What are some decent bass guitars?

[Mike M.]

Many years ago I use to be a full time bass player. I've been concentrating on guitar since, and the last time I played bass was in 1996 so it's fair to say I'm a bit out of the loop as far as knowing what's good and what's not these days concerning basses. But I find I'd like to get back into it. I think it would be fun.

I know that guitars have come a long way since, seeing how you can buy a pretty good one for a decent price. How do basses fare these days? I've always thought that a pretty versatile bass was one with the P-J pickup configuration so if possible something like that seems like a good choice. But I'm open to suggestions.

Something that wont break the bank and something where the action is effortless and where the neck is rock solid. Believe me, I've had a bass or two where the necks went bad on me resulting in having to set the action very high in order to avoid string rattle. (God, but I hate that!!).

Thanks for your help.

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I picked up my MIM Jazz bass for less than $300 after tax at a pawn shop. You might check something like that. It doesn't have the P-J pickup combo, though.

I know a guy that picked up an old Ibanez with a P-J combo for not too much. It's a decent bass. I don't remember the model name/number, though. I think it's been replaced by a similar model.

 

[theodie]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

Peavey Cirrus!!!!! Trust me bro, high quality USA made goodness with a good used price tag!

Most folks have not played on of these but, I assure you, they are butter!

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I'm mostly a bass player these days.

I have 4 basses-

A '65 Jazz Bass
A '71 EB-0
A '79 Thunderbird
and a '98 G&L L-2000.

If I ABSOLUTELY HAD to pare down to 1 bass- it would be the G&L. It's the best live instrument- although it doesn't seem to record as well as the Jazz.

What I'd do is figure out what necks you prefer- the Jazz Bass nut width at 1.5" or the Precision nut width- Those are pretty much the standard.

With the quality of "cheap" instruments being what it is- you can get a really good, servicable instrument for well under $500.

 

[jeremy]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

Peavey Cirrus!!!!! Trust me bro, high quality USA made goodness with a good used price tag!

Most folks have not played on of these but, I assure you, they are butter!

good basses that can be had for a decent amount used

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I've always liked Fenders for classic tones, both MIA and MIM depending on your budget, Ibanez for more modern tones with the built in EQ (if you can stand the shapes) and G&L seems to be a nice midpoint that plays great.

Of course you can always add EMG or Basslines to a Fender and get great modern tones too.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I can Echo what Golden boy said. G&L. I have a 1980 L-1000 (1 PuP model) w/t original headstock (Yeah' FMIC was going to sue Leo) The PuP is real ballsy (More than a P-bass),But comes with a coil split to get a J-bass like tone. Built rock soild in the U.S. I hear good things about the Tribute line, But I'd rather have a original. The odd thing is you can get a original sometime cheaper the tributes?? Here's one on the bay.G&L L-1000 ebay

 

[Mike M.]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

Thanks a bunch for the suggestions, gang. With these in mind I'm going to take a look around this weekend.

Keep 'em coming!

 

[CGord]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I've got a Schecter Stiletto Deluxe 5 string & love it.

$399 at MF

 

[baritone]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I like my Ibanez SR series bass a lot. All the different versions I have tried were built and set up really well.

 

[Guitar Guy]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

Fender has a MIM P bass with active electronics and the p j pickup combo that runs about $600 new. It actually is a p body with a j neck. Pretty cool. Although my favorite bass for playability was the fender geddy lee signature bass that runs about $700 new, although it doesn't have p-j pickup combo.

 

[Mike M.]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I've got a Schecter Stiletto Deluxe 5 string & love it.

$399 at MF

Oh yeah, a 5 string is something that I would definatley consider as well! Never played one so I would really have to take my time in selecting one if it came down to it.

 

[BTMN]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

Hamer Cruisebass in 5 or 4 string configuration. Older early to late '80s Hamer Cruise Basses are really top notch too.

 

[Imp]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

+1 for g+l, but look at the tribute range..

they're sound, solid and are really versatile!

 

[CGord]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

Oh yeah, a 5 string is something that I would definatley consider as well! Never played one so I would really have to take my time in selecting one if it came down to it.

They have a four in the same model line for less $$, I was just showing the one I own. It is really hard to go wrong with any Schecter.

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

ANY Fender Jazz Bass.

 

[El Dorado]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I really like my schecter stiletto studio 5 string. It plays, sounds, and looks great. I got a really good deal on it on ebay too.

 

[CGord]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

:drool:

 

[heymcz]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

I like my Ibanez SR series bass a lot. All the different versions I have tried were built and set up really well.

+1. I've got a GSR200 on hold right now: $199 new with P/J pickups and active preamp. I A/B'd it next to a USA J Bass and was hard pressed to hear a LOT of difference (though the Ibby was more middy). I've owned a USA P-bass and a MIM J Bass, both ended up getting resold as I realized I only needed something cheap and good to get me through.

 

[these_go211]

Re: What are some decent bass guitars?

i'm a sucker for fender basses. love the P's but a J would be nice as well. the MIM ones are a good value.

the cheaper ibanez basses also seem to have a very high bang for your buck.