The Best Bass Rig for Under £500

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Let's be honest, Cici is an absolutely awesome addition to the video team. These two work well together, loads of talent and enthusiasm

[@littleguitarontheprairie4843]

I like it that Oz is more involved, he asks good questions and provides answers were needed, gives you more the feeling of an Andertons family.

[@84homey]

Lee is SUCH a gentleman. One of the most genuinely "nice" people I would think it possible to meet. He's an asset to the channel. Cici is great too and both of them are great players too. As guitar player of around 4 decades now I would recommend beginners to use up to 2/3 of the cash available for their rig on the right amp, based equally on bothcore tone and range of features (including extensisibility), and then spend what's left on the best guitar for whatever budget remains. After a couple of years you can then get a better guitar if required, by which time you may well have refined your taste and know what sort of guitar you personally will need. Judging from this video the same rule would appear to hold true in the bass world. What I would also say though (sorry Andertons) is that if you can possibly do so, I would strongly recommend leaving some of your money aside for lessons rather than spending all of it on equipment, because you will go further, faster, with cheaper kit and better skills than you ever will with costlier kit but less skills. Just sayin'!

[@fraenkiboii]

I'm a guitar player and I bought one those entry level Ibanez basses (in my case the SR300) as my first ever bass. The necks on those are so nice to play as a guitar player. Low action and slim neck. Also, I think Cici & Lee are an amazing team. In fact so cool even, that I will watch Andertons bass videos regularly from now on :)

[@march4652]

The other impressive thing about the SR series is that even the extended range models have amazingly skinny and fast-feeling necks! I have an SR506 and it's more wieldy than some 5-strings I've played at similar prices! Of course, sometimes I slip into guitar brain and think I'm playing the A string when I'm playing the E, but that just means I need more practice

[@Its.superwill]

I started with the absolute cheapest Dean bass that I bought off somebody I know for $50. Like playing a 4x4 post. Ended up with the SR300 and SR305 now and I love them. I don’t see myself needing to upgrade.

[@glyndwr15]

I have that bass and I love it. I have the DX version with PJ pickups. It cost nothing and it's super comfortable to play. The pickups in it aren't that great sounding, but it's nothing to upgrade them, especially when you're not breaking the bank on the bass.

[@milogt9819]

Haha I'm the hand holding the sire at 2:31! Couldn't have been more pleasant and helpful in there loved my visit!

[@disgracelandss]

Brilliant 😀

[@mikeroberts817]

I'd pick Cici's rig for myself but I know for sure my wife would choose Lee's (she bought a very similar rig in fact). Some beginners just want to focus on mastering the instrument and don't find effects helpful in the early stages. A simple amp and a prettier guitar can be more inspiring to some people.

[@LarryShootsPhotos-uv8cr]

True with many things in life. I became a professional photographer partly because I had a camera I wanted to pick up and use everytime I looked at it! Back to bass - I love my Katana 110, paired with my 76' Ibanez that's nearly as old as me!

[@matthouston8411]

it's not about pretty, it's about comfort, the looks can be inspiring the same way effects are. It's all in the brain, so obviously the best of both worlds is to start with a better amp and an instrument that plays in tune

[@seusicha]

Lee is such a great player. His playing is always very expressive but he's also very precise with timing and everything else. I love it!

[@fretlessnature6132]

He really is ! I'm looking forward to hearing him and Cici find their sweet spot. I've seen all episodes and have heard some wonderfull jamming with Nathan and Lee (and the captain! ) Lee and Cici seems to have great chemistry, but their walkthrough of specs is too brief and just randomly tweaking a few knobs - but they will get there, i'm sure 🙂

[@niemandniets3072]

Totally agree with the comments regarding Lee and Cici. He's great and a bunch of fun and she's an absolute delight. What a lovely person. Always a fun watch. Cheers!

[@irrsinnrainer]

I would look to get some extra money and take the Sire Bass with the Katana Amp. I think that's a beginner setup that can serve someone for a long time.

[@sundaynightdrunk]

Hell yeah that's a full giggable rig.

[@l3yfajamz]

that end jam was just magic, thanks cici and lee truly amazing

[@ZonkerRoberts]

It's so great to see two musicians having so much fun playing! (Especially with such affordable gear.) That's what it's all about.

