What do you recommend?

[Dave W]

Squiers are nice. But sadly the same guys who make fun of the Silvertone will make fun of a Squier. On the other hand, the majority of folks here wouldn't think too highly of ESP. The upshot is to find something you like, play well, don't worry what other people think of your ride, relax and enjoy.
(I got a G&L Tribute SB-2 in your price range and it is a FINE instrument. I got it from the classified ads here. There are a bunch of great basses for sale here all the time. Find a TB'er with a good reputation who is selling something you like and take the plunge.)
BTW, I almost bought an OUTSTANDING ESP here for $350, but I waited too long. I don't really regret not getting it, but it was a beautiful bass.

ESP's and LTD's are not the same thing. That's like calling a Squier a Fender, or an Epiphone a Gibson.

I forgot about G&L Tributes. I change my vote to those! An L2K Tribute would be awesome!

 

[Wallace320]

And didn't have anything to tribute, until I discovered:
"... my silvertone can't do a good drop tuning (past d)..."

Every bass suggested so far, Squier Classic Vibes for the very first, are good until D, G, C, F tunin' (I play tuned like that too)

You wanna drop more? Go find an Ibanez BTB300


It's no masterpiece, but it's a mahogany body, bolton maple 24fret neck, 2 soapbars active electronics, III band equalizer and
35" scale you can drop almost as low as you can go and even plan to swap B, E, A, D strings in.

Uh: and it perfectly fits the price range buyin' it brand new

Hope to be of any help

Cheers,
Wallace

 

[chubfarm2001]

My vote goes for either schecter or ibanez.

 

[lfmn16]

old us peavey

+1

I've heard great things about the Peavey Fury and you can buy them on ebay for under $300. There's one on ebay right now for about $200 shipped.

 

[f.c.geil]

A Squier CV 50's or 60's PBass, a Matt Freeman PBass, or a CV 60's Jazz sells through MF at $379. Wait for a 15% discount offer and it costs you $322 shipped. If you look around you may find a few used ones (very few actually) for $250-$275 in excellent condition.

I've played a dozen or more different brands of basses in over 35 years of playing and in the $300 price range any of these is a bargain. They will also tend to hold their value better than some other brands because they're as popular as they are. Good hunting!

^^^ This.

 

[balton4]

well, im back from shoping. got myself a beutiful epiphone thunderbird 4. And for 280 in almost new condition. color is black with a white pickgaurd. i really dont care if i could have had one at a lower price online. i like to try them out before buying. i am very happy with my choice and thanks to all who pitched in. now to get the silvertone set up as a jazz bass...