I am looking into buying a bass guitar. Why? Because I feel it'd help me in my quest to be an amazing bari sax player. Not really. I just really want a bass, I really want to learn, and I would actually apply myself to it.

 

I have little to none (read: I was once taught the chorus line to "Smoke on the Water" and promptly forgot it) guitar experience, no experience reading tablature (sp?) either. I do however have bassline experience, I play the bari sax as stated above, so I know a fair bit about that sort of thing. My dad has an acoustic guitar and he and my brother can play sort of decently. He's got a couple guitar books too.

 

SO I require an inexpensive but good quality bass package... Preferably with a guitar, strap, amp, and case. I don't really need a tuner (we've got one) and all of the other stuff that's usually in those packs is kind of redundant. I'd like a good brand, or one people can recommend as reputable.

 

I've been looking into the Squire Affinity P Bass Packages in various places...

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301670095

Can I get this cheaper than $300?

 

If you can recommend a place to buy one, should I buy online, in the store, etc. or a specific pack/brand of guitar and/or amp that'd be great. I also need a book to learn, so if you can recommend a title...

 

I'd probably play alt or prog rock for the most part, a little indie, classic rock, jazz, maybe metal eventually... So any good sites with bass tabs for that sort of thing would be useful eventually too.

www.911tabs.com for starts.

 

As for the package, its good for starters, but if you wanna take bass seriously, then you will have to upgrade. Not sure about prices in dollars, but i'd go for::

 

http://www.guitar.co.uk/ibanez/1380-ibanez_gsr200_bass_guitar

 

and

 

http://www.guitar.co.uk/amplifiers/bass/526-orange_crush_35b_bass_guitar_amplifier

 

Solid bass, fun to slap

 

But yeah, go for that package, and take it from there! Enjoy

Okay I'm your man for this haha I haven't even been playing a year but I just love it and know more than most bass players you'll meet.

 

You never want to get a "value pack". they're cheap for a reason >.>

 

Ibanez is a very safe brand to buy for a beginner, thinner necks make it easier to adapt your fingers, and it will usually sound great. I started out on an Ibanez GSR100EX which I actually borrowed from a friend. It's cheap, and has a nice clean, punchy tone and if you EQ it right, you can get a nice fatty tone out of it too. When you want to upgrade, I'd suggest a five string, just so you have those few extra lower notes (fyi the strings go BEADG from lowest to highest) but it might take some getting used too, but it shouldn't be that hard. I myself got a Squier Deluxe Active J-bass V 5-string which is a pretty heavy guitar and might break your back if your not careful, and the neck is pretty fat. But you get a really nice tone and it didn't take long for me to stretch my fingers out. I personally want to go back to Ibanez with a SR505but currently can't afford it.

 

as for an Amp thats a toughy. It all depends on the sound you want.If you want something that will be punchy but still resonate which is a good all around tone, This Backline will be perfect. I actually play that amp weekly at a youth group and I can eq it to get any sound I want haha you probably won't need anything more than that.

 

As for the strap you would just have to go into the store and find what you like for yourself. Also if you're going to get any kind of cable, make sure it's a Monster bass cable. They're more expensive but when they short out, they'll send you another one free of charge!

 

Also you could forgo the Amp altogether and to just practice at home without having to plug in and get an Acoustic Bass. I did and I love it, although I opted for the Dean instead of the Ibanez, and the electronics are horrible, so if you want an acoustic bass,this is your best bet. My friend got one and it sounds great plugged in also :P

 

And if you ever have a question, or just want some tips on playing, PM me. I'll also be trying to hook up some online bass lessons through youtube or something, so I'll let you in on that too :P