[@jkf9167]

Awesome jam! Two were paying so much attention to what it sounded like and so little attention to anything else. I've been playing guitar for 40 years, and a couple of years ago, I started playing bass in order to start a band. I've really been enjoying it, and I've been paying a lot of attention to not sounding like a guitar player dabbling with the bass. I've been having a lot of fun. I really like it. I enjoy watching things that make me excited to play the bass.

[@stephanfuchs7891]

Nice, nice, nice! Both sounded good. The main thing is the joy of both of you. Seeing that made me smile.

[@HamidShibataBennett]

I was asked to play a few songs on bass with the lads (cuz guitar and keyboard isn’t enough instrument switches in a set), so I ended up getting an Ibanez Talman short scale and a Fender Rumble 100… right about $500 for the kit and it’s brilliant for my needs. Cici, Lee… thanks for bringing a little joy in the day.

[@Aint1S]

That Sire V3 was so clean and very defined... That guitar is well worth the money and I really wished that they would've swapped amps... Still, Cici has the strongest and most valid point for a beginner, the effects will keep you enjoying your purchase long after a someone who's only playing with the basic bones.

[@moonhead6165]

Get the Bass players to pick Guitar and a pedal combo, both using the same amp! for under £550. Great stuff keep it up.

[@TomTobin67]

16:47 In my mind,I think of these 500 pound challenges as in "gig worthy rig" so I agree with cici's idea of cheaper guitar, more expensive amp. It's super easy to mod a guitar. Not so easy to mod an amp. I would spend 75% on the amp (including cable) and 25% on the guitar and try to include a cheap strap. The amp should get you from the pub to the hall to the enormo-dome.

[@stevegroves]

I dont often play bass and I still find this series with these too awesome players a must see, great stuff

[@trevorreniger5670]

Sire is SO HARD to beat. Both basses and those six-string piccolo basses. Sire just kills it for the price. The feel, the tone, and the looks. :chef's kiss:

[@judecarpenter2990]

Cici. I love her soo much. I've been watching her channel for some time. Not only a PHENOMENAL bass player. But a wonderful person.

[@mitchfindergeneral]

If you are purely a studio player, you could also totally skip the amp and get a multieffects pedal. The Zoom B1 Four is crazy good for what it is. That plus a Scarlett Solo and you can get a bass with the rest of the money. Another good tip, for those on a super tight budget: If you get the super cheap bass, you can always upgrade it over time. Start with a decent model and then buy pickups, a new bridge, new tuners, etc. as you decide you need them and when you can afford them.

[@alexforshaw]

I learned on a GSR-180. Still got it because it's such a good, solid bass and the neck is really fast and comfortable.

[@barondavis5692]

That was most informative and very entertaining. I have lee’s set up with the v7 but REALLY dig the sound of cici set up. I had no idea.

[@jimmxjx2854]

CiCi takes the win for this on the inspiration consideration for beginners. Sounds awesome as well. Can't go wrong with either set up..

[@sdbracht]

You both are wonderful and they're fortunate to have the 2 of you. And a good team you are

[@chuck66046]

awesome video and playing from both. Would love to see other videos going up in budget as they suggested, best rig under £1000 and onwards!

[@InvictusBananman]

I would always recommend an Ibanez Bass to a beginner. They will serve you for quite a long time, for such inexpensive basses

[@djhobbs101]

Love bass rig challenges so hard to find good ones.

[@caprise-music6722]

As a guitar player I will never ever get tired of watching the Andertons bass videos

[@ElricX]

I'd be happy with either but I'm leaning more towards Cici's choice. I see the Katana being more useful with a D.I.USB, and a tuner. Cici is a nice addition to the crew btw! She's been showing up in my social media feed lately. Great, creative player and seems like a genuinely nice person!

[@phipschi4255]

Issue with the Katana is the weight.. it weighs almost twice as much as the rumble and you cant just carry it around easily if you are for example a teen and dont have a car. The rumble 25lt has a tuner and some nice features you mentioned from the katana.

[@phogue1]

Honestly, I could’ve listened to you guys jam for a solid hour.

[@KimSE4]

Really enjoying this pairing - Cici and Lee are smashing and this is a great video. One request though: in some videos we've heard bass in context with guitar and drums. Any chance of a bit of a combo performance, even if just a drum machine pedal and a few chords, just to hear bass in context?

