Squier/Fender

Check out a Squier P-Bass Special. P/J Pickups, Jazz neck, and a Precision body. And they actually sound decent too.

 

What he said

 

I agree.

 

I bought a Squier Jazz off of ebay for $130 to replace my 73 P on stage. I actually like the Squier better! It is lighter, louder and I can throw it across the stage without worrying or feeling guilty. I am serious-

 

I have a squier P/J, and I don't like it. It is light, but amplified, it just doesn't sound too great. My real favorites are my TBC and Alvarez 6er

 

If you like the Jazz neck, why not look for a used Mexican Jazz bass. You should be able to find one in the $200-250 range.

 

i am a sort of officiando of the squier scene i guess,all my T.B buddies could attest to my constant fender japan/squier threads if you are gonna go with a squier get one that is a "STANDARD " model,it will say it on the headstock right near the top.the standard models are better than the "AFFINITY" models.the squier bass that has the P and J pick-ups(special model)is a better one(standard),the squier p-bass is one of the affinities(much cheaper model).i myself actually found a squier standard Jazz bass that was better than my mexican standard jazz bass(so i traded it in).the made in mexico p-bass is slighlty better than the squier standard bass,and much better than the squier p-bass model(affinity).if you want my opinion see if you can find a japanese jazz bass,they are better than both the squier and mexican basses,and close to the same price(you can find used ones for around 15.00-300.00$$and up depending on the model)i hope i did'nt confuse you whith all the different models and makes of basses,but in the end if you are happy with what ever bass you get,thats what's the most important thing going.

 

if your just starting out..
don't buy a bass with a silly amount of strings you will never use, or a lot of buttons, never sacrafice the looks for sound, get what feels right. these r just opinions, and you'll never know unless you get into a store and try a few out. Don't listen to your friends that think something looks cool by the color or shape.. Go with the sound, you will figure out later that is what it's all about..

 

Let your hands and ears do the talking. Like windsofthor said, go for what sounds best to you. I also agree with geezer regarding the Squires. You can't really go wrong with a Standard, but play it first and see if it feels right and sounds good. Heck try 10 of the Squires if you have to as each instrument has its own feel and voice.

Peace