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Recommend me a 4-string bass for sub $400

donalddemon

donalddemon

Feb 26, 2010
47
16
Asbury, NJ
www.reverbnation.com
#1
Hi all, this is my first post.

I am a guitar player (15 years) but I would like to purchase my first bass for home recording and also for my bassist to use when he comes over to jam. My budget is $300 +/- some.

I think I like P-Basses best, judging on what I had played. The Jazz bass neck seemed to thin (I have big hands). I tend to like the classic looks best too, not a fan of the modern Ibanez/Schecter/Carvin basses at all.

So here's what I have been considering so far:

Rondo/SX/Douglas P-Bass
Squier Vintage Modified
Squier Classic Vibe
Squier MIJ P-Bass
Fender MIM P-Bass
Peavey T-40
Ibanez Roadster

Any suggestions and am I on the right path? Is there any other deals for that price out there I should be looking into? Any help is appreciated!
 
#2
Hey Dude I say play what feels good, if I had to pick from the list I would go w/ the MIJ P Bass (as long as it felt right)..At least with a Fender if you need to fix it down the road, you'll have an easier time finding parts etc. I have a chinese peavey that i use as a cheap backup but that's all it is, CHEAP. i hope this helps
 
#4
In that price range I'd save up a little longer and try to find a Yamaha BB model or Peavy Fury. Both can be had for around $350-450 on average (used); and both are constructed well and sound good (IMO)

MF sells a new Yamaha BB614 Active 4-String Bass for $450 if your unable to locate a used bass.


If you can find a vintage Ibanez Roadster that would be a decent choice as well.
 
#5
You might want to check out the Mexican-made Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass...it's around $500, but it has active pickups, low, mid and high tone controls, and it's a real Fender. I have one and it sounds as good as the US model, which is more than twice the price. You might get lucky and find one on EBay for much less.
 
#7
4lPh4n0m3g4 said:
In that price range I'd save up a little longer and try to find a Yamaha BB model or Peavy Fury. Both can be had for around $350-450 on average (used); and both are constructed well and sound good (IMO)

MF sells a new Yamaha BB614 Active 4-String Bass for $450 if your unable to locate a used bass.


If you can find a vintage Ibanez Roadster that would be a decent choice as well.
Click to expand...

Never considered Yahama before. Thanks!
 
#8
Miccisicks said:
Hey Dude I say play what feels good, if I had to pick from the list I would go w/ the MIJ P Bass (as long as it felt right)..At least with a Fender if you need to fix it down the road, you'll have an easier time finding parts etc. I have a chinese peavey that i use as a cheap backup but that's all it is, CHEAP. i hope this helps
Click to expand...

Yeah I don't want to just get a cheap guitar I want something cheap that's some decent quality. The Squiers felt pretty decent to me surprisingly.
 
#9
Play the instrument locally before you buy it in this price range. You might be able to find an axe that feels great for $50; but you'll handle alot of bad ones too.

The reason so many people are saying save up another $150 is because it A: takes two days work and B: opens up alot more quality choices for your picking.

Of the instruments you've mentioned I'd be looking for the Peavy or Ibanez used and locally.
 
#11
If the Squire provides what you need/want then go for it.

IME, Ive found the quality/tone of Squires to be hit or miss. The more you are able to test them, the better off you will be.

Yeah, I do like the older Yamaha BB's; ( something I picked up from Carlton Barret, from the Wailers) and there are other models in the BB line that one can find, that sell for less than the price range I mentioned. It just takes a little bit of luck and or patience to find one. Just stay away from the RBX line unless you like to gamble.


IME, Nightlyraider's observation is spot on. On average the jump in quality from the sub $300 range closer to the $400-450 range is worth the effort.
 
#14
I just bought a MIJ Squire 1983 for $269.00 from Guitar Centers in California. Great Bass, and I would also suggest a used Ibanez Roadstar II. They are solid basses and any time you buy used you get MORE for your $$$$$. A Mexican Precision is a good buy too. I prefer the early 1990's models you can usually get them in the $250-300.00 price range.

Good Luck!!! in your adventure
 
#16
Cool, I'm glad to see a lot of love for the Squiers because it's definitely in the realm of what I am looking for. I'm actually taking a trip to GC in about an hour to test drive a few. Too bad I'm not much of a bass player!

I figure if I find one and take it home I still have 30 days to scour the used/classified and return the Squier if I find a better deal. I have no problem buying used and am not concerned what make the guitar is, just that is plays well and sounds good.

I realize that if I wait to spend the money I can find more bass for the cost used but don't forget I am a guitarist....that money will burn a hole in my pocket and I will have another pedal before I even make it to look at a bass! :D
 

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