Bassist on a budget $250.

[Gilmourisgod]

The Squire VM and CV are great inexpensive basses, but the necks are nothing like the pencil thin SR series. For small to average sized hands, it's a comfort issue. I like the SR for the light weight and overall superior ergonomics too. Even the SR200 low end basses are really well made, great upgrade projects, since the hardware and electronics are no more than serviceable.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

Agree on an old Peavey. Don't overlook stuff like a Yamaha BB300 or an Aria Pro RSB series from the 80's, lots of them about.

 

[Cowboy in Latvia]

The Squire VM and CV are great inexpensive basses, but the necks are nothing like the pencil thin SR series. For small to average sized hands, it's a comfort issue. I like the SR for the light weight and overall superior ergonomics too. Even the SR200 low end basses are really well made, great upgrade projects, since the hardware and electronics are no more than serviceable.

I love SR basses too. I also agree that most of the Fender-ish necks are a bit chunky compared to the Ibanez profile. That's why I suggest Peavey Foundations. Their necks are in the same vein as Ibanez and they are still severely undervalued. Being an lover of all things Ibanez, I'd also suggest looking for a ratty SR500 as their finishes were notoriously fragile but the necks and sounds were still amazing (never mind, seems the prices have now caught up with the quality...sadly for me). Either way, patience will net you the result you desire OP.

 

[CallMeAl]

found this bass but i'm of course, a little wary considering I haven't played it.

Where are you located? I see Ibanez SR and similar in my area often, and I'm in a smallish town.

I wouldn't have a problem ordering an SR online from a reputable dealer, the QC is excellent. But at that price point shipping will eat up a good bit of your budget, always best to try in person if possible.

like Ibanez for the necks and tonal flexibility.

I'd also check out Yamaha and Peavey, they make basses that should hit your wishlist. Personally, I'm a fan of Squier, but IDK if they will do it for you; except for maybe a Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass.

Good luck!

 

[roller]

What mcrawfordmusic said.

Yes, go peruse all your used options -- Craigslist, pawn shops, previously owned instruments in music stores, eBay. You'll get way more for your buck there.

Your best bet is second hand. You'll get a whole lot of bass for $250 if you keep your eyes peeled for anything made in Japan during the 70's/80's.

 

[TexasEdition]

I was poking around GC and picked up a gently used SG300 for less than $100. Paired it with a gently used Fender Rumble 100 that I got for $150. $20 for a padded leather strap and $10 for a 20' cord from Musicians Friend. Ready to roll.

 

[neo 7]

I'd get the SR800
Those Japanese made Ibanez are sweet.

 

[Ripper75]

These are good

Danelectro '58 Longhorn Bass Electric Bass Guitar Black | eBay

 

[Greg Waldon]

Used LTD B-50 are great basses. They are light, have a great neck and sound fantastic. They can usually be found in the $150 - $200 range. I lucked up and found mine for $120 in great condition.

 

[RealSolomonLusk]

I remember really loving the SR series. The SR650 is the best bass I've tried probably next to at an American Professional Jazz.

 

[Eilif]

If you like the Soundgears necks and feel don't settle for anything else. Used Soundgears are plentiful and are a great value. I recommend shopping used and local and finding something that speaks to you.

That said nearly any Soundgear will have the neck you like so if you do go used online you know it will at least feel similar and an MIJ or even an upper MIK would be a good choice.

 

[jackn1202]

Anything Ibanez 300 series and up is a serious bass. They get better more or less proportionally to the ascending number series. I'd get the highest series number you can find in your budget used. The SR500 is a great bass with a crappy finish, so sometimes you can find a beat up one cheap. The "brown mahogany" finish literally peels off them, but it's a solid mahogany body that's easily refinished with Danish Oil or TruOil if you have the will and the time, both stupid easy wipe on/wipe off finishes. The 480 you found looks like it may have been a refin. The $150 price is good, but the additional $150 shipping is ridiculous. Ask the seller for actual shipping cost, that's just blatant price padding unless it's NY to CA, and even then seems high.
Cost to ship a bass nowadays?

It does seem high, but the last time I shipped a bass it did actually cost me around that. I think it ended up being $135. Shipped from Austin to somewhere in Southern California.

 

[basslifter]

There are a ton of great basses out there for little money these days. Peavey has some great ones, some even US made, at that price level used. Lots of used Ibbys available seemingly everywhere. They have come a long way in the past few years with their quality. Get something recent and you should be fine. The Music Man sub basses are also really nice for the money.

 

[Dean N]

I'd get that '92 for sure.

 

[RealSolomonLusk]

I really like the look of the SR500E. It also has all the features I like. Good thing is, the music store near me carries it but at full price.

 

[4stringfarley]

Shop around and you can easily find a decent bass in that price range. I just recently picked up a G&L SB2 Tribby off reverb for $300 shipping with hard shell. Had some minor issues that I was easily able to correct.

 

[Mannyinnewyork]

1992 Ibanez SR800 Bass - Black Finish - Active Electronics - Made in Japan
I also found this. I wouldn't mind a vintage instrument like this. I'm pretty sure not all of the necks have the same feel as the 650 I love. Seems to be in good condition.

I have one of those it's awesome and my only full scale bass. It's a 94. So easy to play and many tonal options.

 

[bfields]

A Yamaha TRBX174 is pretty similar to that SR480, isn't it? And within budget, even new.

(Edit: I missed that the SR is active, so the TRBX (with just volume, tone, pickup balance) might not meet the OP's preferences for "tonal flexibility".)

 

[arbiterusa]

I think the standard answer in that price range is Squier.
Do not overlook PVs either.
Maybe even a MIM Fender.

Suggesting these options to a guy who has plainly stated that they are specifically looking for an Ibanez is downright unhelpful. We get it. You like those basses.

Not everyone does, nor does everyone need what those instruments have to offer.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

1992 Ibanez SR800 Bass - Black Finish - Active Electronics - Made in Japan
I also found this. I wouldn't mind a vintage instrument like this. I'm pretty sure not all of the necks have the same feel as the 650 I love. Seems to be in good condition.

Those MiJ ones from back then have SUPER tiny necks...they are great. My only gripe with Ibanez is that sometimes their electronics and pickup placement can leave a bit to be desired. You can certainly get by on a stock one, and comfort is more important than nailing a certain tone 100% (in my books at least). The SRX series is another good line to look at that sports the SR necks. Carol Kaye uses one now!