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Good bass in the 250 dollar range?

Rustylunchbox

Rustylunchbox

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2013
26
1
#1
I am kinda new to being a bassist, I mean I have some experience and have owned a bass before but been mainly a lead guitarist for 11 years. I had an epiphany lately and have decided to sell most of my guitar gear (not all though) and buy some bass gear. I have a budget of roughly 600 bucks. I was wondering what do you guys suggest in the 250 or so dollar price range for a bass (4 string btw). I play metal and will be joining my friends thrash band again using his bass until I get mine and I like more treble but still like it to have a nice powerful low to it. I am also worried about tuning stability and durability as we will be playing shows. I was also gonna ask about an amp in the 350 price range but I know there is a seperate part of the forum for amps however if you guys can give me recommendations I would appreciate it. Also one last thing should I spend more on the bass or the amp starting out? I just want an amp loud enough to be heard with the rest of the band and in small to medium venues with good tone and maybe good OD but not necessary.
 
#6
Nice I will take a look at that Metalhead. Also not to ruffle any feathers but I never asked what the best bass for metal was. I asked about a bass in terms of build quality in that price range which if money was no object I wouldn't even be on here asking. I just want a bass I can play shows with that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and won't fall apart on me or develop tons of problems. I also play with a pick, forgot to mention that before.
 
#14
darkstorm said:
Used only for that low an amount. If you want new, save up more so you can afford at least $350 for the bass. Some great examples in that price range are: Ibanez SR300, Esp B143dx and F143dx, Jackson JS3.
Click to expand...

If OP saves a bit more, he can look for a Jackson, even brand new Ellefson's CBXs: they sport alder bodies instead of Indian cedro ones, and passive EMGhz soapbars with active three band eq and pickups are widely spaced accordin' to Ellefson's style, to accomodate more room for center pickin' action.

Furthermore a Line6 "lowdown 150" combo is still out there... they're modifyin' the series, but tiltback 12" lowdown 150 (worth 150w and with trademark Line6 amp modelling) can be a good starting point.

Cheers,
Wallace
 
#16
Rustylunchbox said:
Nice I will take a look at that Metalhead. Also not to ruffle any feathers but I never asked what the best bass for metal was. I asked about a bass in terms of build quality in that price range which if money was no object I wouldn't even be on here asking. I just want a bass I can play shows with that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and won't fall apart on me or develop tons of problems. I also play with a pick, forgot to mention that before.
Click to expand...

Don't worry about that, That "best bass for metal" line is a lame-ass running joke here on Talkbass.
As to your question, as others have said, either a Squier or something from Rondomusic.
 
#17
Made in Mexico fender p or j. They can be found used on eBay for around $300. Tons of upgrade parts available for them if you want to upgrade it later. My personal favorites as far as looks are the sunburst with the shell pick guard or black with the BWB pick guard. Favorite upgrade parts for hard rock/metal is Seymour Duncan quarter pounder pickups and a Leo Quan badass bridge. Different pick guards are available pretty cheap so I wouldn't worry to much about the pick guard color when buying one.
 

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