r/Bass • • 1h ago

Weekly Thread There Are No Stupid Bass Questions - Oct. 17

• Upvotes

Stumped by something? Don't be embarrassed to ask here, but please check the FAQ first.


r/Bass • • 5d ago

Weekly Thread Gear Thread: Week of Oct. 12

7 Upvotes

Got a new bass, pedal, amp, etc. you want to brag about (or ask questions about)? Post it here!


r/Bass • • 17h ago

I made a free bass tab maker because I was sick of signing up for stuff

101 Upvotes

I just wanted to make a simple tab creator for bass that doesn't require logging in or fills your screen with ads.

basstabcreator.com

You click the fretboard and it writes the tab. That's it. (well there's a lot of other cool features too).

I would love some feedback, I hope you guys find this useful.

Edit: I'm genuinely just sharing a tool I feel like might be useful to some people, even if only 10 people use it that's enough to make me happy. I'm not advertising this for financial reasons, the website isn't even monetized.

Edit #2: the website is definitely designed for desktop, it’s not horrible on the phone but yeah


r/Bass • • 3h ago

Variax Bass Repair

6 Upvotes

So I just got myself a Variax bass 700 that won't power up with 6 AA batteries. The seller said he was selling it for his relative who moved away and was going to throw it away anyway if I don't take it, so I got it for free after testing it and told him it's not making any sound.

I also have the XPS mini and a TRS cable (and a nice gig bag all for free lol) to go with it, but no power supply.

Any tips on what to check first and does Line6/Yamaha still do repairs on these?

I might end up throwing it away if I can't fix it anyway, but it seems like such a waste.


r/Bass • • 1d ago

I made 3 Guitar Center dudes mad - was I in the wrong??

246 Upvotes

Let me start by saying I'm a 44 y/o man. I've been going to Guitar Center stores for about three decades and I am NEVER the guy who asks to plug in some guitar I can't afford and just wail away on it, with zero intention to buy it, treating the store like it's my own personal rehearsal studio.

Two days ago I went to my local GC because I've been without a bass amp for about six years. I did a cross country move and purged most of my gear. Kept my guitar amp but had sold the bass amp. Things are going well at my job so I figured I should dust off my MIM Fender jazz bass and get a new amp.

I went in to the store looking to hear the differences between the Ampeg RB-115 and the Fender Rumble 200. I checked my local GC's inventory and saw that both amps were in stock. Both sell around the same price, $600 or so.

Not only did I want to experience how both amps sound to see if there was any contrast between them, but I wanted to get an idea of how loud each one was. The plan is to mostly play at home for my own enjoyment, maybe play along with my stereo or my TV, but if I did find myself invited to play out with some people I'd want to be able to be heard over a drumset. Not a likely scenario, but I'd like the amp I buy to be versatile. Also, with bass amps, just hearing the notes played is one thing, but I wanted the sound of my bass to have a little OOPMH.

So I brought my jazz bass from home, checked it in at the front desk and the guy there was friendly enough. I got a cable and I plugged in to the Fender Rumble 100, figuring I'd start there, to see what kind of sound and power the lesser amp had first.

I start fooling around a bit to hear how the amp sounds, not playing anything I would consider obnoxious or annoying, and within 3 minutes one of the GC guys comes over to tell me to turn the volume down. On the 100 watt amp. He didn't have to shout or anything because it wasn't like the 100 watt amp was very loud, he said it in a normal speaking voice and I could hear him perfectly.

I was really annoyed. Isn't the whole point of GC that they allow customers to "test drive" the gear? I've been in countless GCs where some kid is trying - and failing - to play the opening riff to Sweet Child o Mine so loudly that it carries all the way to the back of the store. But now my little rehearsal amp is too loud?

I moved on to the two 200 watt amps I wanted to try and two other GC dudes came over to again tell me to turn it down. I was honestly surprised. I don't think I was being that loud at all. Again, they would come over and say it in a normal speaking voice - not yelling or shouting over me.

Isn't the way to really hear what an amp sounds like - especially a bass amp - to hear it at a higher volume setting? Anyting sounds good at 50% volume.

