Best Sub $600 P Bass

[Thebrownarrow]

What’s the best bang for my buck P or PJ bass at the 600 and below range?

 

[BGroovy]

Squier classic vibe. Schecter model T. Used Reverend could get close.

 

[BGroovy]

Used MIJ Fender

 

[hondo4life]

25 y/o Hondo

 

[rayzak]

One good option is the Yamaha BB434!!

 

[Kacey Y]

If you want something brand new and under warranty, probably a Squier Classic Vibe. If you're looking for a good deal on something used, you've got a lot of other good options, depending on your taste and what you can find in decent condition. MIM Fender Standard, Fender MIJ, Yamaha, older USA Peavey, Charvel/Jackson, older MIJ Ibanez all have really solid P bass models

 

[Aric Bjorn]

One good option is the Yamaha BB434!!

and the Yamaha trbx174 is pretty good value too, imho. I've been very happy with mine

 

[bholder]

Best bang for your buck you'll find new:

Sire Marcus MIller P5 4-String

THE SIRE P BASS Sire P5 is created for max power playing. Adopting Bass Legend Marcus Miller’s preferences, one can produce remarkable vintage and modern tones for studio recording and live performances from this P's pure low ends. Features Specification Find a Dealer THE SIRE P BASS NECK Built...

sire-usa.com

Used is always cheaper (almost).

 

[Malak the Mad]

What’s the best bang for my buck P or PJ bass at the 600 and below range?

Are you looking for new or used? "Used" changes the equation. For example, my used Fender Aerodyne P/J Jazz sounds great with Chromes. Adjusted for inflation, it would only cost somewhere around $530, so talk about "lots of bang for the buck".

For a new instrument, and speaking only from my admittedly narrow experiences, a Squier or Sire may fit the bill. I'd like to recommend the P/J Sire U7 ($600 brand-new, active/passive with simpler controls than other active Sires), but I haven't had a chance to try one out, yet...so, grain o' salt and all that.

 

[BGroovy]

Peavey Fury might be the best value P bass all around. I see them pop up locally for $200. For a great USA made P.

 

[Dust2Dust]

Squier fanboy here . . . soooooo

 

[DJ Bebop]

If it was 10 to 20 years ago, I’d say an SX for about $120.

 

[Deleted member 271037]

Yamaha BB434, by quite some distance. If these basses had a Fender logo on the headstock they would probably have cost 3-4 times as much. Personally I would rather play one of these than any currently manufactured Fender. Personal taste will always matter of course, but the objective build quality and quality control is significantly better than Fender series that cost 3 times as much

My second choice would be a Sire P5. These are also fantastic instruments, and they have a more classic P-bass look than the Yamaha BBs (which I guess will matter to some people). The first time tried a P5 I was honestly hocked by how good they are. If you want active there's also the P7 (and U7). I haven't tested these though so I can't comment on the quality of the active preamp/eq.

Nothing else comes close in the "slightly below 600" price range IMO.

For even less expensive options, in the sub 300 price range, there are also several Harley Benton models. The PJ-74, MV-4P and MV-4PJ are generally very good instruments, although I've seen a couple with shockingly sharp fret ends. Not fret sprout (which can happen to ANY instrument) but razor sharp fret ends that made the instruments almost unplayable out of the box. These HBs aren't quite as good as the Yamaha BB434 or the Sire P5, but they are absolutely superb value. The overall quality is comparable to Fender Player series, but the prices are lower than Squier Affinity. Avoid the cheapest "Standard" series Harley Bentons though, they're usually junk. The "Vintage" and "Deluxe" series are generally very good, and probably the best value basses you will find anywhere. At least for a brand new instrument under warranty.

 

[BobKos]

If you can seek out a used Matt Freeman Squier model, that gets my vote. Best P-Bass I own!

 

[Minimalist]

Yamaha BB434, by quite some distance. If these basses had a Fender logo on the headstock they would probably have cost 3-4 times as much. Personally I would rather play one of these than any currently manufactured Fender. Personal taste will always matter of course, but the objective build quality and quality control is significantly better than Fender series that cost 3 times as much

How did you arrive at that opinion?

To objectively judge the QC of either brand you would have to have spend significant time at the production facilities of Yamaha and Fender, have access to their QC manuals, and likely observed their training process. Did you?

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I had one of those Squier CV Precision bodies in mocha finish a while back. I put a spare neck in it, a Hipshot bridge, and a set of EMG electronics. I think the whole cost was about $450. I gave it to a buddy who mostly plays drums and guitar. He loves that thing.

 

[Shinbone]

Used G&L Tribute SB-2 or LB-100.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

How did you arrive at that opinion?

To objectively judge the QC of either brand you would have to have spend significant time at the production facilities of Yamaha and Fender, have access to their QC manuals, and likely observed their training process. Did you?

It’s TB, people are permitted to have opinions. Right?

 

[tvbop]

Agree on the SQ CV. Ive got a 70's one and its very nice with the thick ole 70's neck.

 

[joebingo]

It’s TB, people are permitted to have opinions. Right?

no.