help choosing a cheap bass

[smcfarland1337]

I have a 90's Crate Electra as my beater bass, and man, it holds up WELL!
Keeps tune like crazy, and takes a hell of a lot of beatings.

I got mine for free, but I'd imagine they'd be quite cheap and recommend looking into them.
The neck is seriously one of the best things I've ever played.

[mooreon131]

Of those choices, if you're deadset on going new, I'd get a starter Ibanez. For the price, they have the best sound and feel in my opinion. That said, I'd recommend looking for a cheap squier VM on craigslist. Even better if you could find it is a used Peavey Fury. They're a p bass knockoff that was made in the USA by Peavey a little over 10 years ago. They sound pretty good, and are built like tanks. If you upgrade the pickups in them they can be respectable long term gigging instruments.

[stanley00]

I would order one of these and spend the remaining $21 on new strings
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/...y4-bass-guitar

[Malak the Mad]

I bought my favorite bass (a Squier P-Bass Special in satin pewter) from a dude who goes by the eBay handle fretjoe. He deals in refurbished guitars and basses. The bass was beautifully set up, checked from top to bottom and plays great. His prices are quiet reasonable and, as a bonus, he ships for free!

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

IT sounds like your best options will be Ibanez or Schecter. personally, I would probably get an Ibanez unless he had one of those Schecter P-bass fives or that model with the two humbuckers a coil splitting pot.

These two brands would be my choice as well, and FWIW the Ibby SR300 comes with a 3band active EQ, and I think the Schecter Stiletto's come with 2band EQ.

[DwaynieAD]

Originally Posted by bassmeknik

I own a VM Jazz just like that one and have played about 15 of them in the last 2 years. They are all VERY consistent with each other and therefore I think it would be safe to buy a new one online sight unseen. Just make sure the seller will allow returns within 15 or 30 days so you have an evaluation period to make up your mind on keeping it.

That is why I posted the link to amazon.com they are worldwide and will take returns back pretty much forever.

[Dr. Cheese]

I can understand a beginner wanting to buy from a store where he feels comfortable. If he gets into bass, and more importantly gets GAS, he can then get into the addiction of buying used stuff online!

[39-Bassist]

personally I would suggest a Dean or Ibanez...both play well have there own sounds....both are also very easy to upgrade.

[bassmeknik]

Originally Posted by DwaynieAD

That is why I posted the link to amazon.com they are worldwide and will take returns back pretty much forever.

+1 It seems I am not alone in saying "you can't go wrong with a VM or CV Jazz or P" at just under 300 they are very respectable basses and available almost anywhere... really don't like Amazon though... they're the new Walmart in tactics.

[Kmonk]

Ibanez makes some nice basses in that price range.

[RxFunk]

To Dr. Cheese, i definitely wanna go local for this one, plus at this shop the luthier sets up all the instruments he puts out, so I won't have to pay for that like I would if I buy online

[Solarmist]

Being you want to go local - just try as many as you can ... see what you like - that's what matters.

[exidor]

If I were to go for a bass with a low price tag a SUB or SX you can get a sub at GC
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling...05-i2442870.gc
I was shocked at the fit and finish playability & sound
I'd take it over a squire.wait! I had a VM 77 I had a VM 77 and sold it.

[moten33]

I know you said you want to go local, but GC used site has everything you'd ever want in that price range. Just for example, a USA Peavey Fury for $109.99 (about $144 after tax and shipping). Even with a setup and some strings you're coming in below $100 off what you want5ed to pay.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store...id=108363611_U

I don't know much about the Fury's myself. I love my MIM Fender Jazz. You can get one right about at $300. Look around, something might spark your interest there and get you excited.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/-i2883442.gc

[moten33]

Also love my SUB bass. The finish is amazing and the sound pretty great too.

[RxFunk]

Does anyone know what GC's used site's return policy is?

[exidor]

that MIM Jazz is a good deal
http://www.guitarcenter.com/-i2883442.gc

[exidor]

Originally Posted by RxFunk

Does anyone know what GC's used site's return policy is?

30 days you have 30 days to take it back if not happy

[moten33]

Yeah you can basically take it back for any reason within 30 days as long as you didn't set fire to it or something.

[RxFunk]

Originally Posted by moten33

Yeah you can basically take it back for any reason within 30 days as long as you didn't set fire to it or something.

Curses! There goes my bonfire plans..