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Get a P-Bass in whatever trim level best suits your wallet, you can't really go wrong. If the neck on the P-Bass is just too wide for comfort, you can look into a Jazz, and if the P-Bass scale is too long for your girly guitar-playing hands, check into a Mustang Bass. They're all so easy to mod and upgrade that they are no-brainers for a starter bass.

If you're looking for something you'll be happy playing for life, I would highly recommend the new-ish American Special series. $200+ less than the regular American Standard gets you a full-on USA-quality pro-level bass that you could be happy with for life.

See here--->http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-American-Special-Precision-Bass?sku=H70328

DuoSonicII wrote:Get a P-Bass in whatever trim level best suits your wallet, you can't really go wrong. If the neck on the P-Bass is just too wide for comfort, you can look into a Jazz, and if the P-Bass scale is too long for your girly guitar-playing hands, check into a Mustang Bass. They're all so easy to mod and upgrade that they are no-brainers for a starter bass.

If you're looking for something you'll be happy playing for life, I would highly recommend the new-ish American Special series. $200+ less than the regular American Standard gets you a full-on USA-quality pro-level bass that you could be happy with for life.

See here--->http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-American-Special-Precision-Bass?sku=H70328

What he said. Except Mustang Basses aren't girly, damnit! Love those short-scaled wonders and I will own one soon.

Next question. How do I sound like this?

That's very simple to answer. Don't.

Ok. Next up: Amplification.

Would one of the cheaper Ampeg solid state heads and a 2x10 cabinet get me started for apartment volume levels and maybe some jam sessions? Looking at the Ampeg Micro-VR 200W Bass Amp Head. I figure with solid state I can get decently quiet.

I play through a little rumble 15 in my apartment. It was like $30-40 off craigslist I think. I've been using a peavey tnt combo for practices and shows for almost ten years. It's not the best sounding amp, but it's not the worst, and it hasn't needed any maintenance in the time that I've owned it. They show up for modest prices on craigslist pretty often.

If you just want one set up for both situations, i'm sure the ampeg+210 would work just fine. if you are gonna be lugging it around all the time, or even just occasionally, just make sure it doesn't suck to move. My peavey is a pain in that regard. The micro vr looks like it'd be pretty portable.

What's the deal with bass amps? Do I want a clean signal, as loud as possible? (This is my understanding, but I don't know the current thinking.) Is there a real difference in tone between solid state amps?

In my opinion, and i'm not a tone snob, the noticeable differences are in the way the mids stand out. A lot of those tone shaping optins sound kinda goofy to me, and I tend not to use them, so overall I don't think there are huge differences from one ss amp to another (edit: at least among the lower price range), and your taste will develop as you go. I don't have a ton of experience with amps, but that's my perspective. Play a few at the store and see what you like, if anything stands out.

Get a P-Bass of some kind and go from there.

u could buy a lawsuit ric
ive played a couple and they were neet

I would not recommend a Rickenbacker if you're just starting out on bass unless you know you want to give it a real shot AND you want to sound like somebody who plays a Rick (e.g. Lemmy, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire of Yes). otherwise they're far too expensive for a bass-as-occasional-instrument, and IMO don't really do anything other than the aforementioned bassists' trebly roar very well.

my recommendation is always to buy a Precision Bass unless you HATE Fender basses. you can use them in any style of music, they're impossible to kill unless you drive a car over them, it's pretty much impossible to make them sound bad, and they're easy to sell if you decide bass isn't for you. Squier or Fender depending how deep you want to go, but a P-Bass.

dubkitty wrote:I would not recommend a Rickenbacker if you're just starting out on bass unless you know you want to give it a real shot AND you want to sound like somebody who plays a Rick (e.g. Lemmy, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire of Yes). otherwise they're far too expensive for a bass-as-occasional-instrument, and IMO don't really do anything other than the aforementioned bassists' trebly roar very well.

my recommendation is always to buy a Precision Bass unless you HATE Fender basses. you can use them in any style of music, they're impossible to kill unless you drive a car over them, it's pretty much impossible to make them sound bad, and they're easy to sell if you decide bass isn't for you. Squier or Fender depending how deep you want to go, but a P-Bass.

While I agree a P is a good way to go and that is where I started... and still love Ps.

On the Ric thang... Rics do more then the trebly roar well, you can get some nice deep, solid sounds out of them. I love that bouncy sound you can get out of the neck pickup [Paul got some great tones on a Ric IMOP] But I agree with you on the cost, I love Rics intill I look at the tag... But then I'm cheap I have yet to break the $1000 barrier I came close with my Upright... 13-14 years ago... that was $900.. and something... On the other hand... If i ever came across another blue fretless one AND had the money... who knows...

Oh well. I just wanted a Ric because of this.



So I can hit people with it. And surf on it.

mathias wrote:Oh well. I just wanted a Ric because of this.



So I can hit people with it. And surf on it.

Best non-serious anime ever! I really want a lawsuit one actually. More so then a real one for some reason

colin wrote:What he said. Except Mustang Basses aren't girly, damnit! Love those short-scaled wonders and I will own one soon.

Truth...I've always wanted one too.