• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Used Bass on a Budget

C

CaptMoustache

Feb 26, 2014
13
0
#1
Hi,

(First of all, pardon my English, I'm French)

I am actually trying to choose which bass is going to be my first in America. I was the owner of a squier vm jazz bass back in France, for what I remember (I haven't play for 2 years) I liked it except that my E string was buzzy, I must have had a bad one.

For what I've read now I'm thinking about:
-g&L l2000 tribute
-squier classic vibe jazz bass
They are both around 300$ but I'll have to drive 2 hours if I choose the g&l.

My influences are Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller, but because of my low level I can't play them yet so I will be more likely playing queen, muse, rhcp...

If you have any idea of better basses for this range of price, let me know.

Thank you !
 
#2
Greetings Mon Capitaine! Welcome to TalkBass and, if I'm reading you right, to the U.S. of A.!

I would recommend the Classic Vibe Jazz. I have one and it's an excellent piece of work. Some say it's a great bass for the money you spend. I say it's fantastic, no matter how much you spent on it.

I'd also suggest you check Guitar Center's used bass database.
http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedGear/index.cfm
Do a search for "Squier" in the Bass category. You will find many to choose from, including Classic Vibes. They usually sell for $250 or more, plus $25 for shipping. And if you don't like it, you can return it for within thirty days.
 
#4
Buy a used bass. Almost anything made in Japan in the 80's is far superior to what you can buy new for the same price. Also don't be discouraged by instruments that have cosmetic damage like chips or scratches that don't affect sound or playability. These are almost never visible from stage anyway.
 
#5
I thought about a MIM standard but I mainly heard bad thing about it, maybe a deluxe would be good choice ?

What kind of Japanese bass are you referring too ? Aren't Fender jazz bass MIJ rare and expensive ?

For now I think I might take a CV on guitar center. Does any one know how it compare to a g&l l2000?
 
#6
In the 80's Charvel, Washburn, yamaha, Aria, Westone and many more brands were made at the Matsumoku and FujIGen factories. Many of them are extremely well made, better than any Fender. If you keep an eye on eBay you can did them for around $300- sometimes less.
 
#10
HeavyRockBasser said:
$300 can usually get you a used MIM Jazz, too. Not to take away from the Squier VM and CV. Those are quite nice, too.
Click to expand...


Yep - Just got my 2002 MIM Jazz for $300 last week. I'm very happy with it!


IMG_9305copy_zps7b4bcb24.gif



IMG_9303copy_zpsb5a86987.gif



JazzBasshdstk_zpsa81d06df.gif
 
#13
I have a friend who likes to say that the difference between Americans and Europeans is that Europeans think 100 miles is a long distance, and Americans think 100 years is a long time.

Buy the G&L. Drive the two hours. Welcome to America. ;)
 
#18
I actually really like the sunburst MIM that jazzbassguy has (specially with a tort pick guard :D) and there is some used one GC for $270... I'm gonna go and try both CV and MIM tomorrow even though I might not see the differences because of my skills :atoz:
 
#20
Let me suggest that if are not in a big hurry,
take your time and try out as many basses as you can.
$300 can get you a MIM Fender, 2 used Squires,
one or two US Peaveys, etc.

There are a lot of basses out there.
Find the one that truely speaks to you.

You will know it when you find it.
It will say, here I am, the ONE you were seeking.
Take me home.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back