Should I buy a new bass?

[Ienjoybass]

I would go with a thunderbird iv

 

[Machiavelli]

I hate to say it but the three basses you listed, though not bad basses, aren't really much of a step up...all are considered starter basses.
Now, a nice used Sterling Ray 34, an Epiphone Thunderbird Classic IV, or an Ibanez Talman TMB 600, etc, that'd be a different story.
I'd suggest you keep on playing your Squier unless there's something wrong with it.
I just bought a Squier CV Jazz on Monday, and after playing five Fender Jazz basses this morning...one a very nice USA Standard Jazz, I don't regret the decision to buy it in the slightest and wouldn't trade it for any of the more expensive Fenders I tried out today.
When you really want to get a better bass, go to a few stories and try out as many as you can. You should be able to find one you find hard to walk away from.

I only think of affinities and gsr as "starter basses." I think the ones he listed are great second basses and make sense as strong upgrades. I'd want to be playing for several years before moving up to Fender or Ray 34. But...I dont spend as much money on basses, so everyone sees it differently.

I guess the question is: are the basses listed an improvement? My answer would be absolutely yes. You can luck out with a good affinity bass, but all the ones listed are pretty good basses and great value...except Thunderbird...cuz they suck

 

[jd56hawk]

I only think of affinities and gsr as "starter basses." I think the ones he listed are great second basses and make sense as strong upgrades. I'd want to be playing for several years before moving up to Fender or Ray 34. But...I dont spend as much money on basses, so everyone sees it differently.

I guess the question is: are the basses listed an improvement? My answer would be absolutely yes. You can luck out with a good affinity bass, but all the ones listed are pretty good basses and great value...except Thunderbird...cuz they suck

I see your point on the Sterling and Ibanez, but I can't agree on the Thunderbird...mine is a killer, but they're definitely not for everyone.
Funny thing about the Affinities, I almost bought this one today.
I have five basses, though, so...
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[Machiavelli]

I see your point on the Sterling and Ibanez, but I can't agree on the Thunderbird...mine is a killer, but they're definitely not for everyone.
As for Affinities, it was all I could do from walking away from this one today.
I have five basses, though, so...
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That does look nice! Is that a special edition one or something?

I was just making fun of Thunderbirds, they're not for me.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

You are obviously new to TalkBass if you are asking this question. The answer is Never. For any and all circumstances.

Oh, gaaahhh, please stop, I'm going to bust a gut laughing...

 

[maximarch]

Thank you for all the posts i really didn't think so much people whould answer me. I guess you guys are probably right and i should stick with my bass a bit.

 

[franklindayala]

The thing is I'm not very fan of the squier p-bass tone. My amp is a rumble 15 by fender, enven tho its probably not a that good of an amp, it does the job well. Also, since my bass went in a pack, I didn't choose it. I think it would be nice to have a bass that I really like plus, 500$ is not a crazy buy. I know a bass wont make me better or anything, but it might be more fun.

I understand you man. A P bass is not the flashiest bass out there and playing it alone in a bedroom doesn't sound to great. But believe me, sooner or later your going to have one again in your bass arsenal.
Having said that, if you love another model. Go for it.

 

[LT131]

Take part of your budget and step up to a nice combo. Rumble 100 or something. Find a bass bud or a recommended tech and get him to see if you need a setup and possibly new strings. New strings would probably make more difference than you could imagine. If you're setup checks out consider a better pickup. You'll wind up playing and sounding better than a new bass alone would do.

 

[maximarch]

I understand you man. A P bass is not the flashiest bass out there and playing it alone in a bedroom doesn't sound to great. But believe me, sooner or later your going to have one again in your bass arsenal.
Having said that, if you love another model. Go for it.

I don't know much about basses but, I feel like a P-bass is very good for what it's suppose to do, but it's not the most fun.

 

[AxtoOx]

I don't know much about basses but, I feel like a P-bass is very good for what it's suppose to do, but it's not the most fun.

I have a pj has the jazz on on the bridge

 

[GreyBeard]

I can see no reason to upgrade at this point.

 

[jd56hawk]

That does look nice! Is that a special edition one or something?

I was just making fun of Thunderbirds, they're not for me.

It's a regular $199 Affinity in Race Red. I've tried four of them. The one I tried yesterday in Cherry Hill wasn't very impressive...strings were pretty bad...but the one I tried in Raritan was very nice and I might just go back and buy it.

 

[Machiavelli]

It's a regular $199 Affinity in Race Red. I've tried four of them. The one I tried yesterday in Cherry Hill wasn't very impressive...strings were pretty bad...but the one I tried in Raritan was very nice and I might just go back and buy it.

Sometimes I wonder if they're making affinities in different factories, as they can feel so different.

 

[Qlanq]

Join or form a band. It will take your mind off your gear.
Get a decent amp first, loud enough to be heard over a drummer.
Learn how to play in a band setting.
The bass you have is fine.
It's how you play that really matters.
Have fun on the journey.