What not-P bass for 350€/500$?

[Maarten_E]

Hi Guys, first an introduction.
I'm Maarten, 18 years old and I'm from The Netherlands.
Currently, I use a Squier Affinity P-Bass, which I quite like.
I'm looking for a second bass, for about 500$/350€ which doesn't have a P sound (cause I already have one).
I play (Alternative) Rock, with as favourite bands: R.E.M. (Bassist uses Fender P+JB), Muse (Bassist uses Pedulla,Fender JB and Rickenbacker 4003, U2 (Bassist uses Lakland/Sanberg)
I thought of an Yamaha BB 1000, to buy second hand, but I don't know if you can buy a good one from my money. I particularly like the shape of Fenders/Squiers, but the neck of some Ibanez guitars are awesome as well.

I hope you experts can help me!

Greets,

Maarten

[senp5f]

I would look for something with either a humbucker, two Jazz Bass pickups, a 'Bucker and Jazz pickup, or the P/J combination. I think the only thing I'd avoid are soapbar style pickups -- they might be a little too detailed and "hi-fi" for the rock sound you want.

It all depends on what you can find used in your market. I have no idea whether the Asian made version of the Musican Man Stringray is available in your market, but if it is and you can find a used one, they are a good introduction to the humbucker sound. The line is called Sterling, I believe.

If you don't mind staying Fender territory, you could also go with a Fender Jazz (Made in Mexico version) or the Fender Deluxe P-bass, which has a P and J pickup and a Jazz neck. Try to find the older passive version of the Deluxe P if you can.

The Schecter Diamond P could be a good try:

Diamond P-Custom 4 - Schecter Guitar Research

The Ibanez SRX line might also be a good try:

Ibanez.com | Basses | SRX

Ibanez basses aren't my favorite as far as looks, but I had one when starting out, and they are almost always good quality for the money.

[genericusername]

ESP LTD basses are also good, but similar in many ways to the Schecters and Ibanez basses senp5f mentioned.
Also, I have EMG 35DC soapbars in my bass, it works for rock, especially if you solo the neck PU only. You can also get that clanky (more like David Ellefson kinda punch) from the bridge PU.

[degroove]

I would go Jazz. I like the feel and playability.

[gnjpowell]

Fender Jazz.

[Maarten_E]

Thanks for the comments!
I heard a lot of people saying about the Fender Jazz Bass, here in The Netherlands they are a lot more expensive then 500$, around 700€ is normal for a Standard I think.
Squier Jazz Bass VM/CV good as well? They are exactly in my budget.
Some Ibanez models are appealing as well, tomorrow I'm going to the guitar center to try a few

[C.Linton]

Let me just say, I LOVE my Squier VM Jazz bass (the natural-finished one). Bought online, it was flawless right out of the box, and all I needed to do to it were replace the strings, and add straplocks, and add proper black Jazz bass type knobs and covers. In other words, the minor mods I did were purely aesthetic, it needed nothing done to the functional parts (tuners, bridge, electronics). I would suggest at least giving one(or any other CV or VM Jazz versions) a try.

[senp5f]

Squier Jazz basses can be great. The Vintage Modified is good, but I would also take a look at the Classic Vibe. You can only get it in one color -- white -- but it's extremely good quality for the money. I have played several of them and, to be honest, I think a good specimen is a better deal than the MIM Fenders, which can be all over the place in terms of quality.

Are there any European brands that we're missing? So much of this search is limited by what you can find at a good price in the Netherlands. I think we Americans take for granted the incredible selection of gear here at very cheap prices, especially on the used market!

[Maarten_E]

@C. Linton: I know, but I can't get my thumb on the pick up with out it falling off.
I know it sounds strange, but sometimes it happens.
But I'll give it a try, because I'm i doubt if I like the sound of it or not.
@senp5f: There aren't any European brands, the big brands in The Netherlands are Fender (Squier), Gibson, Ibanez, Yamaha, MM and that's about it.

[C.Linton]

Originally Posted by Maarten_E

@C. Linton: I know, but I can't get my thumb on the pick up with out it falling off.
I know it sounds strange, but sometimes it happens.
But I'll give it a try, because I'm i doubt if I like the sound of it or not.
@senp5f: There aren't any European brands, the big brands in The Netherlands are Fender (Squier), Gibson, Ibanez, Yamaha, MM and that's about it.

Well, you can always install a thumb rest like I did(which I failed to mention).

[Maarten_E]

@C.Linton: That's what I thought after I wrote the post. Tomorrow I'll check them for myself and see what's what.

[C.Linton]

Yeah, I would at least give them a try if you are able to, you may find they are perfect for you, you may not, but you'll never know unless you try.

[soulman969]

Originally Posted by Maarten_E

Thanks for the comments!
I heard a lot of people saying about the Fender Jazz Bass, here in The Netherlands they are a lot more expensive then 500$, around 700€ is normal for a Standard I think.
Squier Jazz Bass VM/CV good as well? They are exactly in my budget.
Some Ibanez models are appealing as well, tomorrow I'm going to the guitar center to try a few

I have a Squier CV Jazz and it's a great bass for the money. You'll probably want to change the strings but that's about all. It's a 60's style vintage bass selling for a 60's price. You really can't go wrong with this one value wise.

[Maarten_E]

Hi guys,
I've tested many basses today, and I think we have a winner:
The tested basses were:
Squier Jazz Bass VM
Squier Jazz Bass CV
Ibanez ATK
Yamaha for 400 dollars (dunno the exact type)
Epi Thunderbird
Dean bass (just for fun)


Tested Amps:
Ampeg for 180$
Eden for 240$

The winner: Obviously the Squier Jazz Bass VM. Actually, it sounded really well, and the neck was really thin, and I enjoyed it. I really dislike the colour of it (sunburst, anthey didn't have it in other colours, yeah, in yellow, but these were 80$ more expensiver (60€)

I think I'll go with the combination of Squier Jazz Bass VM and the Eden combi, which sounded really nice I think.

[Maarten_E]

Hi guys!
An update:
A few days ago, I bought the Squier Jazz Bass Vintage Modified, together with an Ampeg BA-108.

It sounds just Marvellous!

[C.Linton]

Congratulations! I think you will enjoy your new gear. Have fun!

[Maarten_E]

And here she is!