So am I the jerk here? Or did the 3 GC dudes just decide they didn't feel like selling me anything that day


r/Bass • • 1h ago

Sandberg TM5 wiring

• Upvotes

I am restoring the original preamp and pickups in a Sandberg TM5, could someone post an image of the internal wiring of theirs? Thanks


r/Bass • • 7h ago

What's a good song to learn to truly see my skill level

5 Upvotes

I play by myself most of the time and am not really sure how good compared to the average bass player is there any good song suggestions for me to learn that have kind off a learning curve that only someone experienced could really play?

I'm not sure if I'm articulating right but im sure y'all know what I mean


r/Bass • • 4h ago

Tuner pedals?

3 Upvotes

What tuners are people using? I’m currently using a NUX and it’s absolutely dire

I’m a touring bassist so need something that’s not gonna be sh*te


r/Bass • • 16h ago

For all the people who ask how to set up a bass correctly

21 Upvotes

Here's a Cort factory manual.

Set up guide is pages 4 and 5.

https://www.cortguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cort-bass-guitar-manual.pdf


r/Bass • • 33m ago

Can someone tell me why you think high priced Fenders are worth it?

• Upvotes

Embarrassed to ask this as I'm extremely into gear and owned / played tons of them lol. This is the main brand where I feel the diminishing returns kick in waaaay tooooo early. Specifically the Professional ones

I haven't played a Fender that felt truly buttery smooth in comparison to other J and P models, let alone other brands. I have a Fender, Squier, Sire, (and some other J styles) and those have all played similar if not better than the Fenders I've played.

I know the big thing is QC, but I feel like that's just the bare minimum and not worth the extra $1k. It feels like just a brand prestige issue

They're coming out with new models and I'm skeptical about seeing worth in them


r/Bass • • 20h ago

Are old tube heads really that dead?

21 Upvotes

I'm saddened to see legendary tube amps and cabs being sold off for a fraction of their original cost from the early 00's.

I understand that small form factor heads are the modern way, but I wouldn't have expected amps like the SVT 4 Pro to just be viewed as relics sold for dirt cheap.

Is this a long time coming, or am I just randomly spotting good deals out there?


r/Bass • • 18h ago

For those who play in a band having to audition or as a hired gun-

12 Upvotes

What are the personnel dynamics or atmosphere in a band of people you don’t really know outside the playing? I got a photo of an old band of mine playing a festival and in reminiscing, realized I have never played in a band in which I didn’t already know the others in some way, either as school chums or workmates. What’s the big challenges for you in playing with people you don’t otherwise know?


r/Bass • • 16h ago

Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Bass 32-130 Thoughts

7 Upvotes

I got serious about 6 string at the beginning of this year. Bought an affinity, got familair, after lots of years on a 4 string - then bought an EBMM Bongo 6 BFR Grabber Green - Did a full reset up of the geometry and all the things to make it play like I want. One the affinity I had been using Labella Nickel .118 set and they worked well enough. But I tried them on the Bongo and the geometry didn't sit right with the lighter gauge in the nut slot. I looked a the EBMM website and it basically says its slotted or "made/set" for .130. So I tried some d'adarrio nickel, and not as good. Long story short - I tried the cobalt and i only wish i had found them sooner. These are by far the best sounding sting I think I have ever played. Amazing clarity. I of course thought the marketing was hype about teh enhanced output etc, but alas it is true. These bayies have zing and tone. Did 4 gigs with them so far and they still zing. Thats waayyy longer than most other strings for me. After one gig they are usually zing free, and more subdued. These have keep the snap and pop so far. I just wanted to give them a shout out. Its been awhile since I had a string that made me wanna tell anyone about it lol.


r/Bass • • 21h ago

How do you hold your bass when practising?

12 Upvotes

I have been learning/playing the bass for a couple of years, and I always been sat down when playing with the neck roughly parallel with the floor. I think this affects my fretting hand as my thumb is rested parallel across the back of the neck and I struggle to stretch my fingers so I can have a finger on each fret, even though I have big hands and long fingers. How should I be positioned when playing? Should I stand, or maybe sit with my neck more diagonal so I can can have my thumb perpendicular instead of parallel?

