Calling all musicians

[Remianen]

I need advice. I'm looking into getting a new bass and a performance amp but I'm getting conflicting advice from friends/prospective bandmates and such. My instructor is old school so many of his recommendations are freakin' PRICEY (because they're so rare and in demand).

 

Anyone have a testimonial to share?

[cappyboy]

Dude, how'd you get the Ministry of Magic to let you have the Time Turner? I swear sometimes I don't get how you do it all.

[bigtplaystew]

<p>I wish I could give you answers but I can't. With basses and amps it all comes down to the sound you want. I personally found an old Kustom Amp head on ebay for $200 and a cabinet for about the same price. I got about 1000 watts for $400 which is cheap but I get a dirty muddy bass sound. I play punk rock so it's what I want.</p><p> </p><p>

If you wanna be more specific I can help you more. Generally, going by my personal preferences, I like Ampeg or Vox for a classic rock n roll bass sound. You'll get a real 60s garage band kinda sound with them. I like Galleon-Kruger for a super clean sound.</p><p> </p><p>

As far as basses go, I got an Ernie Ball Music Man Sub brand new for $600 on sale at Musicians Friend. It was a good buy when I got it. It's a nice bass, the strings are where I like them, and I get a good sound off of them. Plus it's pretty. It's an all black bass with a metal grating style pickguard. </p><p> </p><p>

Again, your personal prefrences will come in here 100%.</p>

[Remianen]

<p>Yeah, my problem is, I play pretty much everything. I recently learned most of Chic's catalog and the SOS Band and this week, I did Eddie Money and Joan Jett and The Police (and Muddy Waters' Mannish Boy). I played "

</p><div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo"><div><iframe width="200" height="150" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/fLPeRXkB2j0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" title="Now Behold The Lamb"></iframe></div></div>" at my church's Christmas service, basically a month after starting lessons. But I like more of a warm sound while still maintaining that really obvious bottom. Maybe more of a funk tinge to it. I have a mancrush on James Jamerson's body of work, if that tells you anything. He used an Ampeg B-15 and Naugahyde Kustom but those things are collector's items now so they're ridiculously expensive.<p> </p><p>

I have two basses now and they're both basically entry level models:</p><p> </p><p>

Squier Affinity Precision</p><p>

<span>http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/275/439/DV016_Jpg_Large_510424.024_metallic_blue.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

Ibanez SR300</p><p>

<span>http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/293/676/DV016_Jpg_Large_517405.644_iron_pewter.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

I was looking at the Squier Vintage Modified but it seems like basically the same thing as my Affinity. I guess another problem of mine is that I demand that the bass be blue, if at all possible. I bought the Ibanez used from Sam Ash (big mistake btw!) just before I started my lessons. I figure in 2012 or so, I'll spring for a Jens Ritter custom job (or whenever I actually get GOOD at playing). I freakin' love the look of Mary J. Blige's:</p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://www.ritter-instruments.com/news_pictures/Mary_J_Blige_1_w.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Oh and cappyboy, it's not all that hard. You just have to do two things:</p><p> </p><p>

1) Quit sleepin' so much</p><p>

2) Don't watch much TV (especially not BAD TV)</p><p> </p><p>

<img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[fusionfreak]

<p>check out Bose</p><p> </p><p>

Remi, I'm a drummer. I've been playing profesionally now for 20 years. I have an electric set; Roland TD-20, the state of the art, flagship electric set. I bought a bose system for my amp. I think it's the best thing going if you've got the cash for it. (I didn't but I bought it anyway.) You need either the L1 Double Bass or the L2 Double Bass with Tone Match. The L2 are a little bit more money. If you order from Bose they will refund in 45 days if you don't like the amp. Check out the links below. Oh, and I'm not a sales guy with Bose either, I just really believe in the product. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know what you decide either way. Good luck to you.</p><p> </p><p>

<a href="http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model1/l1_model1_doublebass_pkg.jsp" rel="external nofollow">http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model1/l1_model1_doublebass_pkg.jsp</a></p><p> </p><p>

<a href="http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model2/l1_model2_doublebass_pkg.jsp" rel="external nofollow">http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model2/l1_model2_doublebass_pkg.jsp</a></p>

