Low quality instruments vs. medium quality

[Bexuga]

Several people have suggested Ibanez short scales, but I didn't catch a reference to the
Ibanez GSRM20. I bought one because it reminds me of a guitar-the scale is just a little over 28". That said, it plays well and is fun to play. A lot of value for not a lot of money. If there's a trade-off on tone, it's too small to trouble me.

That one was also a strong contender, but I really do prefer Fender, that's what I've been playing since forever and it really fits my needs. If I ever become rich, I will definitely buy one of those because they are awesome and quite appealing to the eye. And probably a lot lighter than the Jag?

 

[Bexuga]

I say, if it's good enough for Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots to play in front of thousands of people, it's probably good enough for me to play in my bedroom!

 

[alack]

I say, if it's good enough for Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots to play in front of thousands of people, it's probably good enough for me to play in my bedroom!View attachment 3317120

That's the one! That little bass has killed any desire I had for expensive basses. Is there a shop near you where you can try before you buy? If not, can you handle basic setup (string change, bridge and truss rod adjustment)? Is there a pro in your area who can do basic setup? I ask because both of my Squier basses required some adjustment during our first few weeks together. Keep in mind that would no doubt be true about any budget bass you buy new.

 

[Bexuga]

That's the one! That little bass has killed any desire I had for expensive basses. Is there a shop near you where you can try before you buy? If not, can you handle basic setup (string change, bridge and truss rod adjustment)? Is there a pro in your area who can do basic setup? I ask because both of my Squier basses required some adjustment during our first few weeks together. Keep in mind that would no doubt be true about any budget bass you buy new.

Yeah, that's true, I'd have to set up any bass that I buy, so it's all the same. But yeah, I can take care of it myself (with a little help from daddy )
But to answer your question, no, no stores near me have it in stock, they say they could ship it, but I'd have to pre-pay anyway.

If you read the comment a couple above the one with the picture, you'll see I introduced the option of renting it.

 

[alack]

If you read the comment a couple above the one with the picture, you'll see I introduced the option of renting it.

Most of the big-box retailers have a return policy that would give you a large enough window to assess whether its a keeper. Even if you have to pay the return shipping, that may be less $ than renting.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Yeah, I was just about to say that. Here in Portugal, there aren't many Mustangs being sold secondhand. I pretty much browse the classifieds everyday, and I check all the websites, that's how I got such a good deal on the HB. Anyway, I'm not really ready to spend that much money on a bass, especially if I'm going for it blind, since whatever I choose I'll have to buy from the Internet without ever trying it. I know Thomman, for instance, has a good policy on returns, but I'd prefer to save the trouble. And besides, the Mustang really is out of my price range. Even the Jag is out of my price range. Have I mentioned that I'm a kid from Portugal?
I found a store which I can rent a Jag from, and I can choose to buy it in the end, just by paying the difference. If I keep it, is like paying installment, but if I don't, I would be throwing away money that I could be putting into another bass...

With your age and budget, this is the way to go. Sounds like a good plan. Get that SS Jag and enjoy it. Squier is a Fender and those basses are good basses. Not just good for the $.
What color are you thinking about?
The all black is sweet!!

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Yeah, I was just about to say that. Here in Portugal, there aren't many Mustangs being sold secondhand. I pretty much browse the classifieds everyday, and I check all the websites, that's how I got such a good deal on the HB. Anyway, I'm not really ready to spend that much money on a bass, especially if I'm going for it blind, since whatever I choose I'll have to buy from the Internet without ever trying it. I know Thomman, for instance, has a good policy on returns, but I'd prefer to save the trouble. And besides, the Mustang really is out of my price range. Even the Jag is out of my price range. Have I mentioned that I'm a kid from Portugal?
I found a store which I can rent a Jag from, and I can choose to buy it in the end, just by paying the difference. If I keep it, is like paying installment, but if I don't, I would be throwing away money that I could be putting into another bass...

I don't know if the Squier VM Jaguar is worth getting (assuming there's a short scale one) and upgrading pickups and tuners on. The Bronco I have no opinion on. If I didn't have too many instruments already for the price I'd be tempted to get a Bronco to play with and upgrade if required.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Most of the big-box retailers have a return policy that would give you a large enough window to assess whether its a keeper. Even if you have to pay the return shipping, that may be less $ than renting.

