Ok, If you have a decent local Music Store, that deals with musicians and is run by Musicians, try this. Look at all the basses you like priced in the 500.00 dollar range, offer 275-300.00 and they should be happy. You might want to look at the new Vintage Squire Precision Bass. It's around 300.00 and plays like 1000.00 and it has an awesome bridge. blue
There's a white MIM Fender Jazz (not mine) up on TB classifieds right now for $265 that I would buy if I were looking for bass for around $300. I wish someone would buy it - It's tempting but I really don't need it.