I need a new bass.

[JBPB]

My budget is approx. $300. I have a Squier Affinity P-Bass- but it needs a lot of work.


Haven't had much time to read Talkbass or read reviews. What are the better basses in that price range? Thanks!

 

[Gus Borden]

Read the reviews. Do searches. Check around for used basses and utilize the search function here on TB. We really can't tell you what to buy b/c we don't know what you want to do, how/what you play, like don't like.

Go to MF.com and look at new basses that fall in that price area.

Good luck.

 

[Batmensch]

Go up a couple of levels in the Squier lines, I.E., the Vintage Modified ($279- $299) or Classic Vibe lines ($349). In my experience, the VM Jazz and the amber VM P-bass are both excellent choices, and no need to do any upgrades on either.

 

[dalkowski]

Whatever you do, buy used. You'll get more for your $$$.

 

[Batmensch]

Whatever you do, buy used. You'll get more for your $$$.

The same could be said for a new Squier VM or CV.

 

[fenderhutz]

Get a used MIM Jazz or P. It will sound good from the get go. As you have more money you can mod the bridge and pickups to your choice.

I found an article today that stated MIM basses actually use necks shipped from the USA and finished in the Mexico factory. The neck, IMHO, is a huge part of a bass that will last.

I got my MIM Jazz in 2000 new and added Basslines hot and vintage pickups and a BAII bridge. It has been my main player ever since.

 

[OmnitzGarima]

We all need a new bass.

 

[SteveHeissner]

The best $300 bass I owned was an Epiphone Thunderbird. I added a hipshot bridge and redid the setup nice and low. You could probably pick one up used for $200 or less plus another $90 for the bridge. Squier also makes decent cheap basses in the $300 range. With both brands (Epi and Squier) I'd go to a store and play it first, don't buy online.

 

[JBPB]

I'm going to go hit my local guitar stores. Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm going to go try some of these out, at least I have an idea of what to look for now, for the price.

 

[Gus Borden]

This is a smart idea. This way you can get an opinion based on what you've experienced.

Best of luck

 

[RonChase]

I would go to the pawn shops and the musical instrument chain stores find a 400 dollar bass and offer 300,I here the economy is not doing well and people are talking about bargains

 

[Hollywars]

Ibanez sr300 or whatever is above it.

 

[JackoBass]

If you dont mind the looks, MF was selling ATK300's for about $300. That's a decent playing and sounding stick for the bucks.. Those Squier mod jazzes aren't bad either. As always, try to play it first..

 

[darkstorm]

My fave pics in the $300 gettable new would be Ibanez SR300 and BC Rich Eagle 1 with preamp added.

 

[SurferJoe46]

Howcome nobody mentioned the VM-Jaguar? $299.00.

It has best of both worlds for the P/J and the tone is to die for if you get a good one.

There are some possible ringers out there I believe in that the one I got is very hot and has absolutely no mechanical issues.

Play it if you can find one or tow to judge for yourself.

 

[JBPB]

You guys really helped me out, with the new basses out there for $300. Some one I knew agreed to part with this Musicmaster for $350. Still want a long-scale bass though, just might have to wait another month or so. Thanks so much, as I know what I want to look for to try out.