First bass -- Ibanez, Squier, Cort or ESP

[Rockingbird]

As has been said, Amp first, bass later.
Have you checked out Rondo? Rondo Music Home Page
Their basses are considerably cheaper than even squiers, and most people rave about the quality and price. You could get a nice Jazz or P (or a Jaguar) for less than $150, and spend the rest on something very nice, like maybe a Markbass LMII 250 ($450). Definitelt worth looking into.

 

[jet_king]

I SAY IBANEZ.... thats just me

 

[lionanimagus]

I have an ESP 105-b. It's a fiver and I got it for 320. You could easily get a better 4 string model for that. I gig with it all the time, and I play everything from hymns to hard rock. I've even slapped on it before. Overall, it's a lot more versatile than what people think it is. It all just depends on how you play it. Plus, you could use the extra money to get a really good amp.

 

[bassplayer8953]

i hear ESP makes good guitars at low prices..what do you think?

Quality product, both P & J sounds, and well within your price range:

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[autodidact]

Ibanez SR300 or 305. I gigged my 305 hard for about 2 years and practiced just as hard for the 4 years I owned the bass. Dropped it repeatedly, smacked it on stuff, and otherwise neglected the hell out of it, no issues. Itd still be kicking if I hadn't traded it away. I still miss that bass. Great sound for about $299 IIRC

 

[Florox]

'Never' means forever and in each and every instance. Are you sure you want to make such a sweeping generalization? I wouldn't.

Oh - there's an exception to my rule here: You must NEVER say NEVER

This is Bandini! It is total Bandini and nothing BUT BANDINI!

I would make a sweeping generalization because Squier basses are done like this purposefully. Do you really think Indonesians are incapable of making amazing basses? Making basses is not rocket science, much less so the inexpensive and simple Leo Fender designs. They do basses this way so as to not compete with Fenders.

 

[SurferJoe46]

You forget your medications this morning?

That has got to be the most outlandish statement I've heard today - but you can feel free to try again if you like.

I CAN be amazed again, although I don't see how!

 

[Batmensch]

I would make a sweeping generalization because Squier basses are done like this purposefully. Do you really think Indonesians are incapable of making amazing basses? Making basses is not rocket science, much less so the inexpensive and simple Leo Fender designs. They do basses this way so as to not compete with Fenders.

Total and utter bollocks.
Explain then how there are so many people who comment on how great the fretwork on their Squiers is (including my own two, and I know as well all of SurferJoe's Squiers, even his Affinity, have great fretwork.)
If Fender sells a Squier, they make a profit. Better they make a little less profit than no profit at all. If someone is shopping for a nice bass, and they only have $300 bucks and their choice is between a (supposedly) crappy Squier Jazz for $300 and a fender Jazz for $1200, they are just gonna say ''screw this", and get an Ibanez instead. Fender wouldn't deliberately sabotage their budget lines, just so they could sell their more expensive models, because, as for the reasons I stated, it would not work , especially not in this weak economy. Your statement makes no sense whatsoever.

 

[SBassman]

The good news is that All the instrument makers make very good low end instruments these days. In all cases, you are capable of getting an Unbelievably great instrument, or one that needs some TLC first.

I'm new to the Squier world - with the Vintage Modified series. I recently got a Jaguar, and it is one sweet bass for the dollars. Fretwork on mine was - Perfect.

 

[arsie]

Whichever brand you get, do not get the absolute lowest model. Try to get one in one price bracket above, the quality difference is usually significant.

 

[Punk Rock Jason]

Since you asked about Schecter - I think they've got some solid stuff. I've got a Model-T and Diamond J Bass, both of which I picked up used for around $300 each. I've not played the new Raiden and Riot basses, but I've heard good things about both. Schecter's not a bad option.

I started on an Ibanez GSR 200, too. Not a bad bass for the money.

 

[Nate Plays Bass]

I started out on an ibanez gsr200. Surprising a great bass. It's built pretty well too. I've had mine for 6 yrs and kept it in a school locker. I cracked the neck, my fault, but its still pretty nice. I'd try to get a used ibanez off of craigslist.

 

[SPYD3R #9]

i'll pick a used cort RB5 or LTD, just like mine

 

[LovesReborn]

you should check out cort action DLX. it plays fine and has a nice price.

 

[lowrocker]

My suggestion is play everything you can get your hands on and the bass will choose you. Buy a used bass, but new amp. All of the brands you mentioned are good basses with pros and cons. I have always been very partial to Ibanez. Good luck.

 

[groove_druid]

I have a Squier VM Jazz and I love it...BUT...I recently tried a couple Ibanez SR300's and compared them with some other Fender's, Squier's, Hofner's, MusicMan, Schector, and Epiphones and I wish I could go back in time and get the Ibanez instead. The sounds and comfort and playability it has really amazed me.

 

[bassplayer8953]

You forget your medications this morning?

That has got to be the most outlandish statement I've heard today - but you can feel free to try again if you like.

I CAN be amazed again, although I don't see how!

Yeah, $300 Squier's are the worlds finest instruments...that's why no one buys MIA Fenders (not to mention MIM & MIJ) anymore...

 

[SurferJoe46]

"Yeah, $300 Squier's are the worlds finest instruments...that's why no one buys MIA Fenders (not to mention MIM & MIJ) anymore..."

Yup - I'm amazed again. Wanna try for a hat trick?

 

[bassplayer8953]

Yup - I'm amazed again. Wanna try for a hat trick?

Not really. If you can't tell the difference between a bottom-of-the-line import and the real deal, then a Squier is what you should be playing.

 

[Batmensch]

Not really. If you can't tell the difference between a bottom-of-the-line import and the real deal, then a Squier is what you should be playing.

With the last few utterly ridiculous statements you've made, it's obvious you are quite clueless. You have no idea what you are talking about.