Bass Guitar On a Budget

[LHenry]

Hi There, i'm a new member (as you can see) and am looking for advice on lower-range bass guitars. I have been playing my dads budget one for the past couple of years but am now moving out and need one of my own for recording and live purposes.

I have a few months before i leave so am not in any huge rush to buy, and anything second hand is fine if it means better quality (presuming it's been well kept). It goes without saying that i will be playing before i purchase but was hoping someone would be able to recommend a few makes/models that are particularly good for the price (if any exist!). I've been keeping an eye out for Fender P MIMs on ebay going cheap but nothing so far.

My absolute limit is £300 though id rather not pay more than £250

Cheers, Laurence.

[Aznslappadabass]

Certainly used Fender P MiM can be good. I've played several from friends and local shops and I've loved them great playability and sound awesome. I'm not sure if you can but it may be possible to get a used SBMM bass for that budget (definitely pushing it to the upper limits though) and those sound awesome. I've rarely seen one I didn't like. I do know some of the Squier basses like the classic vibe series also can be had for that budget and if you get used you'll leave yourself some room to afford some mods if that's the way you'd like to go.

[lowphatbass]

People tend to want too much for their MIM's on Ebay, they upgrade the pickguard and pickup and ask $400, they sell for $300 or less on craigslist here quite often.

Besides the headstock decal I don't think there's much drop-off from a MIM to a Squier Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe. I don't know how much they sell for there but they're a good value here.

[metlman72]

I would say that used or as you say second hand is the best bet. I would say look at the used USA Peavey stuff. Also should be able to find a nice MIM Fender at that price to. There are many good solid (used) basses out there in your price range. New I would look into the Squier line, alot of guys on here rave about them and seem to think the quality is on par with the MIM line.

[grendle]

Used Peavey USA or not is good, also look for a used Ibanez sdgr. great basses.

[Aznslappadabass]

Also forgot to ask, what did you play before? If you like what you had or have a specific sound you like, it can help narrow a search. That being said, precisions are a pretty universal sound that can fit into almost any genre so it's a a good starting point.

[Davo-London]

If you have time on your hands then keep an eye out for MIJ ie Japan Fender Jazz or Precisions. I got a $300 MIJ E-series Squier Jazz bass in the states that's so good it's crazy. Ridiculous value for money.

The 80's and 90's MIJ Jazz and Precisions are really worth hunting out.

Davo

[77PBass]

Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass. Fantastic value. Get the one with the Seymour Duncan pickups. I have played many in music shops and the quality control is really good.

I have recommended these to my musician friends who have bought them for their kids and they say it was a great choice. I would get one if I didn't have so many instruments already.