
Yeah. I figure that, particularly post pandemic, there are going to be a LOT of used basses out there in pretty decent condition. Not sure where to go to find them, but most of the stuff I am seeing on Craigslist in my area is basically used stuff at retail new prices. For instance, someone wanted $259 for a used Squire Affinity Jazz Bass when I can get one from Amazon for another $20.
Yeah, a lot of people have no idea of how badly things depreciate. Our local Facebook marketplace is full of guitars that are being sold close to retail. I wouldn't pay more than 75% of retail for an instrument less than 2 years old, and even then only if it's something I really like in a colour I want.
If you keep an eye out good deals will crop up, but if you want to get started a new Squire Affinity is a safe place to start.
You may want to pick up an amplifier for practicing, or an interface or Rocksmith cable so you can play through your computer. The free version of Amplitube 5 has a bass amp and cab in it and a few effects you can play with.
If one were to look to start playing bass, what would be a good starting instrument and where would one go to procure one? Would one need to purchase new in order to assure condition and quality?
My musical instrument shopping advice:
First off go to a well stocked supplier and spend a few hours just trying things. Try everything you can get your hands on. Now decide on what your are comfortable with spending wise. If you want a new instrument keep in mind that the wood in new instruments need some time to "settle in" which means that you will need to keep tweaking the setup until an equilibrium happens. Used instruments this has already happened, but it will probably need a new setup to fit your playing style. Either way, take it to a guitar shop with clear instructions such as "the strings are too high" / "it won't stay in tune" etc. The more detail you give them the better they can help you.
New instrument: Great. You found a bass you love. Just go ahead and buy it or wait until there's a sale. Sweetwater is my preferred outlet when it comes to new gear. Solid customer service. They do an inspection of your gear before sending it out to make sure everything is in good shape and nothing is broken. If something happens, you can ship things back to them on their dime.
Used instrument: head to reverb.com and make an account. It's the main second hand market for gear in the US. You can find some great deals on there, just make sure that the seller has a good reputation. Any sales can be refunded through reverb if what you get is broken, doesn't work, or the seller has sent you a brick.
Good luck and don't hesitate to ask questions if you are new to the hobby. There's a lot of terminology that can be confusing and many people have strong opinions about brands / setup / flavors. I think the main advice I can think of is to try as many different brands as you can before making a decision. My kid went through 50 different basses before they settled on a pink Gretsch bass. It's a phenomenal instrument.
Anyone on this thread have experience with a theremin? Absurd got me one for Christmas, and while I think I got the basic setup down, I didn't realize how exact the hand/finger positions are. I don't know any resources beyond YouTube videos, though, and the penny hasn't yet dropped for me. The kids, however are amused by the "alien magic machine."
You may want to pick up an amplifier for practicing, or an interface or Rocksmith cable so you can play through your computer. The free version of Amplitube 5 has a bass amp and cab in it and a few effects you can play with.
There's an ever-so-slight delay with the wired rocksmith cable, but haven't tried the app yet for rocksmith+. I picked up this little guy (Fender MD20 Mini Deluxe Amp) back when I started because I wasn't sure I'd still be playing 6 months down the road! The sound and connection are pretty decent, it does require a little tweaking to reduce the in-line buzz from the AC power. However, since it's so twee, a single D battery is all you need for a little clean sound. At this price point and size it's practically a toy, but it'll get the job done for personal use. It also has a jack on the side that you can plug headphones into if you want to practice more quietly. Basically has all the things a regular-sized one has, but small. (edit: it does not come with the AC adapter, I had to buy that separately).
MrDeVil909 wrote:You may want to pick up an amplifier for practicing, or an interface or Rocksmith cable so you can play through your computer. The free version of Amplitube 5 has a bass amp and cab in it and a few effects you can play with.
There's an ever-so-slight delay with the wired rocksmith cable, but haven't tried the app yet for rocksmith+. I picked up this little guy (Fender MD20 Mini Deluxe Amp) back when I started because I wasn't sure I'd still be playing 6 months down the road! The sound and connection are pretty decent, it does require a little tweaking to reduce the in-line buzz from the AC power. However, since it's so twee, a single D battery is all you need for a little clean sound. At this price point and size it's practically a toy, but it'll get the job done for personal use. It also has a jack on the side that you can plug headphones into if you want to practice more quietly. Basically has all the things a regular-sized one has, but small. (edit: it does not come with the AC adapter, I had to buy that separately).
I use a Rocksmith cable for my guitar, I've never had an issue with latency using it with Reaper or with a standalone amp sim as far as I can recall, but latency can be accommodated in ASIO drivers.
I would recommend an amp in most situations, but when I've tried a bass in small guitar practice combos it hasn't worked out. Have you used that one for a bass?
Vox does make a Pathfinder 10 bass amp that looks pretty sweet, but ideally bass needs speaker size and a decent amount of power.
