So I played guitar for years and started to dabble in bass about 7-8 years ago. Fast forward, we had kids, life happened gear was sold and now years later I'm back to square one. I want to pick up a bass again and my goal is to use it for some recording for hip-hop and then just noodling around. Mainly want to play hip-hop, soul, funk, etc. I'm looking on a budget. Preferably around $200. I've scoured Craigslist, OfferUp, LetGo and had no luck. Things are either overpriced or in rough condition. I'm looking for a PJ style bass. I've been looking at Squier Affinities, Yamaha RBX, Ibanez GSR and I think that's all so far. Haven't had a chance to check them out in person yet but hopefully soon. Any recommendations of those or things to avoid?
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Starting over and need advice
- Thread starter Mannas
- Start date
Used offers bang for buck, but if you're just starting out again, new might be a better idea. Can't go too far wrong with Yamaha basses:
https://www.sweetwater.com/c581--Yamaha--4_string_Bass_Guitars?sb=low2high
The Ibanez TMB 100 is great value too, and has a pre-amp:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TMB100MGR--ibanez-tmb100-mint-green
Both $200.
https://www.sweetwater.com/c581--Yamaha--4_string_Bass_Guitars?sb=low2high
The Ibanez TMB 100 is great value too, and has a pre-amp:
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TMB100MGR--ibanez-tmb100-mint-green
Both $200.
What @4sight said. If you have to go the new route, any of those Yamaha or Ibanez offerings would make a great starter-over P/J bass.
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
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A used USA Peavey woild be just the thing. Patriot, Fury, Foundation all can be had for $200 or under. A Dyna bass is a possibility but $250- $350 is more the norm.
I would also add: The Police, Nirvana, and AD/DC in your "after dinner" playalong songs list.
Cort and Yamaha and Ibanez, usually are always a good choice at your budget, you can't go wrong with them.
Cort and Yamaha and Ibanez, usually are always a good choice at your budget, you can't go wrong with them.
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+1 Yamaha, Ibanez or Peavey. If you look at Squiers, look for Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe. Just set aside a little money for a pro setup (or learn how to do it yourself) cause that’s what really makes the difference in playability.
Where are you located? I’ve had good luck with guitar center used online and FB Marketplace (which folks seem to use more than CL these days)
Where are you located? I’ve had good luck with guitar center used online and FB Marketplace (which folks seem to use more than CL these days)
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Thank you all for the advice. It is truly appreciated. I'll definitely have to check out the Yamaha and Ibanez more. Is there much difference between the Yamaha RBX and the TRBX lines? I saw both come in at the same price point but didn't know. I'll have to dig in more. I'm hoping to go check some out today.
@alanloomis1980 If I had a little more to put into it I'd look at the VM/CV ones for sure. I know in the past they were really good value. And thank you for the call out on FB marketplace. I'm near Raleigh, NC so I was shocked not to see more options. I don't really do FB but my wife has used the marketplace a lot so I may ask if she can help there so I don't miss anything.
@alanloomis1980 If I had a little more to put into it I'd look at the VM/CV ones for sure. I know in the past they were really good value. And thank you for the call out on FB marketplace. I'm near Raleigh, NC so I was shocked not to see more options. I don't really do FB but my wife has used the marketplace a lot so I may ask if she can help there so I don't miss anything.
Yeah, VM/CV would have to be used to hit that budget. Frankly I really like Affinity basses, but they almost always need a few tweaks. If you’re not prepared to do some work, it’s kinda a roll of the dice and not the best choice for “out of the box beginners bass.”
I like Squiers for their classic look, passive electronics and ease of modding and replacing parts; but I think QC is better/more consistent on Ibanez and Yamaha at this price point. My first 2 basses were cheap Ibanez SR and Yamaha RBX (I believe) and they were excellent.
Whatever you do, best thing is to get to the local shops and see as many in person as you can. Good luck!
What type of amp or DI? A used Ampeg BA-115 is hard to beat. I've seen older ones for under $100 on CL. I got back into bass with a Zoom FX plugged into my DAW and an $80 Squier.
There are a few decent choices on your local craigslist. Here are some in your price range.
I would go with the peavey, personally.
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I would go with the peavey, personally.
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Hit the pawnshops and Music Go Round if you have them.
I have a Yam RBX170 PJ that is killer. Other than my "need" for new stuff now and then, I could have gone the rest of my life with just that bass, bone stock with new strings naturally
I haven’t played any Squier PJ’s, but I have to say that from what I HAVE played, the sickest Reggae tone I have heard came from the Fender Aerodyne PJ. I know it is out of the budget range...but if you can play one of those, and then try and get the same tone out of a Squier PJ, then you're set....even if you have to do a pickup swap.
I'd look into one of these (or see if could find a used one for less):
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Having had a GSR, I'd advise looking a little higher in the line even it means used. The GSR fell apart too fast and components are cheap, cheap, cheap. You're an adult. Don't play the guitar that a 12 year old gets to see if he's going to "stick with it". A used SR 300 should be around for under $200.
mugre
mugre
Thank you to everyone for all of the help and advice I went today and tried about 5 different options I liked the RBX immediately. It felt good, it sounded good and it played well I was sold immediately. The others were ok but it just stood out to me. I had hoped for a red one but they didn't have one and I'm big on if it looks good, feels good and plays good don't overcomplicate things. Thank you to everyone again!
