BEST (NEW) BASS UNDER $300

[wohnjalker]

Hello! First time poster here. I'm sure this topic has been beat to death, but I wanted to go straight to the best source of info I could think of... I've seen many lists on pages I've otherwise never heard of, so who knows what their real motives are for listing the basses that they've chosen. My only criteria here is that the bass be new, NOT used, and also $300 max. I've bought used basses in the past that ended up having issues and I just want a clean slate, so to speak. The more people that contribute to this list, the easier it is to narrow down my choices, which in turn could help people here that may be in the same predicament... thanks in advance!

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Hello! Are you looking for a 4-string or a 5-string?

Sterling by MusicMan Ray4 and Ray5 are available. Some Ray5's are on sale for $244 now and the 4-string is $299.

Squier Vintage Modified basses are also very good. They have 4-strings and 5-strings for $299.

Ibanez Talman TMB-300 is a nice 4-string for $299

Jackson has JS2 and JS3 4-strings for under $300 as well.

 

[shawshank72]

Squier.
SX.(rondomusic.com)
Both easily modded as well if desired.

 

[wohnjalker]

Hello! Are you looking for a 4-string or a 5-string?

Sterling by MusicMan Ray4 and Ray5 are available. Some Ray5's are on sale for $244 now and the 4-string is $299.

Squier Vintage Modified basses are also very good. They have 4-strings and 5-strings for $299.

Ibanez Talman TMB-300 is a nice 4-string for $299

Jackson has JS2 and JS3 4-strings for under $300 as well.

yeah i should have specified that... definitely looking for a 4-STRING bass guitar.

 

[JeffJ2112]

The Talmans by Ibanez are a really good value. I was really impressed by both the 100 and the 300.

 

[Stinsok]

I gig regularly with the Ibanez TMB 300.

 

[Clifford Lee]

You can never go wrong with a Squire. Either a J-Bass if you want more versatility or a good ol' Precision. They have a good aftersale value if you ever decide to move on and they look good no matter what.

 

[wohnjalker]

i should add as a side note that i have been leaning towards one of the new Peavey Milestone basses... there's not much info on them on the internet, but what i have read is very good and Peavey is known for being a good "bang for your buck"... can anyone chime in on these in particular?

 

[shawshank72]

i should add as a side note that i have been leaning towards one of the new Peavey Milestone basses... there's not much info on them on the internet, but what i have read is very good and Peavey is known for being a good "bang for your buck"... can anyone chime in on these in particular?

These basses feel fantastic to play but unfortunately the hardware and pickups are very poor.
But bought cheap and browse through the classifieds here you can make it a great player.

 

[UNICORN BASS]

I also like the newer Milestones but some examples i have played had lots of sharp fret ends and other QC issues not found in newer Asian imports so choose wisely.

 

[Stinsok]

I modded a Milestone. The body and neck were fine but the hardware was really cheap.

 

[Flacco]

I'd say it depends on the type of music/style you like. If you like the milestones, then I guess you like the PJ configuration. I bought a squire PJ a while back as a "project" bass for $180 new and it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between it and my American P. Pretty much just lower grade hardware. Plus resale is a big factor for me, not to mention the community of people who have been playing/modding them for years.

 

[wintremute]

Another vote for the Talmans. I'm not a fan of the neck (I prefer the slimmer SR style), but the quality and sound were top notch on the ones I tried out. I keep almost buying one because it's just so good (but I never feel comfortable on the neck).

 

[wintremute]

Also, just curious, why does it have to be new?

 

[wohnjalker]

I modded a Milestone. The body and neck were fine but the hardware was really cheap.

Was it the newer ones that have the PJ config and matching headstock?

 

[wohnjalker]

Also, just curious, why does it have to be new?

Because used basses tend to be a crapshoot... I bought a nice Peavey Forum bass a while back and I got it to my tech and he said the neck was permanently slightly bowed, and the only way I could counter that was to use super light gauge strings, so needless to say I sold it and now I’m just looking to buy something brand new.

 

[PikeoftheLake]

If I had to do it all again I would go for a Yamaha BB234 all the way. I would get the black with the matching head stock... classy!

 

[wohnjalker]

If I had to do it all again I would go for a Yamaha BB234 all the way. I would get the black with the matching head stock... classy!

I was looking at that bass also actually... it just sucks because I don’t like the look of it as much as the previous BB line

 

[primal]

My Squier Classic Vibe Precision was one of the best purchases I've made. I upgraded to EMG Geezer Butler pickups, but honestly they weren't that much of an improvement -- the stock pickups were THAT good.

 

[bryan gibson]

Of those not yet mentioned, Yamaha RBX line is pretty solid. Also the basic Squier Affinity PJ. Both are around $200 and leave you an extra hundred for upgrades. Or beer
FWIW, I'd also seriously consider looking for a GOOD used unit at that price point. MIM Fender, Warwick Rockbass (see mine in the pic for $300 even), ESP/LTD, or even a Peavey Grind Neck-thru. Peavey Cirrus import is also near that $300 used.