An amplified bass guitar for sale can be the ideal starter instrument. A beginner bass and amp are all you need to start jamming with drummers and learning the art of creating grooves.
Reverb offers a selection of bass combo amps from classic Fender and Ampeg brands like Fender to modern offerings from Gallien-Krueger for you to take to your gigs easily.
Guitar
The guitar has long been at the center of many musical genres. Dubbed “the heartbeat” of any band, its rich bass notes provide depth, rhythm and cohesion in every song it appears on. Musicians and listeners alike experience its soul stirring essence – across generations and genres alike!
A guitar stands out among musical instruments by having the unique capability of polyphonic music playing simultaneously; this makes it one of the most sought-after instruments today. Furthermore, guitar’s intimate nature requires close contact between player and instrument due to its small size and curved body which hugs around its player similarly to that of violin bow or harpist’s lyre.
Beginners can begin their bass guitar learning experience with a starter pack, which contains an electric guitar and amplifier to practice or perform live performances. However, for optimal results it is wise to upgrade to a higher-quality model from an established manufacturer; this will ensure a quality sound when played correctly, as well as making learning the instrument much simpler.
A great bass will feature a wide fretboard that enables musicians to play an assortment of chords and guitar solos, and an ergonomic neck that fits comfortably in the left hand when holding it with strings being plucked by left hand players. Either U- or D-shaped neck shapes should work; students should select models which accommodate their playing style best.
An acoustic bass will require additional equipment in order to play on stage or jam sessions due to not featuring its own amp, as it cannot penetrate through band mix as effectively as an electric bass can.
Beginners can learn the bass on any type of guitar; however, for maximum tone and flexibility they should purchase an electric bass guitar equipped with humbucking pickups for optimal tone and flexibility. A tuner will also be necessary to tune and keep their instrument at pitch; in addition, they’ll require a guitar pick – thin triangular plastic piece used to strike and pluck strings simultaneously – as a crucial tool in their practice of the instrument.
Amp
Bass guitars require special amplifiers due to their lower frequencies. Although it is possible to play one through an ordinary electric guitar amplifier, the sound won’t be quite right. Ideally, a bass amp with adjustable tone settings is best as this allows you to experiment with different bass styles and tones before finding what speaks to you best.
Some bassists prefer tube amps because they can be driven harder, producing more grit and distortion. Solid-state amps, on the other hand, are easier to maintain without as many reverberations, providing reliable gigging without fear of overheating; plus they’re lighter and smaller so more convenient to carry around with you.
The Laney Digbeth range provides an outstanding combination of tube and solid-state technology. Their Tube Logic technology delivers classic tube tones, with the Tube Logic amp having a classic tube response that saturates or cleans up depending on playing dynamics – an ideal choice for classic rock bass tones or extended range basses such as five-string basses. If you prefer something more modern, try out their Modern amp type; its dynamic response makes it the ideal choice for progressive bass.
There are various other options available depending on your preferences and budget, for instance a 25-watt combo amp may work well as an affordable practice amp for practice; while for gigging gigs a high wattage amp with large speakers would likely prove more suitable. You may also discover one with built-in effects to allow for the exploration of different bass sounds.
One feature you might find helpful when practicing quietly is having a headphone output that allows for discreet practice sessions, whether that be in an apartment or among neighbors who don’t appreciate loud music. Furthermore, this plug can also be used when recording to connect to either your computer or audio interface and help provide more professional sounds both when practising in studio and when performing live on stage.
Gig Bag
A gig bag is a lightweight zippered guitar case designed to protect an instrument with additional pockets for accessories and features lightweight construction with shoulder straps, handles and multiple zippered compartments for organization. While much less costly than hard shell cases, gig bags provide essential basic protection for their instrument.
A gig bag is ideal for students, teachers and musicians who regularly transport their instrument, providing more padding and structural integrity than hard cases and offering protection from minor bumps and drops. Plus, these compact cases fit nicely into overhead bins on most commercial flights!
Some players opt to own both a soft gig bag and hard case for their instrument, so that they can use either for local rehearsals, session work, and gigs while taking both on plane travel. This approach is particularly suitable for bass players since padded gig bags are less likely to crush an unprotected double bass than unpadded hard cases.
Gig bags can also be helpful for temporarily storing your bass between uses or when it needs restringing, although it is generally advised that bass instruments be left inside their case when not being played – however this may not always be feasible given a busy musician’s schedule and other musical obligations.
Gig bags are an invaluable investment for musicians that wish to protect their guitar. The features found in higher-end bags can prove especially valuable when touring and taking on multiple roles at concerts such as being merch seller, stage manager or sound engineer. A well-organized gig bag can ensure you have everything needed for performances without missing important items; speak with our Music & Arts representative about selecting the appropriate case or gig bag!
Case
Few things can compare with the power and sound of a bass guitar amp pumping air through real speakers. Musicians who want to experience all of the bass’s tonality often opt for connecting their instrument directly into an amplifier and turning up its volume – Sweetwater offers an extensive range of bass amplifiers suitable for practice sessions and live performances alike.
When purchasing a bass guitar, it is imperative that it has an appropriate case to protect it when not being played. Bass cases are designed to shield instruments from sudden forces like blunt force and pressure fluctuations as well as sudden temperature shifts while maintaining professional appearances. Most cases feature durable nylon exteriors with elegant leather-look handles and locking latches; some even boast built-in padding to help prevent scratches or dents in transit.
Some bass cases are hard-shell while others are gig bags; many hard-shell models come with various colors and finishes, making it easy to find something to match your personal style. If weight concerns are an issue for you, look for models equipped with built-in wheels or extendable handles to make transporting larger cases easier.
Your choice of bass amplifier depends on both your needs and budget. A small practice amp with 10″ speakers should suffice; for gigging at larger venues or gigs however, at least 100-watt amp with cabinet or better still 500-watt head/cabinet would be necessary.
Bass amplifiers are specifically designed to amplify low-pitched instruments, like bass guitars. Their controls differ significantly from those found on electric guitar amps; and usually much bigger; so as to be able to drive larger speakers with more power. When playing a bass through an amp intended for electric guitars it would likely damage them as both instruments use different frequencies and volumes that may damage both speakers/amp.
Just as it’s essential to select an amp that suits your individual needs, it is also vitally important to consider which effects you wish to incorporate into your sound. If pedal use will be frequent then purchasing one with an FX loop or external EQ unit might be advantageous; alternatively you could buy a separate pedalboard for bass use that works with any amp that supports it would also work effectively.