Absolute Most Dirt-Cheap Bass that's Good!

[audiomitch]

Lots of used deals to be had, why insist on new?

 

[sevdog]

You could gig with a Squier Affinity and be a-ok.

 

[ksandvik]

Anyway, I like optimists who believe cheap = good.

 

[JimiLL]

so you want a turd that doesnt smell or feel like a turd?

 

[gigslut]

The low end Yamahas are good bang for buck basses. If you insist on new, the RBX 170 is sub $200, though I'd opt for a used BBN4 for even less if I could find one. I paid $150 for a BBN5 last year. I picked up a used SX P-Bass for $75 to be backup to my Fender Standard P. It's pretty nice and would be nicer with the nut lowered a bit. Not quite as smooth as my Fender, but I haven't suffered on the occasions that I've used it and got a lot of positive comments and inquiries when I did.

 

[Mulebagger]

fake turds at dollar general

Seriously, the active Squire Jazz 5 is a smoking deal at under $300. It really is a fantastic bass and that's the new price. Used it has to be cheap.

 

[TRichardsbass]

AXL basses. Although I don't know if you put them in dirt cheap cat. The USA series guitars are assembled here with import parts. Unfortunately none of the basses are yet. I have played a couple in the local shop and with a good setup and new strings you can have a decently versatile bass. Nothing spectacular, but decent P and J type basses. They are a step above XS, and the QC I find to be a little better then most.

 

[CrewsControl]

Got a bass player friend who uses a $199 Dan Electro Longhorn at every gig.
it sounds great and has rock and roll vibe to spare.

I like the sound of the thing, but my God - it is the ugliest guitar, if not the ugliest object, I have ever seen.

 

[tabdog]

Other than getting a great bass out if a pawn shop or from a tired neighbor for $2, what is the absolute most dirt-cheap bass one can buy new and yet it truly rocks? Are there any, really?

No,

Tabdog

 

[Jrussblues]

I like the sound of the thing, but my God - it is the ugliest guitar, if not the ugliest object, I have ever seen.

Agreed

 

[mongo2]

As for "truly rocks"- that part is totally up to you.

Exactly.

 

[Stinsok]

The 89.00 shipped Stingray knockoff's on ebay.

 

[GregT]

I wanted to buy my brother a cheap but very playable bass for Christmas two years ago. I had a friend who had an SX, so I went with one. It was a good choice. Now if he were to progress, He can always move up. They are a great starter bass, in my opinon. I did the setup on it for him, but it actually came in set up okay.

 

[PerlNinja]

Cort Action 4's for around $125, and if you are willing to spend a little time with a file filing down the sides of the frets or whatever might need fixed, Rockwell RB-32 for around $85

 

[Ken J]

I go SX

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

This site gives some tips on upgrading the SX bass if you find the bass sounding too cheep.

 

[darkstorm]

Ive never seen anything good for under $250. Its better to me more realistic and to want decent qaulity rather then cheap price.

 

[BayStateBass]

I don't know if you can really get a NEW, "rockin" bass for really cheap money. I do believe you get what you pay for.

I've tried a lot of price-point basses and it seems to me the best ones you can get for (relatively) low prices are the Squier VM's, which all generally run $300-ish new. Seem way more solid than the others in that sub-$300 range.

I picked up a Schecter Raiden for $349 new. Like it a lot. Would recommend it in a heartbeat to anyone looking for a lower priced bass suited for rockin' out. Nice for the money. In general I find the Schecters to be good guitars for reasonable prices.

Used is a whole different story. If you know what you're looking at, you can score some serious deals.

And I agree those Danelectros are hideous. Looks like some kind of torture device.

 

[chuck norriss]

Best dirt cheap bass is Jay Turser imitation Fenders.

 

[passionbass]

My main bass is a 1973 jazz bass,
but i bought a squire vintage modified jazz bass and im happy with it!

 

[autodidact]

Squier Jaguar Shortscale. +/- $170 new