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Bass guitar recommendations under $500

#43
Hard to go wrong with one the seemingly hundreds of models Ibanez offers, and many very good ones under $500. They tend to have really fast, skinny necks, so if that's not your thing, look elsewhere. Above $500 they get into some serious Pro level basses, but still some REALLY good basses at or just below $500.
 
#46
If buying used gives you pause, buy used from a place like GC or musicians friend, and have it shipped, free, to your local store. If it’s not great, you can walk away with a refund. That return policy is gold. Check the open box and scratch and dent sections, they are great deals with the same return policy.


$500 should buy a really nice used bass, probably worth twice that much.

You could also check out the Sterling line.
 
#47
Will add to the chorus of BB234 recommendations...Haven't seen it posted here so I'm gonna also recco the Squier Sonic series, if you're just recording and want a serviceable P-Bass it'll definitely do the thing, and at a lower price point than the Classic Vibes. Avoid the Debut series from Squier on Amazon - that's straight garbage.
 
#49
IF it were me and you said you'd prefer a simple, Fender Precision style bass in that price range:

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Squier 60's Classic Vibe Precision Bass, available currently new from the usual suspects.

They got these very right. I would check it in your recording environment that it suits, as not all 'stage' basses make good 'recording' basses, but would be surprised if it didn't. If I was going to be awfully fussy, I'd replace the pots/wiring with CTS or Bournes, and install a first-class jack, double check the grounding/shielding, but will probably suit just fine as is. As simple as a light bulb, this elegant simplicity is testament to how right Mr Fender got this, and has been a recording staple forever.
 
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#51
Yamaha BB series. Heard the cheap one with a set of relentless pickups. Omg. So good! I have an older BB404 that cost me $100. I put in Aguilar HC's ($150). Sounds like warm carmel now. Sweet and smooth.
Some of the mid range TRB's are great too.
I liked the Squier classic vibe 60's jazz a lot. Catch those for around $450.
 
#52
avi said:
Yamaha BB series. Heard the cheap one with a set of relentless pickups. Omg. So good! I have an older BB404 that cost me $100. I put in Aguilar HC's ($150). Sounds like warm carmel now. Sweet and smooth.
Click to expand...

I also have an old BB404. Great bass with terrible pickups—they had to keep the price down somehow, and that’s the corner they cut. I put DiMarzio Model Js in mine, now it’s nice and growly.

Anyway, another vote for the Yamaha BB234. If you can stretch to the 434 that’s great, but (unlike most of TB, hah) I understand that budgets sometimes can’t be stretched. Sire P5 would probably be my second choice.
 
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#54
Take a look at Vintage V4 Reissued series. Under $500 on Reverb with free shipping. These are built in collaboration with Trev Wilkinson and have Wilkinson pickups, tuners, and bridge. The V4 is a P-Bass copy. There is also the V42 which adds a Jazz Bass-style bridge pickup. Another interesting model is the Revo Supreme which is a Gibson-style semi-hollow with mudbucker bridge pickup and Ric-style toaster bridge pickup. Vintage is a British brand and are not sold by the major music dealers in the US but are available from several smaller dealers including Pro Audio Star. There are many demos and reviews on YouTube.
 
#55
I definitely understand the desire to play it safe with a new instrument, but you’ll get a lot more bang for your buck with a used bass. If it were me, I’d look for an MIA Peavey Fury, the later model with P-Bass pickups.
 
#59
I have several basses at $550 or below and they are damn good quality for the price paid and great bang-for-the-buck.......

G&L Tribute LB100 (P bass)
G&L Tribute JB (Jazz bass)
Squire 70's Vibe Precision
Epiphone Embassy
Ibanez Talman TMB-100

I got a "scratch and dent" Fender 60's Vintera Jazz from Amazon for $550. Those are usually around $900- $1K.
 

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