[@luisnunes3863]

That Katana amp really does all sorts of sounds so well. 🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@jammybilly]

Great video. Great jam. I was getting lost in it too. Yeah, for beginners, playing your instrument regularly is the key, and having that Katana is such a great tool for fun and motivation to do just that.

[@romeozulu57]

Like the ambient stuff at 16:50

[@chefmcd7788]

Videos like this are great. I'm primarily a guitar player, but mess around with bass a bit. I've thought about getting a bass rig for home use and lower volume jam sessions. Being that it's not my primary instrument I'd keep my budget low, so videos like this are perfect.

[@brandon2103]

Congrats on 800K Andertons Family

[@sundaynightdrunk]

I had always skipped the bass videos (no offense to whoever hosted them, I'm just a guitarist interested in guitar videos), but these newer videos have been very enjoyable, and there should ALWAYS be a jam in the video. That Tool-inspired solo part by Cici was dope.

[@RedMachineKieran]

Lee's rig was definitely more palatable. That jam at the end was so moody and beautiful

[@LowStressFTW]

To be honest? I would pick Cici's bass and Lee's amp. Pretty straight foward and solid sound. Perfect for begginers, in my opinion. Great choices and playing, btw!

[@Fatal_Jinx]

Lmao when she switched the drive on I was screaming “PLAY HYSTERIA” 😅

[@jonathanpeden9930]

Cort Action PJ Open Pore bass (£189) and an Ampeg Rocket Bass 30 watt combo amp (£139) is my perfect rig: I'm a guitarist who likes to play bass and this set-up is perfect for me.

[@matthewtyler-jones8317]

Funnily enough, we are on the search for a bass rig for the boy. He has set his heart on a Squier CV Jag bass though. Reckon we will go second hand for the amp. What about a gig bag though, for taking it to band practise.

[@CorbCorbin]

Fender Rumble, or TC BG-250 are light, and get all the sound one needs. The TC has options for most of their effects as well.

[@rear5118]

Good choice on the bass! The Squier Classic Vibe series is amazing, especially for the money! I just got myself a Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass, after playing for about 13 years now and I'm very happy with it

[@rear5118]

@@smelltheglove2038 Honestly, I didn't even need to setup anything. The action was nice and low and everything felt well adjusted right out the factory. I sold my Mexican Fender Jazz bass a couple months ago and I can't really notice any lower quality of the parts or the pickups at all. It feels smooth to play and the pickups sound fantastic! Yeah, I'm sure the CV guitars are just as good as you said!

[@zombiezedtwin12]

Cicis smile so contagious

[@jameslewis2635]

I think Cici got it right in terms of amp vs bass budgeting. Personally I would have gone for a nice bass similar to the Sire but instead of an amp I would have gone for a multi-fx/modeller (probably splitting the budget around the 50/50 mark). With that I could DI into a PA when recording or working with a band and then just hook it up to a PC/headphone setup for playing at home without annoying the neighbours.

[@TheStratpicker]

Totally get Cici's choice but Lee's does it for me - I swear by (not at) my Rumble 200. Today's beginners are a lucky bunch to have this quality at these prices.

[@Aint1S]

I bought a Ibanez Talman TMB "105" a few years ago and I saw that they skipped the 4-string variant on the wall; however, the pickups are really good and the preamp is great too. You can get close to jazz/p-bass tones with it too, albeit a short scale. Incredibly stable guitar with no neck issues, but it is more expensive than her ridiculously cheap Ibanez. I usually play guitar, but that bass had me playing more songs by ear than I ever have in my life... They also hotrod just as easily too!

[@TheProgGuy]

Those Talman TMB100 basses are awesome, I was gonna say the same thing too! You could also go a little cheaper and get the TMB30 without the active preamp. Also the lower end Yamaha TRBX174 is incredible value for money as well.

[@Aint1S]

@@TheProgGuy You said what I was going to as well... I love my Fender guitars, but Ibanez can't really be touched in the low to mid range bases. No cheap name like Squire nor Epiphone, everything Ibanez.

[@Nostaljack]

It's simple for me. I see CiCi, I click. Nothing weird there. She's just such a great player and has such a sunny disposition, I always enjoy the videos she's in. BTW, where on earth is the next "Sounds Like..." Great to see Dave here too. He's another favorite.

[@theagk19781]

Marshal bass state 65 and Ibanez Gio. Is what I'd get.

