Orphius Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Hi guys, Nice forum- just what I need for lots of advice on starting to play bass!! I, like a suspect many bass players, started playing guitar many years ago and have just recently (last month) switched to bass. I switched because I sold my main guitar (to pay bills etc) and had an old bass. My next door neighbour saw it and suggested they needed a bassist for his little group. OK in at the deepend!!!! Obviously I have some of the dexterity/coordination from playing guitar and over the last few weeks have been trying to ween myself of using a pick so I can eventually do pop/slap techniques so I have a broader horizon. I need help with the following points- I need a smallish amp for rehearsal and eventually small gigs- I have very limited funds (less than £100) I have seen what ebay can offer (Older Peavey TNT's TKO's, some Ashdowns and one or two old Trace Elliots). Is there anything I should look out for? I'm in a sort of rush (weeks not months) as I'm currently going through the PA at rehearsal via a behringer shark DI and it sounds OK on it own but as soon as the vocals kick in the bass gets compressed and lost. Also- any good exercises anyone can suggest to improve right hand technique quickly? Info on my bass guitar- I have an Aria Pro II Wildcat series 4 string passive with J&P pups- anyone know anything about this bass? I bought it years ago for a girlfriend for £75 and recently had the wiring checked coz of a crackling jack socket- I was going to part ex it against a cheap Vintage or suchlike but the guy said it played much nicer that a modern "cheapy" so I took his advice and kept it. Thanks in advance to any help Regards Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 (edited) Hi Rich. Welcome to the forum. As far as amps go, I'd be looking for a Peavey TNT in your position. They come up fairly regularly for the sort of money you're looking at, they sound great and are reliable. Having said that ebay can be a weird place where you can snag bargains because the seller won't post, so it's just a question of keeping your eye out. If you're unsure what you are looking at you can always post a question here. Your Wildcat is likely a Matsumoku made bass - I'm not sure if Aria continued the range after production switched to Korea, but if it was made in Japan it's a keeper. You'll find a lot of love for Mats on these boards. Can't help with right hand technique though - I use a pick! Edited September 7, 2009 by Musky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Posted September 7, 2009 Share Posted September 7, 2009 Hey Rich Welcome to the Forum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orphius Posted September 8, 2009 Author Share Posted September 8, 2009 [quote name='Musky' post='592419' date='Sep 7 2009, 08:15 PM']Hi Rich. Welcome to the forum. As far as amps go, I'd be looking for a Peavey TNT in your position. They come up fairly regularly for the sort of money you're looking at, they sound great and are reliable. Having said that ebay can be a weird place where you can snag bargains because the seller won't post, so it's just a question of keeping your eye out. If you're unsure what you are looking at you can always post a question here. Your Wildcat is likely a Matsumoku made bass - I'm not sure if Aria continued the range after production switched to Korea, but if it was made in Japan it's a keeper. You'll find a lot of love for Mats on these boards. Can't help with right hand technique though - I use a pick! [/quote] Thanks for the info on the Aria bass- I'll have to start looking after it now (maybe even get it a protective case !!) It does not give any indication as to its origin although stamped on the heel plate is the following- 6062808 Accurate Bolt on neck Thanks for the confidence boost on the old Peavey TNT's - I have seen many used by bassists while I've been playing guitar and there are a few on my eBay watch list!! Gutted though- just missed a Trace Elliot BLX- 80 that ended for £63!! I've seen a few H/H V-S 100 watt combos- I know these are not fashionable but are they any good?? Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musky Posted September 8, 2009 Share Posted September 8, 2009 [quote name='Orphius' post='592655' date='Sep 8 2009, 08:39 AM']Thanks for the info on the Aria bass- I'll have to start looking after it now (maybe even get it a protective case !!) It does not give any indication as to its origin although stamped on the heel plate is the following- 6062808 Accurate Bolt on neck Thanks for the confidence boost on the old Peavey TNT's - I have seen many used by bassists while I've been playing guitar and there are a few on my eBay watch list!! Gutted though- just missed a Trace Elliot BLX- 80 that ended for £63!! I've seen a few H/H V-S 100 watt combos- I know these are not fashionable but are they any good?? Rich[/quote] Yep, that's a Mat - built in 1986. I've not tried the VS combo, but I've got a soft spot for the amps. In fact I've got one of the later Bass Machines that I refuse to part with, so perhaps I'm not the best person to ask. I rehearsal studio I use has a VS and an old 4x12 - it sound great if your into more retro sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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