Best for $400 or less

[Gus Borden]

So just out of curiosity... we all have our expensive basses we rely on or G.A.S. over... But what about the best bass (That isn't intended for a beginner!) that you can get your hands on new or used for $400 or less?

(edit)
We've played it with 4 strings for 400...
Let's try 5-string basses (New or Used) for $500 or less

If it's $550 or less, I think it qualifies for an honorable mention

Opinions invited...

 

[unbridled]

If it's new, it will probably say Ibanez on the headstock.
Used, the bolt-on Spectors are good.

 

[your idol]

yay i beat all the SX guys to the punch...Squier cv 50's p . hands down the nicest bass ive played at that price point

 

[Honk'n_down-low]

+1 on the bolt on Spectors - try to find one of you can and play it.

 

[Figjam]

Well used will obviously be the best choice when price is an issue.

And i would say finding a japanese fender is the best if you are into fenders.
if you are not into fenders, old MIA peaveys are usually really good.

But any made in japan bass is a good value.

 

[Fine Cut]

i'm stickin' with Squier VM or a decent OLP

 

[kb9wyz]

yay i beat all the SX guys to the punch...Squier cv 50's p . hands down the nicest bass ive played at that price point

SX SX SX SX

What can I say? A $100 with a $60 setup and $240 of upgrades is pretty nice.

But the Squier VM maple on maple J is a lovely beast @ $300 new. Throw a high mass bridge and some shielding on it and you still come in under $400.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

Well I just picked up a Fender MIJ Power Jazz BAss Special for $325 off CL. ....Wicked Cool bass!!


peace Capt Kirk

 

[Cyber Soda]

Spector.

Ah, you're a Warwick guy, eh? Well you'll still probably like them, but if that's the case you may wanna play one first.

Of course you probably knew to play them first anyway, but still.

 

[Gus Borden]

I personally gravitate towards basses with 24 frets. Just a personal preference. I am looking at either an Ibanez Roadstar or a Spector Legend at the moment (both used). Don't know much about the Roadstars though.

 

[Cyber Soda]

Yeah, if that's the case then I'd probably go for the Spector Legend. Spectors are usually great instruments that can really handle traveling abuse and deliver versatile tone, but all around good tone. If you're looking for a fiver, they've got a pretty tight low B too.

 

[Gus Borden]

Yea, I am leaning towards the Spector - like new and all that! Just a 4-string. For 5-strings though, I like a neck like the Ibanez BTB - string spacing for me has to be spread out.
Thanks!

 

[kb9wyz]

If an Ibanez has a "G" in the name somewhere, or says "road" anywhere I can read, I run like hell. Just me, I guess. I just don't think that their cheaper models really bring "it." I found a used MIM J that did bring "it" for $270. (admittedly, I threw about $450 of work into it, but it's fretless and active now with a BAII. Before it was just a nice bass. Now, I'll put up against most any bass in the $1200+ price range.)

 

[EagleMoon]

Yea, I am leaning towards the Spector - like new and all that! Just a 4-string. For 5-strings though, I like a neck like the Ibanez BTB - string spacing for me has to be spread out.
Thanks!

I had several of the Legends and I highly recommend them… However, try to make sure you find one that was made in Korea, and not Indonesia. The Indonesian ones have been having a problem with the neck pocket being cut too deep. You can't get the action low enough.

 

[your idol]

if thats your style then ill agree you cant go wrong with spector

 

[BobKos]

They don't come around often, but the old Guild Pilot basses (real USA Guild) are terribly undervalued. The better models had solid maple bodies, 24 fret necks, updated Jazz Bass styling, and EMG active pups.

 

[Din Of Win]

-SX (got mine used for $75, and a $40 set up and my PJ plays like buttah)
-Squier CV or VM (I've only played the VM Jazz but it was REALLY nice)
-Spector Legend (Got a used Legend 4 for $380)
-Ibanez Soundgear/ATK (Got my SRX390 active HH for $300!! AWESOME NECK! Got my 95 ATK300 for $100 )
-Epiphone (I think T-Birds in particular are nice)T-Bird
-USED Peavey (cheapest 'Made in the USA' route, great basses though)
-USED Yamaha BB (I've seen a few P's around the $350-$400 mark recently in pawn shops)
-USED Fender Jag (seriously i've seen TWO in the last month on CL for $350)
-USED MiM Fender (got my MiM Jazz for $250 used and it's now my main player)
-USED Pawn Shop Special (aka - TRY STUFF OUT)

 

[williamk]

Ibanez are the BEST CHEAP basses out there.

 

[darkstorm]

Ibanez Sr300, Traben Attack Array, Older ESP B & F series when they still had better bridges, and agathis to mahogany body with quilt or flame maple top. Used BC Rich NJ series, used Schecters, Possibly Luna or Peavey basses avail new for $300-$400. Used Washburn abt (they look like sleeker version of ibanez sr series and imo Ibanez developed the sr series from new stuff on the washburn abts including the extended neck joint which Ibanez didnt do as well imo).

And whatever nice to you used or new bass you might stumble upon for that $300-$400 range street price. This might include some Aria's, Westone's, or other brands.

 

[cassanova]

All the models I'm listing sound good, play good and are well built and can be found used for the price you're mentioning. I wouldn't buy anything on the new market for $400 because I just don't think you get good bang for your buck with new basses in that price range.

Fender MIM Jazz Deluxe
Ibanez SR500, SR800, SRX, or ATK
Spector Legend
Yamaha BB
Peavey Cirrus BXP