BATTLE OF THE CHEAPOS'!!!

[ThatBassistDude]

one; i will probably never get a yamaha or epi tbird because they are as ugly and stiff as heck.... two; Squier CV jazz vs. Squier VM jazz...which wins for a deep, beefy, metal/rock tone?... three...im looking for a metal bass basically. no sharp edges allowed though

Squier VM P-Bass

 

[vstringbassist]

For that money my picks would be (used or new):
Ibanez SR404 (or is it just the 400 now?)
Peavey Cirrus BXP
Cort Artisan B4

I have owned many lower "priced" basses. The Cort & Ibanez where excellent. I have not owned a Cirrus BXP but I have (and owned) 3 US Cirrus basses and I think they amongst the best basses built today. I currently have a customized Ibanez SR405 which is EXCELLENT! The playability rivals my Cirrus. It has Seymour Duncan Basslines (MusicMan style) that it was routed for and they sound great. It is the only passive bass I like to play (so far), I typically only use (and prefer) active basses.

 

[lowphatbass]

I just gotta say, I wouldn't consider $400 "cheap" for a bass these days. You could get a used MIM Precision(saw an early 90's on CL for $240 today with case)and have a little left over for an upgraded pickup(if you even find a need) and/or an awesome set-up. A good MIM or the VM/CV Squier is a bass you could keep and use forever.

Another thought is, with the diverse genres of music you're into you may want to consider a 5 string.

 

[autodidact]

Streamer is awesome. Has a bigger neck though.

The Squier Jazz is okay. Granted I'm not a jazz fan.

SR300 is reliable and flexible. Neck is fast, I owned one for 3 years, never had a problem with it. However the thin neck is more susceptible to warping that the others.

Personally the Streamer gets my vote, neck is ungodly thick but its solid and if its got the MEC pups its going to sound awesome.

 

[autodidact]

^^ That should say neck ISN'T ungodly thick

 

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

The used selection and the Talkbass classifieds are your friends. I would never buy a bass new at $400, unless it was an amazing deal. For that kind of cash in the used market you could get a very good MIM or MIJ Fender, one of the medium-high end Ibanez bass, a Spector or possibly a Warwick standard.

Also one brand you may not have heard of that would fit your description is an Aria Pro II bass. A used RSB or SB-series bass may be found around that price if you look hard enough. They are amazing basses mainly from the late 70's and early to mid 80's, that alot of people still don't know much about.

 

[Session1969]

Im looking into a new bass after i checked off a new amp on my gas list... now im looking for a $400- bass that is unbeatable at the price... i play metal, prog, rock, classic, neoclassic, avant-garde, and funk. i have a few contenders but i am open to suggestions.... out of the 4, your opinion of the best in quality, beauty, and tone.
Ibanez sr300(m)
Squier VM jazz
Warwick Rockbass streamer lx....(good prices used)
Dean edge 4 fretless
.... su opinion?

It'll make you happy beyond belief. The black ones are cool.

 

[JetBlackJazz]

any used warwicks under $500? maybe even lower? :0

 

[Batmensch]

I can vouch for the Squier VM Jazz. Good looks, good feel, good sound (with the Duncan Designed pickups).

 

[bassclef216]

I can't believe no one has suggested this yet but you should definitely lok at the Matt Freeman signature Squier P bass. I have it in the white and it is a really great bass. Definitely worth 6-800 hundred. The neck feels fantastic with ZERO sharp edges and a beautiful lacquered finish. If you're into heavier music the black body with black P/G would look great and the maple fretboard looks awesome. Turn the tone knob all the way down and the sound is smooth and deep. Crank it up and you get a growling funky machine that cuts through. The pickup is pretty hot too. For $349 this bass can't be beat. Order it now...you will love it.

 

[Toptube]

I would seriously consider the used section here. Look at it a couple of times a day, Stuff sells quickly and new stuff is put up very often.


Some other basses to toss in the pile

ibanez ATK
Ibanez SRX
Fender Blacktop P-Bass
ESP Surveyor
G&L tribute L2000
something from Traben


etc.


Some of those will be out of your price range new, but you can probably find them used for a good price.

 

[JetBlackJazz]

[/QUOTE] If you're into heavier music the black body with black P/G would look great [/QUOTE]

ultra stereotype? my favorite bass color is purple :I

 

[tdub0199]

I would go with a Black P Bass.....

 

[Red Four]

Despite your feelings on Yamaha, the Yamaha BB300 is better for what you're describing than everything else you list.

 

[JetBlackJazz]

Despite your feelings on Yamaha, the Yamaha BB300 is better for what you're describing than everything else you list.

ive played yamahas...the only pro of them to me is somewhat reliablity and alright tone... i played an $1800 yamaha attitude II and i plugged it in and the solder broke...........

 

[mark beem]

Another vote for the Squier CV Jazz bass.. Played one in the local GC and was blown away by it.. Thinking about going back and picking it up.

 

[stratovani]

Check out the TB Classified for a G&L Tribute L-2000. They generally go in the range of $300-400. Excellent basses, they don't call them the "poor man's Wal" for nothing!

 

[PseudoSpaceman]

Squier P-Bass Special, I've played 2 of these and they are amazing! It has a jazz pickup by the bridge and a slimmer neck than other p-basses. I played one of these right after playing a $3000 F-Bass(drool) and it still sounded and played great. The price was around $270.

 

[JetBlackJazz]

Check out the TB Classified for a G&L Tribute L-2000. They generally go in the range of $300-400. Excellent basses, they don't call them the "poor man's Wal" for nothing!

whats ur opinion of the G&L?

 

[JetBlackJazz]

Squier P-Bass Special, I've played 2 of these and they are amazing! It has a jazz pickup by the bridge and a slimmer neck than other p-basses. I played one of these right after playing a $3000 F-Bass(drool) and it still sounded and played great. The price was around $270.

new rule....no PRECISIONS! no firing on this...just my opinion.