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P-Bass with a future

S

scottder

Aug 27, 2007
51
0
#1
I am just getting started in the wonderful world of bass playing, and have gotten myself a Yamaha RBX170 to learn on. It's quite comfortable and light, a great bass so far to cut my teeth on.

But I have a dream, and that dream is a P-Bass. What I am looking for is a relatively inexpensive P-bass (or clone) that has a future, something that I can upgrade down the road, without the huge initial outlay. I've seen people do great things with the Rondo SX basses, but I am looking for a slightly more solid foundation to build on.

Your input will be appreciated....just be gentle. :)

Scott
 
#3
bongomania said:
Well, inexpensive is relative... but you can pick up a Fender MIJ P used for only a few hundred, like $300-$500 on average. As fine a place as any to start. Below that in price, you are looking at SX.
Click to expand...

Here is the question, what are the best ways to tell a MIJ/CIJ from a MIA (well price on that one) and a MIM. The whole naming thing with Fender has be totally confused!

Thanks
 
#8
Used MIJ would be the best way to go for what you're describing, but they aren't always that easy to find for that cheap. However, unless you are upgrading for a learning experience, you can regularly find used MIA P-basses for $550-650. You won't need to upgrade one of these at all, except for a swapped pickup somewhere up the road if you don't like the standard p-bass tone.

But the best advice if you are starting out is to not get set on one instrument. There are TONS of other options out there, and a lot of them are more flexible than a P. Don't get set on something until you've played EVERYTHING, and I promise once you play a whole bunch of instruments and grow a little as a musician, your tastes will change. Go to your local music shop, guitar center, whatever, and spend a couple of hours playing -every instrument on the wall- through several different amps.
 
#9
higgi said:
It will say where it is made on the headstock, if it doesn't then it's an older MIA.

You have a good bass now, so you can take your time and check out ebay and the pawn shops. I got a 75 MIA P bass in a pawn shop for $100 a couple of months ago.
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Indeed , I am in no hurry. For now, trying to learn as much as I can....when not practicing that is :)
 
#10
scottder said:
Indeed , I am in no hurry. For now, trying to learn as much as I can....when not practicing that is :)
Click to expand...

That's a nifty little bass you have & it should last you a while.
Start saving your pennies now and by the time you have outgrown the Yamaha, you'll have a better idea of what sound you are looking for, what bass can best provide it AND be able to afford it.
:bassist:
 
#12
i'd say that SX basses are not shabby at all. people do and have modified them, but there are a lot of us (yes, that includes me) that play them stock. my SX has been my main gigging and recording bass for the past two years, and it has never let me down.

and that is all for my SX lovefest.... :)
 
#14
jomahu said:
i'd say that SX basses are not shabby at all. people do and have modified them, but there are a lot of us (yes, that includes me) that play them stock. my SX has been my main gigging and recording bass for the past two years, and it has never let me down.

and that is all for my SX lovefest.... :)
Click to expand...

What model SX do you have?
 
#16
Yeah, I vote SX as well. I have an SX p-bass and the only thing I'll probably change down the road is the pickup. But for $140 new (including shipping) you could easily buy a decent pickup and have it installed for less than the used price of a MIM p bass, and I personally think the neck on the SX is better than a MIM, all IMHO. However that SX will probably need a setup, but mine was nothing I couldn't take care of myself.
 
#17
ishouldbeking said:
Yeah, I vote SX as well. I have an SX p-bass and the only thing I'll probably change down the road is the pickup. But for $140 new (including shipping) you could easily buy a decent pickup and have it installed for less than the used price of a MIM p bass, and I personally think the neck on the SX is better than a MIM, all IMHO. However that SX will probably need a setup, but mine was nothing I couldn't take care of myself.
Click to expand...

Looking at their site the onl P-like model appears to be the "SX SPJ Ash", is that what you have?
 
#18
I've played a few P's and owned and own a couple of copies..In terms of copies, SX does a pretty good job, and so does Squier...but without a good setup, they're not great (nor is ANY bass, for that matter)...

In terms of Fender, I actually prefer Squier marginally to Fender MIM (that's just me), but I DO like the Highway 1 series...

with all that said, my RBX170 is still my #1 bass, because it plays so darn GOOD!
 

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