Which one? Fender Prodigy? Fender MIM? Charvette?

[Lemming16]

Hello. I'm looking for a bass to use for recordings. I'm looking for a very versatile sound since i'm only gonna be able to have one.

I'm on a very limited budget, and i have 3 options.

'91 "Made in USA Fender Prodigy for $325 USD
It's in good condition. Many websites say it was only assembled there, but actually its Mexican made). It is active and white. It is exactly like the on this picture, but not the one on the picture.

'2007 Fender MIM P-Bass $320
In very good shape. He's offering it with new strings (strings here in Mexico are much more expensive, so new strings included would help a little).

It is exactly the one on the picture, but with strings and without the sticker.

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'89 MIJ Charvette by Charvel bass $160
In very good conditions too. Made in Japan, Gotoh tuners. and also, the price is the half of the Fender ones (i could really use the other half for better monitors and some other things i need).

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So, i would really like to listen to your opiniong guys, which one would be the best choice and better value? Mind you im not a real bass player, but i'd like something that can stay in tune and sound decent for my recordings. Thanks in advance!

 

[bassteban]

I'd guess that the Prodigy would have the most variety of tones due to the double pickups. It also appears to be active(?)- which should add to said variety. On the other hand, the MIM or Charvette are probably nice- and you could invest I other stuff, for instance, a pedal or processor for more tones.
BTW, what constitutes a *real* bass player?

 

[Lemming16]

I'd guess that the Prodigy would have the most variety of tones due to the double pickups. It also appears to be active(?)- which should add to said variety. On the other hand, the MIM or Charvette are probably nice- and you could invest I other stuff, for instance, a pedal or processor for more tones.
BTW, what constitutes a *real* bass player?

Hi!, thanks for your suggestion
I said i'm not a real bass player because i mainly play guitar and piano. Bass is something i'm starting to learn, and really starting to love.

The concern i have with the Prodigy, is that it has an active EQ (not very fond of them, but maybe it'll help), and kinda different pickups an neck, and i thought that maybe it won't be able to give that traditional tone Fender is famous for. Also, it is 16 years older than the MIM, so it could have more hidden problems.

 

[bassteban]

Glad to help- keep us posted as to which way you go, and how it turns out- and I say if you own a real bass and have just about any decent knowledge and ability, you are a real bass player.

 

[crmon1]

I used to play on a Prodigy in the early 90's with a HS jazz band. From what I can remember it was a pretty versatile and punchy bass. I remember it had a great slap sound too.

When looking at your 3 options, the Fender Prodigy would be my choice.