Wanted: Bass Guitar and tips

[Hack&Lube]

I seem to have the misfortune of being drafted into a band in which the bassist quit. Because I can sort of play lead, they have assumed that I can play bass.

I need a bass guitar quickly so I can learn how to play the damn thing. There is a bit of time pressure here as there is a gig in 2-3 months and it's work-related.

I know a lot about electric guitars but nothing at all about bass so if anybody has a decent one laying around or has any tips on where to find one or look for one, I'd appreciate it.

Is a bass amp also needed? Would it be possible to use a regular guitar amp or do I need a big sub?

[MonsieurFish]

Not a bass expert, but don't use a regular guitar amp... you can damage it. Use a bass amp, or a keyboard amp... from what I've heard they can work as well. I use a keyboard amp and have encountered no problems with it.

[J epworth]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I seem to have the misfortune of being drafted into a band in which the bassist quit. Because I can sort of play lead, they have assumed that I can play bass.

I need a bass guitar quickly so I can learn how to play the damn thing. There is a bit of time pressure here as there is a gig in 2-3 months and it's work-related.

I know a lot about electric guitars but nothing at all about bass so if anybody has a decent one laying around or has any tips on where to find one or look for one, I'd appreciate it.

Is a bass amp also needed? Would it be possible to use a regular guitar amp or do I need a big sub?

I would offer mine as its been sitting gathering dust or 2 years, but I know I'll want to play it again once I'm back in Calgary full time. Anyway, definitely need a bass amp, yorkville makes the best quality in my opinion. Also, it's not too difficult to transition from guitar to bass, especially if you decide to just use a pick still.

[pylon]

I have an Ibanez SDGR bass collecting dust since I got my Fender P-Bass.

What are you looking to spend? To be honest if you want, you can even borrow it for a few months and decide what you want to do. It is just taking up space right now. Looks like this, and is this color. However my amp is off limits. I also wouldn't be much help for lessons or tips. I am not very good...lol.



Nice simple bass, with active effects, and a very thin neck. Lemme know.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by pylon

I have an Ibanez SDGR bass collecting dust since I got my Fender P-Bass.

What are you looking to spend? To be honest if you want, you can even borrow it for a few months and decide what you want to do. It is just taking up space right now. Looks like this, and is this color. However my amp is off limits. I also wouldn't be much help for lessons or tips. I am not very good...lol.



Nice simple bass, with active effects, and a very thin neck. Lemme know.

How much would let that go for? Provided Hack&Lube doesn't want it, of course.

Also, do you know what the name of that color is? I'm always picky about color, and sometimes a stock picture is quite different from how the color looks in real life.

But the thin neck is what's intriguing to me, as the last time I had one, my hands got really sore from the from the huge neck. (insert joke here)

[pylon]

I really don't know what to ask. The colour is called jewel blue, and is very close to the picture, just a little more vibrant. The guitar is in awesome shape. Give it a quick polish and it is easily 8-8.5/10.

I dunno.

$150 fair?

[Traditional_Ale]

You will need a real "bass amp" for your bass, whatever it is. Fortunately for you, you have two things going for you:

1) Cheap basses are/sound way better than cheap guitars.

2) Because bass is mostly only one note at a time, you should be fine learning the tunes given your experience playing lead.

If you actually have 2-3 months, I suggest contacting the Guitarworks on Macleod Trail and taking lessons with my buddy Neil Gunhold. He is a genius and an amazing teacher/mentor.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

You will need a real "bass amp" for your bass, whatever it is. Fortunately for you, you have two things going for you:

1) Cheap basses are/sound way better than cheap guitars.

2) Because bass is mostly only one note at a time, you should be fine learning the tunes given your experience playing lead.

If you actually have 2-3 months, I suggest contacting the Guitarworks on Macleod Trail and taking lessons with my buddy Neil Gunhold. He is a genius and an amazing teacher/mentor.

Question for you trad? If I bought Pylon's guitar, but at first was just going to practice fairly quietly (live in a duplex), could I get away with using my Line 6, 30 watt, spider 2 guitar amp?

Also, if the answer is no, how cheap could I get into a small practice bass amp, because I really want to buy that bass.

I finally have money again, and I want to learn, and this seems perfect.

favorite colour - check
thin neck - check
doesn't shock me everytime I play it like my first bass guitar - check

[PsYcNeT]

Originally Posted by flameswin

Also, if the answer is no, how cheap could I get into a small practice bass amp, because I really want to buy that bass.

Bassist chiming in.

Do not under any circumstance play a bass through a guitar amp (even quietly). If you have no other recourse, do this but always stick headphones in the jack and just use it as a pre-amp.

Guitar speakers aren't meant to handle bass frequencies.

Best place to get a cheap bass amp? Pawn shops, Cash Converters, and Kijiji.

[Hack&Lube]

Thanks Pylon, I would be interested in trying out that bass. Flameswin, if you really want it that badly though, maybe you should have it. I'm not as attached to the color, etc. as he seems to be Pylon offering a great price.

I was debating looking at a 30" shortscale junior bass as I imagine it would be easier to play. Any insights?

I realized I have Rocksmith for the PS3 and strangely enough I started to use that instead of my real guitar amp and effects (small condo) and it has worked brilliantly. Maybe I'll just get the bass expansion and use the PS3 and my home theatre sub as the bass amp.

[pylon]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Thanks Pylon, I would be interested in trying out that bass. Flameswin, if you really want it that badly though, maybe you should have it. I'm not as attached to the color, etc. as he seems to be Pylon offering a great price.

I was debating looking at a 30" shortscale junior bass as I imagine it would be easier to play. Any insights?

I realized I have Rocksmith for the PS3 and strangely enough I started to use that instead of my real guitar amp and effects (small condo) and it has worked brilliantly. Maybe I'll just get the bass expansion and use the PS3 and my home theatre sub as the bass amp.

OK, well you guys hash it out. I will bring it to work tomorrow, and PM me what you guys want to do.

[jayswin]

Well, since you asked first Hack&Lube, I'd say give it a whirl, as that's a really awesome thing to offer and shows the trust between CP'ers.

I'm working 6 days a week, 12-15 hours a day for the forseable future here, so as motivated as I am, I'm dead tired when I get home, and from reading posts it appears as though I have to purchase an amp as well.

That way the guy who's in more need (you) gets the bass to join this band asap, and if you use it and decide it's not for you, I'll gaurantee pylon the sale when you return it, or pick something else up if you decide to buy it. Win win for everyone.

Sounds good?

[pylon]

Paging Hack and Lube, paging Hack and Lube.

Check your PM's man. I have this guitar waiting for you. Lemme know what you wanna do.

[Hack&Lube]

Hey guys, thanks for your generous offers but I've come across one here at work that is perfect for me.

Flameswin, that bass is all yours if you are interested, talk to Pylon. He's offering a great price.