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Best bass around $300?

#21
http://www.amazon.com/Schecter-Raid...cal-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1338057478&sr=1-2

Big fan of Schecter, a few new basses for $300 and under that will be super versatile and last you a long time. All of them are set up in the USA, whether it costs $250 or $2,500 and most have active pickups.

I also second the higher-end Squiers, as well. My go-to bass is a Squier MB-4. You can buy a used Squier P for half your budget or so and spend the rest in good strings and a setup, then go out and play 95% of music made after 1951.

Peace,
Greg
 
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#22
+100 on the Squier Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe lines.
Whatever bass you want to check out, I would, unlike others here, unless you have a friend who has a little more experience with basses to help you out, to stay away from buying used.
 
#23
I agree that the Schecter line offers excellent value. If you are near a Guitar Center, you should be able to access a lot of these instruments.

My suggestion: if you can find a Gretsch 2220, at least give it a try, You may be surprised at what a powerful and comfortable player it is. It comes in both black and tobacco sunburst. I have found the fit and finish on the budget Gretsch models to be better than on most competitors.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'm making a small leap of faith here, as the previous Gretsch models in this series (the 2202 and 1222) were fantastic basses because of the TV Jones-designed pickup. This may be a slightly different pickup.
 
#24
Thanks all, this is great.
Thoughts on P-bass vs. J-bass? and CV vs. VM? I'm just wrapping up grade 12 here but I'll probably head down to the music store soon to try out some basses...

There's an Ibanez GSR205 on UsedVictoria for $200 right now; does anyone have opinions on the quality of this bass?
 
#25
Squier VM or CV, no doubt.

VMs have Duncan Designed pickups, "satin" necks (which feel kinda cheap to me) but have block inlays (on the Jazzes) which I personally love.
CV has a better bridge, Alnico pickups, and super glossy vintage tint necks that I'm a huge fan of. VMs are either maple or agathis, whereas CVs are basswood. People bad talk Basswood all the time but loads of old MIJ Fenders are made of it and hugely renowned.
As far as P vs J, my first Fender was a American Special Jazz bass, because I felt that the Jazz was the way to go for me. But, I now own a Sonic Blue CV precision that gets more play time. I prefer the feel and playability of most Jazzes, but the sound of a Precision in the band mix is just perfect. You can't go wrong either way though, CV or VM, P or J

If you go for a P, theres also the Squier Matt Freeman (Rancid, Operation Ivy) , thats a CV with a maple fretboard that comes in either Black or Vintage White, which is much better looking than the current Fiesta Red offerings imo. J Wise theres also the James Johnston (Biffy Clyro) Jazz which is basically a Lake Placid Blue CV 60's Jazz with a matching head stock
 
#27
Nice job on the profile Mr Anderson .. it helps a great deal knowing where you are at geographically as well as your interests and experience ...

FWIW, I would consider resale, since at this point you really dont know what you like ... for example, a decent Squier series purchased used is like money in the bank .. whether it is a $100 Affinity, or a $225 VM or a $250 CV, any of them will serve you well while you are learning the instrument and beyond if you wish ... and certainly long enough for you to figure out what it is that you do and do not like in a bass for your future purchases ... for $300+, if you buy right you can buy a couple and try side by side selling whichever you care less for and have more experience under your belt than many that will tell you what it is that you should or shouldn't buy ... JMHO
 
#29
Pilgrim said:
I agree that the Schecter line offers excellent value. If you are near a Guitar Center, you should be able to access a lot of these instruments.

My suggestion: if you can find a Gretsch 2220, at least give it a try, You may be surprised at what a powerful and comfortable player it is. It comes in both black and tobacco sunburst. I have found the fit and finish on the budget Gretsch models to be better than on most competitors.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I'm making a small leap of faith here, as the previous Gretsch models in this series (the 2202 and 1222) were fantastic basses because of the TV Jones-designed pickup. This may be a slightly different pickup.
Click to expand...

the G2210 is definitely not the same as the G2202. If you can find a G2202 I would go with that any day over the newer model. I got my G2202 on Saturday and I love it.
 
#31
bassmanrocke said:
90's USA peaveys typically go for under $300 and are great buys. I have several Foundations, a Fury, a Forum, a Unity, and a Dyna-Bass. I paid less than $200 for each and would say they are at least as good quality as Fenders from the same period, if not better.
Click to expand...

Have to also recommend a USA Peavey. See them regularly in my favorite place to buy a bass...the talkbass classifieds. Also lots on ebay. You can spend all night reading posts on the older usa peavey's.
 
#32
Things are going to be a touch more expensive on the island, but I agree with those saying to shop used. Stay away from Affinity series and try to grab a VM or CV version.

As for the Ibanez GSR205, it's a decent bass if you think you want to start with a 5er. I'd try to get the guy down under $175 somewhere (they're $299 new at Long and McQuade), or at least get him to include the case/strap/cord/extra strings. The GSR is Ibanez' lowest series, but the 200 is a step up from the 100 (just as VM is a step up from Affinity). You can get really good or really bad with economy basses, but Ibanez tends to be fairly consistent.

I would go to L+M and just try out anything you can and see what feels best. They usually have some used gear available as well, and any of their Ontario stores I've been to have been quite fair. Their 30 day no questions return is also handy, should you decide to exchange it for something else. I might recommend a ferry ride into Vancouver as well, as your options and pricing will open up a great deal.

This looks like a 4 string SR300 and while $200 is a touch high, it apparently has upgraded pickups:
http://victoria.en.craigslist.ca/msg/3038049766.html

This Yamaha is an OK starter. With the amp, I'd offer the guy $150:
http://victoria.en.craigslist.ca/msg/3030069515.html

...and here you go, Squire P bass special for $175. Both P + J pups 2/ Jazz neck. Perfect:
http://victoria.en.craigslist.ca/msg/3025931405.html
 
#33
Here is a good video comparison of the CV series vs the Precision and Jazz basses they emulate. There is definitely a difference between the lower end models versus the higher end, (especially with the J-Bass), but this gives you a good idea of what $300 new can buy you new.

 
#34
I also suggest the Squeir Vintage Modified Jazz basses. I pickup up a 5 string for a little over $300 (the four strings are under $300). With a set up job and some mods it's a really nice instrument. I also scratched off the Squier name with a razor and I made my own waterslide decals with my name & logo.

I moded my VMJ with: DR lo-riders, 500k pots & .1uf tone cap, Duncan Quarter Pound pickups.

Here's a tone vid (with some EQ'ing):

 
#37
Thanks MarkoYYZ for the posts - and I agree, the mainland would be better price-wise. I'm headed to Calgary next year too so price-wise there's probably better stuff there.
I'm definitely thinking of finding a CV or VM after reading all these comments - seems like you all like them and they aren't too pricey. Kurosawa, my hands are actually quite large, but I'll check the Icon out if I can anyway - more selection isn't a bad thing!
 
#38
Man if I were you I would go with either a new squier vintage modified jazz bass or try and find you and used fender MIM P or J bass. You can find them on guitar center's used basses. They are guaranteed to work and if you have any problems you can ship it back.
 
#39
We don't have GC in Canada, bordinco. Shipping isn't free for us and is subject to 13% HST coming across the border from a retailer to an individual. Easier to just stick to domestic sources, or nabbing a deal on eBay/TB forums. For a first bass, though, better to buy something he can actually get his hands on first.

I do think L+M will be better for you MB, as you can do an in-person return/exchange. You can even buy 3 basses and take 2 back, no questions asked, as long as they go back in new condition.
 

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