best p-bass for under 300?

[Joybass]

A picture speaks better than a thousand words...

 

[Volker Kirstein]

The P in my avatar is a €70 NIB Costway (like Glarry). It was giggable right out of the box, and sounds like a P should. Even with upgrades (inlay stickers and flats), I'm still well under €200.

This is the 21st century. It's hard to make a bad P Bass these days.

 

[Mili]

PJ is P+
if your P soloed PJ doesn't sound like a P, something is wrong with your pickup or your ears or your fingers.

 

[mongo2]

SX

 

[IvanBassist]

Harley Benton. I paid 120 EUR for this one. I know the one in the video is a P/J, but you can get the same bass as a P only for less than that. The quality is great

 

[DoctorZee]

I swear, the people who think a PJ solo’d doesn’t sound like a P are the same people who think blue M&Ms taste different than red ones.

 

[Nuage420]

A) push the budget to $400, get the Squier Classic Vibe P.

B) forget the “PJ can’t sound like a P” myth, and get a Yamaha BB or any number of great PJ basses.

C) Get the Harley Benton P bass. Even if you’re in the states, (I think) you can get it shipped from Europe for under $300.

D) shop used, you’ll be fine. Really

Good luck!

I spent a few hours at GC playing every bass they had, all prices, and the Squier classic vibe felt and sounded better than the 1000-1500 dollar fenders they had there. The only other fender I liked there was the Aerodyne.

 

[andruca]

I'd go passive Yamaha BB (latest gen., standard pickup routes make for great upgrade platform) if looking for PJ or Squier Classic Vibe '70s P for my fave P tone ever (same specs as the long discontinued Matt Freeman sig. model), the perfect blend of punch, lows and P bark Both can be had within your budget used.

 

[burgerdj]

Agreed with other comments...don’t get thrown by a PJ. I get your concern, but within your budget you’ll have many more options of quality instruments if you’re flexible on the pup arrangement. That said, if you must buy new, the Yamaha BB234 is an excellent option. If you must have a P-only, highly recommend buying used.

 

[Thundertips]

Squier Affinity-$229

 

[wncBass]

Woah, where do you live? The ones around me are about ~500

Asheville NC...see used mim fenders listed below 400 quite a bit. Here's a 5 string jazz at a good price.

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[CallMeAl]

Not everyone know enough about basses to make sure a used one isn't a lemon. I bought a used bass, and it was literally the first bass I had ever seen or touched. I did my homework and checked what I knew to check, but honestly I was lucky it wasn't a wreck because I didn't really know what I was doing other than looking to see if the neck was a corkscrew.

Then, a used $300 bass could be a $400 bass if you have to buy a setup. Also, OP might not be in an area that has a lot of used stuff in that price range. And private party shipping cost on a $300 bass kills the deal.

Used is clearly better on paper... but sometimes you just want to make a decision and have the darn thing in a few days with free shipping. OP should consider used, sure... but if he wants something new, no shame.

To me, “buy used” means taking an experienced friend with you or going to a shop with helpful staff. If you don’t have those things, or just generally don’t feel comfortable- then certainly, no shame.

 

[39-Bassist]

If you like a slimmer neck on a P bass...you could try a Dean Paramount bass. (used or B stock arent that expensive)
Just a thought.

 

[Jack Butler]

...Otherwise, the jig is up for Fender (literally). computers and machines can make pretty dang good bases these days, and nothing is more simple than a P bass, so cheap ones are pretty good. just get a modest set of luthier tools and learn how to do your own setup.
Once I saw that Fender was charging $1700 for basses made from PINE!!!! I decided that it was time to start crapping on them publicly...

I don't think the "jig is up" for Fender just yet. They will likely continue selling plenty of guitars and basses with the same designs and different colors long after you and I have left this earth. No doubt plenty of other companies can make a perfectly great P bass, but that brand recognition is a powerful thing.

 

[DanAdams]

I don't think the "jig is up" for Fender just yet.

yeah I know. I just wanted to make some 'jig' (shaping template) wordplay.

 

[Nuage420]

Peavey Fury 1994 Bass (Made in USA) | Evan's Shop | Reverb

 

[Kukulkan61]

PJs sounding like a Pbass with the neck pickup soloed may be myth, but I have never met a PJ that could sound like this P bass so ...

 

[Playbyear]

you should think about the PJ basses. Nate Navarro posted a nice review of 5 budget basses today

In the hands of an expert player with great amplification and recording mics, all five basses sound very good.

The two that sound best to me are the Fender Affinity Squire and the Harley Benton PJ4 deluxe.

The Harley Benton seems an exceptional value.

 

[Ric Vice]

Sad thing is when I purchased my first Precision Bass, in 1968 I believe they were $399.00 with a hardshell case. There is a Godin Bass that was discontinued but very reasonable used. Nice wood's, great neck, decent pickups.

 

[Logic_11]

Asheville NC...see used mim fenders listed below 400 quite a bit. Here's a 5 string jazz at a good price.

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Man, that really is a good price. I wonder why the person is selling it for that much, now I feel like I over payed for mine