HELP! advice on buying a new bass!

[davidbarton]

somebody please help me before i start beating holes in my wall with my head!
hello everybody, I am a relatively new bass player (my buddy has 1 and i mess around with it sometimes, but im usually a guitarist) and i am looking to buy a bass for (at most) 300 dollars. i will be able to go up maybe a little more
specifics are:
-long neck, and heavy
-4 strings
-good for slapping (fun to do)
-good for metal (for my band)
I would assume a bass with a humbucker would be what i would want. but i dont know too much about basses to begin with. any advice??
I would also need an amp too, ive been looking at the fender rumble 60 watt. any advice?

 

[hrodbert696]

Squier Vintage Modified - probably a P, if you're looking to slap.

 

[Ibanez Bassist]

Definitely a Squire is a good choice I had the Classic Vibe but not the longest neck out there, great bass for the price.. If Ya can swing 250 or less actually for an amp check out the Acoustic B-100...

 

[Diogenes]

Please explain the "long neck" criterion.

So far I would suggest an Ibanez ATK since it seems to fit just about all of your requirements.

 

[Korladis]

Advice... if your budget is limited to 300 dollars, don't buy a new bass. Buy a used one.

I recommend Peavey basses, and better used Epiphones and perhaps Squiers, maybe you could even find a used Fender for 300, probably a MIM if you did.

Most important thing is to try before you buy. And just because you try a bass, don't feel you have to buy it or even give it further consideration.

 

[Ibanez Bassist]

If that $300.00 includes your amp then definitely used is the way to go, but there is nothing like getting a new bass out of the box that no one else has beat on..

 

[whitefuneral]

Second hand Ibanez soundgear?