Help on choosing between basses

[zeron824]

Hey there everyone! Seems like everyone here knows a lot about basses. I'm currently looking for one and I can't decide at all. I've researched and stuff but it all seems like everything is on par but I don't want to miss anything. These are the basses that I'm looking at. As you can see, I am at a really tight budget. Which one should I pick up?

Schecter SGR C4: Invalid Link Removed

Fender Squier Affinity Jazz Bass: Invalid Link Removed

Fender Squier Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special HB: Invalid Link Removed

Schecter Diamond Series 4 String: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

and this Schecter Diamond Bass: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I would really much rather get a new one but yeah. Please help! Thanks a lot everyone!

 

[darkstorm]

E#ither of the shecter diamonds as best of that lot imo. Worth saving up the extra for them imo. Otherwise save up a good $350 or more if you want new.

 

[grendle]

The maroon schecter gets my vote ( second schecter on the list) That's a LOT of bass for 200. Best of those IMO. Swap out the pups and pre down the road when you have funds ( a Spector tone pump would go nicely in there)

 

[FrednBass]

The Jazz

 

[Nephilymbass]

In all honesty I don't have first hand experience with any of those basses but for the price Id recommend picking up a used made in Mexico fender. If you really look around online thy can be found for $200-$300. At $300 you can find a ton of them used. As far as 4 strings they are good basses and very easily upgradable. I'm not a fan of there 5 strings and I primarily play 5 and 7 string. Fender basses have probably close to as many upgradable parts as most other basses combined. You can put a bad ass bridge and some Seymour Duncan basslines quarter pounder pickups in them and they sound like $1,000 basses.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I tried out the Humbucker Jag once. It wasn't bad at all, but it lacked the punch of it's sister, the Vintage Modified Jaguar Special (P/J, active bass boost). Then again, I personally like something that can dial in some aggressive tones.

If you're cool with getting something used, check out Guitar Center's used database. That could help stretch your budget, give you a wider variety to choose from and they have a 30 return policy if it's not working for you.

http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedGear/index.cfm

 

[gjbassist]

Of the ones listed I like the burgundy Schecter the best. Those are usually pretty good basses and that's a good price. Something else you might consider in the $200 price range is a used Squier VM Jazz bass.

 

[zeron824]

Let's say we eliminate the two Schecters on the bottom. Which from those three would be the best bet? Not saying they are out, just asking.

Thanks for the replies! Keep 'em coming though.

 

[grendle]

The jazz then. But play before you buy. Seen too many issues with the build on those to recommend buying unseen.

 

[Immigrant]

The Schecter second from the bottom is the best bass for the money on your list.

 

[Malak the Mad]

If I had to choose from the top three, I'd lean towards the two Squiers, but only because I've never had a chance to try out a Schecter.

The Affinity Jazz I had a ways back was pretty decent, but was a little weak, sound-wise. That and the older closed-box tuners were pretty flimsy. The HB Jag just didn't "pop" for me, so if cornered, I'd have to go for the Jazz.

 

[hasudungan1]

I vote for jaguar.. I don't like schecter anyway..

 

[ben23c]

Bought the diamond schecter 4 several years ago and has served me well to this day. Very powerful, dynamic bass

 

[Webtroll]

Partial to Precisions myself, but of those the black Schecter on the bottom catches my eye

 

[zeron824]

Thanks guys! I'm able to stretch out my budget a little more. (the Maroon Schecter got sold. -.-)

I am now looking at these other ones also!

Schecter Raiden Special 4 String: Invalid Link Removed

Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass: Invalid Link Removed

Thanks again guys!

 

[FrednBass]

Why the guitar there?

P.s.: the vintage mod. jazz bass, in my opinion.

 

[zeron824]

Alright! Thanks for everyone's suggestions! I came to the conclusion to pick up the VM Jazz Bass! Thanks again!

 

[Malak the Mad]

I can't help but notice the Best Buy links. Going for some Rewards Zone points, are we?

I bought an instrument from a store (back when they had a Musical Instruments department) along with a Fender t-shirt and a set of strings. It seems I had gotten a discount on the accessories with the purchase of the instrument. Neither I, nor the guy at the M.I. counter, realized this until the sale was final. To that effect, I'd recommend calling someone at Best Buy to see if they still do that. It's possible you could get a second set of strings (I won't say "better"…even though I want to) and some other necessary accessories at a discount. The worst they can do is say "Sorry, no."

 

[zeron824]

I can't help but notice the Best Buy links. Going for some Rewards Zone points, are we?

I bought an instrument from a store (back when they had a Musical Instruments department) along with a Fender t-shirt and a set of strings. It seems I had gotten a discount on the accessories with the purchase of the instrument. Neither I, nor the guy at the M.I. counter, realized this until the sale was final. To that effect, I'd recommend calling someone at Best Buy to see if they still do that. It's possible you could get a second set of strings (I won't say "better"…even though I want to) and some other necessary accessories at a discount. The worst they can do is say "Sorry, no."

Yeah, you got me.

And I definitely have to try that. Never hurts to grab some extra items.