• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

help me help a friend!

A

andrejs

May 27, 2008
12
0
#1
Hi, guys! A friend of mine (guitar player) is looking to buy a bass for his bands bassist, she's not a "gearhead" so he's helping out her and he asked for my advice.
So they decided on price (about 200 lats which is about 400$) and that they are buying used and at the moment they found these three basses on sale here in Latvia.

::LTD B-304

::Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass

::Ibanez SRX 300

I couldn't tell him anything about these basses except that I have heard a lot of good things about Squier VM P, reviews are good and I know it gets much love here on TB. Have heard mixed reviews on LTD, I have played one long time ago but really don't remember what I thought about it :) I think it had comfortable neck with low action but I think that was more expensive LTD than this is. Never tried Ibanez SRX 300 but again, found good reviews about it on internet.
So I thought why not ask for help here. Without concentrating on specific deals, which bass would you advice to someone else? Which one is the best considering quality, reliability? LTD and Ibanez have two humbuckers and active electronics, they're a lot more versatile, the P is "one trick pony", but are those electronics (active ones) at that price point any good? Any other thoughts or experience?
I know that the best way would be to try out each specific bass and decide which feels and sound the best but as it's not for me, this wouldn't work and I think that this answer wouldn't help my friend any way, cause he already chose three basses and now I think he wants my opinion on which one could be the best quality bass and of course which one is sounding good (although it's quite subjective, maybe you already know that two of them sound cheap or thin and have low output or smth).
Crossing one bass from the list would help a lot because these basses are not in the same city as we are and checking them out takes time and that's the thing we're all lacking aren't we? :)

Thought I'm gonna make it a quick question but I guess I have a talent in complicating things. :) Sorry.
So any help would be appreciated!

If anyone's interested (and want to take a look at latvian language) - here are the deals.
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
Invalid Link Removed
I think that that's not making any difference cause all of the basses are in "ideal condition" :) and cost about the same (the ltd dropped the price to 200 Ls. 1 Ls = 2.10$)
 
#6
I know that a lot of people would go for the VM, but I myself would choose the LTD; more tonal possibilities, and in my opinion, it just plain looks better.

Also, IME, LTD quality is better than that of the VMs. They are one hell of a Squier, but when the day's done, it is still a Squier: Although they have put out some very fair (and sometimes just plain great) basses, they are still, for the most part, an entry-level company. I own an LTD as well, and it far outstrips my Squiers... or any for that matter. But then again, just my opinion. :D
 
#9
Tough one, especially sight unseen. But, I think in this case the P bass would be the safest bet. Although the LTD does look great in the pic. The Ibanez is just too far down the list, even with the mean looking humbuckers, I think that one's the bottom of the barrel. Good luck.
 
#10
i know that you said the basses arent in the same city but i still think it would be best to take her to some stores have her find out which one is best for her because you do have to take quality in to account but comfort too is really big alot of ppl say warwicks are amazing however i find them quite uncomfortable personally so while some say the ltd is best she might find the p more comfortable and therefore want that one so in the long run it would be worth it
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back