BEST Bass within this price restriction?

MTD Kingston 5

 

That's a great bass! In that price range, I'd also suggest a used MIM Jazz Deluxe 5, an Ibanez BTB (or anything else Ibanez except the SR series), any Yamaha, or a Brice bass.

A lot of what you get should depend on what music you play.

 

Also a great bass for the $$$

 

MTD Kingston 5, used Ibanez SR505 (one of the new ones, not an old one), Schecter

Beav, why not the SR series? Personal preference, or is there something wrong with them that I've never heard of before?

 

Well, having owned one and playing most all of them in the last 8 years, I just think thy're poo. IMO as always!

 

The shop I worked at had one. It was a looker and no one could beleive it sold for what it did. I did some adjusting on the action and it played like buttah!

 

Check out http://www.thebasscompany.com
They sell direct through ebay. I just picked up a 5er from them for well under $500, it's easily my favorite bass that I own and among the top tier of basses I've personally played.
Worth checking out.

 

if you are lucky u might get a USED american G&L L-2500 for about 500++

if you are keen on getting a new one , i suggest the korean made tribute L-2500, pretty much around the same price and inexpensive for something that apparently has great QC and similar pups and electronics to the US version

 

You picked a great bass. Peaveys are durable and well built. The one Grind NTB that I tried was very nice, but very heavy. I've read here that they vary widely in weight.

 

You might be able to find a used carvin 5 string on ebay in that price range. Phenominal build quality and playability..

 

Used Lakland 55-01. They usually sell for between 500 and 550, (mine was 500 with case) and they pretty much rule that price range. IMHO...

You might also Check out "The Bass Company" 8 different versions (different: pickups, #strings and scale lenghts) basses all available for well under 500 bucks I haven't played one, and I am pretty sure that the Lakland would be the better instrument, but everytime I see a TBC bass, I want one. Pretty well recieved around here as well.

 

There is no one bass that is "best" in any price range since bass preference is all personal opinion, but I have played one of the peavey grinds that you're looking into, and let me say, it's a great bass for the money. I was really impressed by how nice it felt and looked, but most importantly the sound. It has a nice, thick woody sound that I'm sure you'll love.
Good luck!
-Alex

 

Another vote for MTD! They turn up used quite often. If you search around you could even find a grendel, and those are really nice for the price.

 

another vote for the Kingston 5. but not if you like thin, wide necks.

 

Another vote for the MTD Kingston 5
There is a five string Beast (sigh: Ivory) for under $500.00 (Parkwaymusic.com)

 

parkway music is a great shop. located in clifton park, NY, not too far from albany.

 

I would suggest the Spector Legend 5, but it is slightly out of your price range.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Bass/Electric?sku=517423

 

If you don't mind buying a used bass, there is a multitude of great basses in the $600 range. Lakland, Musicman, and Fender MIA all come to mind. It's not worth it to buy new, IMO.

What kind of music do you play? What bass tone do you prefer?