Need a new backup bass

MIM P used. or an MIM Jazz.

 

A good option is one of the basses from the Squier Classic Vibe series. Every CV instrument I've seen is pretty high quality, and they have better pickups than the cheaper Squiers. If you get yourself a 50s Classic Vibe P-bass (has the single coil, not split pickup -- Sting is famous for using that kind of pickup) you'll also give yourself a slightly different tone to use when you want it.

I was in a similar boat a few months ago. I ended up searching Ebay for a "parts bass". I found a Fiesta Red P-bass made from Squier parts that had a Fender logo put on the headstock, and the guy upgraded the electronics. The pickup on it is from a Mexican P-bass. It sounds amazing for the 180.00 I paid for it, and I am not that worried about losing it at that price.

 

The used market is good! I will only pay about 60 percent of the retail value and 40 percent if it is in fair condition. I see people on eBay (not so much here, thankfully) trying to get 80-95 percent of what they payed, got to crazy. Loosing money sucks but once you walk out of GC or anywhere else you lose big time. Try going back a week later and trying to trade it back in for another bass, at best you'll get 40 percent even if in perfect condition. I always try to be fair when selling my stuff, I'm sure you'll find someone like me who is a realist about the price. Check Craigslist or TB, Happy shopping!

 

MIM Jazz or CV or even VM Squier. You'd be set.

Mind you, it might end up not being a backup bass at all. You might even end up migrating to it as your main bass.

 

With your budget, a Squier Classic Vibe or Fender Standard (MIM) Precision or a Jazz…whichever you like.

If you want to go a little "outside the box" and/or "best of both worlds", a Fender Blacktop Jazz. It's a Standard Jazz with a pair of Precision pickups. It's capable of being both mellow when using one pickup solo'd, but turns into a super-aggressive beast when both come into play. Another thing…it's considerably less than a Standard. This, however, is moot if you don't care for a Jazz platform, but they make a Blacktop Precision as well.

If you want some experiences and perspectives on the Blacktops, click onto the club link in my signature.

Welcome to TalkBass, maidenbass!

 

I got this with intentions of it being a backup,practice etc. Bass but in all honesty it's gonna be my main player,Squier Matt Freeman in vintage white,this BASS is amazing...

 

I, too, bought into the Squier hype. It didn't work out for me.

If it were me, I'd just use one bass for everything. So, I'd suggest you just use your precision bass for rehearsals too.

But if you really want a total beater bass you can smash up and leave at crappy rehearsal studios and not worry, then yeah, go as cheap as possible. Squier for $200 is a good bet, but not a dollar more.