bass recommendations

[80's_Metal]

I play guitar, but I don't really play bass. (only when I have to for recording purposes)

I am currently teaching an intro to guitar class at the high school and we are going to start recording using a laptop and software (don't know what brand yet, its being ordered by the other music teacher)

We don't have a bass for our program.

I want to buy one that will sound good for recording and laying down simple tracks to fill out the sound for the high schoolers.

Has to be inexpensive, but GOSH! I don't want something cheap that's going to sound like crap, never tune up correctly, and fall apart in a few years.

I would like your recommendations on brands/models for such an instrument. Perhaps even a starter pack, I don't think we even have a bass amp.....

I am thinking Epiphone/Jackson/Yamaha in a $200 range and OR used.....

Your thoughts?

 

[jtougas]

Re: bass recommendations

Squier P or J bass.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: bass recommendations

I don't think you can go far wrong with the Yamaha stuff. If you're in the market at that end though, don't overlook what Cort have to offer.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: bass recommendations

+1 for Yamaha. Realistically, today, that means the RBX series.

My preferred recommendation is the Attitude Plus model but this is long since discontinued and only really comes to life after a bridge and pickup upgrade.

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: bass recommendations

In your price range and for what you are looking for... not a whole lot of options. Yamaha is decent, they used to even come stock with decent pickups, the cort may require new pickups. Either way, get a proper setup and definitely have the frets checked by the tech... a bass with unlevel frets quickly becomes a buzz machine in that specific area of the neck. $200 will become more like $300 with the proper setup but well worth it and it should last for years . I've only owned Squier, Fender, Music Man and Warmoth basses and all of those were well made and lasted for years. It should be noted the Squier was a Squier II from japan though.

 

[uOpt]

Re: bass recommendations

Old Ibanez Blazer and Roadstar if you don't need Fender looks. Pickups might be questionable, weak. Excellent wood.

Kramer Focus. Heavy hardware (Schaller). Hard-hitting pickups.

There's also Fernandez MIJ such as the common $200 used Jazz basses. Hard-hitting pickups.

 

[ginormous]

Re: bass recommendations

Sweetwater has a bunch of Squiers, Yamahas and Ibbys for $200 and less. There's even an Epi in the mix.

link

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: bass recommendations

Some good deals on Reggie's link.

The 32" scale Squier Jaguar model would be manageable for high school pupils of most ages and hand sizes. The PJ pickup model would provide several well-known tones. The single HB version is a straightforward, "get on with playing it" instrument.

Of the Yamaha RBX models, the 270 is preferable to the 170. Better wood, better hardware, better electronics.

 

[sonofzorro1]

Re: bass recommendations

Musicman Sterling Sub four string or five (four is traditional and good for beginners}. Do not rule out used basses...picked up a used Guild Pilot at Guitar Center for three hundred bucks, USA made, EMG pickups, flame maple neck, very easy to play.
A Mexican (MIM) Fender Precision or Jazz Bass can be had for between $200 and $300 on Craigslist.
SX basses (Rondo Music online) can be had for under $200...not bad Chinese Fender copies, their upgrade versions are $208 and sound rather good.
A Precision bass is the bass that can do no wrong, I kid you not. Check pawn shops and offer them 1/2 of what they are asking, and the dicker is on! You can upgrade the lower end versions (Squier, MIM) at your convenience with aftermarket products (necks, pickups, bridges, etc.), there are a ton that will drop right into place.
Check EBAY! Cortez, Daion, Westone, Lyle, Univox, there are many older basses, particularly the Japanese ones from the late 70's and early 80's, that are awesome. I picked up a Cortez P-bass clone that plays and sounds amazing for $117 bucks and $16 shipping.
The Ibanez Roadstars were a good suggestion by uOpt, they go for around $100 to $350 and they are all quite good, Fender shape pickups mostly fit as drop-ins, they made a nice Precision bass clone and they are great. Not quite Fender spec, but the Carvin 22 fret replacement necks will drop in with little modification if you need to upgrade..\
Keep your eyes open and have fun!

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: bass recommendations

I have had a squier vintage modified J-bass for four years now, and it's awesome. Electronics are good, it plays well, and they're 300$ brand new (probably pick one up used for 200$).

 

[BlueTalon]

Re: bass recommendations

I picked up an Ibanez SR-305 at a pawn shop for $100. I replaced some hardware, kept the stock pickups, had it set up with new strings, and that thing has become my workhorse. I have a Fender Jazz, a Squire Jazz, a Squier Precision, and I prefer the Ibanez to all of those. Not only does it have a better tonal range with no concerns about hum, but it has a two-octave neck.

 

[ginormous]

Re: bass recommendations

I picked up an Ibanez SR-305 at a pawn shop for $100. I replaced some hardware, kept the stock pickups, had it set up with new strings, and that thing has become my workhorse. I have a Fender Jazz, a Squire Jazz, a Squier Precision, and I prefer the Ibanez to all of those. Not only does it have a better tonal range with no concerns about hum, but it has a two-octave neck.

+1. I'm quite satisfied by my Ibby 6-string guitar ('81 AS-50), and all I did from Day 1 was swap the tuning pegs for Grovers after the originals coughed it up. Everything else is factory.