Bass Player Quit- I need a decent cheap Bass Rig!

[badtoneno]

Well this is the second Bass player we've gone through in the last 2 1/2 years. Just when the band is really cooking and we have a bunch of gigs lined up with a good following. I'm mainly a guitar player but have played a little bass on occasion- so take it easy on me!

 

Anyway, I've decided to play bass on some tunes and a buddy is going to fill in on some other tunes and trade bass and guitar duties with me.

 

I need a half decent, inexpensive bass rig if there is such a thing. We play fairly small bars and can run a DI out to our PA with 4 18" subs so I really only need enough for stage volume.

 

I think I can pick up a Squire P-Bass for cheap locally if that will do the trick. I used to have a Mexi P-Bass that wasn't too bad.

 

I don't know {censored} about bass rigs-hell I'm a guitar ampaholic!

 

__________________

[Mudbass]

Got monitors? Get one of these and feed the bass back through the monitors.

 

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-TEC-BASSDRIVE--brand-270.html

[311IncubusCKY]

 

Originally posted by Mudbass Got monitors? Get one of these and feed the bass back through the monitors. http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-TEC-BASSDRIVE--brand-270.html

 

 

if youre lugging around that big of a PA, then that is all you need

[badtoneno]

That's funny- the other guitar player suggested getting a Bass Pod and running it through the monitors.

 

I might give it a try but I generally hate to run anything but vocals through the monitors. Our singer has a real weak voice and we really crank them.

 

I've also always been taught that in small places, its bad to run anything other than vocals through them because it messes up the FOH mix as the vocal mics pick up the monitors so much.

 

Worth a try though. What about a 1x15 combo?

[JC Bass]

Skip the Squire P...

 

Better Basses...same price or lower...

 

I would definitely say get the Sansamp, run it to the board, and use the line out to a small 1x12 or 1x15 combo set up as a personal monitor facing you to hear what you're playing.

 

Another option is to skip the Sansamp and just get a decent 1x15 combo, use it as a monitor facing you and use the direct out to the board for FOH.

[Mudbass]

 

Originally posted by badtoneno That's funny- the other guitar player suggested getting a Bass Pod and running it through the monitors. I might give it a try but I generally hate to run anything but vocals through the monitors. Our singer has a real weak voice and we really crank them. I've also always been taught that in small places, its bad to run anything other than vocals through them because it messes up the FOH mix as the vocal mics pick up the monitors so much. Worth a try though. What about a 1x15 combo?

 

 

I wouldn't go the Bass Pod route. They're kinda of a hassle to use live. A combo would probably do you well, but I'll let the guys who know more about combos do the talking here.

[badtoneno]

 

Originally posted by JC Bass Skip the Squire P... Better Basses...same price or lower... I would definitely say get the Sansamp, run it to the board, and use the line out to a small 1x12 or 1x15 combo set up as a personal monitor facing you to hear what you're playing. Another option is to skip the Sansamp and just get a decent 1x15 combo, use it as a monitor facing you and use the direct out to the board for FOH.

 

 

I have a JBL Eon powered monitor that I could use for that. That could be the way to go. Our PA has the Elf processor so the bass usually sounds damn good out of it.

 

As long as me and the drummer can hear what hack crap I'm playing, it should be cool.

[the_big_geez]

The problem with running the monitors --esp if their the 'house' system, id that they're woefully inadequate in terms of bass response.

 

I have long been a subscriber to the idea that the tone you GET drives what you do next. It's true of singers whn recording, for eg. If they are thinking reverb, give them some reverb in the monitors. It doesn't matter that the reverb isn't going to tape, give it to them because they'll get off on it and give you MORE as a vocalist.

 

By the same token, if you're not getting what you want out of the monitors (you have essentially left your sound in the hands of someone else, and/or someone else's equipment), you're likely to play harder but STILL not get what you wanted. Sooner or later it will translate into playing CRAPPIER.

 

With all this in mind, what you need is a bass combo of at least 100w and with a preamp out or effects send or other DI/line-level output that you will use as you personal bass monitor on stage.

 

There are a lot of 20 year old Peaveys out there for dirt cheap that will more than fill the bill. They are WORTH lugging around! Look for a TKO130.

 

If your wallet is a little fatter, Ampeg has some 115 Combos for under $500 brand new that kick some serious ass.

 

 

As for the bass itself, IMO if it is in proper playing condition matters more than the brand name or country of origin. I've heard some mighty fine bass playing done on a Squire, but ALWAYS through a good amp!

[badtoneno]

Originally posted by the_big_geez The problem with running the monitors --esp if their the 'house' system, id that they're woefully inadequate in terms of bass response. I have long been a subscriber to the idea that the tone you GET drives what you do next. It's true of singers whn recording, for eg. If they are thinking reverb, give them some reverb in the monitors. It doesn't matter that the reverb isn't going to tape, give it to them because they'll get off on it and give you MORE as a vocalist. By the same token, if you're not getting what you want out of the monitors (you have essentially left your sound in the hands of someone else, and/or someone else's equipment), you're likely to play harder but STILL not get what you wanted. Sooner or later it will translate into playing CRAPPIER. With all this in mind, what you need is a bass combo of at least 100w and with a preamp out or effects send or other DI/line-level output that you will use as you personal bass monitor on stage. There are a lot of 20 year old Peaveys out there for dirt cheap that will more than fill the bill. They are WORTH lugging around! Look for a TKO130. If your wallet is a little fatter, Ampeg has some 115 Combos for under $500 brand new that kick some serious ass. Got you. Thanks for the advice. Anyone know anything about the Ashdown 4x10 combos? As for the bass itself, IMO if it is in proper playing condition matters more than the brand name or country of origin. I've heard some mighty fine bass playing done on a Squire, but ALWAYS through a good amp!

 

[Incubitabus]

SX Jazz: http://cgi.ebay.com/SX-Bass-Guitar-Red-Jazz-Bass-New-Quilt-Top_W0QQitemZ7340629656QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

Ampeg BA115 Combo: http://cgi.ebay.com/Ampeg-BA115-100W-Bass-amp-like-new-condition-NR_W0QQitemZ7340317539QQcategoryZ43372QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

The SX will sell at $100, and the Ampeg shouldnt sell for more than $350-375, shipped. Both are paypal'able, so it might be worth a shot?