• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Advice on purchasing a bass

S

scg

Guest
Sep 27, 2017
5
12
#1
Hi,

I was hoping to get some advice on purchasing a bass. I hope this question is appropriate here.

I'm not a pro bassist and never will be, but I'm thinking about getting a bass for songwriting and recording. Here's some relevant info:

- The price range I'm looking at is $300 or less. I realize that's limiting, but that's my starting point, for now at least. Either new or used is fine.

- The style of music I'd be working on is synth pop with some live elements such as bass and guitar.

- Ideally, I'd like something decent enough that recording actual bass tracks to be used in a professional final product wouldn't be entirely out of the question. Maybe that's too much to ask for $300 or less, but it's my hope. Worst case, I'd use the instrument for composing and recording scratch tracks, and have someone else record the actual tracks.

- I'd likely be recording around computer equipment, so noise/interference might be an issue. I'm guessing this might have implications for what type of electronics I should look for.

- I probably won't be doing any slapping. I also won't be playing live.

- I'm looking for a 4- or 5-string fretted, standard scale. Number of frets doesn't matter.

- I have a few local places to shop, but the selection isn't super-great in that price range. Good used instruments can often be found online in my area though.

Does anyone have any advice on what sort of bass might be appropriate for this? Any thoughts on the Ibanez SR370? (I might be able to get a hold of one of those.) And just out of curiosity, what would be a good choice if budget wasn't as much of an issue?

I know it's a broad question and there's no one right answer, but any advice I can get will help me in narrowing things down a bit.

Thanks :)
 
#3
You could buy a brand new Squier for less than your budget. I bought a used one at a yard sale last summer for $80. It is perfectly useable.

There are a few different levels of cost depending on the model, and someone who is more knowledgeable than me on the Squier hierarchy may post here explaining which ones are the better models. I think maybe the VM models are the better ones.

Mine is a Squier Afinity, and was probably one of the least costly models bought new, and while it's not near as nice as my Fender American Deluxe basses, it's good enough that I still play it when I could just as easily play one of two basses I own that cost way more than $1000 more than it did.
 
  • Like
Reactions: scg
#5
The idea that a certain price range somehow qualifies usability in a "professional final product" is rather absurd.
No guarantees that a bass of ANY price range will give you the feel and/or sound that you exactly desire.
But then again, you don't seem to know what you want. You should wander around to all the music shoppes within striking distance, and TRY all the different basses. Buy something you like the feel of! At least, get a feel for what that might be... :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: kodiakblair, Clark Dark, chip134 and 2 others
#6
Sterling Sub4 is a fantastic deal new at around $300.00. You can also find them at Guitar Center's website that are used in almost new condition for around $200.00. SX from Rondo as mentioned above are supposed to be good from what I have heard. Used Peavey Foundations are good if you can find one. There are a lot of good ones out there new and used that will fit your budget.​
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shamiri On Bass, Remoman, jmone and 5 others
#8
given your music preference, I would recommend a five string bass for getting those low thumpy notes that drive a number of synth pop songs these days.
In terms of bass, you're best option is to give with a used bass to maximize what you can get. A used Ibanez will fit the bill- you can probably, if you're lucky find a SR505 (or SR500 -4 string) in your local Craigslist (more so than music stores).
 
  • Like
Reactions: Michael Schreiber and scg
#9
I've bought 5 used basses for between $70 and $200 each since I started playing less than 6 months ago. The best of the batch, build quality wise is a Schecter Blackjack, (which a much more experienced player than myself compared favorably to his Fender American Deluxe) followed by an Epi T-bird pro, a Squier Pro-tone (sort of the '90s version of the VM/ CV Squiers). I still have those three. I moved along a Squier Affinity which was OK but definitely felt cheap compared to the others and a Peavey Milestone which was a step below that yet. I haven't tried an Ibanez yet but they do get a lot of love.
 
  • Like
Reactions: scg
#14
Squier is worth a look, recent affinity basses are typically $200 new, in Jazz or PJ, used MIM Fender Jazz or P basses may be a bit more than your budget. I have an Ibanez ATK300 which I really like, you should be able to get one used for around $300. You will probably get more recommendations than you need. :hyper: Playing possible candidates will narrow down your choices.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: DrummerwStrings, scg and cataract
#19
Try as many as you can, new or used, get the one you like most. I’d consider anything, but most likely Squier, Yamaha or Ibanez. I’d avoid active basses in that range, get a solid P or J (or PJ) type bass. Leave budget for new strings and setup - that can make or break any bass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: scg
#20
Take a look at your local Craigslist and Facebook for sale, you can occasionally find great deals. But as far as your budget you can't go wrong with a sterling sub bass. I'd also look into the newer squires and the Spector performers. Best thing to do is shop around till you find something you like.
 
  • Like
Reactions: scg

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back