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First bass -- Ibanez, Squier, Cort or ESP

#21
Squier is a good move. I picked up a used Indonesian Squier and Crate 50W amp last year for $225 on Craigslist - it was a decent starter instrument and got me in cheap!!

The new Squiers that these guys recommend are also a great deal. Good luck!!

Chris
 
#22
What music are you likely to play? ESP and Ibenez are better for more modern metal, but if you want something more versatile go for the squire.
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I dont really agree with this, as my Ibanez SR500 (which was my second bass) is IMO much more versatile than a Squier P Bass. But thats me, and Im not a Jazz bass/tube amp kinda guy when it comes to gear. I say try out a bunch of basses, and go with which one feels best in your hands, as in this price range there arent going to be stellar electronics regardless. But then again if you want a J or P bass tone, Squiers are great for the money!
 
#23
Mushroo said:
My recommendation is to head to your local music shop and play as many as you can. Which feels and sounds best to you? Used equipment is an especially good way to get "bang for your buck." If you have a friend who plays better than you, bring him/her along to demonstrate.

You don't have to spend a ton of money to get a decent instrument. I have 7 basses ranging in price from $50 to $1,200 and the one I get asked to use the most is a $150 P-bass-style from SX.
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it took 9 replies to get to that?

This is my suggestion
 
#28
lel95 said:
the Squier Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe series are amazing for the price. I suggest looking at them
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Livewire said:
This...

The new classic vibe Squiers are excellent. I've been playing for 8 years and looking to pick one of these up soon!

Also, does your budget of $450 include an amp?
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itsnottruerufus said:
Squire CV or VM for sure
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These are good recommendations. Yes, if you're going to get a Squier, you will be impressed by the CV and VM series.

That's only if you want a Fender-based instrument, though. If you want something a little more sleek with a thinner neck, an Ibanez would be good.

Fela said:
no $450 is only for the guitar..$600 including amp
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With a budget like that, you have more options than you think you do. I recommend going to Guitar Center or another similarly stocked music retailer and playing A LOT of basses. Don't decide now and don't decide based on what we're saying. You've got a bunch of choices and you should know which particular style you're looking for in terms of sound and body shape and playability.

Remember: Everyone defaults to recommending Fender-style because it's a good choice for nearly everyone. But it's not necessarily the best choice for absolutely everyone. Realize the difference.

Fela said:
i hear ESP makes good guitars at low prices..what do you think?
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They are also good but, like with most companies, it's best to have a specific model in mind. Some of their stuff is better than others. Their better basses and guitars are outstanding and not just for metal, ignore the stereotypes. I would take an LTD Vintage 204 in a heartbeat.
 
#29
Fela said:
no $450 is only for the guitar..$600 including amp
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You should be able to get one of the Squiers that everyone is suggesting for around $300, which leaves another $300 for the amp.
Don't blow it all on the bass and be unsatisfied with your amp choice, especially if you want to jam with friends, etc.
Also, don't forget accessories, like a decent case, strap, tuner, maybe some spare strings.
The case, strap and tuner are pretty essential.
Good luck.

S
 
#30
This makes me wonder about the amp now... what expectations do you have for the amp and what do you plan on using it for?

If you want a quality rig and you're using it for serious stuff like gigging, the amp will necessarily have to cost more than a bass, unless you're wasting money on a "boutique" instrument. Amps always cost more and are harder to buy and are usually more important to your sound, although people on THIS board won't want to admit it.
 
#31
I've only been playing since October but I went with the GSR200 for a number of reasons, first and formost, it was a low cost but had many good reviews. Second, the neck was smaller then alot of other basses, and I have smaller hands so that was kind of important. Third, I heard it was very durable, and looking back at the way I treated it I have to agree. The very first day I got the bass I rode the logging trails through Oregon with it in the back un secured, so it was bouncing around for hours. I dropped it on several occasions, when I decided that I wanted to try and run through the house and play it took a hit on the tuners and still held its tune. I gate checked it when I went back home from Oregon to Alaska in a flimsy 50 dollar no named gig bag. I'm not an expert, I have no prior experience in the music area, but I am satisfied with my GSR200, I'd recomend it to anyone new who is as reckless as I am.


Edit:
I've had some problems with fretbuzz, but that might just be me.
 
#32
nocontrols said:
This makes me wonder about the amp now... what expectations do you have for the amp and what do you plan on using it for?

If you want a quality rig and you're using it for serious stuff like gigging, the amp will necessarily have to cost more than a bass, unless you're wasting money on a "boutique" instrument. Amps always cost more and are harder to buy and are usually more important to your sound, although people on THIS board won't want to admit it.
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i dunno..maybe a 30w marshall..mostly for the jam room..but should be ready for small gigs.
what else would you suggest?
 
#33
IMHO, if you're looking to gig, even "small" gigs, 100 watts minimum. 30 watts will not do it. If you don't have a decent amp, I'd buy the cheapest bass I could find and spend the majority of the cash on an amp. A Vintage Mod Squier would serve you fine for a long time. However, you'll grow out of a 30 watt amp so fast your head will spin around and nearly pop off. MHO.
 
#35
C.Linton said:
Nothing wrong with the frets on Squiers.
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I own two, and have played quite a few. The frets are never done right and thus the strings can't ever be lowered to a very comfortable degree, at least on most, without getting a lot of fret buzz and/or getting completely unusable notes. There's a reason why these are so inexpensive; Sure, a good fretjob and maybe a pickup swap would yield an amazing inexpensive bass, but they're not this way new.
 
#36
I think any of them would suit you well, it's all in what what sounds and feels best for you. I was borrowing a fender jazz but didn't like the feel so I went around trying all the basses at local stores, gc, and best buy's shops till I found an ESP ltd that felt and sounded better and fit price.
 
#39
For $450.00, I would find a good used Ibanez SR 500 that is maybe a year or so old. If you can, get a 2010 model or newer as it has the extra mid switch added.
 

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