[@Paul-D]

For some reason, during your outro jam I was instantly reminded of Nightmare Creatures on PS1 (before your time Cici haha)

[@michaelirons5662]

cc chose wisely and played so coolio.

[@jamesnichols5998]

Damn that Katana is so much bang for the buck. Or pound. Whatever it's insane value!

[@taurektaurek6213]

Great video.. brimming with enthusiam and fun and joy! That's how we all should be when it comes to making music, I think

[@TheSchmoj]

As far as bang for your buck, Cici wins hands down. My only concern would be that all the effects and app connectivity could be a little overwhelming/confusing for someone just starting out on the instrument. I fear that in some cases, that could deter someone from continuing their pursuit of learning bass. Whereas Lee's setup is more of a "plug in, sound good and upgrade when you're more experienced" rig.

[@robertp457]

I think Cici made a great point about the effects being a lot of fun which encourages me to play more.

[@daro9582]

Right now on Thomann (I’m outside the Uk), you can actually get the fender Rumble 100 for less than the Katana, so you would get to spend about 20-30€ more on the bass and Java bigger amp

[@hiimawasteoftime8678]

The Intro seems like all of the presenters are locked in haha. There's the cell with Dave Cici and Lee. And one of them has Captian and Pete in it😂😂

[@Ravenh4wk]

My first bass rig was a Sire P7 and Rumble 500. (from Anderton's). it was a great combination. I also have a Katana for guitar. Both amps are good choices. Nice to see a young Noel Edmonds making an appearance at the start of the video 😆

[@AndyA1234]

Get a bass with a good neck, good string height above body & good string spacing. You can always add better pickups, tuners & preamp as you progress. Forget about exotic woods or finishes. The string spacing & height above the body are key for certain techniques such as double thumbing and plucking.

[@matzer8846]

Well done ... and fun to watch ❗ Thanks a lot ‼🎀

[@MikeYeary]

CC isn't a Tool fan is she? Lol That jam at the end really reminded of them.

[@PapaLeech89]

All you need for that closing jam was some drums and you've got a track there. I'd buy it

[@AIPapersDecodedPodcast]

really like this, please do another with 1000

[@TheBreadman24]

The Ibanez and the Katana sound awesome

[@robjones7725]

The Katana bass 110 is 60W RMS but its peak power rating may well be in excess of 100W. The 210 version is rated at 160W RMS. Both are excellent affordable bass amps (the 210 is about £500 though but it is medium venue gig-able LOUD) with many sound shaping options as briefly shown in this video. I would choose the Sire as a bass but the Katana as a bass amp but that smahes the £500 budget by over a £100.

[@TheTruth70777]

you shouldve switch rigs and experience both bass and amp, say your thoughts on each others rig. fun video nvtls. thanks

[@snakeplissken6649]

Cici's effects at 14-15 mins sounds like they belong on a soundtrack for a John Carpenter film.

[@MainelyW212]

I saw the 40th Anniversary and thought “damn this is a new video”…. 5 hours old….😂 the 40th P-Bass is EPIC. Get one.

[@carlcassidy185]

Korg tuner £60 seems expensive, but they last forever. Literally. I got one with my first guitar Xmas 2002, broke it by standing on it 2009ish, bought one for £20 or so, and still got it to this day

[@RolandDeschain1]

Those budget Ibanezs are superb. I had one but had to sell.

[@winstonschwarz1636]

Left field observation. Over the top slightly cringey comment etc. Love Lee! Love the Worcesterfarian!

[@paulsummerside]

Well, think I would probably simply blow the budget and go for the Sire Bass with the Boss Katana Bass amp…. It would give a perfectly gigable setup. £295 + £312 = £607. Think the extra 107 would be worth spending. That said Ibanez make some great Guitars and Basses. But still know I would want to completely blow the budget.

[@InvictusBananman]

What a nice video. But what is a fredo?

[@PingPongPix]

It's a chocolate bar made by Cadbury 😀

[@InvictusBananman]

@@PingPongPix oh sweet.

[@johncycling6299]

Chocolate bar shaped like a frog; used as an informal measure of price inflation. It was once 10p (1990s), now more like 30p

[@LasseHuhtala]

Come on Boss. We need a Katana Bass Head for Pete's sake!

[@AllanGildea]

Wow, Diego Luna with pink hair! Good catch. Great show as always, guys. Thanks for the fun.

