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one of the best road warrior basses ever made is the LTD B-50, found easily for a fraction of $500
a light and comfortable 6-bolt stud of a stick with a 24 fret neck to die for. mod to perfection if desired.
a light and comfortable 6-bolt stud of a stick with a 24 fret neck to die for. mod to perfection if desired.
Ibanez, Yamaha, ESP, & Washburn all have excellent instruments at reasonably low prices, especially if you're looking at the used market.
I would go for a used Warmoth. You may have to pay a little more than 500 but it will be a rock solid bass. I picked up a 5 string awhile back for 600 and its killer.
Probably something Used, but you can hardly go wrong these days on even inexpensive imports. Where they cheap out below $500 is on hardware and electronics, but that's all upgrade-able. I like the Ibanez SR series, model Series 300 and up. The SR500 is superb, but the finish is pretty fragile. A lot of people like the Squire VM and CV series too, if you want to go Fender style. Kinda useless us recommending things though, buy what fits your hands and sounds like the tone in your head.
What kind of music do you play?
What sound/tone(s) do you like?
Who are your influences?
Slap, fingers, tap, pick?
all these will help greatly
What sound/tone(s) do you like?
Who are your influences?
Slap, fingers, tap, pick?
all these will help greatly
Sterling sub bass,or used American peavey
Whatever you determine to be the best sub-$500 new bass for you, buy it used.
Which ever one makes you tingly when you play it.
Really, best is so subjective.
Really, best is so subjective.
how did you manage to get any decent sound out of one? I tried with 0 luck.
I have 2 LTD's. B205 & D4. The 205 is a Korean made. I can get a fantastic sound without a pedal and amp controls are close to center. The D4 sounds good also. Not as good as the B205. Cleaner sound than my Fender P. (Emg's, good strings, good setup). I currently play thru a TC electronics head and SWR cab. The LTD's are clean and crisp while the p is slightly muddy. Yes, I have varied my technique trying to get a cleaner sound. I will switch between the b205 & p, same amp, no comparison.
maybe I got a problem child when I brought one home, used, it was nowhere near what my B-50 can do, super weak, yet it too had EMGs and they're built the same. I had high hopes.
The D4 is a 9v. Not as loud as others. A little dissapointed in that. But it is a neck thru and very comfortable to play
