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What if you had $400
- Thread starter HarveyRobertson
- Start date
Given that there are about as many threads from people unhappy with their NEW basses as there are threads about people unhappy with their used basses, you aren't guaranteeing happiness by buying a new bass.
Were I starting all over again, I'd probably pick up a Squier CV 60s P or Epiphone Classic Pro Bird at this price point. Between your choices, I'd be the most interested in the Stingray for its classic design. That said, my bass heroes are mostly 60s-80s, so YMMV. 
$400 I can do whatever I want? No strings attached? (Did I just make a pun?) I don’t need any bass equipment so I’d probably saunter on down to Battle Creek and find a seat at a $10 blackjack table at Firekeepers!
Do you currently play 5 string? Do you prefer narrow or wide spacing? Do you currently have any dual humbucker basses? Is dual HH the only pickup config you're looking for?
If you prefer narrow spacing, go for the sterling. I'd probably still go for the sterling over the ibby, because the soundgears get good at the "500" level and above. If you prefer wide spacing, the Jackson looks gorgeous to me.
Also check out the Yamaha TRBX 305. Youd be better off saving up a couple hundred bucks on a TRBX 505...
If you prefer narrow spacing, go for the sterling. I'd probably still go for the sterling over the ibby, because the soundgears get good at the "500" level and above. If you prefer wide spacing, the Jackson looks gorgeous to me.
Also check out the Yamaha TRBX 305. Youd be better off saving up a couple hundred bucks on a TRBX 505...
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Used, with very few exceptions, is the only way I roll. I've only bought maybe five guitars new in my lifetime and I no longer own any of them.
Used is obviously the most for your money, but to your three choices I'd go Sterling. I've never tried one of that model, but I have their "beginner" lower model that is really a great budget player. The Ray would be even better I bet, and be a heck of a value as well.
I've played all those listed and didn't care for any of them personally. What I would do is use that money to go towards parts for my Warmoth build, possibly a new neck, maybe some pedals.
I say save your Reverb credit, and go audition some used basses locally, if you can do it safely.
Used basses will always offer you the best bang for the buck.
Hit all the pawnshops in your area, and look on CL and Facebook Marketplace.
There should be plenty of deals out there on a good quality used bass at your target price.
Just for reference, I bought all these 3 basses used for less than your target price of $400.
$59.95 - '74 USA Fender Jazz Bass
$115 - '90 MIJ Fender '57RI P-Bass
$204 - '94 USA Fender Jazz V Plus (5 string)
Used basses will always offer you the best bang for the buck.
Hit all the pawnshops in your area, and look on CL and Facebook Marketplace.
There should be plenty of deals out there on a good quality used bass at your target price.
Just for reference, I bought all these 3 basses used for less than your target price of $400.
$59.95 - '74 USA Fender Jazz Bass
$115 - '90 MIJ Fender '57RI P-Bass
$204 - '94 USA Fender Jazz V Plus (5 string)
What's wrong with the tuners?!? Just kidding.
For kicks 'n giggles, I did a quick filtered-search on Reverb. Add $300-400 to the existing 4 bills and you'll find a number of Premium series Ibanez bass (used / near-mint) that would absolutely walk-the-dog on any of the offerings in the initial post. I stuck with an Ibanez-centric search as I've found the brand to be the hands-down "best buy" in the price bracket.
Riis
I'm getting that same Sterling soon myself. I love that easy-access truss rod adjustment!
I don't do used.
I don't do used.
I'll play along though. I'd pick the Ray5 HH. I had one (sold it a month or so ago when I got my special) and it was fantastic. The hardware felt cheap but it played and sounded really nice.
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The first two are a no-go for me. Whenever I see a new budget instrument with wild flame colors I think of Admiral Ackbar in "Return of the Jedi".
I'll chime in as someone who typically only buys new instruments:
I recently bought a used 5 string (classifieds) and it's now my go-to. At this point, it doesn't even register someone else played it for x amount of years, I only think of the sweet sweet deal I got on it.
Wait to use that 400 or looked used, and if you absolutely must, get the Ray.
I recently bought a used 5 string (classifieds) and it's now my go-to. At this point, it doesn't even register someone else played it for x amount of years, I only think of the sweet sweet deal I got on it.
Wait to use that 400 or looked used, and if you absolutely must, get the Ray.
