you'll get buzz. Some of this you can straighten out using the truss rod (bolt coming out of one end of the neck), but that's best left to professionals. Most guitar books should have a section on setting up your guitar, so read that part carefully & check out the pictures before you buy used.

LessisNevermore

+1 on the used gear.

Check out SWR and Ampeg bass amps. Sounding good inspires better playing.

Oh yeah, ditch the pick.:D

VR3

Im not buying used.

Mainly because I work at a music store and can get this stuff at cost. Sure I might pay a little more on some things this way - but atleast I know where its been, whos had it and how its been taken care of.

Im pretty sure I am going to learn the bass, I really want to know it. And I dont buy "junk" - I made that mistake when I first got into audio...

Thanks for all the tips - and as I said, I dont plan to use a pick.