[Remianen]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="fusionfreak" data-cite="fusionfreak" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="31327" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Remi, I'm a drummer. I've been playing profesionally now for 20 years. I have an electric set; Roland TD-20, the state of the art, flagship electric set. I bought a bose system for my amp. I think it's the best thing going if you've got the cash for it. (I didn't but I bought it anyway.) You need either the L1 Double Bass or the L2 Double Bass with Tone Match. The L2 are a little bit more money. If you order from Bose they will refund in 45 days if you don't like the amp. Check out the links below. Oh, and I'm not a sales guy with Bose either, I just really believe in the product. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know what you decide either way. Good luck to you.<p> </p><p> <a href="http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model1/l1_model1_doublebass_pkg.jsp" rel="external nofollow">http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model1/l1_model1_doublebass_pkg.jsp</a></p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model2/l1_model2_doublebass_pkg.jsp" rel="external nofollow">http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_model2/l1_model2_doublebass_pkg.jsp</a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> *chokes*</p><p> </p><p> Do you use those in performance? I was thinking of buying one amp for performance (probably with dual 12s or 15s) and one for practice since the amps that came with my bass packages kinda suck. I've been basically learning that I need to be able to blow the guitar player out of the water, power wise, so I'm planning with that in mind. The guitar player I play with now is easy to beat since his boss lady doesn't allow him to spring for high powered stuff but I know that won't always be the case.</p><p> </p><p> And testimonials are just what I'm looking for, so thanks tons <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Whenever I've asked, I've gotten a lot of "I've heard such and such has an awesome sound" to which I always have to ask, "Well, what do you use?" and of course, it's always something totally different. And since Larry Hartke (owner of Hartke amps) is always in Sam Ash, he often points me to one of his amps (which are great, don't get me wrong, but I'm not looking for "signature" stuff. Paying extra because some performer put their name on an amp doesn't strike me as a good idea. It's why I've resisted buying a Flea bass).</p><p> </p><p> stew, Music Man basses look awfully advanced. Do they even have intermediate models? I'm still quite the newbie (I can't even get through a spider exercise and arpeggios still kick my ass) so springing for a "pro" bass seems like, well, kinda like Mary J doing it (she bought the bass before taking ONE lesson). <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[fusionfreak]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Remianen" data-cite="Remianen" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="31327" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>*chokes*<p> </p><p> Do you use those in performance? I was thinking of buying one amp for performance (probably with dual 12s or 15s) and one for practice since the amps that came with my bass packages kinda suck. I've been basically learning that I need to be able to blow the guitar player out of the water, power wise, so I'm planning with that in mind. The guitar player I play with now is easy to beat since his boss lady doesn't allow him to spring for high powered stuff but I know that won't always be the case.</p><p> </p><p> And testimonials are just what I'm looking for, so thanks tons <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Whenever I've asked, I've gotten a lot of "I've heard such and such has an awesome sound" to which I always have to ask, "Well, what do you use?" and of course, it's always something totally different. And since Larry Hartke (owner of Hartke amps) is always in Sam Ash, he often points me to one of his amps (which are great, don't get me wrong, but I'm not looking for "signature" stuff. Paying extra because some performer put their name on an amp doesn't strike me as a good idea. It's why I've resisted buying a Flea bass).</p><p> </p><p> stew, Music Man basses look awfully advanced. Do they even have intermediate models? I'm still quite the newbie (I can't even get through a spider exercise and arpeggios still kick my ass) so springing for a "pro" bass seems like, well, kinda like Mary J doing it (she bought the bass before taking ONE lesson). <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Oh yes, I use the Bose L1 Model Double Bass package in all of my pro gigs. I've been asked to turn the volume down several times and to back off the bass and punch a little. You won't have any problem competing with the guitar or drums with a Bose.</p><p> </p><p> The system works much different than any other amp. All speakers push the sound out directly. The Bose spreads the sound out but the sound is also equally distributed in the area your playing in. In other words, your stage sound will be the same sound your audience hears. You can 7 feet away from the amp and then go back 30 feet and the volume and sound is the same. I don't know how they do it..... You end up with a very big sound. The 2 skiny tower speakers each push 250 watts for a total of 500 there. 2 Bass speakers get 250 watts so total you have 750 watts. However, because of the way the speakers distribute the sound evenly, its actually like having 1,200 wats or maybe more. Really, 750 is more than what most folks use anyway. Anyway, if you live in Georgia I'll let you test mine out. If not, then go to a Guitar Center and test it out. If you buy one I suggest getting it online from Bose. They will also give you an educators discount and/or a discount if your buying it for church use. I'm an educator but they didn't even ask me to prove it...</p>