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips!


r/Bass • • 20h ago

I have a serious question

11 Upvotes

What is the point of pre amp pedals? Like what exactly do people usually use them for?


r/Bass • • 12h ago

i'm starting to question my progress

4 Upvotes

edit: thank you so much, guys! i initially felt too nervous to ask, but i realized asking for help was actually better than continuously learning without asking any skilled player. i'll make sure to work on learning the notes as well as choosing what works best for me rather than comparing myself.

hello. i'm a 21-year-old beginner bassist (who's into alternative rock, pop-punk, and a bit of metal), and i've been practicing for about 5 months now. has anybody felt stuck or confused with what they've been doing especially when you were learning for almost 6 months (and realized nothing much has been happening)?

i try to search for some beginner guides online and all i can say is, i feel like i'm a terrible learner. my hands are smaller than the bass players' that i often see, and i sometimes mess up with how i slide my finger pads from one fret to a far one. i mean, i'm making some progress... but i feel like i'm slower than average learners. within 5 months, nothing much has changed except for the fact that i can do faster bass lines within neighboring frets (unlike how other bass players describe their learning journey). but if i do bass lines that have to do with moving my fingers a bit further (let's say 5th fret to 12th fret)? my fingers will mess up most of the time. it just feels kinda frustrating because i've seen younger bass players with smaller hands and they already play like intermediate or pro bassists. heck, they even have strong pinky fingers.

as for my plucking hand, i rest my thumb on the lowest string (whenever i don't need to pluck it) and use my index and middle finger alternately. when i look at how people position their hands and compare them to mine, mine seems to look awkward for some reason. when i want the basslines to sound brighter and punchier, though, i use my pick.

i practice about 15-30 minutes, 3-5 nights per week (depending on how busy i am with my studies and part-time job). honestly, i feel like there's something wrong with me. i'd appreciate it if you shared a few of your techniques or tips that you followed when you were like me back then. (i actually have a multi-instrumentalist uncle at home but he's waaay too busy and only gets home late at night to even teach me theories and stuff. 😬 so i learn independently most of the time.)

(also, would investing in a strap help so i could have more freedom to move, or would it barely change anything? i've been thinking about saving up to buy one.) sorry if this post seems terrible but i'm just genuinely lost right now. i genuinely love bass guitars, but i've been doubting myself lately.


r/Bass • • 16h ago

Cort b5 element or ibanez sr305?

3 Upvotes

I play Japanese rock, nu metal and alternative rock. I want to choose a five-string bass and I can't decide which of these two to choose. What would you recommend to choose? Or are there better options?


r/Bass • • 1d ago

I need tips for improving my slap technique

9 Upvotes

I'm a pretty experienced bass player but I still find myself in trouble with slapping. Whenever I try to improv something fast my playing gets sloppy and I miss notes, also anytime I try imporvising I cannot come out with anything original. Does anybody have some exercise I can try or maybe some songs that can help me improve?


r/Bass • • 22h ago

Bass outfit matching

7 Upvotes

Ok so this may not be the right community to ask this on but here it goes. I own an Ibanez BTB 745 5 string electric bass and I have been trying to find some dressy clothes to match and or compliment it, like a suit or something like that. To be honest I don’t know where to begin, so any advice at all would be appreciated to point me in the right direction.(even if it’s another subreddit)

Here’s the link to the bass so yall can see it for whatever reason I can’t attach a picture

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BTB745NTL--ibanez-standard-btb745-natural-low-gloss?mrkgcl=28&acctid=21700000001645388&dskeywordid=2326152494581&lid=92700080478108395&ds_s_kwgid=58700008746021293&ds_s_inventory_feed_id=97700000007215323&dsproductgroupid=2326152494581&product_id=BTB745NTL&prodctry=US&prodlang=en&channel=online&device=m&network=g&adpos=largenumber&locationid=9012110&creative=705548890953&targetid=pla-2326152494581&campaignid=21455990307&awsearchcpc=1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21455990307&gbraid=0AAAAAD_RQYm5xaNqEinrZ9g78UuTIQqWv&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlsfWBhD4ARIsACL7p1Ei4wQGd7fWHnv4WNIesemkt3dBNvmUzf-M8BVFqaRqZ2wD-eg0kcQaAloOEALw_wcB&serial=I260710362


r/Bass • • 1d ago

Do I Need Another P-Bass?

