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The best cheap bass?

#48
Bought this Squier Jaguar SS at GC several years ago for $160, the neck and frets are fantastic very slight gloss finish plays like dream. I added a SD jazz p/u sounded maybe a little better. These are selling now for $300-$400 still a bargain I just won't spend $2000 anymore.
 
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#49
Pics. IMG_2238.JPG IMG_2241.JPG IMG_2239.JPG
 
#50
I just got this Allen Eden for $209 with free shipping. 5 string, excellent quality and the preamp actually sounds really good. It was shipped as a “kit” but all I had to do was attach the neck to the body and string it up. Incredible bass. I’d buy another in a heartbeat.

I’ve owned HB, have an awesome CV Squier P bass, SX, Glarry, etc. For the money this is the best deal I’ve found.

41D87132-D56D-4557-8498-B53BC0B1BB2C.jpeg
 
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#51
WrapRough said:
Having fairly recently bought the Sire Marcus Miller v7, a Musicman Sterling, and a Squier 40th Anniversary Jazz Bass, i'm not sure I would spend big bucks on a bass again to be honest.
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All of my basses are in the $1000 - $1300 range (used), and I don't think I would give them up for a budget bass, but I would have no problem playing a budget bass if that was what was available.
 
#52
I bought a SUB4 6 months ago from GC strictly on a whim - Never owned a MM style Bass . I gig frequently & this model has earned it's keep fairly quickly. The neck /playability is exceptional at the price point.
 
#55
Old mij lawsuit basses can often be had for under 500 and are frequently of very very high quality. I’d go there before buying a new bass unless there was a configuration or scale I want that didn’t exist back then.
 
#56
The best cheap bass used to be a USA made Peavey. Not anymore. Their prices have skyrocketed. I got my Peavey Furys for $50-$60. Now they are hovering around $400.

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So, I'd say the best thing in a chrap/affordable bass is Squier. A Squire with a P bass pickup and narrow Jazz nut with is on my short list.

My Squires with my Peavey...

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#57
Hounddog409 said:
Its not a value if you have to spend more on "upgrades"
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I disagree.
There's a difference between upgrade and repair.
Repair fixes a defect or something not working.
Upgrade changes something working, but not to your specific need.

Upgrades are unnecessary if you don't mind your bass looking, feeling,
sounding, or playing like everybody else.....057912
 
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#58
vonbladet said:
I'm hearing ONE THOUSAND POUNDS from the gentleman over here. Any advance on ONE THOUSAND POUNDS for a "cheap bass"? Going once...
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OK, it was a bit tongue-in-cheek, but actually it's not as daft as it first appears.
Generally with a used quality instrument you will be able to sell it for at least what you buy it for, so it can be a zero-cost item over the longer term.
(But then again, I guess that applies to most basses.)
 
#59
For those in the states who want a new Fender-ish instrument, is hard to beat the Ibanez TMB100.
Just 200 bucks. Better QC than an SX and cheaper than Squier. Good to tone and a comfortable neck midway between a P and J. Plus it's common enough to try before you buy.

It's my go-to when a beginner wants a suggestion for a cheap instrument.
 

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