Need a little help picking the right bass and amp

[Hotrod 97]

I know that there are some guitar and bass players on this forum, so I figured I’d reach out on here.

I’m in the market for a left-handed bass. I’ve been doing some research on basses and amps, but, admittedly, I know way too little about them to try to pick them on my own. However, I have decided that I want a 4-string bass. I’m not after super expensive top-of-the-line equipment, I’m just after something that sounds good and would be fine for gigging.

I’m not a studio musician (yet?), but I do enjoy playing some of my favorite bass lines. I also throw in some original stuff every now and then.

This will be my first left-handed bass, so I’m not picky on brands or anything like that. 

So, with all that being said, does anyone have any suggestions for a good left-handed 4-string bass and amp? 

 

Thanks in advance

Edited November 28, 2020 by Hotrod 97

[Fat Brian]

The Fender Precision bass is pretty much the standard for bass guitars and can be heard in every type of music. The Squier versions are very good, especially if you step up to the mid teir ones.

Personally, I find the neck of the Precision a bit chunky so I went with the Jazz bass. I have a Squier 70's Modified series and it is great.

Do you have any tones or players you're trying to replicate/immulate? That may point you in a certain direction. 

For the amp I wouldn't go with anything less than a 12" speaker. You really need to move some air to get a good sound. I have a Peavey solid state amp but I wish I gone with a bigger speaker. 

[iamsuperdan]

For just a solid, all around great instrument that will not cost you ton of bucks, you cannot go wrong with the Made in Mexico Fenders.

https://shop.fender.com/en/intl/electric-basses/precision-bass/player-precision-bass-left-handed/0149823500.html

 

Although the components used maybe aren't quite as good as their US built counterparts, they are solid. I've had a MIM Telecaster sincer 1996, and it is fantastic. And when I bought it, half the price of the American one. They play just as well as the US ones, the finish quality is just as good as the US ones, the tone and sound is 4/5 the US one. Not enough  to justify the cost of the US. Not in my mind anyway.

 

 

[iamsuperdan]

For bass amp, try the Ampeg mini-stack. It has a cabinet with two 10" speakers, plus a 100 watt head.

I found a slightly used one on Kijiji last summer for my son. It is pretty good. Nice tight sound, but can thump, and has the power to keep up to my Peavey 5150 guitar amp.

https://ampeg.com/products/classic/microcl/

 

[440 Dakota]

don't know if you have any music stores close by, Guitar Center, Music Go Round etc even small mom and pops or whatever but they have all been very cool around here and let me play any guitar I want, maybe go out and try a bunch first. don't overlook pawn shops either if you know what your looking for, I've bought some pretty good stuff very reasonably sorry cant really offer bass specific recommendations in fact I just traded off my Jackson 5 string found out bass wasn't for me, keep in mind what Dan said about the MIM Fenders that's been my experience also

[iamsuperdan]

Yup, go to music stores and try stuff out. For the most part, try not to be a brand snob, and just find something that you think feels the best, and sounds the best.

All of us pseudo-experts may have our opinions, but ultimately, your opinion is the one that matters.

 

[Hotrod 97]

Thank you all very much for the information and suggestions. Very much appreciated. 

After doing a bit more research and going to a few music stores, I have decided on a Fender Player Presicion and Rumble 100 amp. My ears liked that combination, my wallet? Not so much ? But, I’m pleased with what I decided on. I’ll get some pictures for y’all this week.