The title says it all… I’m looking for everyone’s recommendations for a bass to use strictly for recording in my home studio. My limit would be $500, and I prefer NEW because I’ve had bad experiences in the past with buying used.
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Bass guitar recommendations under $500
- Thread starter wohnjalker
- Start date
Anything Ibanez although it will be a lower tier offering. They build to a price point without sacrificing quality. You don’t have to play a handful to find a “good one”. Perfect for the stated project.
Riis
Riis
Ibanez like mentioned above (SR300 line) or maybe a Yamaha TRBX304 would do you well for the money. I'd pick the Yamaha for personal preference, but if you have the option to try in person you may be able to see what feels better to you.
I'll second for Ibanez. I've picked up $150 Ibanez GSRs that put Fenders to shame.
What kind of bass? What kind of sound are you aiming for? Traditional Precision or Jazz? Modern like a SoundGear? Something in between or old-school in a non-Fender way?
There are hundreds of good options that meet your budget, knowing what you want can help narrow them down.
I used to scoff at Yamaha, but they have some solid entry level offerings these days, worth a look
Sire P5. On sale at Sweetwater (maybe others) in black for $450. Other colors are not on sale at Sweetwater for some reason. Sire Marcus Miller P5 4-string Bass Guitar - Black
Interesting. Not trying to be a jerk here, but hear me out. I’ve bought a new bass that I had problems with. Should I not buy a new bass? My point is especially when recording quality matters because imperfections are permanent.
That is not to say that you can’t find a suitable new instrument for $500, and I’m sure there will be more than a few good suggestions posted. Still, with a higher quality instrument used or new, will likely provide a better finished product.
Best wishes on your project. Have fun and enjoy the process.
+1 to Squier for a Fender p style bass under $500.
The Cort factories makes Ibanez, Squier, PRS (SE line), G&L (Tribute series), Schecter, Lakland, and Music Man...
So I would likely skip the brand hoopla, and just buy a Cort, the Artisan or Action (If new is really that important)
However If (and only if) you know how to do a full setup, I would buy a Glarry, have some fun, and spend only $89 instead.
So I would likely skip the brand hoopla, and just buy a Cort, the Artisan or Action (If new is really that important)
However If (and only if) you know how to do a full setup, I would buy a Glarry, have some fun, and spend only $89 instead.
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Yamaha BB234 or a Squier CV P would fit that bill nicely
Used MIM Fender P-bass would be my first choice, otherwise a Sire P3 or P5.
There are still various quality levels within that though. Sure it is the same factory, but a Lakland Skyline is not equivalent to a Squier. Choice of materials/pickups/construction quality and setup matter.
Not knocking Cort or any of the brands there. Just calling out that same factory does not mean same bass.
Cort deal
There's a long thread here about a blow-out deal on these basses.
Most folks (including myself) got these for under $540. May want to check them out.
I'm having a brain-fart about posting a link so see below...
'Don't Sleep on These While Dealers are Blowing Them Out!'
There's a long thread here about a blow-out deal on these basses.
Most folks (including myself) got these for under $540. May want to check them out.
I'm having a brain-fart about posting a link so see below...
'Don't Sleep on These While Dealers are Blowing Them Out!'
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I’d go to Sweetwater and look for a Squier Classic Vibe 60’s P bass
truth
i watched a piece on that factory. PRS isn't even in the same place as the others. they have their own factory within the factory. they have quality engineers on a rotating basis for routine on-site presence. so, yes all of those instruments are made at the Cort factory. But, all things are not equal.
they all seem to be made well though. that factory churns out high quality instruments. my experience with the Cort brand was also very good. so i am not arguing against the home-brand.
kgb
