Cheap basses with best stability. (under 300)

[Bassmaticmatt]

Ibanez TMB100 $199, TMB300 $299, also my Jag Seems Stable. I keep it around 70 I'm my house. And it is hot outside in Texas this time of year and I don't notice a change when I take them places.

 

[CharlyG]

Squier Jag or Squier Jag SS.(P/J) I put SD Quarter Pounders in my SS and it is HUGE!

 

[Ric5]

Before I start, please do not make this another thread where everybody keeps suggesting to raise my budget. My income keeps me low, and I'm never considering a high end bass until I become more proficient with playing.

Long story short, my cheap (<100$) basses have served me very well for this long. But over the past few months I've found myself playing more technical fusion music and the high actions on these basses are killing me since I play many chords spanning across all four strings.

I do know how to set up my instruments as well as do fret levels and crowns, and I've been doing that for a long time now, both to my own guitars and other people's guitars. The problem is that no matter how well I set up my guitars, and how stable I keep the climate and humidity of the room they're in, their necks turn into bananas as soon as I take them to a rehearsal or a gig.

That being said, I am considering finding a used bass that has a slightly higher quality neck than any of my current basses. I want to keep things under 150 because I am a tough negotiator. The title says 300, and that refers to new basses. For example, if you recommend me a bass that goes for 300$ brand new, I could find that bass for 150 used. Again, please do not make this a thread with 20 replies saying I should raise my budget. I've heard it on several other threads and I will respectfully turn down that advice.

We all know there are certain models of anything, even outside of instruments that were mass produced but still held a decent quality. I'm looking for that in terms of bass guitars. Looking for a bass that is common on the used market and well known for neck stability. I couldn't care less about what said basses have in terms of electronics or hardware because I could change that easily.
So do any basses come to mind?
Thank you

You can get some nice Squire and SX basses for that price or try DHgate or Aliexpress

 

[morgansterne]

My peavey grind 5 was superb in stability and very comfortable.

 

[cool breeze]

My Sub is study even with the thin neck if that's your choice. I paid 200 used with gig bag and flats which I prefer.

 

[DavC]

i built this for under 300 .. ! Squire/Fender parts

 

[ThePresident777]

Warmoth:
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You can get an all roasted maple or all bubinga or goncalo ives/ebony neck for under $300 if it's in stock. Custom weould cost a bit more. But, even their maple/maple necks are good.

 

[Systolic]

I'd recommend the Ibanez Talmans. I've been flabbergasted at how stable mine has been.

Also the Yamaha TRBX in my stable has been flawlessly stable not to mention very comfortable.

Both necks are kept pretty much dead straight.

 

[mikew31]

I'd find an ESP 214 PJ like this: Invalid Link Removed

I was at this store last week and played the bass that's linked. It's a really nice bass - plays well and sounds good. If I didn't already have a PJ bass I'd snap that sucker up! The guys at this store are all good people and are actual musicians. I've bought, sold, traded, and had repair work done at this location and have been treated very well and got good deals. If you called them up, I'd venture to guess they would be willing to haggle a bit so you could stay within your budget with shipping.

 

[Substandard]

I would put in a vote for an early 80s roadstar, Ideally a 2+2 headstock model. Should be able to grab one for about 2-400. Super cool japanese bass. a 78 Roadstar is my main bass. (RS824)

 

[Timmy-Watts]

Peavey, Yamaha, Ibanez, Squier. In that order. There are others, but you continue go wrong here.

 

[wintremute]

I will add to the line of people who suggest a used Peavey. Those necks are solid!

 

[Lesgo]

i built this for under 300 .. ! Squire/Fender parts View attachment 909558 View attachment 909559 View attachment 909560

I say put one together from parts like this one. You can keep your costs under $300, and in the end you'll feel more connected to you instrument.

 

[RickyWoo]

Old headstock SX P bass

 

[okcrum]

Whatever you end up with, look for a nice tight, solid grain in the neck. Truss rods can only help a crappy piece of wood so much.

 

[honeyiscool]

You can probably find a used Schecter and a half for that price range. Find one with a bolt on maple neck, which is most of them. At the lower end, it seems like Schecter basses have the hardest maple necks that I've seen.

 

[blacktocomm]

You can never go wrong with an older Peavey. I also have a Squier Jaguar Special I scored on Craigslist a few years ago for next to nothing that has been a very stable bass. I set it up once and its never moved since. Nice fretwork and a very fast neck.

 

[58kites]

I want to keep things under $150 .....
The title says $300 and that refers to new basses.
For example, if you recommend me a bass that goes for $300 brand new, I could find that bass for $150 used.
Again, please do not make this a thread with 20 replies saying I should raise my budget.
I've heard it on several other threads and I will respectfully turn down that advice.
Thank you

 

[lowfreqgeek]

If your current instrument has a Fender-style neck pocket, buy a Warmoth or USACG neck to replace the unstable neck. You can get a great, stable, reliable "lifetime" neck for $180.

 

[58kites]

Before I start, please do not make this another thread where everybody keeps suggesting to raise my budget.
I want to keep things under $150.
The title says $300, and that refers to new basses.
For example, if you recommend me a bass that goes for 300$ brand new, I could find that bass for $150 used.
Again, please do not make this a thread with 20 replies saying I should raise my budget.
I've heard it on several other threads and I will respectfully turn down that advice.
Thank you