Cheapest HH bass?

[DonaldR]

Yamaha TRXB304/5 is active HH, Yamaha TRXB504/5 is active HH with passive mode (which I used more than active mode).

 

[oren]

The Sire M2 is very well priced for an active HH config.

 

[kbakerde]

You might, MIGHT, be able to find one of the older 2013-2014 Gibson EB’s around that price. Maybe a little more. They have their detractors, but I have a 2013 and love it. Light, fast neck, and the best case in the business.

 

[kbakerde]

Know what you are looking for when it comes to an HH configuration. When I think of that I think of the Gibson EB, EBMM Stingray, Warwick $$, the G&L L-2000 (I think is the model).

A lot of the other suggestions are more dual single coil soap bars, and that’s not quite the same.

 

[LoTone]

Ibanez SR or Yamaha TRBX are good values jack-of-all-trades basses.

 

[mbell75]

Thanks guys. Decided to go with a single humbucker Stingray. I already have a P and a J, might as well get the other iconic bass.

 

[N4860]

Thanks guys. Decided to go with a single humbucker Stingray. I already have a P and a J, might as well get the other iconic bass.

I just picked up a MM Bongo HH 4 string used a couple of weeks ago. Not sure what the prices are in your area but I managed to get it for just slightly above your budget. Seriously awesome bass.

 

[seansbrew]

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[Skillet]

Ibanez SRX basses can be had for a song and they're great playing basses. I just sold an srx300 for $250 locally. My srx2ex2 is not for sale. It kicks too much ass.

 

[twinjet]

Thanks. Yea, looking to stay under $500

Most tribute G&L L-2000s can be found for approximately that price. If you're lucky, a US can be found for that as well.

 

[Pings Bass]

Tribute L2000/L2500, not the "cheapest," but available under $500 used and certainly one of the more versatile instruments out there (active/passive, series/parallel). I got a bit too much neck dive on my L2500, but can't argue about the tone or the neck. Sounds amazing and plays great.

 

[Eilif]

Thanks guys. Decided to go with a single humbucker Stingray. I already have a P and a J, might as well get the other iconic bass.

Nothing wrong with that at all. That's a very useful and iconic trio of instruments that won't do you wrong.
A Precision, a Jazz and and MM'ish (4-94 style Carlo)instrument take up the majority of my gigging time.

Still, if you get the urge for budget dual humbuckers again, be patient and hunt down a used Peavey Forum AX. May take a bit of time to find one but it's a sweet USA made bass that usually isn't expensive at all.
Peavey Forum Basses

 

[Staccato]

Definitely pre-owned. If you're going inexpensive, find an LTD.

I would have recommended Washburn, Ibanez, or Yamaha, but those used instruments will disappear faster than ice cream on a hot day. You won't find them.

 

[bassmanrocke]

Define "cheap".

For around the price of a decent T40 - possibly a few bucks more - you may pick up either a 2013 or 2017 version of the Gibson EB which sounds and feels nothing like a conventional Gibson. Given that QC in this era was questionable, trying before buying is a must IMO. But good ones can be found at bargain basement prices. My 2013 EB5 was a stellar instrument in all respects.

Korean-built PRS Kingfisher is also a very solid offering, if you want to stay away from Gibbys.

L2K is difficult to argue with, but I wouldn't really consider that to be a cheap instrument in the normal set of circumstances.

If you want to go really cheap, Peavey Foundation and Dyna models from the 90s sport a very different feel and weight from the T40, and can be found for under $300. Pretty unbeatable value for money in my book, and there's no shortage of them on the used market.

Happy hunting.

The 90's Foundations look like $$, but are actually two single coils. The post 92 Dynabasses had an early form of active VFLs which are humbuckers.

 

[bassmanrocke]

Personally, I'd get a classic Vibe jazz and have a luthier install Nordstrand humbuckers.

 

[packhowitzer]

Here's a fairly inexpensive one: ($399)

Brice HXB2-404 RW Headless Nat Burl - RondoMusic.com

 

[wizard65]

Thanks guys. Decided to go with a single humbucker Stingray. I already have a P and a J, might as well get the other iconic bass.

Good choice, I also have a P as well as a J and a Stingray, can’t beat the classics.

 

[kmon]

with some legwork you can get < 500 on an L2K Tribute. I've seen them for a good deal less.

But ya Stingray sure

or here ya go:

For Sale - G&L Tribute Kiloton

or here:

For Sale - 2007 G&L L-2000 Tribute

Both < 500

 

[Brad Johnson]

Fender Squier Contemporary HH Jazz.

 

[tminus10]

Ibanez can be had for dirt cheap but I'd go with a G&L Tribute L2000. Easily under $500, versatile, well made and sound killer. Done