[Remianen]

<p>Bloody hell!</p><p> </p><p>

Anyone have recommendations on mics? <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

I think I need something that works in studio and on stage. Some producer friends say the Shure 57 and 58 are "industry standard" but I don't know how true that is.</p>

[Harmor]

Bloody hell!

 

Anyone have recommendations on mics?

 

I think I need something that works in studio and on stage. Some producer friends say the Shure 57 and 58 are "industry standard" but I don't know how true that is.

 

Whenever I recorded vocals for my past bands, Shure mics did the job just fine and picked up everything despite me doing guttural growls (Death Metal, obviously). Can't go wrong with them tbh.

[JackKnifed72]

Bloody hell!

 

Anyone have recommendations on mics?

 

I think I need something that works in studio and on stage. Some producer friends say the Shure 57 and 58 are "industry standard" but I don't know how true that is.

 

57's are great for instruments, not so much for voice. In studio, unless you are recording Death metal/Screamo invest in a condenser...even the lower end $150 to $250 models are WORLDS better than any stage mic for recording

[D. Boons Ghost]

I own an Ibanez EDB600 and wouldn't trade it for the world.

 

Some may slag the ergodyne/luthite design, but I feel the tone is not much different from wood basses in the same range. In fact, were you to take the same specs of the EDB600 and place it on a Fender, you'd end up paying at least twice as much.

 

Unless you are an honest-to-God pro (or intend on it) - or you just have money to burn, I would suggest ignoring the upper range basses. A nice mid-ranger with decent specs will satisfy just as easily. No matter what your instructor may say to the contrary.

 

 

edit: If you liked your SR300 in the least bit, you'll flip on the EDB600.

[Jaysin]

I have a crappy starter guitar(Silvertone by Samick). Well the strings are getting a little rusty(literally). I can't afford to buy new ones, will the rust effect the sound at all? I'm planning on picking my guitar again since I have so much downtime. It needs tune obviously, but I wasn't sure if the rust spots would hurt it any.

[Remianen]

edit: If you liked your SR300 in the least bit' date=' you'll flip on the EDB600.[/quote']

 

I liked it a lot. I just didn't like the fact that Sam Ash sold me an instrument touted as 'like new' with a warped neck for only about 20% less than the 'new' price. As a result, I learned what a 'truss rod' is, personally. I was so new, I went a week thinking I sucked because my strings were literally pressed up against the fingerboard. So now, I just go in there to get a feel for a bass I'm interested in and I'll buy it from Musician's Friend or Guitar Center or Sweetwater. Well, except amps. Larry Hartke's always cool and even recommends other companies' stuff when it fits better. I'd buy one of his just because of the advice he's given me ("Hofner shouldn't be in your vocabulary right now. You don't need a Beatle bass." ).

 

The only thing I don't like about Ibanez is that they have very few models that come in blue. Or purple. Or any color other than black, white, red, some 'wood' finish, or sunburst.

 

Also, don't luthite basses break easy? Or am I thinking of another material?

[D. Boons Ghost]

... Also, don't luthite basses break easy? Or am I thinking of another material?

 

I have heard those complaints - but I've put a hellish beating on mine with only a few nicks to show for it.

 

Colors, though ... you nailed it; there isn't much of a spiffy variety there.

 

 

My dream bass, were I to ever go that route (which I doubt - heh), would be an Ovation Magnum. It is not slap-friendly in the least, but that monster dominates the bottom end like no other I have played. Check out some of Jah Wobble's work and you'll dig what I am saying.

 

The only thing 'bad' about the Ovations is that they are so freaking heavy.

 

 

Edit: Sorry for the edit, but the color schemes of the Ovations aren't all that hot either. I swore they had a more appealing range, but I guess I was wrong.