14 Upvotes

About 5 months ago I bought a Fender Squire Debut P-bass as a cheap way to see if playing bass was something I would be interested in. It was cheap and I didnt really care about sound quality, so no harm no foul if I decided it wasn't for me.

Turns out I really did enjoy playing bass and I've been doing it every day since I got it. Since then I have also purchased a stingray short scale which I really enjoy. Most of the time I tend to lean towards playing punk music though and a stingray just doesn't give that tone whereas the p-bass is perfect so I found myself going back to the debut more often.

Lately I have been contemplating upgrading that debut P Bass to something a little less cheap like something from the Classic Vibe series or Player II but I keep coming back to the question of whether it's even worth it? I actually think the debut sounds pretty good and would I even notice any significant difference with one of these other models? I could trade it in and use that money towards one of the new models but I'm going to get like 50 bucks for it so it's not really worth it. Would maybe getting a jazz bass be a better alternative?


r/Bass • • 23h ago

Head and Cab for home

8 Upvotes

I don't play out anymore, my daughter is getting older and I'm now disabled,. So, I have plenty of time to practice, it's been 10yrs,. I want something quality that can run a diverse pedal board and sound good clean. Hoping to get in under $1200


r/Bass • • 1d ago

$500 used PJ bass options: Sire P6, Yamaha BB434, or Peavey Foundation S (USA)

11 Upvotes

Hello! I currently have one bass - a Fender Aerodyne Jazz bass made in 2022(Dolphin Gray) that I absolutely love. Obviously it sets the bar pretty high in terms of tone and feel.

I am in the market to get a PJ bass to expand my tone options but don't want to spend a lot of money on it. I have found a few different options on the GC website and with their 45 day return policy I'm willing to take a gamble on a used instrument I can't test in the store before buying.

Option #1 is a Sire P6. There are a few of these basses on their website all listed in Great condition for $499. Youtube reviews are pretty favorable on them but I'm not too sure about the sandblasted finish.

Option #2 is a Yamaha BB434. Similar to the Sire - there are a few of these available in Great condition for $499.

Option #2 is a Peavey Foundation S made in the USA. Same price as the others ($499). I am intrigued by this bass but I don't know why. Maybe it is the semi-transparent knobs lol. This is obviously an older bass and probably would be harder to sell if I kept it beyond the 45 day return period.

Any thoughts? Thanks!


r/Bass • • 23h ago

Missing screw on pickup, brand new Mitchell MB200.

5 Upvotes

I got this for my son who plays double bass in orchestra but he has no experience playing electric bass, just for background. Ordered new from Musician’s Friend last week. It showed up missing a single screw on one of the pickups. I shined a flashlight into the hole and don’t see any broken off pieced in there but there is a hole that goes in. I assume “just leave the hole empty” isn’t an option. Should I just get a screw and put it in (would that be difficult for a complete novice)? Or would it be a safer bet to just request an exchange from the seller? If they’d offer a modest discount or partial refund, would replacing the screw myself make sense?


r/Bass • • 1d ago

Flying V Bass kits?

5 Upvotes

I’m looking to start a Flying V bass project and I’m looking for reliable sites to purchase the kit. Any tips?


r/Bass • • 1d ago

How do you sell an oddball bass?

10 Upvotes

(This is a question about process, and not a for-sale listing.)

I decided to thin my bass collection a few months ago, and took two of them to a local shop for consignment-- a Fender Aerodyne, and a custom-built instrument. As expected, the Aerodyne sold within a few weeks of being listed... it's a cult classic. The custom one has been chilling in the shop and on Reverb for months.

The custom one is a really cool instrument, is in great shape, and was built by Balaguer Guitars as a shop demo. Before I took it to the shop for consignment, I used Balaguer's online configuration tool to figure out how much it would cost to order a new one just like it. We originally listed mine on Reverb at roughly 2/3 of that price, and later dropped it to about 1/2 of the price of a new one. It's still languishing, though.

I would love to see it go to someone who will love it and play the hell out of it, but I'm not sure how to make that happen. Can anyone give me advice for marketing a boutique instrument?