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Good basses?

Ok so i play bass (Obviously) and have been for about half a year. im currently using a Jim deacon FP bass and im in my last year of school. My mum says if I do well in my exams (which are in June), she'll get me a new a bass. The only problem is that ive only played one other bass so i have no idea what i should get as my second bass...Any ideas?
 
Well, I suppose that the real question here is how much your mom is willing to spend. If you want a good bass, they can be had (in as far as Fenders, Ibanez, and some good Epiphones) for anywhere from $250 - 500. If she'll spend it, though, you ought to try and get a great bass (American Fender, Gibson, Musicman) for $650 - 1500, or an excellent bass (Sadowsky, Ritter, Lakland) for $1500 and up.

Personally, I'd be like "Mom, I just spent 12 years of my life in school! Just buy me this Sadowsky! That's only $150 a year, and you owe it to me anyways! YOU DON'T THINK I'M WORTH $150 A YEAR?!?!?!?!

But, I digress. :)
 
Well Pricewise i could probably haggle a good $500 out of her

I could probably go to a few of my local music store and ask to try some basses

2 of my friends play bass and im not sure they wouldnt mind me trying theres out

But i have got months to decide anyway so its not urgent or anything
 
I agree there are a lot of good basses in the price range you mentioned.

Go try them - spend a little time at the store without Mom and take your time and play each one that appeals to you. You will likely know when you have the right one in your hands.

Any of the Fenders in this price range would serve you well and they are easily upgraded if you choose to do so.

If you find one slightly higher priced than you have for funds. Put what you have down and pay off the difference. Or ask Mom to fund it and pay her back the difference.

I recently picked up a MIM P-Bass and it is a nice Bass for the money.
 
Play a Fender P and a Fender J and get the one you like the best.

+1

You should go rent a P bass and a J Bass from a music store for one month. Play your favorite songs on each of them every day. At the end of the month, buy the one that you like better.

Recommendations for good value basses:

Ibanez ATK (or any ibanez)
Squier Vintage Modified Jazz
Squier Vintage Vibe Anything
 
For me it is all in the neck, string spacing is somewhat important. Edgy fret boards suck, sharp ended frets suck. Though these two problems can be fixed, it is a sign of finish quality. I don't have small hands but I like the jazz style neck with a 'V' back if available, that's because i'm lazy and they take less effort for me. I had a day time job and worked 4 nights a week for 4 years gigging and in the studio once a month doing demo tracks for different bands. I don't know if I was lazy or just tired. played in two bands at once also (boy that was dumb!).
Anyway put your hands on a few necks, I have only seen a few basses that sounded bad and could not be EQed out.
I recently decided to start playing again after a 20 year lay off (burn-out), and wanted a new fretless but I checked all the basses in the store (about 30) and I only picked them up with my left hand and sat most right back down, either because they hand a wrong neck (for me) or they were way too heavy. I only found two that I liked and I bought one of them. Hope all this helps some.
 
I love my Vintage Modified P-Bass. It was only $250 and with a proper setup its actually a great P-Bass for me. You could even get a VM or Classic Vibe P-Bass AND Jazz Bass for $500

And I also agree with the above mentioned Lakland Skylines. I owned a 44-01 in the past and really regret selling it, I got it for around 350 but they usually sell for around 500 used. I missed it so much I've got a 55-02 on the way :D
 
Let us know:

Price range EDIT: I see you said around 500

Style of music

Likes/Dislikes about current bass

It'll be easier to help you out that way!

I listen to all styles of music

my favourite style that i enjoy playing the most though would probably alternative rock

things i dislike about my current bass: the tone and the strings are too tough (if that makes sense) apart from that its ok for a starter bass

oh and thanks for all of your suggestions peoples :bassist: