What are great cheap basses?

[FL Knifemaker]

Older American Peaveys, any of the brands that came from the Matsumoku factory in the late 70's and 80's.

 

[bass player 48]

I never see much love for Ibanez for some reason, but I think some of their stuff is great. They can be good bang for the buck, especially at this price point. (IMO)

 

[Slackerprince]

I got my 2000 MIM Fender Jazz with SKB hardshell case on craigs for $350. I've seen Jazzes for $250, but you're going to need a case, anyway. I think if you can bump-up another $50, or so, it's worth it to have a quality instrument, no matter the brand.

S.

 

[Jayhawk]

This one!

Wouldn't trade it for a dozen name brand basses of your choice.

The Squiers CV's and VM's aren't bad, but until they start making them out of ash or alder, they aren't going to get my full consideration.

You do make me jealous every time you show that bass

 

[savit260]

Until SX start putting proper headstocks on their basses they won't get my consideration! Why bother changing it? It's a Fender copy... so copy it. Dammit!

Three words for you.

Fender Legal Department.

 

[savit260]

You do make me jealous every time you show that bass

Sorry.

 

[Johnny6string]

I had a really cheep Fenix jazz copy once, wish i still had it, really good bass for what i paid for it.

 

[martyman5000]

Do a search on Craigslist...Squires/Danelectro/Ibanez

 

[savit260]

Older American Peaveys, any of the brands that came from the Matsumoku factory in the late 70's and 80's.

+1 ... and many can be had in the O.P.'s price range too.
Good stuff there.

 

[NickInMesa]

So an Ibanex EX or a Squier Jazz for $100 are pretty good prices?

 

[Fufubear]

Ok...well Never put pictures on before...But here are some of the GREATEST! bass you will ever see.....Got it for $250, came with an amp, a strap, a case, and a cable.....none of which are still around >.< Goes by itself for like $150 i think....Not sure of the exact model...But it is the current Hartke starter kit bass...got it like 2 1/2, 3 years ago...first bass. Ihave made a few modifications....like dart/BB holes, took out the bottom strap button and put in big ole screw, and recently put in a Dimarzio P/J set.....Point is....it sounded great with the stock pickups...even though mine were messed up, and would only run one at a time(although, if i had both going, it acted like it was being run through a WAH pedal!?!?!? just reduced the volume. lol) Then i replaced the pick-ups(The J is deffective or something though!!!) and it sounds AMAZING! through its Dimarsio P....and handles C-G-C-F tuning with standard strings....so light i can take my strap off(as seen in picture) and still perform just fine(and i do mean PERFORM) sorry for long post....i just love that thing!

 

[NickInMesa]

Ok...well Never put pictures on before...But here are some of the GREATEST! bass you will ever see.....Got it for $250, came with an amp, a strap, a case, and a cable.....none of which are still around >.< Goes by itself for like $150 i think....Not sure of the exact model...But it is the current Hartke starter kit bass...got it like 2 1/2, 3 years ago...first bass. Ihave made a few modifications....like dart/BB holes, took out the bottom strap button and put in big ole screw, and recently put in a Dimarzio P/J set.....Point is....it sounded great with the stock pickups...even though mine were messed up, and would only run one at a time(although, if i had both going, it acted like it was being run through a WAH pedal!?!?!? just reduced the volume. lol) Then i replaced the pick-ups(The J is deffective or something though!!!) and it sounds AMAZING! through its Dimarsio P....and handles C-G-C-F tuning with standard strings....so light i can take my strap off(as seen in picture) and still perform just fine(and i do mean PERFORM) sorry for long post....i just love that thing!

Fufubear, probably your stock pups were in phase.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Wow I am amazed by the popularity of this thread.

 

[emblymouse]

Another vote for the old Yamaha BB300.

 

[Fufubear]

Not sure what inphase means....but if you are reffering to why they would act weird when i an them togetehr...thats not the reason.....they were fuine, until i left the thing out in the rain for three days >.<

 

[NickInMesa]

Not sure what inphase means....but if you are reffering to why they would act weird when i an them togetehr...thats not the reason.....they were fuine, until i left the thing out in the rain for three days >.<

Don't mention this when you sell it on eBay or whatever...

 

[Fufubear]

LOL! nah, i wouldn't sell it...love it too much, to me it's better than the Bongos, Musicmen, Ric, Euro Spector, and higher up fender's i've tried it against.

 

[CRBMoA]

This is my Baby!

I don't know what you call cheap, but it is an Ibby, so it MUST qualify, right??

 

[ctmullins]

Surprised nobody's mentioned the Yamaha RBX line. Sleek and ergonomic, with decent electronics and high build quality. An RBX200F was my first bass all those years ago...

 

[rad87gn]

I'm actually surprised with the Ibanez GSR-200. It's the only cheap bass I own but it actually sounds good, plays well, is well balanced, and is light.

 

[Thunderthumbs73]

Surprised nobody's mentioned the Yamaha RBX line. Sleek and ergonomic, with decent electronics and high build quality. An RBX200F was my first bass all those years ago...

I was getting to that. I had one briefly- the lowest cost one with the P pickup only. I did a little clean up, action adjustment and boiled the strings on that sucker and it played and sounded fantastic. It could have easily been a main bass or primary bass. I was given the bass by a former bass student to pass on, which I did. I regretted giving it away as I enjoyed it so much, but it was the right thing to do.

Yamaha and a bunch of other makers make great but inexpensive products, including others mentioned previously.