Yamaha RBX170 or 270. Old version and new version and the same thing, essentially.
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Beginner Basses Under $200?
- Thread starter Bass Against
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My vote goes for anything made by Ibanez or ESP in there up to $200.00 range. (you can't go wrong)
But quite honestly, like I always say: "it's not so much the bass as it is the player"
So anything you get will do as long as you concentrate more on technique & skill over equipment.
But quite honestly, like I always say: "it's not so much the bass as it is the player"
So anything you get will do as long as you concentrate more on technique & skill over equipment.
I've owned 2 SX basses and was happy with both of them. Basically, I wouldn't bother with a Squier affinity, because an SX is pretty much the same thing (cheap Asian-made Fender copy) for less money. With Squier I like the Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe lines, but they're a bit over your budget unless you buy used (they run $300-400 new).
Of the two basses you originally posted, the SX and the Peavey, you have very different animals, especially in the neck. The Peavey neck is very slim, like a Fender jazz. The SX neck is wider and thicker. That's really just a matter of preference. The SX jazz copy (the Ursa 2) has a more jazz-like neck, of course, but even that isn't as slim as Peavey necks. Personally, I like a slim neck and would probably take the Peavey over an Ursa 3, but either is a decent bass.
Yamaha is also a good solid brand, you might look at the RBX basses from them.
Of the two basses you originally posted, the SX and the Peavey, you have very different animals, especially in the neck. The Peavey neck is very slim, like a Fender jazz. The SX neck is wider and thicker. That's really just a matter of preference. The SX jazz copy (the Ursa 2) has a more jazz-like neck, of course, but even that isn't as slim as Peavey necks. Personally, I like a slim neck and would probably take the Peavey over an Ursa 3, but either is a decent bass.
Yamaha is also a good solid brand, you might look at the RBX basses from them.
Please...PLEASE...PLEASE...visit your local pawn shop and play an Ibanez Sound Gear! You are certain to find a couple for less than $200.00. They will both sound great. They will both be easy to play. They will both be beautifully balanced. They will both look really good...choose your color!
Another vote for an Ibanez GSR 200. I bought mine as my first bass years ago. Very good quality and sound for the price.
A cursory check of my local Craigslist found several Squier basses for under $200.00, and several under $100.00!
The Squier Affinity are a bit hit or miss in QC, so you definitely have to play before buying. Squier VM series a little more $, but big jump in quality. Check out some the lower priced Ibanez too, great basses for the money, and better than Affinity IMHO.
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+1 on the Ibanez GSR 200. My nephew bought one for his first bass, very nice lightweight instrument. The electronics are a little cheap and fragile, but its easily upgradeable with standard P/J pickups, better pots, etc.
Fwiw I love my affinity, but it needed quite a bit of TLC when I first brought it home. I got it for 40 bucks on Craigslist. If you buy used, take it to someone who can do a proper set up for you. A good set up can make a huge difference on inexpensive instruments.
