Which entry-level bass guitar and combo amp to buy?

[rikadik]

Well, it's been a few years since I last learned how to play a new instrument so I've decided to take up bass. However I have quite a tight budget and would like some advice!

My budget for both bass and amp is £200-£300 (about $400-$600), but for some reason most guitars effectively cost about twice as much here in the UK as they do in the US, so the real budget for comparison is probably in the $200-$400 range. I know this isn't much but I'm not exactly rich at the moment, however I could be persuaded to spend a little more if it's worth it.

I'm into a wide variety of music, so something versatile would be good. The amp must also be loud enough to compete with a drum kit, PA, electric guitar etc... when jamming.

From browsing around and reading reviews, the Ibanez GSR200 and Marshall MB-30 MKII look like a good option.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Howard]

How good are you at soldering?

 

[rikadik]

Well... I haven't done any soldering since high school, but you've got my interest! Suggesting a a cheapish bass with some better pickups??

 

[Howard]

No, I'd like to suggest DIY a combo amp.

 

[dwell]

* A man gives his son an electric bass for his 15th birthday, along with a coupon for four bass lessons. When the son returns from his first lesson, the father asks, "So, what did you learn?"

"Well, I learned the first five notes on the E string." Next week, after the second lesson, the father again asks about the progress, and the son replies, "This time I learned the first five notes on the A string." One week later, the son comes home far later than expected, smelling of cigarettes and beer. So the father asks: "Hey, what happened in today's lesson?" "Dad, I'm sorry I couldn't make it to my lesson; I had a gig!"

 

[rikadik]

Originally posted by: Howard
No, I'd like to suggest DIY a combo amp.

Ahh interesting. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing anything like that!

 

[rikadik]

Originally posted by: Chris


* A man gives his son an electric bass for his 15th birthday, along with a coupon for four bass lessons. When the son returns from his first lesson, the father asks, "So, what did you learn?"

"Well, I learned the first five notes on the E string." Next week, after the second lesson, the father again asks about the progress, and the son replies, "This time I learned the first five notes on the A string." One week later, the son comes home far later than expected, smelling of cigarettes and beer. So the father asks: "Hey, what happened in today's lesson?" "Dad, I'm sorry I couldn't make it to my lesson; I had a gig!"

:laugh:

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: rikadik
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Chris


* A man gives his son an electric bass for his 15th birthday, along with a coupon for four bass lessons. When the son returns from his first lesson, the father asks, "So, what did you learn?"

"Well, I learned the first five notes on the E string." Next week, after the second lesson, the father again asks about the progress, and the son replies, "This time I learned the first five notes on the A string." One week later, the son comes home far later than expected, smelling of cigarettes and beer. So the father asks: "Hey, what happened in today's lesson?" "Dad, I'm sorry I couldn't make it to my lesson; I had a gig!"

</end quote></div>

:laugh:

Q: What do bass players and sperm have in common?

A: Only one in a million makes anything of himself.


Q: What's the difference between a bass player and a large pepperoni pizza?

A: The pizza can feed a family of four.

Bass players get no respect 🙂 Now, as for making your own amp, you'd spend as much in parts as buying one. Guitars in Europe tend to be more expensive in Europe for some reason (the reason so may musicians came out of Liverpool England is the Merchant Marine has a dock there, and the Americans would sell their intruments for cheap for $$$ to get laid 🙂 ). Bass guitars in that price range are all pretty much the same. You're going to want to try out the guitar for correct fretting and to make sure it'll stay in tune.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
Now, as for making your own amp, you'd spend as much in parts as buying one.

I can't really argue with that. You can get a combo amp for $40 new, and probably one for $20 used.