$40 Memphis P Bass yay or nay?

[Gorn]

Found it used at GC. It sounded decent enough but I'm sure it's gonna need a setup that'll cost more than the bass, so I figure once it's playable it will have cost me about $100. Is it a complete piece of shyte and I'm better off buying an SX from rondo? or does it have potential?

 

[Webtroll]

Off hand I'd say if it functions and for that price you are getting a setup its a better deal than getting a new SX; as long as the neck and frets are OK. It's not an awesome bass, but in good working condition and setup properly it can be a good player, just like an SX, a Squier, or any number of other budget basses.

 

[K-Frog]

But it and do your own setup. It's not difficult. There is plenty of info available to help you understand how the truss rod works and how to adjust the saddles and intonate it.
IMO all musicians should know how to make routine adjustments to their instrument, especially if it can be done with $10 of tools, if you don't already have them.

 

[masturbasser]

For $40 why not?

I always enjoy looking at cheapo generic basses when I go to pawn shops. Some of them are quite good. I'm always keep an eye out for anything Matsumoku.

 

[cherrick]

I have one. Fabulous bass guitar, especially if you set it up right.

I got mine from Dale at Workhorse Guitars in Austin Texas. It was in on consignment and had been pro set up by a local bass player super hero.

It needs nothing although I'm thinking of changing to a Lindy Fralin P-bass pickup just because I can't leave well enough alone. I'm sick that way.

Go for it. Or buy it and sell it to me. Or tell me where the GC is and I'll buy it. I called the GC in Queens, NYC and they say they don't have it so did you buy it?

 

[Gorn]

I've had it for a while already actually. I just put a set of flats on it. I really dig the look of pickguard-less Fender style basses, but I didn't realize the cavity from the pickup to the pots would be under the guard. For 40 bucks, it sounds great.

 

[awilkie84]

I've had it for a while already actually. I just put a set of flats on it. I really dig the look of pickguard-less Fender style basses, but I didn't realize the cavity from the pickup to the pots would be under the guard. For 40 bucks, it sounds great.

There are a few years where the MIM Fenders did the same thing. My 96 P is one of them. Kind of sucks, as I'd love to put just a control cavity guard on, instead of a pickguard.

 

[Commodore 64]

Perfect opportunity to learn how to set up your own instrument.

 

[fbny71]

$40 bucks doesn't get you anything in New York anymore...get it and set it up yourself.

Invalid Link Removed has an excellent , illustrated guide he gives away as an ebook...I think you have to register at the website but it is quite informative.

 

[chuck norriss]

For $40 why not?

I always enjoy looking at cheapo generic basses when I go to pawn shops. Some of them are quite good. I'm always keep an eye out for anything Matsumoku.

Memphis is from matsumoku? They made good stuff.
That bass looks great. You scored.

 

[J.D.B.]

You really can't go too far wrong at $40. You can also use it to learn (as mentioned) to do most of your own work and fun modding without risking an expensive instrument.
I'd check out the basics and go for it.

Josh

 

[Gorn]

Yeah, when I posted this it was after I saw it at GC on my lunch break. I went back to work to consult the TB community, and then went back and bought it later that day because I'm an impatient child. I straightened the neck, lowered the action. The intonation is only a bit sharp at the 12th fret so I left that alone. The dimwits, I mean employees at GC gave it to me in this huge, very solid, very heavy case. I'm pretty sure it shouldn't have came with it, but I wasn't gonna complain. The best part is I've been meaning to buy a hard case for my Carvin AC40F, and coincidentally this case fits it perfectly. So I saved about 100 bucks I woulda spent on a case for the Carvin and got a pretty awesome bass for 40 bucks.

I picked up my socks and vacuumed the rug after I saw this pic

 

[chuck norriss]

As long as it plays well who gives a damn what it says on the headstock.

 

[Wookieonbass]

Yeah, when I posted this it was after I saw it at GC on my lunch break. I went back to work to consult the TB community, and then went back and bought it later that day because I'm an impatient child. I straightened the neck, lowered the action. The intonation is only a bit sharp at the 12th fret so I left that alone. The dimwits, I mean employees at GC gave it to me in this huge, very solid, very heavy case. I'm pretty sure it shouldn't have came with it, but I wasn't gonna complain. The best part is I've been meaning to buy a hard case for my Carvin AC40F, and coincidentally this case fits it perfectly. So I saved about 100 bucks I woulda spent on a case for the Carvin and got a pretty awesome bass for 40 bucks.

I picked up my socks and vacuumed the rug after I saw this pic

That and a case for $40. Hell yeah! The case alone at $40 would have been a crazy good deal. Enjoy!

 

[neebs]

¿!You got a bass AND a hard case for $40?! Dang, that's a great deal.

 

[Gorn]

Yup! Not exactly the best and brightest at Long Island GC, in my humble opinion.

 

[Gasman]

I was once in a band where the guitarist had one. He recorded a demo song with it, and I still have that record. It sounded very good on it, especially given the crappy recording device used. I say great find!

 

[KrisHayes]

There ya go - if ya need flats, you've got one ready to go now! Enjoy it.

 

[mtandrews]

As long as it plays well who gives a damn what it says on the headstock.

Boom, there it is!

And I'm with the rest of the Gang, perfect opportunity to set it up yourself. Chingo's of video's on YT giving step by step how to...

 

[Bajo_63]

My first bass was a Memphis P copy. It sounded great @ the studio and gigs.
Sadly, it was stolen out of the trunk of my car back in the mid 80’s.