I have $400-450 to spend on a bass/amp and all other things I need (strap, cable, books). I was wondering what I should get? Also, I need some tips on what to learn/what to play. I practice bass 20-30 minutes every two weeks, right before my drum lesson. I really feel "at home" on it. Feels natural.
Any help would be appritiated.
Thanks;

el_drummer-o

omg god go to www.musiciansfriend.com and look for epiphone eb-o, its like a replica of a friekin gibson sg! its 200$

the epiphone version of the EB-0/SG bass isnt too bad, but if you're looking to spend around 400-450, i would definately advise investing in a better amp, that thing comes with a small practice amp.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Ultrabass-BXL900-90W-1x12-Bass-Combo?sku=481099
i would recommend this bass amp, its small enough for some home practice, yet big enough for a small gig (if it can hold up for pep band, and perc. ensemble, it should work for a band)
any more questions about bass or even drumming just let me know, zomnboy@gmail.com

I've been drumming for 9 years, and recently took up bass. I agree it feels very natural to play the bass, and my rhythmic background really helps in soloing or playing nice grooves.

My advice is for you to learn to play many different types of scales and to learn musical keys and a bit of music theory. As drummers we don't have much melodic experience so it's good to pour yourself into learning about intervals and the theory behind them.

As a start, go to www.looknohands.com, enter the chordhouse, then click on guitar room (advanced). It will show you a guitar fretboard and you can change the string tunings on it to whatever you like. From there it will show you nearly every chord/scale possibility known to man. I started by doing this and I feel my skill has grown exponentially in the few months i've been playing.

Also, keep an open mind. There are many interesting things you can learn about playing the bass that only come from lots of experimenting. Free your mind and your fingers will follow!

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As for a guitar, I would say to find a really good sale on one that you are extremely comfortable with, then spend the rest on the amp/strings/tuner/strap. The guitar is the most important part, and it would be pointless to spend 350 on a guitar that's top of the line but doens't feel right, then spend 100 on a little amp. It's better to spend a decent amount on a guitar you can come to love, then put the rest into a really nice amp or heavy strings or whatnot.

But when it comes down to it, it's all up to you. You may look for a long time, but when you find the right one, you'll know it.