mikel

If you enjoy playing bass, at whatever level, then its all good. Gigging or even just playing with other musicians still gives me a huge buzz even after 50 years of playing music. Its the sound of the complete band that counts and the music that matters. I love every gig I do and I fit with the drummer and the rest of the band. We make decent music and audiences like us and dance there feet off. I have a friend who is a very good bassist, light years better than me, but he is constantly beating himself up with regard to his playing, practice regime, how many hours a day he has for practice, quality of equipment etc, he never seems happy with anything he does in music. So who has got it made, me or him?

A combo with headphone out is the way to go, meaning home practice is nailed if it also has mp3 input. Most rehearsal studio backline is poor, but If you use your own you will know how to get a good sound quickly. Also, for gigs, without a backline amp you would be at the mercy of the PA quality and the skill of the sound guy. The quality of a lot of monitors means they dont produce decent bass frequencies so even if it is good out front you wont be able to enjoy the sound of your bass on stage.

[quote name='josie' timestamp='1473893379' post='3134011'] Happy to stand corrected - probably showing my age... When I bought my sons their first instruments, 25-ish years ago, one had to spend good money to get good quality. It's relatively recent, and excellent, that better instruments are available at a better price. [/quote] Its true. Not just guitars. I am mainly a drummer but I also play bass and guitar. The Cheap Squire Telecaster I bought 10 years ago is twice the instrument that the Gibson SG I had back in the 70s was. It cost 250 quid back in the day and the intonation was never right, also it was poorly finished. The Squire was spot on straight out of the box. I bought a new mid range Yamaha kit last year, its superbly made and finished, for about half, in real terms, what it cost me for a used Rodgers kit back in the day. Nurse, my medication.

[quote name='joseb84' timestamp='1473436248' post='3130256'] Hi Josie - agree with nearly everything you say but would challenge the idea that all 'cheap' instruments are 'poor' and therefore off-putting to a beginner. These days I think there are a number of instruments at the lower end of the spectrum that are very good quality and enjoyable to play. While there's nothing wrong with starting on a £500+ bass I don't think you have to- £199 should suffice with the right advice. [/quote] Agreed. My first bass is a Yamaha, less than 200 quid, and its perfectly playable. The neck is fine, the action is low and the body is comfortable. It holds its tuning and there are no dead spots when amplified. If I keep playing and improving I may treat myself, eventually, to a more luxurious instrument but for what I play it would be vanity. Nowt wrong with a bit of vanity though.