Amoebic wrote:MrDeVil909 wrote:You may want to pick up an amplifier for practicing, or an interface or Rocksmith cable so you can play through your computer. The free version of Amplitube 5 has a bass amp and cab in it and a few effects you can play with.
There's an ever-so-slight delay with the wired rocksmith cable, but haven't tried the app yet for rocksmith+. I picked up this little guy (Fender MD20 Mini Deluxe Amp) back when I started because I wasn't sure I'd still be playing 6 months down the road! The sound and connection are pretty decent, it does require a little tweaking to reduce the in-line buzz from the AC power. However, since it's so twee, a single D battery is all you need for a little clean sound. At this price point and size it's practically a toy, but it'll get the job done for personal use. It also has a jack on the side that you can plug headphones into if you want to practice more quietly. Basically has all the things a regular-sized one has, but small. (edit: it does not come with the AC adapter, I had to buy that separately).
I use a Rocksmith cable for my guitar, I've never had an issue with latency using it with Reaper or with a standalone amp sim as far as I can recall, but latency can be accommodated in ASIO drivers.
I would recommend an amp in most situations, but when I've tried a bass in small guitar practice combos it hasn't worked out. Have you used that one for a bass?
Vox does make a Pathfinder 10 bass amp that looks pretty sweet, but ideally bass needs speaker size and a decent amount of power.
Ahh, I hadn't considered using it outside of the Rocksmith app, so using it as a pure connection cable to reaper is a great idea!! thank you, I'll give it a try.
I have used it with a bass, but only once, and I played VERY quietly - aka headphones-on only - so the output of the actual speaker box is something I didn't even consider for the lower bass frequency. Not a bassist, I was testing it to see what it felt like to hold/play a bass guitar. Good catch, thank you!
I've been inspired by The Bret Crow Show and have beeing eying them at the local shop, but haven't the courage or pocketbook to pick up a bass of my own yet. Keeping a close eye on this thread, and thanks for the tips
Ahh, I hadn't considered using it outside of the Rocksmith app, so using it as a pure connection cable to reaper is a great idea!! thank you, I'll give it a try.
I have used it with a bass, but only once, and I played VERY quietly - aka headphones-on only - so the output of the actual speaker box is something I didn't even consider for the lower bass frequency. Not a bassis, I was testing it to see what it felt like to hold/play a bass. Good catch, thank you!
Yeah, it's a great lightweight interface. I have it coiled under my desk and permanently plugged in, so it's very easy to just pick up and play with minimal fiddling after initially setting it up.
I use Guitar Rig 6 Free as my main plugin/amp sim. It only has a Marshall amp, but it does have some effects too. Amplitube 5 has more options, but it's a bit slow on my system. It also took more work to get sounding nice, but I got there eventually.
There are also a lot of free or cheap, and excellent sounding, amp sims.
And as far as amps for bass go I just know my 10 watt amp couldn't drive a bass, but it is from the late 90s so newer ones may work better.
For practice amps, I can heartily recommend the Positive Grid Spark amps even for bass. We have the Spark mini and it's perfect for sitting around in a bed room practicing to music. Sounds great, lots of bass, great interface, tons and tons of pedals integrated and a thriving community.
sometimesdee wrote:Anyone on this thread have experience with a theremin? Absurd got me one for Christmas, and while I think I got the basic setup down, I didn't realize how exact the hand/finger positions are. I don't know any resources beyond YouTube videos, though, and the penny hasn't yet dropped for me. The kids, however are amused by the "alien magic machine."
I understand it is a really hard instrument to play without sounding awful. Right up there with violin and bagpipes.
Maybe it helps if you are actually a soviet spy
The Soviet Spy Who Invented the First Major Electronic Instrument
The other one I have been looking at is the Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4. It looks like the going price for that is about $289.
I know that Sterling stuff is pretty good, be warned those $289 SKUs are scratch and dent. The usual price is $350.
But a $60 discount for a relic-ed instrument? Gibson charges you $2000 for that as a feature.
And looking around people who have bought scratch and dent stuff from Sweetwater seem happy with their purchases.
They have a nice bundle with stand, picks, strap and 25 watt Orange amp too.
Paleocon wrote:sometimesdee wrote:Anyone on this thread have experience with a theremin? Absurd got me one for Christmas, and while I think I got the basic setup down, I didn't realize how exact the hand/finger positions are. I don't know any resources beyond YouTube videos, though, and the penny hasn't yet dropped for me. The kids, however are amused by the "alien magic machine."
I understand it is a really hard instrument to play without sounding awful. Right up there with violin and bagpipes.
Maybe it helps if you are actually a soviet spy
The Soviet Spy Who Invented the First Major Electronic Instrument
Yeah, I read that story!
And I played violin from elementary all the way through high school.
Probably not more useful than any info you have already, but I found this video from Rob Scallon with Carolina Eyck an interesting watch.
