thinking about getting an E-Bass - what would YOU do?

Hi guys,


I'm thinking of getting me an E-Bass (a cheap one).

But I'm not shure if it's worth the hassle.

I'm not a bass player by any means - but would like to learn to play a bit.

My main problem is that I'm left-handed - so to get a decent bass in that field I have to pay a bit.
But I don't have the money for that.

So I thought of getting me a very cheapo one (about 100-200 $), but I'm not shure if it's a good idea - sound-wise.


What would you prefer more (mostly from a sound point of view)?

Good bass samples used in a sampler and triggered by keys

or a cheapo bass-guitar (played like the real thingie) for some dope ass licks?


To all you experienced bass players - would the sound of a cheap bass-guitar leave a lot to be desired (compared to a quality one) or would it still be better than sampled notes.

Or would it even be better than samples - because I could sample MYSELF some snippets - just how I need it and then trigger it from a sampler.


ANY tips and info is very much appreciated.

(Or maybe it's just my lack of skill in that area - but somehow I'm not able to "program" (in terms of beein' convincing) those nice bass licks that you hear in some of Dre's productions.)

thanks in advance

if you cant play getting one and then smapling it will just sound like you are sampling a shit bass player- id learn a bit about bass playing

greg

dubmunkey wrote:if you cant play getting one and then smapling it will just sound like you are sampling a **** bass player- id learn a bit about bass playing

greg

You're right, but wouldn't it help to do that with the "help" of a "real" bass?

Or should I learn it on my motif.

You left me confused.

i wouldn't do it on a motif- wont sound great if you are going for realism- if you are going for that nerd/neptunes 'guitar' sound then maybe...

i only say it wont work cos ive done something similar- im no great bass player and believe it or not you need to learn how to hit the strings properly otherwise it sounds like an amatuer plucking strings- you need the experience to make sure you have the right sound and most importantly timing...



greg

Ok, ok.


I understand.

I would not expect to drop those nice licks from the first attempt.
Practicing would be a main pillar of getting a nice sound.


My main concern is just - would it be worth and possible to learn that stuff even with a cheapo bass?

Assuming that I maybe would be able to cope it - would the surplus be with worth it?


Or would a cheap bass give just that - cheap sound?

use the bass on the motif... instead of trying to do it yourself, unless u just wanna take on learning the bass.... other then that, the motif is the closest you are going to get to getting a good bass sound like u want from the Bass Guitar itself until you can practice and perform with it, unless you hire someone experienced or get one of ya boys to come over and play it for ya...

it all depends on the song....different bass sounds of course depend on the song... but again, if you are trying to become a hobby bass player or unless you just want one to sample the sounds from, i wouldnt do it.... but if you want to become a well seasoned bass player or even to pick it up as an instrument whether just to play in the studio and get some lessons, do it... but if you think you wanna do it cause you think u can get a better pro sound, thats crazy ... goodluck on your decision

er id say you will get better results off a sample cd than the stock motif sounds....there are a number of pro multisample sets out there- the bass legends series being of note....

greg

thanks,

I will have a look on that cd.

In terms of actually buying a bass, I say go for it... Along with the Motif, you can add depth to your sound, not possible with the digital or sampled counterpart, even if your not a pro at the begining... Added one note, or simple three or four note progressions, will teach you new aspects of music making... You can then loop it, chop it, layer it, whatever... Thus making your own samples...

The fun comes when you buy an actually bass amp then mic it, adding even
more creativity, depending on the mic position/ quality and the amp quality/ settings...

Fender makes cheaper starter basses under its "beginner line", can't remember the name of the line right now... But having used several in the pass, they should surfice... Also, just because your left handed, doesn't mean you have to buy a lefty bass, my friend is a left hander and plays a right handed instrument, stringed for a right hander, you can also try a jimi hendrix inspired stringing on a right hander (turn it upside down, and reverse the strings, if money is an issue), then again I really never saw a bass used this way, so who knows... just trying to give some info/ideas..

Do you have any guitar experience? If so, it helps... If not, then it might be harder moving onto the bass... But I say if you have the money and the drive go for it, it can only help in the long run..

one

u got a good point cluster... cause if he buys one, and he is serious about music... then he will actually probably end up becoming a self taught seasoned bass player

cop a bass; learn how to play; have fun with it; when experienced -> record

of course you won't be able to cop a bass and play the basslines you normally would sample. but as your skills in playing increase you'll be able to play more and more complex basslines!

I've been playing guitar for nearly two years and I'm just starting to record my sht.

KEEP MUSIC ALIVE! (and don't capture it in sound modules!!)