Best Backup Bass?

[spectorfreak]

How about a Steinberger? Less footprint for hauling around.

Not getting one of those in decent condition for the price bracket he's is anyway, fewer then 10,000 XL2 made, I had probably the last XL2-T transtrem bass Jeff Babicz put together at Gibson, and that was serial numbered under 8000. Good condition hardtails are going for $1600-$3000, transtrems more, fewer then 200 of them made

 

[Sweet Willie]

You could also consider an Ibanez Roadstar jazz bass from the 1980s. Show up on the used market for usually $300ish or even a bit less.

I haven't played the Squier you mention. I've always liked the G&L jazz basses I've played. I've liked many but not all MIM Fenders I've played.

Good luck.

Peace.
--SW

 

[bassbenj]

Not getting one of those in decent condition for the price bracket he's is anyway, fewer then 10,000 XL2 made, I had probably the last XL2-T transtrem bass Jeff Babicz put together at Gibson, and that was serial numbered under 8000. Good condition hardtails are going for $1600-$3000, transtrems more, fewer then 200 of them made

Get a Sprit like mine!

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Yeah, it's wood and not a "real" Steinberger, but it has great tone and is small. Mine is actually a vintage one and not a new one but they are out there in the $300-$400 range. Still wouldn't be my choice for a backup bass.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I was pretty impressed with a Classic Vibe 60s Jazz Bass body I picked up. It just feels high quality.

M.M.B.G., he's got a very good point. If you're going to get a bass that will be played on gigs/used for recording/jammin'…basically, anything beyond practicing at home…I'd also recommend a CV Jazz. New or used, the price point isn't too far from a VM, and you'd be getting a top-of-the-line Squier. Hell, I once found an amazing CV-J for a song; $205 shipped with a case because a Guitar Center employee mis-identified it as a VM. (note: I'm not bashing GC in any way…someone just goofed, is all)

So, if you decide to go with a Squier and if it's going to be used "up front", I'd go that extra, little distance and get the best (in my opinion) of the bunch.