first decent bass and need advise

[outlet3000]

Hey guys

I'm looking to replace my starter bass (Stagg BC300) I've been offerd a Spector 5 string bass from a friend who wants £350 for it.
After digging around I've narrowed it down to either a Spector performer 5 or a Spector bass legend 5

If it's the first £350 would be a rip off but he says he brought it for £700 new a few years ago. Do you guys know of any way to find out for sure ?

Sorry if none of that helps but I don't know alot about this sort of thing

 

[EVerderame]

the bass has beautiful finishing though it has two knobs lacking.
play with it, compare with yours and others basses, see how it feels and the sound and everything else that matters to you.
meanwhile, why don't you make some research on the TB classifieds and/or some online stores like Sam ash, GC, ebay, whatever...
look for the same and other models, prices etc.
you are probably going to do this for the rest of your bass-playing life, so go ahead and be curious!

 

[Maxdusty]

with the curve in the body, I believe that's a Legend. If that's the question you're asking. I had a Performer and it's flat.

 

[outlet3000]

I agree it's a nice finish, few scuffs and missing knobs but that's fine for it's age and bits can be replaced.
He has left it with me for the past three weeks now and it beats my stagg in every way. Better sound, less action on the lower frets and it's nice to have an extra string to play with

So you think it's a Legend. thanks for the input guys.

Last things
Can you give me a small list of brands\makes to stay away from ?

 

[EVerderame]

ouch! this is a bit harder, cause quite often the brands have theirs worse and better lines... and depends on you to feel confortable and to like them.
so take my advice with a grain of salt:
in my experience i've found some Squiers are pretty good while some are not.
the same valid for the lowest lines from Epiphones, SX, Yamaha, Cort, Peavey, Carvin, BC Rich
but you sure don't want 'el cheapo' if you want to keep your bass for a while so i would not recomend
things like the Rogue, Hamer, Hondo, Silvertone (just waiting until someone from TB to bash me)
this list can be much bigger.... you know tB is a great place to research this too!

 

[outlet3000]

Thanks man

Sorry For asking the awkward question.

Guess it's like with cars. The robin reliant were alot of people would avoid (tipping over) but some people enjoyed for some weird reason But can understand what you mean as I love my Stagg, even tho it trys to break your fingers on lower frets.

I went with the Spector in the end. I'm faster at playing\smother, wider range of sound\less muddy.
It just needs some TLC

Thanks again guys

 

[EVerderame]

super, dude!
good choice in the end
rock on!