That sort of return policy is common in the US, but not so much in Europe. Thomann is good in this respect. However, European consumer protection law in terms of warranties is much better. So lose on one side, win on another.

 

[Bexuga]

Most of the big-box retailers have a return policy that would give you a large enough window to assess whether its a keeper. Even if you have to pay the return shipping, that may be less $ than renting.

I think Thomman has free return in 30 days. And I guess that it is better than renting it.

 

[Bexuga]

With your age and budget, this is the way to go. Sounds like a good plan. Get that SS Jag and enjoy it. Squier is a Fender and those basses are good basses. Not just good for the $.
What color are you thinking about?
The all black is sweet!!

I think so too! I like both the all black and the red and black, but I think that the all black in the one for me. Hard decision though. It helped that the main rival of my favourite football team wears red

 

[alack]

I think so too! I like both the all black and the red and black, but I think that the all black in the one for me. Hard decision though. It helped that the main rival of my favourite football team wears red

I went to my local dealer with a preference for the red to match my red VM Jazz Bass. Sadly all they had was black. But the matching black headstock quickly won me over. The all black one looks great.

 

[Bexuga]

I went to my local dealer with a preference for the red to match my red VM Jazz Bass. Sadly all they had was black. But the matching black headstock quickly won me over. The all black one looks great.

Well, if I count my dad's Precision basses, one black and white pearl, and one red and black (that I've been modding and will probably inherit, since he barely plays anymore), the Jag will match either way

 

[crab]

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

sure. sand paper, spray paint, youtube, the paint person at your hardware store. Have fun/ Next time you can make your own pickguard, but let's start small.

 

[WebJunk]

Hey guys, I'm a junior bassist and I recently discovered (after 12 years of playing) that there are short scale basses, and I bought a Harley Benton secondhand for 40€ to try it out, and I found that it is much more comfortable for me to play, since I'm a young lady with tiny hands and also have back issues.
Anyway, my question is: since I'm not in a band right now, and I haven't been in a while, do you think it would be a good investment anyway to spend 200€ on a Squier VM Jaguar Bass? I chose the Squier Jag, because I heard the Bronco sucks, and it is still basically a Fender instrument, so if I change the pups, the tuners and the bridge, I can get a great instrument if I ever want to.
I don't actually need it, but I really think that it would improve my playing. I find the Harley Benton so bad that I keep practicing on my long scale Stingray instead, but I can't endure long practices because I get tired fast. Also, the Stingray has flats, and I haven't changed the Harley Benton strings because it just seems crazy to me to spend as much on strings as I spent on the bass itself.
Idk, sometimes I feel like I'm just making excuses to buy a new bass What do you guys think?

First, I don't see anywhere what you don't like about the HB. If money is that tight, not sure I'd recommend money on strings if that is not the problem. A set of strings might be 10% or more of the price of the Jag. Its possible you can get the HB playing & sounding well for a fraction of another bass and then save for either a better MIM Fender, amp, effects or accessories. I've worked on many cheap & used instruments and had them playing better than new more expensive ones. A girl I'm currently giving lessons I gave an off-brand bass I paid $60, did a little bit of work & put in cheap korean pickups. Removed the logo name & added her name on a waterslide decal I took her to an open-mic at one point and another bassplayer there tried it out and asked why she, a beginner bought a $1000 bass! You have to look at every bass as an individual instrument & what that particular one needs and the player it is for.
Second, Read through these forums and you will see most people have bought multiple basses, still searching for the "right one."
Third, The Jag has a history of inconsistencies with body wood. I do really like the bass for what it is. Have two kids that I have given lessons to that have or had it. But one was probably 7 pounds or less. The other was close to 9 pounds! That kid sold it at a big loss (passed the return period) and I lent him one of mine until he again saved enough money for a bass.
*If you have back issues already, you won't last long if you get one that heavy. And even if you get it from Thomann, unless they changed, if you wanted to return the bass for a refund or exchange, you have to pay the return shipping if it has no manufacturer defect which does not include weight. Shipping back is going to be a few Euros
Fourth, If you are buying a bass because Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots or some other is playing it, be aware. They are not playing what you are purchasing. There's is at least hand-picked & has a tech that sets it up every night, doing fret work or anything else needede. And if you look carefully at the pics, at least the bridge and tuners have been changed. So add $200 minimum in upgrade parts.