Cheap, playable basses?

[mid_life_crisis]

This is going to sound odd, or maybe not.
I am just starting out and have decided it would be nice to be able to take a bass out into the warehouse at work during lunch and get some practice with a headphone amplifier. The problem is, I don't want to be toting my bass to and from work every day. It would be nice to leave one there. The budget, however, is very tight. So I'm thinking of cruising some of the many pawn shops in the area looking for a bass I can get for short money.
My question is: are there any particular low price basses that I should watch for that are usually great buys or for that matter any recommendations on things I should absolutely avoid? I know there are an absurd number of different ones out there, but some general guidelines to follow maybe?

 

[MaddAnthony_59]

Aria Pro II is a Good, Cheap / Disposable bass...I've got several I paid Waaaaay less than $100 for. Electra is another one to look for. Check Ebay and your local CragsList as well!

 

[mikeddd]

SX. For less than $150 delivered, you can get a brand-new bass that just needs a setup...or not, depending on if you don't mind med-high action. Now, for $150, you may be able to find a very nice bass on Craigslist or in a local pawn shop. Good luck.

 

[dougjwray]

SX. For less than $150 delivered, you can get a brand-new bass that just needs a setup...or not, depending on if you don't mind med-high action. Now, for $150, you may be able to find a very nice bass on Craigslist or in a local pawn shop. Good luck.

You beat me to it.
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[baddarryl]

Old USA Peavey's abound in the pawn shops around here. No better bang for the buck, not quite dirt cheap, but light years better.

 

[mid_life_crisis]

Old USA Peavey's abound in the pawn shops around here. No better bang for the buck, not quite dirt cheap, but light years better.

Newb here. How do I tell if it's a USA model?


and thanks to all for the quick responses and suggestions.

 

[edspyhill01]

Take a look at the Ministar Basstar 4-strings, fretted and fretless. I have one of each.

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Ed S.

 

[TolerancEJ]

The SX Ursa 6-string is only $150

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[vstring3]

If you just want to tote something to work, I'd go with the SX.

(By the way, both my SX basses arrived with low action...needing only minor adjustments.)

 

[Crockettnj]

Buy used. Almost ANY bass is playable these days. I remember 25-30 years ago that was not the case.

I think sometimes we lose sight of just how good "budget" bassists have it these days.

 

[TolerancEJ]

For size concerns, if I was a frequent traveller or if I had limited storage space in the office, I think I'd either go for a low priced used Fernandez Nomad Bass ($239). ( http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fernandes-Nomad-Standard-Electric-Guitar?sku=241928#used ) I've also been tempted by the Bassfish by Goldfish Guitars ($159).

I would absolute love to have a Zon Vinny 5 but for either travel or office purposes, I would be terrified to leave it unattended re: theft, damage, etc. Actually, if I had the Vinny, it would be part of my main players from all the positive reviews I've read. (Of course, Vinnies are not cheap.)

 

[MNAirHead]

I"d vote for Yamahas.. you can find them for $50 or so.. or a Fury

 

[mizzou541]

SX, Dean, Ibanez, Yamaha...all have cheap basses to start with that should all work. Might not be a bad idea to browse craigslist as well...sometimes you can stumble across a Squier for $100-150 that would a good pickup.

Also...MF has some deals going now (like always) with free gifts. New bass + gig bag for $120.00

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[PSPookie]

If you stumble across a Squier with a serial number that starts with "SQ", snatch it up.

 

[slotrod65]

Squire P and Jazz basses are all over my local CL, anywhere from $50-$150.

 

[mulchor]

Newb here. How do I tell if it's a USA model?

It'll say Made in USA on the headstock.

In terms of your goals of having cheap and playable, origin of manufacture isn't a big deal.

If it feels good, plays good, and doesn't cost much, it's a match.

Yamaha, Aria would strike me as good ones to watch for, but with pawn shops or used, you're at the mercy of Luck.

 

[becker4567]

Bang for buck, you can't beat SX!

 

[mizzou541]

Yep, I would say craigslist is the way to go. You can probably score Bass + Amp + Gig Bag for $100 there.

 

[kjpollo]

From a pawnshop/Craigslist:

Peavey Fury or Milestone
Squier-almost anything
Yamaha-dont know all the models but there's several
Ibanez-see "Yamaha"

 

[elavate7]

rogues are good