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Good looking bass that is value for money?

L

LeedsLad

Jan 27, 2009
55
0
#1
Hello im a beginner bass player, ive been self teaching myself for the past month and im going to start taking lessons, i have a bass but its a websites own make, its a very cheap bass that looks ugly.
What bass could you recommend me? i have £250 to spend witch is just under 400$ to my understanding. Thanks.

EDIT: Someone recommended an Epiphone thunderbird - but ive heard a lot of mixed reviews on that bass.

Im into new and old rock.
 
#2
An SX (search Essex in the Search button) or a MiM Fender Jazz or Precision.

These are the kind of things where you must try them out before purchase because its the building block of your bass career, your first big step in other words.
 
#4
Maybe you should look here:
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/categories~name~Bass-Guitars~ID~27.asp

I hear good things about Yamaha and Squier here on TB, never actually played any of the two myself, though.

If your budget was a little higher, say 400 pounds, I'd probably recommend you this:
http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product...ion-Bass-(2009-Upgrade)-White-MN~ID~10858.asp
Maybe you can find one like that or one similar to it used somewhere, maybe on ebay.co.uk or something, then it would probably fit your budget easily.

Also, check out things in and around your budget at local music stores, you might find something you really dig.
 
#5
Can't go wrong with a MIM Fender Jazz or P, although in the UK you're going to be buying used at £250 as the come in around the £350 mark new.

The Epi-bird is a great bass, but an acquired taste. Albeit if you're just starting you won't know the difference!:D

Other decent basses out there that I'd look at include Yamaha and Ibanez, who both make basses in your range. I'd also have a look at Schecter although I think those are harder to track down in the UK.
 
#6
Absolutely check out the Squier Classic Vibe series--I've tried the '60s Jazz and the '50s P and was very impressed with both. Ed Friedland tests all three and A/Bs them with US Fenders in this clip.

 
#7
For every thread, there is someone recommending an SX.

I think SX has seriously turned into the new Fender suggestion.

Frankly, I've seen plenty of SX basses on here and never did I think that they were "good looking"

Lol.

Q:"I'm looking for a good slapping bass"
A: "Definately SX"

Q: "I'm looking for a good bass to impress the chicks with"
A: "You can never go wrong with SX"

Q: "I want a 'custom hand made bass'."
A: "SX is teh Best"

Q: "I want a bass that can open bottles."
A: "SX can do a lot more than open bottles, it can crush cans"
 
#8
TLW said:
For every thread, there is someone recommending an SX.

I think SX has seriously turned into the new Fender suggestion.

Frankly, I've seen plenty of SX basses on here and never did I think that they were "good looking"

Lol.

Q:"I'm looking for a good slapping bass"
A: "Definately SX"

Q: "I'm looking for a good bass to impress the chicks with"
A: "You can never go wrong with SX"

Q: "I want a 'custom hand made bass'."
A: "SX is teh Best"

Q: "I want a bass that can open bottles."
A: "SX can do a lot more than open bottles, it can crush cans"
Click to expand...

:D
 
#12
SX seems to have a pretty good rep around here but, it seems as if most of them need some type of rework or upgrade(s).....and that's OK.....if that's your thing.

But, if you just want to buy it, take it home and play it, then I'd recommend the Squier VM or CV series basses.

Read this article from the Squier website..... Invalid Link Removed

Here's my VM Fretless Jazz...absolutely love it.....tough tio beat! I had a pro setup and put flatwounds on it and it's as good as any Mexican Jazz bass I've played.......

DSCF0005.jpg
 
#14
Bummer the British Pound is so low as importing will be more costly.

First and foremost, buy something that is comfortable for you and the neck feels really comfortable. You can figure that out by trying a multitude of basses. If it's comfortable, it will inspire you to play. If you're inspired to play, you'll progress faster and enjoy playing all the more.

For the money you are looking at spending, I'd recommend buying used. Your money will go farther.

As much as a I love a a broad range of manufacturers, I'd recommend going with a Fender for a couple of reasons.

First, you should be able to find a used MIM in that range, although the lads from the UK can better comment on that than me. They're priced right. They're well made and giggable. Many guys used MIM for life. As they often say in the uk, "It's good value".

Second, if this is an entry level bass, you may be inspired to upgrade to a more expensive bass. It is much easier to sell a Fender. Fender are popular and easier to unload. And, by buying second hand, you should be able to sell it for what you bought it for.

There are all kinds of acceptable basses in that price range and some have been mentioned. My advice is to buy a used Fender.

Good luck and let us know what you decided upon.
 

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