DreadAlert

I just came across something that looks strange, and I'm not sure how it works. Its an external sound card, presumably so you could plug your instrument into it without busting what it's using as a speaker.. i.e laptop. Does it only work with computers and stuff, or could you use it like a pre-amp and plug it from the sound card to normal speakers or a cab? Sounds like a great idea though. Once the sound is playing through it and into your computer, could you put effects on your sound via the computer? Exciting discovery! - Seeing as whenever I'm at home I'm with my computer, and i could take it to friends houses etc without hauling an amp, it sounds perfect. Like, is it the sound card in my laptop that wouldn't be able to handle the bass normally? And an external would be able to use my laptops speakers?

[quote name='RussFM' post='861214' date='Jun 8 2010, 04:55 PM']My first bass was an SR300 Fretless, probably made me a better bassist, because small mistakes were more noticable. I did have some guitar experience prior to that though, so maybe not as a first instrument, but definitely helps with learning.[/quote] Cool. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for an Ibanez SR300 as it was voted best value bass and stuff is Bassguitar Magazine. Love the looks, love the sound. NOW DONT LET ME CHANGE MY MIND!

Yeah, I know thats the only way I can be deadly sure that I like a bass, and I'll get around to trying more soon. I kinda need your guys thoughts on something - Whats with the Squier Vintage Modified Fretless Jazz? I don't get it. I can see it has frets. Also, would it be much difference to the regular VMJ? Thanks guys.

[quote name='Johnston' post='859286' date='Jun 6 2010, 08:47 PM']If you've playd something that looks sounds and feels right go for it, is what I'd say. If you haven't and need to go online shopping just do your homework, search here, talkbass and harmony central see what other folk say. I was looking at ordering a CV because they seemed to have the most consistent quality in the price range. Takes a bit of the worry of buying online. Look outside your price range too , you never know what might turn up on E-bay. I'm waiting on a new Fender Mike Dirnt arriving. It was cheaper than what a local shop quoted for a 50's cv. If you get the right auction at the right time of the day and are willing to take that bit of a risk you never know what will turn up. All it takes is an auction ending at a bad time, a bad description -remember you can ask any questions you want- or even a badly worded title and it might go for lower than expected. Pick up onlys can also wield a good deal and sometimes if you ask first the will post ;P Also remember if you do go the online route a new bass will likely come with no set up so if you don't know what your doing factor in a set up at your local guitar tech. If you buy in a shop you could get that in with the deal especially if your getting an amp and anything else at the same time.[/quote] Thanks for the advice - I'll keep a closer eye on the used section. I've been thinking that if a Musicman Sterling Ray 34 or SB14 come up in the used, I should be able to afford one. Whats the difference between the two by the way?

[quote name='Metalmoore' post='859182' date='Jun 6 2010, 07:24 PM']VMJ, if you play a couple you will find the perfect bass (due to slight differences in ALL basses of the same make/model) although i have never tried the CVJ.[/quote] Well if I was to get a VMJ, It'd have to be from the internet seeing as my local store only has a lefty. They have some classic vibes though, I think. I've been considering the CVP aswell.. love the growl. The VMP aswell. Also, I saw the Mike Dirnt signature Squier P bass. How's that? Looks and sounds great for just £190 imo. I could afford to buy a better bridge or pickups if I bought a guitar that cheap I think.

[quote name='OutToPlayJazz' post='857077' date='Jun 4 2010, 12:11 PM']The SR300 is the best value bass among those three you listed. Excellent build & sound, 3-band preamp, great playability & easily worth the £230 you'll pay for it. Have fun [/quote] Thanks - But I think... I'm going to play it safe and go with a Squier that everyone seems to love so much. What do you guys think? Classic Vibe jazz or Vintage Modified Jazz?

You mean Tokai?

I'm not particularly... tall or long-armed/handed. I guess I'd better stick with the main 3 I was considering then. I think I'll only be able to feel the BB414 and the RBX374, but not the SR300. Anyone got any personal favourites from the 3? But the thing is, I have no idea how to play anything on the bass so I don't really want to plug anything in at a store and hear it properly cause I'll look like a bit of a tard.

So I guess it comes down to 1 of these: Ibanez SR300 Yamaha RBX374 Yamaha BB414 Hrrrm. Tell me what you think and help me make my mind up!

A quick question: What bass is this that Rob Trujillo is using? [url="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Robert_Trujillo_live_in_London_2008-09-15.jpg"]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/comm..._2008-09-15.jpg[/url] It looks so nice! I think it might be a Fernandes Gravity 5 string. I've been looking at their prices and they're surprisingly cheap! Has anyone had a go on them?

Just found something out, the RB3 DOES have a headphone jack, but its on the back instead!

[quote name='throwoff' post='854420' date='Jun 2 2010, 07:28 AM']It is entirely possible but depending on what speakers you have on the PC it could sound terrible. Even when I line in through my Mackie Onyx and monitor on my little Samson's it sounds fairly awful and I spent close to 500 quid getting there! Second hand amp FTW![/quote] Yeah. I mean, I doubt any laptop has speakers capable of playing an instrument well, but could I connect it to my laptop, and then use the audio out on my laptop to connect to my big logitech speakers with a subwoofer and stuff?

Is there ANY way to play a bass through your laptop as the amp/speaker without harming it? And even if you used a preamp, say the Vox AmPlug, could you do it via that?

I kinda need one with a headphone port though. I'd use that ALOT. Anyone recommend any with a headphone port? EDIT: just saw this [url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/69480"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/69480[/url] - sounds GREAT, has everything I need, has good reviews.

[quote name='throwoff' post='853777' date='Jun 1 2010, 04:48 PM']Buy the Basschat special - Squier VM Badass Bridge Wizard Pickups. Then a second hand amp from the for sale section. Complete these steps and you are a true BC'er[/quote] Sounds cool, but with the cost of the VM and then the Bridge and Pups, its too much. Would've loved to though. Another thing I need to clear up - On the amp, what would the Line in ports actually do? And whats with the normal and high input ports? kinda annoying it doesn't have a headphone port aswell. :/

[quote name='LawrenceH' post='853027' date='May 31 2010, 09:54 PM']I had a perfect ten thrown in with a secondhand bass once...thought it was dreadful. And I actually like the sound of the relatively cheap Ashdown Electric Blue, which is a bit dirty but conveys tone well enough. The perfect 10 was boomy, indistinct and slow no matter what settings I had on the bass. I'mn sure the Yamaha BB414 would be a great choice to start with - or the RBX370, a seriously versatile and convincing-sounding cheap bass[/quote] Infact, I've just figured out I could spend more on an amp. I'm probably getting the RBX374 as it's cheaper, and sounded just as good as the BB414, and looked better IMO. I can spend about £178 on an amp. xD How's [url="http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/30291-laney-rb3-richter-bass-combo-65-watts-12.html"]THIS[/url]? Also, Yeah I'm still torn between a few basses, i'll see what's happening at the time.

In a couple of months or so, when I have the money, I'm going to check out ebay and the forum for a used bass like the BTB400 or something. Hopefully those Fenders will still be up.

Okay, but I think a regular amp would be fine for now. Im only learning really. Another few basses have caught my eye. Its the Ibanez BTB300, Washburn BB4, Ibanez SRX 430. Anyone got any experiences?

[quote name='TRadford' post='852632' date='May 31 2010, 02:30 PM']I have the perfect 10. Its a good amp, although would struggle in a band environment. Fine for bedroom practice though.[/quote] Struggle as in not be loud enough?

Another thing I could do is instead of getting a Laney RB2, I could get an Ashdown perfect 10. I've heard good things about them for their price. Or this maybe. [url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/83577"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/83577[/url]

[quote name='rmshaw37' post='852171' date='May 30 2010, 09:58 PM']so what sort of stuff are you gonna play in your band?? if its one guitar then go jazz route, you'll fill the sound much more, but if theres 2 guitars, you can sound lower with a precision style, if looks arent an issue, dont worry about sound! from your pic of flea, i'd assume you'll be playing similar stuff! (so jazz esque route!) amp wise, starting out, you just need to bear in mind that you need AT LEAST 100 watts to get over the drummer! but tbh you have to spend a serious amount of money before you get into quality amps. i'd get one with an extension cab option so if in future you can push it that little bit more! a cheap amp with something like a sansamp pedal will go a long way though! as always, this type of thing is individual choice, and best way is to get out there and see what you like! dont know about the rest of you but i wish i'd have had basschat when i started out![/quote] Well, I want to be playing anything with rhythm basically. From R'n'B to groove metal. I was thinking of getting this amp [url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/rb-2/69083"]http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/rb-2/69083[/url] seeing as that's a pretty tight fit with the cost of the BB414. Allowing a bit of extra for tuner etc. I dont quite get what you mean about an extension cab.. Is that a cab that attaches to the combo and the pre-amp in the combo powers both?

[quote name='TRadford' post='851980' date='May 30 2010, 06:06 PM']If YOU, like the look sound and feel, then thats all that matters. As been said many times, you will get more for your money buying second hand on here, but if thats not what you want to do, then get the bass that feels right for you.[/quote] I'm pretty sure I'm going for the BB414.

I went to the music store today and I tried out some basses - And I REALLY like the look and sound and feel of the Yamaha BB414. Everywhere I look I can only find good things. I looked at a few others but didnt get to try any out. For feel and looks, I really preferred the Peavey Cirrus BXP 4 string. Anyone had any experiences with the BB414 and the Cirrus?

[quote name='cocco' post='851024' date='May 29 2010, 12:17 PM']Theres a vintage modified 70s style jazz too which is a pretty awesome bass. Id have either of the Ps in a second. check this out by the way. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Cd98DH__U"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6Cd98DH__U[/url][/quote] Yeah I've heard good things about the VMJ, but everyone says the Classic Vibes are better for not that much more money. Thanks for the awesome video by the way - So far I'm lovin the 60s P and J basses. Not so much the 50s P, but its still cool. I prefer the look of the 60s P aswell, I like the way the pickguard curves around the body at the bottom, and I prefer the colour. I really hate the patterned pickguard on the jazz, but I guess it could be changed.

Well - I'll do my best to persuade to buy used, but i'm pretty sure i'll have to buy new. Looking at the classic vibes at the mo. How come there's 2 precisions and 1 jazz? - Loving the look and sound of all of them by the way.