Always more choices...

[Hinto]

Hi, I've been playing guitar for a very long time, but did play some bass when I was younger (30 years ago...). I'd like to get a bass and start playing again, just for fun, it's such a cool instrument to play.

So...

I have a chance to get a Fender Zone MIM in very good condition. It comes with the original gig bag, plus a hardshell case. Also includes a Marshall MB30 bass combo amp. The seller is asking $600.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on the bass and amp, trying to determine if this is good value for the money. Any feedback would be appreciated.

In particular, can I get more bang for the buck for my $600? I know I can get a bass and amp for that money, just not sure it would be as good.

Cheers.

 

[Tommygunn]

Yes. SX basses new and acoustic rigs. SX's go for $100 starting new and a decent acoustic goes for like $300

 

[Hinto]

Cool, any particular models I should be looking at?

 

[bassplayer8953]

Fender Zone basses had some issues with their electronics. The price you're quoting should give you a range of options. Are you in the USA or elsewhere? Makes a difference on availability of gear...

 

[Tommygunn]

Link Removed

Not really... take your pick. They do require a decent setup I hear though. But a $30 setup is better than buying a really pricey bass.

 

[Hinto]

I'm in Canada, so I do have access to a fair amount of stuff even though my local stores are sometimes limited. But between ebay and the magic of the Internet I can order quite a bit of stuff from the US, and the exchange rate is good these days! .

 

[Tommygunn]

Essex (SX) and Squier are your best bets on eBay. I wouldn't look at a SX over $100 tho, even with some mods.

 

[Tommygunn]

Oh and welcome to TB

 

[bassplayer8953]

Here's a nice MIM Fender at a decent price, for sale right here on tb:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=655227&highlight=cowpoke

(no connection with the seller, just happened upon it myself and it looks good)

I have one of these (bought it from another TB'er) and it's an excellent player. Has active electronics like the Zone.

Put the rest into a decent amp (can't comment on the Marshall f/s with the Zone bass, not familiar)

 

[Tommygunn]

Cowpokes are nice but if you'r looking for cheap a SX with new strings and setup is the way to go. I played a 5er jazz that IMO had a tighter B than the american fender 5ers

 

[Hinto]

Well I'll take a good look at the SX models at Rondo Music, the most expensive 4 string only runs $120.

 

[Tommygunn]

They are pretty nice!

 

[bass_snake]

Welcome to Talk Bass. Get a Squier and a Traynor amp.

Fred

 

[Essthreetee]

If I were starting over again...I would be looking into all of the used stuff on the classifieds here on TB. There is so much more bang for the buck.........just my two cents...and by the way, I love my Marshall...MB4210