Under $400 Bass Recommendations

[RitterSport]

What are the model names for the MIM Fenders? (side note, it would be my first Fender if I go that way)

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Might wanna do a preamp swap on it or wire it passive (they are phenomenal once that's done), but the Ibanez SRX3EX basses are killer. A little on the heavy side, but a very solid bass with some beefy humbuckers. Obviously you'd have to grab a used one, but it's a do-all bass for me. I put a Bartolini 3-band preamp in mine and I'm incredibly happy with it. My go-to strings are DR Stainless Lo-Riders in .100-.045.

 

[jd56hawk]

What are the model names for the MIM Fenders? (side note, it would be my first Fender if I go that way)

For under $400?

 

[ElectricBass72]

Ibanez Talmans are awesome bang for the buck.

 

[Hawk256]

A used Peavey (almost any) would be my first choice in a similar situation.

 

[Brain Fog]

I second Ibanez Talmans. I recently bought a TMB-100 that works really well for me. It was $250 for a brand new, well-crafted instrument.

(And for those suggesting a used MIM Fender for $400, have you been shopping recently? Also, the "good" Squiers retail for above $400, even above $500.)

 

[MasterBrianD]

Squiers have always felt cheap to you?
Are you talking the Affinity basses?
Have you ever tried any of the good Squiers?
I have two USA-made L2000s but they've both been collecting dust since I bought these two.
Everything you expect from a P or J, including some of the smoothest, player-friendly necks available.

I had one of these Dakota Red P Basses and it felt cheap to me.

Sold it yesterday.

 

[jd56hawk]

I had one of these Dakota Red P Basses and it felt cheap to me.

Sold it yesterday.

Exactly why I wouldn't buy a Fender Player bass.

 

[LG TPAFL]

My first bass about three years ago was a Squier Affinity. Then in 2022 I purchased (at full MRP) the Squier 40th jazz bass. Big difference between the two and I love the JB with the flats that I put on it. That bass is now under $400.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I have a second place that I rent out most of the time, but I spend a few weeks a year up there, and often play with some guys while I'm there. Rather than finding room for a bass in my car, along with the dog, various luggage, oh, and my family, I'm tempted to buy a bass just to keep up there.

I don't want to spend too much, but I also don't want something that I'll get annoyed at when I'm playing.

My current basses are a G&L L2000 and a P-Bass clone made by Bass Centre (their Bruce Thomas Signature).

Squires have always felt cheap to me, so I guess I would avoid those. I had a Yamaha TRBX that I gave to my son -- I don't love that bass and I had a few real initial quality problems with it, but he loves it. I had a Peavey Foundation that I gave to my daughter that I really liked.

Thoughts?

Buy used. More bass, less money.

 

[MasterBrianD]

Exactly why I wouldn't buy a Fender Player bass.

You wouldn't buy a Fender Player because the Squier 40th feels cheap?

 

[jd56hawk]

You wouldn't buy a Fender Player because the Squier 40th feels cheap?

Is that what I said?
Let me check.
No, I didn't say that.

 

[MasterBrianD]

Is that what I said?
Let me check.
No, I didn't say that.

In that case your reply to my comment made absolutely no sense whatsoever.

 

[pglaser01]

I still have and use my Fender Modern Player Jazz (dual humbuckers). Love it.

I will say regardless of your previous experience with Squier…..I’d say MAYBE give them another shot if you find yourself in a store. They’ve certainly come a long way in the past 5-10 years

 

[BobKos]

If you are OK with skinny necks, Ibanez SR500 used. Great bass.

 

[RitterSport]

If you are OK with skinny necks

I actually like a little bit thicker necks (another complaint I had for the Yamaha).

 

[jd56hawk]

In that case your reply to my comment made absolutely no sense whatsoever.

Comprehension.

 

[Jazzdogg]

I have a second place that I rent out most of the time, but I spend a few weeks a year up there, and often play with some guys while I'm there. Rather than finding room for a bass in my car, along with the dog, various luggage, oh, and my family, I'm tempted to buy a bass just to keep up there.

I don't want to spend too much, but I also don't want something that I'll get annoyed at when I'm playing.

My current basses are a G&L L2000 and a P-Bass clone made by Bass Centre (their Bruce Thomas Signature).

Squires have always felt cheap to me, so I guess I would avoid those. I had a Yamaha TRBX that I gave to my son -- I don't love that bass and I had a few real initial quality problems with it, but he loves it. I had a Peavey Foundation that I gave to my daughter that I really liked.

Thoughts?

Find a second-hand Brawley. I have two different 5-string basses made by Brawley, and they are both excellent!

 

[bassdude51]

Answer,.......by a good used bass guitar. Craigslist, FB Market Place and Talk Bass classified.

 

[Bassgeer]

Go fo a used bass, or one of Ibanez's offerings. I have been impressed by their quality