I suspect it's just a case of sticking with it and using your ear to calibrate it, and yourself, properly.
Love a Gretsch. Especially one with genuine Filtertrons.
Apparently, with this as pre-Fender Gretsch, the Filtertrons are ceramic rather than alnico. I'm not sure how much of a difference that actually makes. These pickups still completely nail the classic Grestch sound. They're thick, handle overdrive amazingly well, and still manage to have clarilty no matter what you do to them.
Oh dang. That is gorgeous. Love me some Gretsch. I am curious: what is the knob on the lower horn?
Yeah, as MrDeVil909 said, the lower horn is master volume. The other knobs are individual pickup volume, plus a tone control. A bit weird, but that's Gretsch for you. It's little wonder why Brian Setzer opts for a pickup selector, master volume, and nothing more.
Newer low level Gretsch's use a pretty typical humbucker dressed as a Filtertron. Still very nice and my heart yearns for the Junior Jet model with the humbucking bridge and P90 in the neck, but the older ones should have a more genuine design like the higher end modern ones.
I'm sure that the pickup design would account for the ceramic magnet to give a genuine tone. In principle a ceramic magnet is strong relative to most Alnico magnets but coil design can account for that.
Some Gretsch's have really weird controls. They can have a special master tone switch that switches between presets and some even have a mute switch that engages a felt mute near the bridge.
Hey you!
Do you know anything about music?
Do you like criticizing things?
I'm making procedural synth music for my terrible indie game, and I could use some feedback from anyone who -- unlike me -- knows literally anything about music or music production. If you have a second, open this link and let me know what you hate about it (via DM if you don't want to clog this thread).
Notes:
- may not work on mobile, or some browsers?
- there's not much long-term variation yet
- the chord progression buttons at the bottom are various songs for demo purposes, not real game music
Thanks in advance! If there's a better thread elsewhere I can move this, for now I'm just going to pretend that code is a musical instrument.
Hey you!
Do you know anything about music?
Do you like criticizing things?
I'm making procedural synth music for my terrible indie game, and I could use some feedback from anyone who -- unlike me -- knows literally anything about music or music production. If you have a second, open this link and let me know what you hate about it (via DM if you don't want to clog this thread)..
I don't hate it. Not at all. What I am missing is a hook that the player can hum to make the music memorable. It sounds random (which it is) and when something that sounds like a theme in the melody is generated, it is replaced within a few bars with something else. Is there a way to get make the generator repeat certain phrases you like? Like "play these 8 bars every 16 bars" or something similar?
fenomas wrote:Hey you!
Do you know anything about music?
Do you like criticizing things?
I'm making procedural synth music for my terrible indie game, and I could use some feedback from anyone who -- unlike me -- knows literally anything about music or music production. If you have a second, open this link and let me know what you hate about it (via DM if you don't want to clog this thread)..
I don't hate it. Not at all. What I am missing is a hook that the player can hum to make the music memorable. It sounds random (which it is) and when something that sounds like a theme in the melody is generated, it is replaced within a few bars with something else. Is there a way to get make the generator repeat certain phrases you like? Like "play these 8 bars every 16 bars" or something similar?
On top of that, I'd add it generally lacks any sense of resolution. There's a theme of building tension with II-Vs but it just moves onto a different tension instead of resolving it.
Thanks for the feedback!
Clumber, as far as chords go the engine basically riffs over whatever its given, so in the demo it uses random hard-coded songs - giant steps, black hole sun, etc, controlled by the buttons at the bottom. In the actual game the plan is for the chords to be procedural - e.g. building tension when combat happens and resolving when it ends.
Frederik, yeah it definitely needs more repetition but I haven't hit on a good way of doing it. When I tried having it repeat phrases it came out sounding like a loop. Probably that's the next thing I should focus on.
But it's early days - mostly I'm still trying to get the various timbres and reverbs to sound okay together, so the actual notes being played are very ad-hoc.
Other feedback welcome!
The fender.com online courses are pretty solid, too.
SallyNasty wrote:The fender.com online courses are pretty solid, too.
I figure I am just going to f*ck around with one octave major scales and triads starting at A for now until I familiarize myself with the fretboard.
I can read music from my violin days and tablature from screwing around with ukulele. Anyone know of a good set of books for learning the fundamentals correctly from the beginning?
I figure the first four frets constitute the violin equivalent of first position and have been avoiding shifts until I am comfortable that I have 1st position nailed down.
Not something I would normally recommend, but “A Modern Method for Guitar” follows the approach of learning to read music and mastering the fretboard in first position, then moves on to other positions & keys.
It doesn't hurt to learn a simple song or two, just to play along with. You have to mix it up or you won't pick it up.
Brain Stew is a great start. Or Stand By Me, or Lean on Me.
I can't vouch for Guitareo, but Drumeo is pretty fantastic. Check the trial out.
Awesome! Hope you both jive well.
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