JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques Bass and Drum Forum What kind of bass should I purchase?

I am a guitarist who is brand new to the "bass" world. I write mostly country/pop music. I'm currently adding bass guitar to my mixes with midi keyboard. I'd like to end that scenario so I'm looking to capture a decent bass for under $200. Any suggestions where to shop, what brand, new vs used, etc? Thanks in advance!

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Mark Haven Hoyle

Under $200 limits you quite a bit. The Fender Squire goes for around that, I think you can even get one of their lower priced Affinity series for that or less. I've played some Squires and they're pretty good for the price. You might look for used ones, but make sure you know something about basses and/or guitars.

You didn't mention an amp, so I'm guessing you're going to record it. Guitar amps don't work too well for the bass. You can even blow the speakers on the amp, so be careful.

All the Best,
Mike

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Mike Dunbar Music

I'm with Mike,

My bud has one of those squires and though I prefer a heftier more solid bass, it's an excellent instrument as a starter bass. You could probably get a deal on a used bass from a pawn shop, but like Mike says, take a bass player with you to examine the instrument thoroghly because you wont be able to return it.

How would you be recording bass tracks? You can run it straight to your mixer without an amp, but you'd have better control of your tone with a Sans Amp.

Thanks for the feedback so far. I'll be strictly recording with the bass...no amp, just planning to use a J-Station for effects and maybe my ART compressor for tightness while recording.

Mark,

I'd recommend a pre-amp of some kind to bring the line level up, as usually is needed with a passive pickup bass. Your compressor might do the trick, though bringing the level up might add noise.

When using effects on your bass, try this: record your bass on to two tracks. EQ one track with no highs or mids, only bass, EQ the other track with mids and highs and no bass. Put the effects on the track with no bass and leave the track with bass "dry". I think you'll like these results better than putting effects on the whole range of the bass.

Have fun.

All the Best,
Mike

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Mike Dunbar Music

Mike, how do you do this? Use some type of splitter? Sounds like a great idea.

Mr. Slop (I love the Funkadelics too!),

You could use a splitter. I record the bass on one track, then copy it to another track. This is my way of making a poor man's "crossover."

All the Best,
Mike

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Mike Dunbar Music

Thanks Mike!

Duh. (smacks self upside the head)

Yeah cozmicslop is our show closer.