[@ReprobateMind]

Am I confused, I thought Sire was like super high end? What am I thinking off

[@heribantomas]

Both were amazing for different use 🐱🤘❤️

[@thebminusshow]

Nice skills !

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

I'd go with a Squier Affinity P/J or J-bass and a Fender Rumble. Great bang for your buck and not to much confusion for beginners, as is often the case with active pre-amps and modelling amplifiers

[@SeanDS1989]

I was able to get a great deal on '87 Squier P bass recently, and just ordered a Rumble 25 to go with it! Do you think that amp is good enough for practice and jamming with a friend? I feel like maybe I should've sprung for the R 40 but idk lol

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

@@SeanDS1989 25w isn't nearly loud enough to be head over a drumset. In that case I'd recommend the 300w model

[@thedboi1911]

i think id save up for his bass and cicis amp. i think id need that matching headstock

[@rickhurst9058]

I love this game! For me personally the brief needs to include an amp loud enough to keep up with a drummer and noisy guitarist in a packed rockers pub with no PA support. I suspect that 60 watt (not 160!) Katana wouldn't quite be up to it, and the tiny fender definitely wouldn't. I know watts aren't everything, but i'd be looking at anything over 100 watts and then whatever cheap j bass/ p bass copy still fits in budget.

[@rickhurst9058]

@@keeponkeepinonstudio Great to hear your real-world experience, I might have to try one out!

[@ereimul1444]

love it. refreshing.

[@emptyMan0]

It's a bit unfair to compare a mic vs a DI, which will always sound worse. On the other hand, very fun video with awesome people.

[@MichaelBLive]

gear is so good today.

[@joedelmonte4079]

According to me as a kid...and MY kids...it's Rock>Paper>Scissors> SHOOT!

[@chriscuthbertson]

When was that Sire £299?

[@MichaelMakowski2006]

Sire + Katana for a few extra pounds is the way

[@douglasaxtell]

Why not pick the Fender Rumble LT25 to get the effects same as the Boss?

[@johndelong9230]

I My self would have bought a Rumble 100 and a P bass. Like a Encore or something likewise. Would still have enough left for a pedal.

[@christopherweise438]

I was thinking the same thing. A decent pedal can make up the "budget" shortcomings of the rig.

[@TheGhostGuitars]

Y'know, I'd love see how Cici would react to a Miku added to her pedal lineup!

[@smashallpots1428]

my pick would be an ibanez talman tmb100 and an ampeg rocket rb110

[@Animosity6792]

To be fair, given Andertons lean selection of bass amps and guitars in store, this is a touch task! 😂 Don't get my wrong, love my local music store and support them as much as I can, but bass feels a little bit of an after thought in store.

[@BlommaBaumbart]

I don't understand why you would pick a Rumble 25 over a Rumble LT25 when you got 300 left. Insofar I'm with Cici, the Katana is basically the LT25 equivalent by Boss.

[@stevenwillie2782]

I think we'd love, LOVE to see an Ashdown Rootmaster $999.00 500 watt 2X10 combo VS the Ampeg Portaflex $979.00 500 watt 2X10 combo shootout. LOVE! Both great sounding, pounding, achievable, gigable combos. Please, please, please.

[@jamesgordon4433]

Really nice together

[@chrisbassman3936]

Lee, you look similar to one of the bosses at my work ha ha. Cool zeppelin tattoo

[@manfredworner8528]

There is love in the air 😊

[@vincemincevince]

the sire is marked up as £439.00 on the andertons site

[@Oscaraha]

As a bass teacher giving buying recommandations to beginners quite often, I would strongly prioritize the best instrument you can get for the money. To fool around with effects too early is really holding beginners back when they should focus on getting a basic good sound, time and rhytmic understanding, or basically how to function in a band. Nothing against Cici at all, but I feel she picked what she would prefer herself for the money rather than focusing on what a beginner really need. Also drop the active bass in the beginning, too much knobs. I would get a bit more powerful amp that could work with a drummer. Im sure thats possible within the budget.

[@JVR10893]

Before I watch, I think unlike with guitar, with bass the instrument is more important for the tone. For the amp you just need enough watts and a big enough speaker to handle the low end.

[@blues3531]

I was wondering how long it'd take her to bust out the Hysteria riff with that effects heavy amp. I wasn't disappointed haha.