/ Register

Decent Choice For Cheap

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Sarakisof, May 31, 2020.

  1. May 31, 2020 #1
    Sarakisof

    Sarakisof

    Dec 15, 2019
    Hello everyone, i own some Js and was looking around for my first P bass as a second backup and why not also a usable decent tone, for cheap.
    I speak for really low budget, under 150 range, i am a patient man, always waiting for bargains, usually finding old stuff from trash, repair and reuse. From electronics to instruments.
    We use old 50s-70s stuff, Teiscos, Hofners, combo organs, tube circuitry, tapes and so. (made this intro to justify my like to Musima below )

    So far, i have found :

    - SX VTG series "custom handmade" sunburst P bass for 150$. It's new NOS unsold item from a local shop retirement, intact with its label on neck.

    - Musima Action Bass, precision. East Germany late 80s in pretty good condition for.. 60$.

    - Or wait for a Squier P affinity or stndrd (early, not PJ) ?

    From those three,in which one should i really change pups? I usually find old instrument's irons pretty decent to my taste and never replace them. Specially in old guitars.
    Bad thing is i cannot test play none of them.
    The ideal would be a squier p with Fender original P pups, but this would add a bit to total cost. Say i could find finally a squier for 120-140 plus 80 thats a 200 plus.

    Are those SXs models pups sound good? Mostly care about sound tone, i am not so much a "tonewood" guy.
     
    Last edited: May 31, 2020
  2. May 31, 2020 #2
    4StringDave

    4StringDave

    May 4, 2010
    From - Glasgow (Sco) Lives - France
    Have a look at Harley Benton. I have one of the PB50 (I think it's called) and it's great for the money. I've also seen Glarry mentioned by those Stateside.
     
    Sarakisof, FantasticFour and subdude67 like this.
  3. May 31, 2020 #3
    garp

    garp

    Feb 7, 2009
    Connecticut USA
    I can definitely appreciate the nostalgia factor in the Musima. But from your list, my gut – not personal experience – tells me that this is the one which might benefit the most from a pickup swap. The SX might or might not be improved by changing pickups. The Squier will likely get you closest to "that P tone" without having to do anything except a proper setup. Best wishes with whatever path you take.
     
    Sarakisof likes this.
  4. May 31, 2020 #4
    Bass V

    Bass V

    Dec 11, 2008
    Honolulu, Hawaii
    the HB is good and easy to get. another that you can't go wrong with is the Samick LB11, badged under various names for decades. @ $100 it easily competes with other Ps priced far higher.
     
    Sarakisof likes this.
  5. May 31, 2020 #5
    CallMeAl

    CallMeAl

    Dec 2, 2016
    Ithaca Ny
    Heard great things about the SX Basses, haven’t tried one though.

    picked up a Squier Affinity (2005) for $125 and I love this bass. Needed some loving (new bridge, rewire,) but the pickup sounds great. Added a Jazz neck, but that was more personal preference than it was about the quality of the stock neck
    5DEAB96D-2762-4DD1-9500-AA34C43E7C9F.jpeg
     
    Sarakisof likes this.
  6. May 31, 2020 #6
    Sarakisof

    Sarakisof

    Dec 15, 2019
    Yeap i see. I will probably go with a Squier P (or stndrd, CV if lucky) for 100 bucks and see then if i change pups.
    By the way, what do you think about guitarpartsfactory (no advertising here) for sourcing genuine Fender pups and stuff?