Used Fender P-bass or something else?

[Smooth_bass88]

Yup, definitely get that real deal Fender Precision. Scour the web, go to music stores, look around until you find the one. I scored my japanese 57 P bass for under 7 bills. It's a decent bass, although I did need to swap out some hardware (pickups, bridge, wiring, etc)

 

[mntngrown]

Or a new anniversary Squire P. Indonesia Squire I got for 300 bucks off MF kicks bootie now that I put some TI flats on it. No dead spots like some P's I have owned. I may have just got lucky though.

 

[mntngrown]

I knew I was going to buy this one the minute I picked it up...it just felt right.
Plugging it in merely confirmed it.
The satin-finish neck is so smooth I'm betting you'd have to try quite a few other basses just to find anything half as nice.
Price is right, too.. under $400.
Limited edition, no longer in production, but still some left.
View attachment 5393320

Yep

 

[Swerve]

Peavey Milestones are nice basses. Your budget will get you something different but not necessarily better.

 

[DrBnz]

No, no, no... never settle for what you can afford or what's available. First find out what you like. You say P-bass, which is fine. Is that cause you like the neck, the "feel", the "sound"? Or is it just cause you can find one in your price range? Go to some music stores and try them all out. "Looks" is just what draws you to it, but next you need to find one with the neck profile you like. Ignore your budget (for now). But try all the ones that are under $1200. Its a buyers market and there are lots of great deals out there. Find out what you like, then we'll find you something nice.

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

For years, I've been using my Epiphone AccuBass, which is Epiphone's take on a P-Bass.

I believe it sounds as good as the P-Bass. It is my second go-to bass.

 

[Lava]

Used P Bass

 

[retslock]

I did a set-up on a friend’s older Squier Precision that was a very good bass. I would happily play gigs with it. It felt and played very similarly to my old Fender Precision. Unfortunately I don’t know what series it was but I’m sure you can get a decent used bass to suit your budget. Try out as many as you can first. Feel and construction matter most. Everything else is replaceable.

 

[Wesley R]

Your budget should allow for a big handful of p bass or p bass equals, as well as some jazz bass or equals.

Don't forget to look here

 

[zanzibar jorge]

Second here for checking out the Yamaha bb stuff. In my experience, the quality control is far more constitent than fender. I had only owned fender and music man stuff prior to getting a Yamaha. Now the bb435 is all I have. It sounds to me like a p bass with a little more anger. bBs are a Goldilocks bass for me of a p bass with a neck similar to a stingray.

 

[Rib 13]

Peavey Milestones are nice basses. Your budget will get you something different but not necessarily better.

+1

Gonna add to this above with a video I made on the subject of "Best Beginner Bass" but there is a section on Entry Level vs. Professional basses that is relevant here

 

[bassliner50]

The Squier CV basses made in China are as nice,in my experience, as the MIM basses. I have no experience with the Indonesian CVs, but I expect they are similar. CNC fabrication is the great equalizer.

Yes the Indonesian Squier CVs are right up to par as well! I have an Indonesian Vintage Modified (VM) Precision as well and it is spectacular. If you can grab one of these used, you will do well.
In any event, I suggest, you get a Precision. Install your favorite strings, set it up well, and play a lot!

 

[ctmullins]

Forget Fender. Get a first or second generation Peavey Foundation. Those Super Ferrite pickups are killer!

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

You can always go on Stratospheres ebay etc and build a P bass, little by little. I just built an American Professional ii and it is great. Here is a bit more:
https://www.talkbass.com/threads/new-bass-day-semi-build.1644750/