Bass under $200

[michael_atw]

I personally bought myself a 1989 Squier II P-bass a couple months ago. That one and a couple HWY 1's I've played are the the only P-basses I've ever liked. I got mine for $125 AFTER shipping on ebay in very clean shape. Tuners are high quality, neck is vintage tinted, high quality bridge and great pickups.

 

[godofthunder59]

For $100 bucks you can get a old Peavy combo like a TNT, loud enough to rehearse with and even gig with. A used Squier P bass, Rondo Link Removed or Peavy, Patriot, Fury etc. would be a good bass to start with.

 

[vespito]

I've been very happy with my squire vintage modified jazz and acoustic B20 setup. If you can find used, it might fit into your budget.

 

[Boyakasha]

If you have a knoledgeable friend and you can find used basses look into that, take your friend so he can check if the bass is "healthy".
You can find some really great deals on used gear, but I wouldn't trust buying cheap stuff on the internet, so make sure you can try before you buy something.

 

[kb9wyz]

Check out rondomusic.com

I've heard that SX and Douglas basses are actually surprisingly good for being a sub-$200 instrument

+1

one of my youth group kids has an SX P Bass. It was totally decent for the $100 it cost. He swapped out the pups with EMGs and it now sounds really good.

Downside, it weighs a lot.

 

[Thor]

Check and see if this bass is still for sale.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=726387

That bass will blow away any Squier or Rondo out there. Might be a tad over your budget but well worth the money.
Ibby was at the top of the quality game in the 80's when
they had the MIJ Fender contract.

 

[No Neck Shrek]

I just bought a Peavey Foundation fretless w/gigbag & a Peavey Minix 110 for $160 ! ! ! I'm a Peavey, Craigslist junkie ! ! ! Last summer I bought a Rudy Sarzo signature off CL for $340 shipped ! ! ! See Avatar Photo ! ! Oh, 1 more Peavey Fury for my son local pawn shop $70 ! ! !

 

[Emm9T]

Check and see if this bass is still for sale.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=726387

I almost bought that at $325! Inquire, foo!

 

[Jim Dep]

Does it matter what you get at that budget? It's going to sound crappy and you're going to blame the bass instead of the player, but the bass will be fine.

Just go to a pawn shop and get whatever you looks good. It will work.

Wrong.

My $75 used SX P -bass is as nice as a bass I've paid 10x more for.

A couple suggestions:
Order new from Rhondo Music or pick up a used Squire that feels good to you. The Peavey Microbass that someone else mentioned is a great little practice amp. I picked up mine used for $50 off of CL.
Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[No Neck Shrek]

I don't know your location but check this out - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[michael_atw]

Umm...don't buy a China bass...unless you like watching any future children and grandchildren eating food from the unemployment line. There are many other basses you can buy from more reputable manufacturing locations.

 

[tjh]

I don't know your location but check this out - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

... this is a REALLY GOOD POINT ... the best thing you can do to help us help you, is FILL OUT YOUR PROFILE ... you dont need every detail of your life in there, but at least age, location, and some sort of idea of any gear you have owned, experience, etc ...

... we often need more info to give a good personalized answer, or a lead to a good local deal your way ... its not enough for us just to know ... heydudeitsdennis

you will only get stock answers without sufficient info ... buy a $100 Squier and a $100 Peavey built like a tank

... of course, this comment was offered in a helpful tone, and with encouragement (someone once told me that asking someone to fill out their profile was condescending, not encouraging)