Most durable/reliable bass one can buy for $300
 

Was wondering what folks would nominate as the most durable and reliable bass one could buy with a $300 budget, new or used.

Used MIM Fender P. Craigslist is usually littered with them! Built like a tank, one pickup, minimal electronics, little to go wrong, bolt on neck. Done.

Maybe a Squier if buying new?

Squier CV's can be had for around $350 brand new.

I thought about that, and I am a big fan of Squiers, but as far as reliability, I think the used MIM would be more reliable, given it has a better stock jack, better wiring and pots as well. Don't get me wrong, I think the Squier line is great, but feel the MIM's edge them out in reliability.

Used G&L Tribute L2000 would be my purchase.

I doubt that. Every CV I have played was better in fit and finish then MIM. I don't think I would put the MIM hardware up as a "Better" standard either.

Of course I am not a Fender guy though so....

The other thing about the MIM is you can usually even find one for a bit less than $300 used if you are patient, and then if you aren't a fan of the pup, install the pup of your choice and you really don't need to do anything else to it. I've owned several Classic Vibe telecasters (have not owned a CV bass though) and the switch, input jack and wiring were a little concerning). Would be fine for playing just at home, but if I was playing out with a band I'd be thinking about re-wiring it with better/reinforced solder joints and a more robust jack, but yeah, aside from that the CV's are awesome instruments and seem to be more consistent across the board as far as fit and finish over the MIM's. My brother's MIM standard P with a Fralin pup is just an amazing bass and can hold it's own for sure. I also have a MIM Classic 50's P which gives my '76 P a run for it's money, but that's a few notches above a standard MIM P in regard to quality and price though.

Yep, if a used G&L Tribute came your way I'd definitely get that over a MIM Fender.

Used Carvin. Not easy to find for <$300, but worth it if you can.

sterling sub ray4. cant pass it up for the money.

Ibanez Atk200
 

Ash body, 22 fret rosewood fingerboard, 34" scale, proficient himass stringthru body bridge, double humbucker pick-up, Wilkinson machineheads.

Three band active equalizer with switch for: front humbucker/both/rear humbucker.

Cheers,
Wallace

I'm for Squier CV.

Why do you emphasize reliability so much? Did you own an Audi lately? :D

Most passive guitars and basses are reliable. The major problem is low quality potentiometers and output plugs. Modern MIM and made in Asia usually suffer here. Plus any new bass might experience movements in the neck, so buying something 10+ years that's still right is better.

IIRC a good way to get high quality electronics and an old neck is a Kramer Focus.

no-one builds durable quite like Peavey does. you should be able to find several choices in the price range you suggested.

you can drive nails with a MIM Fender and it will stay in playable shape! proably would still be in tune, also!:)

New or used Ibanez, preferably originated in Japan or as Indonesia. An instrument made in Fujigen factory may be tough to get for 3 bills, but it happens. And that's your best bet IMO.

New Squier. Used Peavey, made in USA.

-S.

I drive a 2000 Honda Odyssey with 214000 miles on it and it runs just fine.

i just went through this recently and i bought a 90s mim jazz from the tb classifieds that had some pretty desirable mods

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/f...silver-963042/