Low quality instruments vs. medium quality

[Malak the Mad]

I never did that, I don't really know how to paint plastic. Is it the same way you paint wood?

1. Make sure the paint is meant to adhere to plastic. Some do, some don't.
2. Give the surface a very light scuffing with some fine sandpaper. Not too deep, just enough to remove the smooth texture. It will give the paint something to "grab" onto.
3. Be prepared to do more than one coating. Just be sure to let each layer dry thoroughly. If you aren't in any hurry, wait a day between coats.

 

[Bexuga]

i think the best thing to do is go to a music store and try some bass's see what you like. [you have a harley benton there a there is a thread just for harley benton's on talk bass ]

There aren't many music stores in Portugal. There's a big wearhouse outside of Lisbon, and I've been there, but all they had SS was a Gretsch Junior Jet, nothing else.

 

[rollie 55]

There aren't many music stores in Portugal. There's a big wearhouse outside of Lisbon, and I've been there, but all they had SS was a Gretsch Junior Jet, nothing else.

ok thats a shame with the internet shopping music stores will be a thing of the past very soon

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

The Squier Jag SS is a great option.
I would suggest finding a new or used Fender Mustang PJ.

Is your Stingray USA made? If it is too uncomfortable for you to play, perhaps sell or trade it for a shortscale.

You mentioned you are a Fender Girl. They have a new American Performer Mustang . But the Mexican Mustang PJ is a great bass too. Invalid Link Removed

I’m a female with short fingers and small hands but I prefer 34 scale as long as the bodies aren’t too big and necks aren’t too thick and wide.
I can see why you might find the Stingray a bit of a struggle. Until the new Stingray Specials came out, I too found them too uncomfortable to play.

But to answer your question, always get the best quality that you can afford. I’m sure you will like any of those Fender/Squier offerings over the HB.

 

[gln1955]

Isn't the Mustang a lot more expensive? Anyway, is it worth the difference?

Yeah, close to 3X as much. The SS Jag is certainly nice for the price. I use mine as a gigging backup. I still think the Mustang is a nicer instrument, but whether it's 3X nicer is a decision only you can make. Without being able to try before you buy, it's a hard decision. I just would not drop a lot of money into a Jag with upgrades.

 

[JRA]

I feel like .................... a new bass What do you guys think?

 

[MynameisMe]

There are many YouTube and other forums showing how to paint a pickguard.

 

[James Collins]

I set it up myself! so that's not it

I say go for the purchase then.

 

[Joybass]

For tiny hands, the Jag SS is a better choice than the Talman, or the Harley Benton for that matter. The Jag neck is narrow and slender, which would be something that you are looking for. The MIM Mustang is three times the price of the Jag SS, 600 vs 200 euros. Don't know if that's an issue? I would go for the Jag SS. The P pickup is good enough, the J pickup not so, but ok enough for adding in with the P.

 

[Pilgrim]

Strings and pickguards are easy to replace. Please don't be afraid of a string swap. If the bass is difficult to play, take another run at the setup using the directions in the Hardware forum.

I have a Bronco with a replacement pickup (I bought it to experiment with) and it's a very playable, well balanced bass. Not sure what people think the problem is with them.

I've had a Squier Jag and found it very playable; I sold it to a friend who plays it a lot.

If you want good sound in a short scale at a low price, check the Gretsch 2220. Short scale, 3 colors, and you'll find them used at nice prices. I am a huge Gretsch fan, and currently own three of them including a custom 2220. Sweetwater has these at $229 new, and they do not disappoint.

 

[rollie 55]

Strings and pickguards are easy to replace. Please don't be afraid of a string swap. If the bass is difficult to play, take another run at the setup using the directions in the Hardware forum.

I have a Bronco with a replacement pickup (I bought it to experiment with) and it's a very playable, well balanced bass. Not sure what people think the problem is with them.

I've had a Squier Jag and found it very playable; I sold it to a friend who plays it a lot.

If you want good sound in a short scale at a low price, check the Gretsch 2220. Short scale, 3 colors, and you'll find them used at nice prices. I am a huge Gretsch fan, and currently own three of them including a custom 2220. Sweetwater has these at $229 new, and they do not disappoint.

View attachment 3316221

nice

 

[Joybass]

If you want good sound in a short scale at a low price, check the Gretsch 2220. Short scale, 3 colors, and you'll find them used at nice prices. I am a huge Gretsch fan, and currently own three of them including a custom 2220. Sweetwater has these at $229 new, and they do not disappoint.

OP is in Portugal. European prices vary between 300 and 350 euros.

 

[Pilgrim]

OP is in Portugal. European prices vary between 300 and 350 euros.

Missed that, thanks.

 

[micguy]

Making up excuses to buy more basses? Without that, I’m pretty sure Talkbass would cease to exist.

 

[nilorius]

On your way - stay with it, but lq.instrument vs medium is the same as medium vs hq. and so it goes on and on.

 

[Kukulkan61]

No reason to modify the Jaguar, they are good as is, besides the suttle changes you want to do would probably make a little difference if any..

 

[CallMeAl]

Those squier Jaguars are really nice. It's crazy how cheap they are. Life is too short to play a bass you dont like. You could trade the stingray for a fender mustang, or sell it, buy the squier and put cash in your pocket. Then you can take your time modifying and fixing up the HB into a decent back up.

 

[Rabidhamster]

I think you should get the best bass you can afford thats comfortable for you. If your hobby was model trains you wouldn't say "I don't think I deserve a good model train set because I'm not going to exhibit at the city model train exposition."

Maybe you don't need a 10k custom built short scale, but I don't think buying a Squier is anywhere near a frivolously nice bass. I think its a very cost-conscious choice, while recognizing the need for a certain level of quality to craft your art. A painter doesn't feel poorly of themselves for needing a decent brush for a certain level of work.

 

[Hues]

....., but I'm actually more of a Fender gal, and the money is not much more.

Maybe consider the Jackson JS1X Minion....The Jag is 30"(762mm) scale, the Jackson is 28.6" (726mm),same as the Ibanez Mikro. Even greater,more guitar-like,playing comfort and cost less than the Jag....And,Jackson has been part of the Fender family since 2002.

I got this one two and a half weeks ago and am loving it....I also have four long scales.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

My experience is most "low quality" instruments aren't fixable with parts swaps. The problem isn't so much the parts as how they are put together. If a bass can't hold intonation, can't take a good set up, is loaded with dead spots (those are the characteristics of low quality instrument)

My Harley Benton must be a medium quality instrument then.

But if the requirement is a decent neck (essentially) then a cheap instrument can be good if you swap out the hardware. It may not be economic to do so, however, compared to buying a more expensive instrument in the first place.