Topic: Thinking About Buying A New Bass

[Skhilled (OP)]

Been pondering this for awhile now. But first a little history... I've played bass for a number of years, years ago, with bands and as an enthusiast. From some of the music posts and videos you should be able to see how much I love the bass. 

The problem is: if I'll still keep playing with it or will it sit in the corner after a year or so and I've spent $$$ on it...

Been looking at some nice Ibanez basses at Guitar Center...which I do actually visit the stores every once in awhile... 

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/GSR200SM-4-String-Electric-Bass.gc?pfm=sp

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/SR250-Electric-Bass.gc?pfm=sp

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/SR250-Electric-Bass.gc?pfm=sp

[Mick]

You kept that quiet Steve, didn't know you played Bass. 

You probably won't go far wrong with a Ibanez, although you might consider a five string Bass as apposed to four, they are becoming more popular nowadays, and give you that extended lower range.

As for whether you'd play it enough, or sit it in the corner, only you can decide that one.  Get one you enjoy playing and you won't put it down.

[Skhilled (OP)]

I've thought about a 5 string. I held one once many years ago but it felt a bit strange. Maybe I should give it another shot. I might stop by Guitar Center in the morning and have a look around.

[Mick]

I've thought about a 5 string. I held one once many years ago but it felt a bit strange. Maybe I should give it another shot. I might stop by Guitar Center in the morning and have a look around.

Certainly work checking out again, things have probably moved on quite a bit since you last tried one.  Either way get something you're comfortable with, or you won't  pick it up and play it. 

Do you still have a amp?  or are you going to play through a amp sim and DAW through your PC?

[Skhilled (OP)]

Of course...gotta play with them a bit in the store and make sure they feel right.

I've considered using the PC but it's much easier and more cost effective to just get a nice small amp. I won't have to worry about updates, buying extras for the PC, etc. I'm not going to do any gigs so a small amp would be prefect.

[Mick]

Of course...gotta play with them a bit in the store and make sure they feel right.

I've considered using the PC but it's much easier and more cost effective to just get a nice small amp. I won't have to worry about updates, buying extras for the PC, etc. I'm not going to do any gigs so a small amp would be prefect.

I agree, because although there's some freebie software options you'd still have to buy a audio interface of some kind.  For Guitar I have a line 6 UX2 interface which can be used for guitar and vocals if needed.  Though a couple of my amps have USB connectivity so I tend use those.  For software I use the full version of Amplitube 4 which is superb for what I do, and for a DAW I use Reaper.  A couple of my Multi effect pedals also have USB connectivity, and double up as an interface for recording and playing along to backing tracks etc. 

All I need to do is learn how to play the guitar and I'm set to go.  The old expression, "All the gear, no idea" springs to mind. lol...

[Skhilled (OP)]

Sounds like a lot of work...and a lot of learning just to get started with Amplitube! LOL Reaper looks impressive. Reminds me of being in a studio...I miss those days.

[Mick]

Sounds like a lot of work...and a lot of learning just to get started with Amplitube! LOL

Well tbh, it's only as complicated as you make it really, plug in, choose a amp, or preset, adjust to needs and play.  Or you can go deep changing cabinet and speaker types.  amp types, pedal types rack effects to mention a few.  It has a looper built in, and a 8 track daw.  My friend Howard done a review for me on my Guitarist Guild site AMPLITUBE 4 REVIEW

*Will run as standalone app or as plugin for your DAW.

Yo can get a free version of Amplitube 4 from http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/amplitubecs/

Reaper looks impressive. Reminds me of being in a studio...I miss those days.

Reaper is fantastic actually. and  runs free without restriction if you want to put up with the nag screen on start up.  It's really cheap to by the licence though should you wish to do the right thing.  * Amplitube will run as a plugin inside reaper which makes things even easier.

[Skhilled (OP)]

I've played with a program similar to Reaper years ago when I was playing around with DJ Atomix and the Panasonic DJ (I forget the name of it) softwares. Can't remember the name of that one too. LOL But it was a lot of fun mixing and sampling music from CD's and WAV's.