No music talent dad, needs help for son!!

[Cree]

Squier makes a beautiful 5 string active jazz bass for just a little over $300. Take your son to the music store and let him try one out. If you have a Guitar Center in your town, they usually have one or two in the store.

 

[kjpollo]

I had an Ibanez Soundgear 5-string (here's a picture of me playing it - years ago)...really nice sounding bass, great feel, low action. Good choice for the price.

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A gig with PLR???
Where were you playing? You still in CT?

To the OP-Looking for budget clarification-are you & your son EACH putting up $3-400 or is that the total budget from both of you?
That'll make a world of difference in what you can expect.

 

[flipper_gv]

used sr505 ftw!!!

 

[Greg75]

my suggestion would be to take him to a music store and let him pick one out that he feels comfortable playing.

Big +1--worked when I took my son to pick out a guitar. If your son is at all like mine, he'll play the one he really loves a lot more and quickly get really good.