Hi. I want to buy a bass but right now I don't have a much money, which bass you recommend me to buy (it could be an used one but I want good condition). I am not a beginner bassist. I live in USA. Thank you for your help.
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Buying a bass
- Thread starter Juan Hernandez
- Start date
Well for one thing Juan we might begin with how much $$$ is not much. Could you put a price range on that for us? That would make it easier for the group to make suggestion in your price range.
It would also be helpful to know what type or style of bass you prefer. PBass style, Jazz Bass style, passive or active electronics, scale length. If I was asked to recommend and sell you a bass these are all things I would ask.
It would also be helpful to know what type or style of bass you prefer. PBass style, Jazz Bass style, passive or active electronics, scale length. If I was asked to recommend and sell you a bass these are all things I would ask.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Step 1 figure out what you can spend.
I would buy used if I could go with someone who knows enough to tell you if you are looking at garbage. Also, where do you live?
I would buy used if I could go with someone who knows enough to tell you if you are looking at garbage. Also, where do you live?
Thank you for your suggestions. I'm looking for under 700 dollars. I live in Texas. I like Fender Jazz bass but not exclusively. I prefer 4 strings and passive but I've played 5 strings an active basses. I want it to play at Church, mostly ballads. I also play mexican music (Cumbias, norteño, etc.). Thanks again.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Lots of good instruments for that money and less. Tough to find a model in that range that is universally bad. Made in Mexico Fenders are in that range - Jazz, Precision, etc.
Another issue is whether you want/need your own amp.
I would hit local music stores and keep playing til one feels right. Different strokes/folks.
Another issue is whether you want/need your own amp.
I would hit local music stores and keep playing til one feels right. Different strokes/folks.
Even a new Fender Players Series Jazz Bass would come in under budget. I played a similar model made by Carvin for six years in band doing a lot of traditional Mexican music. You can also find them used for 50%-60% of new.
Fender Player Series Jazz Bass - Tidepool with Maple Fingerboard
An even better choice might be one of the G&L Tribute Series such as the JB-2 or an L2000. These are also priced at or below your budget. I favor the L2000 and play it's 5 string cousin an L2500. It will give you a Jazz Bass type of tonality and far more. And once again used you can find these for 50%-60% of new as well.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bas...4065028-sku^H88875000002002@ADL4MF-adType^PLA
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bas...tar/h88849000002002?pfm=item_page.rr1|ClickCP
@Juan Hernandez; Is there a Guitar Center anywhere near you? If so, you could have anything from their used database shipped there and give it a proper shakedown trial before you leave the store. Plus, they have a 45-day return policy. The only thing you'd lose is the shipping fee which usually comes to about $20 or so. (If it comes to that, I just write that off as a "rental fee")
$200 got me one of these Peavey Zodiac BXPs, it's everything I wanted, I'd stack it up against anything.
the neck is perfection and very slim at the nut but THE SOUND (mine came w/ EMG HZs) is vintage.
$125! https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/P...^358833319163-sku^114288962@ADL4GC-adType^PLA
the neck is perfection and very slim at the nut but THE SOUND (mine came w/ EMG HZs) is vintage.
$125! https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/P...^358833319163-sku^114288962@ADL4GC-adType^PLA
For that budget, that could get you a very decent bass especially if you look at used. As mentioned above, is that budget inclusive of amp because that would make a pretty big difference-the amp you use is equally important as even a great bass will sound awful on a bad amp. used MIM Fender basses are around $300-400 if you want to go that route, G&L Tribute basses among them. Also there are Ibanez basses, with your budget - they have some really sweet necks, I'd opt for an SR500 or above- pretty much active basses though. Try as many models out at a music store. Another brand I would heartily recommend but unfortunately hard to find one to try out first as brick and mortar stores don't usually carry them, Sire Marcus Miller basses. Great basses for the money and all models are both active and passive. I bought this one recently, brand new for $329.
For that money you can buy one of these and an amp.
Best to try out a few dozen basses, though. You should be able to find something that feels good and sounds good.
Best to try out a few dozen basses, though. You should be able to find something that feels good and sounds good.
I couldn’t say it any better myself so I quoted it. Tons of other ideas.
That’s a lot of money to go shopping with. No reason to spend seven bills on your first bass. I would set a limit of $400 first go-round. That will get you an excellent used MIM Fender.
In your test driving, if you play something that really speaks to you, buy it now. Do not go home and think about it. Do not sleep on it. Do not poll your family or friends. This is bass fishing. You can’t let a good one get away.