Best bargain P-bass

[JulianReynosoar]

I had my MIM P for 150 bucks on craigslist, a total bargain! And it had a nice duncan pickup and schaller tuners. You should try to find one although I know I was very lucky

 

[highway]

actually . . . an ibanez sr200 would be a steal if you could get it for under $100

 

[YCBass]

ESP LTD Vintage 204 (PJ pickups)... Got one last week and I'm impressed thus far but new pickups are on the horizon.

 

[malicant]

It's my opinion that when you buy a bass for 300 euro, you are going to get something that, whilst functional, really will be worth what you pay for it.

That being said, I can suggest a tanglewood nevada bass as I've had one for years and it did its job well in my early playing days. I really would avoid SX guitars at all cost as my own experience with them can be best summaries by the mention of mile high action, crappy pick-ups and an over all nastiness.

 

[xkalenx]

I love my Squier Matt Freeman P. It's nice to look at and nice to play.

 

[Nedmundo]

At the lower end, Squier Classic Vibe and used MIM Standard would get my vote. The G&L Tribute SB-2, new or used, is great but not exactly a traditional P-bass. Moving up a bit, the G&L USA LB-100 offers boutique quality for a base price under American Standard Fenders, and is a steal IMO.

 

[Batmensch]

Squier VM P, the transparent amber model.

 

[MegaSwing]

Invest in a set-up done by a knowledgeable tech. There are high-dollar basses all over the world that are playing terribly because of poor set-ups, just as there are budget basses playing like butter because someone took the time to address this. Buying from a reputable dealer is no guarantee that the set-up is any good. It is wise to learn the ins-and-outs of doing this yourself. It greatly reduces your maintenance costs and significantly improves the value and utility of anything you play.

All that having been said, the best bargain P-Bass is probably the standard MIM P-Bass itself, used. They are out there to be had for less than half of new retail, if you search diligently.

 

[Charley Umbria]

+1 on the setup. Good point!

I'd also recommend an older ESP 400 Series...if you can find one!

 

[DrSpunkwater]

Steve Harris P with Lawrence P46.

Best money you'll ever spend on a P.

 

[Inconnu]

+1 for Peavey Fury, Milestones are pretty good too.
The great thing about going for a bang for your buck bass is you should be able to get your hands on lots of em to try out in person at your local music stores, pawn shops and through craig's list.

Are the Peavey Zodiac also good? They do look nice...

And what about the Yamaha BB series?

 

[experimental bassist]

Used MIM Fender Precision.

Find a good one, and very easily could be the first and last Precision you ever need.

Which in the long run is the best "bargain" you can get.

 

[fenderbassman40]

Squier vm p bass w fender 68 pickups. I've done 30 gigs w it and its never let me down. I'm just glad I lived to this golden bass era of low cost goodness. It puts the power of amazing geAr into the gigging musician

 

[AMJBASS]

IMO the Squier Vintage Modified(Amber Maple body/Maple Fingerboard), is one of the best deals around. They sound great out of the box. I have had a few of the Vintage Modifieds(both J and P), and have played a ton of gigs/sessions with them without any issue at all. In fact they have been terrific instruments(and easy to modify if you wish). Definitely recommended.

 

[GrandLowBass]

SX and Squier Classic Vibe.

 

[jumblemind]

Squier CV 60's P. Unlike SX's and Affinity's it needs nothing.
IMO there are worth every cent and more.

+1

 

[Benton]

MIM fender with Seymour Duncan Antiquities and new tone cap and setup did it for me.

 

[Misty Mountain]

The Peavey Zodiac DE models seem to get a good bit of love around here...

 

[TammyJ]

I just bought my first bass yesterday. Squier Affinity P-bass. I'm a rank beginner with basses. I seem to be playing a lot of bass lines and decided what the heck, why not a bass? Crafted in China. It growls even without the amp LOL. Quiet rumble anyway. I paid $100 for it. He's definitely a pre loved baby. Anyone play one? Or did play? Opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

It really seems like we talk ourselves around in circles here. I'm waiting for the circle to get back to the boutique basses topic...