Recommend some “cheap” basses for me

Welcome. The search function works very well here on TB. Here's just one result from typing "cheap".
Amazing Cheap-o Basses of TB

 

What type of music do you generally play? And I'm assuming 4 strings?

 

Try an Epiphone Embassy.

 

Welcome! I second the Embassy vote!

 

These 2 are for sale on TB and well within the OP's price range. I have no connection whatsoever to the sellers. The prices listed are incredible bargains. In a sane world, both of these would be in the $1,000+ range. I can't believe they didn't sell within the first hour of listing.

Peavey Millennium 4 Plus

Peavey Palaedium

 

You can get a used MIM fender or CV squier for that budget. Obvious choice for modding since the parts are pretty much universal.

Peavey is a close second.

We can be more specific if you can be more specific

 

Bananas-good option for modifying is the Yamaha RBX 170 with the P/J layout.

I saw one in a shop a few years ago that had the pickups swapped out - maybe for Duncans or DiMarzios - and a nice heavier bridge. Cozy lighter weight, played easy, and sounded terrific. Went back the next day to get it (for only $150 IIRC) and of course it was already gone.

 

As a DC bass owner, I can assure: You can't go wrong with a Danelectro.

 

Bronco, if you like short scale.

 

Congratulations, you are in a wonderful price range. Some very decent machines can be had in that bracket.

 

How about a used Epiphone Thunderbird Classic-IV Pro or an awesome Fender "parts" Precision bass? No mods necessary!
* shameless plug * (see my classified links in my signature below )

 

can't go wrong with the studly LTD B-50 for a fraction of your price range. the list is endless.

 

love my GSR100EX in black. $179 everywhere. 34" scale passive.
here's the sweetwater listing
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GSR100EXBK--ibanez-gsr100ex-gio-black

and here's it is with mods


there's a brown version, too

 

Squire Classic Vibe series is one of the best series of instruments in that price range IMO

 

Used PARTS ... !! when built , mods are already finished ..!! you control parts and costs ..!

 

What have you been looking at?

 

Electra/Westone. Got both of these for what you're willing to pay for a single instrument (then modded the pointy one, bwahaha).

Ibanez ATK. I got the 5 new back in 1995, and finally picked up the 4 to match a few weeks ago. Use that search function and read all about 'em. Welcome aboard.

 

Sight unseen, I’d only get a Yamaha in that price range. Maybe you can get a used Lakland Skyline at the top of your price range, but you’d most likely be a few $$ short.

If buying in person, then simply get the best one you can find. See what’s available, read about them, try them, make your decision.

One last thing: I’d generally suggest passive instruments. Chances are electronics are gonna be crap anyway. But they cost some $$, so the manufacturer probably cut another corner somewhere to keep the price low. In other words, chances are that a $300 passive bass > $300 active bass.

 

My number one player is an SX Jazz with a drop in Audere Jazz 3 Band pre. It plays and sounds amazing.
Picked it up on Reverb for $150.