Learn to play bass with the LB11 pack!
What does it take to become a bass player? Some musicians will say it's easy; you just lop the top two strings off a "real" guitar, and you're done. These people don't understand what the bass really does for the band, though. While the guitar player and lead vocalist battle for the spotlight, the best bassists are usually content to let them duke it out, selflessly bridging the gap between the beat and the melody.
Bass players are often overlooked, but the groove they create can be unforgettable. Want proof? Does the name John Richard Deacon mean anything to you? Probably not, but you're bound to know his work. Ba ba bum - bum - bum -- another one bites the dust! Freddie Mercury and Brian May are the stars, but what would Queen be without John's killer bass lines? How about the guy from Golden Earring? His name is Rinus Gerritsen, in case you were wondering. Is 'Radar Love' even a song without that bass part? You get the idea.
So, are you ready to embark on your own musical journey? First, you're going to need a thick skin: there are a TON of bass player jokes out there. Second, you're going to need a comfortable, playable bass guitar, a portable practice amp, and some some helpful accessories to tie it all together. That's where Silvertone comes in. Their LB11 electric bass package has everything you need to unlock the mysteries of low-end tone. After that, it comes down to disciplined practice, creative experimentation, and nerves of cold steel. Actually, you don't really need nerves of cold steel. Leave the drama to your frontman.
The Revolver bass
To get you started, this pack comes with Silvertone's Revolver four-string bass. The traditional Precision-style neck, body, and pickups provide comfortable balance, warm resonance, and fat tone. With three colors to choose from, there's a Revolver to fit any style. Modern Rock & Rollers will dig the Cobalt Blue, and old-school R&B cats will appreciate the Sunburst finish. These colors probably aren't tuff-enough for the Metal-heads, but they'll find the Liquid Black version looks pretty menacing.
Easy-to-use controls
As a beginner, you'll want to start simple. The Revolver's stripped-down controls let you dial-up some nice sounds without any unnecessary complications. Use the volume knob to adjust the amount of signal sent out of your bass, and the tone knob to change the color of that signal. Roll the tone back for a round, thumpy sound, or bring it forward for a pointy, bright attack. Your right-hand position has some control over tone, too, and the onboard thumb rest helps you get a consistent, balanced sound. Once you're comfortable there, experiment by anchoring your thumb up where the neck meets the body. Your funkiest grooves will benefit from the added fatness. You can also pull your hand back, using the side of the pickup for support. This crisp, treble-focused tone is perfect for more progressive music. When you've mastered all these positions, you'll be able to find the right sound for any situation.
A solid practice amp
Of course, all that good tone is wasted if you can't hear it. You'll need an amplifier to boost the sound of your bass. Say hello to Silvertone's BAXs bass amp, included in the package. This amp is perfect for beginners, for a couple of reasons. First, you'll probably be taking lessons somewhere. Since the BAXs is small and portable, you can bring it to class and get the exact same sound as when you practice at home. Second, it's not very loud. This may not seem like a benefit, but your friends and family would disagree. As with any musical instrument, your first few sessions are going to be pretty rough around the edges. No one wants 300 watts of sucky bass assaulting their eardrums. Even the ten watts this little guy puts out may be too much for some as you grind your way through the major scale, over and over and over. Fortunately, there's a built-in headphone jack to keep the sound to yourself, when necessary. Once you've ironed-out the biggest wrinkles, you can get a bigger amp, crank it up, and play some gigs. Until then, this amp will take care of you.
Included accessories
Most new musicians aren't sure what accessories they really need, but the LB11 package removes all the guesswork. You get a handy gig bag to protect your bass as you carry it from place to place, and a cable to plug your Revolver into the amp. There's also a nylon strap for when you want to rock standing-up. Sling it down low, Ramones-style, or cinch it way up high like the Jazz-nerds do. As long as it's comfortable for you. The included tuner will keep you on-pitch, which is one of the most important skills a new bassist can learn. You can't know for sure if you're doing it right unless your instrument is in tune.
To pick, or not to pick
Bass purists will tell you, "real bass players" only use their fingers. Still, there are plenty of groove-meisters out there who use a pick. It's not really about speed; you'll be able to get busy either way, with some practice. Picked strings produce a tight, crisp sound that you can't really duplicate by playing fingerstyle, though. Pluck way back by the bridge, and you'll hear the difference. Use your fingers, then give the included picks a try, and decide which you prefer. Better yet, master both techniques so you can add the right character to any song. Finally, Silvertone threw in an instructional DVD with over two hours of music lessons. Pop it in your DVD player and jam along. There's no substitute for a good teacher, but these exercises will help strengthen your hands and increase your musical knowledge. With some effort and patience, you'll soon be building your own unforgettable bass lines!
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