Bobthedog

Well consensus seems to be go for it. The foam type bass is a great idea as my office is bare floor boards. It may also explain some of the sound quality issues at the moment.

[quote name='BanditSid' timestamp='1405926434' post='2506455'] I run a GK MB800 and it sounds great at low level as well as feeding headphones, but the small amps do have one problem for quiet use - which is the cooling fans, when mine kick in they are quite noisy and they do tend to stay on pretty much permanently......not a problem at gigs but audible at home. [/quote] [quote name='Muzz' timestamp='1405938213' post='2506628'] I occasionally use a 900w, three-valve amp head with just headphones... [/quote] Bandit, Good point re the fan noise, I had not thought of that. Muzz, wow!

[quote name='Old_Ben' timestamp='1405927401' post='2506461'] This little box is pretty handy for just that use: [url="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-MA400-Monitor-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B000KUCQXY"]http://www.amazon.co...r/dp/B000KUCQXY[/url] [/quote] [quote name='Jonesy64' timestamp='1405936188' post='2506588'] Back to the TB500.....yes, it'll sound alright at low volume but you won't get it breaking up if that's the tone you are after. I always had this problem with my all valve guitar amps...at home you could never turn up the gain enough to get the tubes cooking. If you are set on a TB500 (bargains in the used section by the way) and need the dirt put an overdrive pedal in front of it for home use. I would def look at the higher output Ampeg PF's and GK MB's, Genz etc with their additional features before settling on a TB. [/quote] Guys, some useful stuff there, thank you. Re the TB500, I have heard it a couple of times, but yet to use one myself. The GAS says get it, the head says GK / Genz etc.

Many thanks guys. Just have to put the money together now!

Having seen the thread about not bothering with a practice amp at home, I am having severe GAS in the form of the Orange Terror Bass 500c (other than the price which is daft). The issue I have is that until my spare garage is converted into a practice room, I have to practice in a 10 x 10' room (my office) above the TV room and cannot keep two amps for space reasons. Can a powerful amp play well quietly and, perhaps a stupid question, would any damage come to the valves through not having the thing turned up? I cannot find a similar thread through a brief search.

Fairly common I guess, but here is my 2013 American Jazz Deluxe: [attachment=167163:_DSF1003.jpg]

I have one (2011) and love it. I prefer it to my 2013 American Jazz deluxe (playability (although this is probably the set up) and sound). The caveat being my only other comparison is an Ibanez SRX300 which was my first bass. The P Bass bought new, my second.

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1405595165' post='2503351'] there wouldn't be any justification for people to amass huge collections of basses and GAS would be eliminated at a stroke! Whether this would be a problem or not, I don't know... [/quote] Okay, perhaps this is a high level view but from a single company business perspective it would be wrong. Selling one guitar instead of several? If other marques started to lose share to Fender, they would just copy the Everyman (as many have already with J and P bass models) and Fender sales would revert to as before. The second hand market would also suffer; players will not need to change for any reason (other than wear and tear?) and the majority of collectors are not going to be too interested in just buying the same noise just for a different colour. From a consumer angle, yes it makes sense, but then unless we all stop buying guitars, why should the business change ethos?

I am still a newbie to learning bass and am using the Rockschool books (and tutor) to get through the various grades. This uses both tab and notation, however, as a newbie I am only using the timing from the notation and the tab for which bit of the string to press or string to pick. I am not convinced I am really learning to "read" music or understand theory by this method. I do want to however. I have been passed an exercise to do by my tutor of coming up with 4 improvisation pieces around three minor chords. Yes I know the shapes and the root notes as a starter, but as to what I can do with them, I am struggling with that. I do like the Swiss site link above though that seems to be a reasonable blend.

I picked this up yesterday, not an artistic photo, but I love the bass: [attachment=165819:_DSF0015.jpg]

Both parents either played in their own (semi pro) bands or managed bands / musicians. Accordingly I grew up with their preferred styles being Trad Jazz or Blues. Music was always on either on a stereo or a band rehearsal in the basement. I was taken to many concerts from a young age too.

Doug, thank you. I do have a good teacher (albeit he is more guitar focused and only teaches to intermediate level on bass) and am aware my technique is still very flawed. My thoughts came from reading a thread here where most people appear to change their strings fairly quickly. I will not be changing the strings myself at this time; not only did I get a good price on the P Bass but my LMS also agreed to do my first string change for me at no cost (I need to pay for the strings only).

Many thanks BB. Great answer. I will see what I can get from the LMS.

As a newbie to this bass thing, can someone please explain the different type of strings (flats / round / wound / half wound etc) to me as well as some idea of suggested gauge / make for my Fender P Bass. As a starter, I have not settled on a preferred "sound" or even know if strings change the sound of the bass. At the moment I am just learning simple Rockschool stuff. Whilst I bought the bass new three weeks ago from my local small village music shop, I now think it was hanging around there for a while. it is a 2011 model and I want to change the strings to be new. Even if it is not needed, I just would like to start with new strings so I know what the "zing" is meant to feel like. Having done a forum search I could not find anything in response to this type of question.

The correct number of bass guitars to own is N+1. In reality, why not. I just changed my bass from an Ibenez which was not inspiring me to a Fender P and am now the mojo is back.

Buddy Guy - My Time After a While. As a true newbie, I love this simple bass line. Great choon too. My kind blues

Boss TU-80 for me too. As a beginner, the metronome function is also useful.

Mikey, I have left a message on your mobile. I am a returning newbie, pretty much needing to start afresh.

Hi Guys and Gals, The names Marc (not Bob) and I am a previous member here approx 4 years ago and under a different name. Started playing electric bass then on a cheap Ibanez SRX 430 but never really took to it despite some great teachers and stopped approx 2 years ago. Four years later and having left London for the shires, I am having another go. This time with a Sunburst Fender per my signature. Mainly interested in slow blues / jazz due to stiff fingers; even 16th notes can cause issue! Now looking for a tutor to get back into this and have left a message for one of the guys on here. Let's see what happens, Duck Dunn may have played the same guitar, but if I can pull a simple tune I will be happy. I will try not to bore with too many newly questions! [attachment=151440:P Bass.jpg]