Just looking for sub $200 beater bass suggestions.

[4StringTheorist]

Though folks are discovering their value and quality, there's alot of USA-made Peavy basses from the 80's and 90's that often pop up within your budget. Most of them will have 21 or more frets and be really well made instruments.

Ahhh. My starting bass was a Peavey Foundation II. Nice little P-copy that served me well. Popped a Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder into it a few months into my time with my first band, and it served me well as I slowly accumulated what I'd need for my dream bass at the time. Good memories.

 

[Eilif]

The newer headstock has slowly grown on me. I definitely liked the older style more.

I don't need any more cheap basses, but I keep looking at the rondo site periodically to see if anything catches my eye. I just can't get over the Ursa and this is from a guy who like's the T-40 headstock, so I'm not averse to angularity if done right. At my dad's place I've got an early 00's SX SJB-75 with the Lakland/Sadowsky'ish headstock. It's a weighty ash beast but the headstock looks worlds better than the Ursa.

The good headstock appears to have made a comeback on Link Removed . Anyone know anything about this one? At $130 for Ash, 3TS, blocks (no binding though), none of that vintage yellow nonsense and a nice looking headstock what's the catch?

 

[wmhill]

Try to talk them down on this one.
Believe me, it's a really nice bass...the DMT J-Hot pickups are some of the best jazz pickups around. First time I played a Dean Motto I thought it was active!

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I was gonna suggest the Dean Hillsborough, that's active and pretty decent cheaper bass. Much better any of the skwyers I've played.

 

[rtslinger]

I agree with Crusher47. The RBX series are quite solid, quality basses for their cost. You can typically pick up an RBX 170 in a PJ configuration used for about $170 Canadian, probably $120 in the US.

I agree with them RBX is the way to go

 

[Bodeanly]

I picked up an Ibanez Talman a few months ago. They have pj pups. You can find them new for $150. Worth every penny.

 

[Systolic]

RBX and US Peavey seem to be leading the pack.

 

[CinnamicAcid]

Washburn makes some pretty good basses for under $200 bucks, especially if you get one of CL.

 

[Shardik]

I bought and sold an RBX 170. I liked it OK, but the pickups were weak. I loved the light weight, though.

 

[bassliner50]

So many choices. Guitarfetish has these Xavier P basses. I bought a Xavier P. Played and sounded great out of the box. Then I gave it a thorough setup and installed Fender Original P pickup,
Phew!!! Excellent inexpensive bass. I'd hardly call it a beater. Check these out. Let us know.
Xaviere Bass Guitars

 

[jd56hawk]

I was gonna suggest the Dean Hillsborough, that's active and pretty decent cheaper bass. Much better any of the skwyers I've played.

I bought a brand new Hillsboro single in white with the tortoiseshell pickguard for something like $125 a few years back because it needed the fret edges filed. Bought a file and did it myself. I really liked that bass!

 

[bearfoot]

I was gonna suggest the Dean Hillsborough, that's active and pretty decent cheaper bass. Much better any of the skwyers I've played.

This one caught my eye, $170 + shipping

Dean Hillsboro 5 String Bass | eBay

Trippy bass, maaaaan

 

[wmhill]

This one caught my eye, $170 + shipping

Dean Hillsboro 5 String Bass | eBay

Trippy bass, maaaaan

I had the one with jazz style pickups, and it sounded pretty good- the MM humbucker is my fave pickup, so I bet that's even better.

 

[Snakeman1066]

Bacchus by Deviser Japan BJB-1 series are under $200.00 and can't be beat for the price

 

[mjmeche]

Rondo Music can't go wrong especially for the $$

 

[Fishheadjoe]

I bought and sold an RBX 170. I liked it OK, but the pickups were weak. I loved the light weight, though.

Last summer, I found an RBX170 at a yard sale for $40. It needed some work, new nut, fret dress etc. Yes, the p/u's are kinda dull and lifeless, but a quick and easy switch to EMG Geezers and the bass sings. Very light making long gigs much easier on the ole back.
There are a ton of these basses out there for cheap money... CL, Kijiji are where I would be looking. Haven't had much luck at all lately at pawn shops.
Fishheadjoe