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The best cheap bass?

I just recently picked up a Yamaha BB234 for $300 brand new and it is indeed one of the best cheap basses out there.

Quality, playability and tone are far above my expectations. I own some other nice basses, Sadowsky, Reverend and American Fender, and this bass fits in my collection very well.

Its in my daily rotation and does not pop out “hey, this is a cheap bass”.

I was blown away on how good a $300 instrument can be.

The neck I expected to get a fret job, but it feels very nice in my dry heated house. No sprout at all or lack of filing.

Im not saying it a Sadowsky, but it’s a keeper and player that is impressive.

Just look at it, it’s bada$$!


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When I was a teenager back in the late 60s, a "cheap bass" was about $100. Back then $100 was equal to about $1,100 in today's money.

Now a days, a "cheap bass" can be bought for around, let's say, $300. In late 60s money, today's $300 would equal about $25 back then.

Oh how lucky we are today! A cheap bass is very affordable! And they are very well made. Enjoy!
 
This is one of the many joys of leveling up to bass from guitar. Much more focus on playing the instrument, and less on gear. My active trbx305 with cobalt flats is just as useful and important as any $1500 or more Fender I own, and there is relatively waaaaay less judgement. We have a camaraderie that isn't dependent on whether or not you have an original Klon, or at least two Stryfectas and a Dumble.

Rumble owners hear of people saying "stay away from rumbles" but they usually accompany that with a reason they didn't like the Rumble sound... But they know darn well you will rock their walls off if you show up with a Rumble. You may get into a chat about bass gear.
 
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Did you ever get one? I've thought about it, but it's not something that I really need. I kinda dig these 2:

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I did not because, a) I bought a cuppla guitar amps for the latest band/recording project and, b) it looks like the bassist that joined up with us is gonna hang around so ...

But yeah, the top one, same finish as the tele I bought there/spoke of - it gets compliments for looks and play.
 
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My vote for a brand new bass goes to the Tribute Fallout I got off the G&L clearance "scratch and dent" site. Except when it arrived there were no scratches or dents. I've bought a few other new sub-$400 basses before, but always returned them. It's hard to beat the system playing the bang/buck ratio game below a certain $ threshold, but once in a while...:hyper:
 
My vote for a brand new bass goes to the Tribute Fallout I got off the G&L clearance "scratch and dent" site. Except when it arrived there were no scratches or dents.
I've had the same experience. The Fallout is my go-to bass. I couldn't be happier.

The Ibanez TMB100 is a good option but be advised it has active electronics. That was my first bass but active is not my cuppa tea. The TMB30 is a great passive, short scale alternative.
 
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