a good low cost bass

Clarky · August 2013

my oldest is looking for a good bass that don't cost too much..

he's a keys player really but just wants a bass to goof around with and do some recording

I was wondering about a Squire or a Yamaha

chrispy108 · August 2013

Predictably, my answer will be more "modern" basses, as I'm not a fan of Ps/Js

I've always been impressed with the low-end Ibanez SR's when passed one whilst testing an amp/pedal, not so keen on the GSRs though.

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/ibanez-sr300-pw-pearl-white/18713

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/ibanez-sr300b-ye-yellow/79219

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/ibanez-srx360-bk-black/19160

I really like my Warwick Corvette, which I got for £200 second-hand

http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_rb_corvette_class4_alm_sbt2010.htm

Or you could get one of these:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/warwick_rb_the_w_bass_4_black_satin.htm

http://www.thomann.de/gb/dean_guitars_custom_zone_bass_ng.htm

mike_l · August 2013

Squire for a precision/jazz, I've seen these used live, and they sound good.

I've also seen Yams in the same situation, and same as above..

@Drew_fx has a thread showing love for Squires.......

Clarky · August 2013

actually... being an Ibanez player mself I don't know why they never occured to me.

personally I like the modern basses too.. long-horn Strat body types....

but it's really up to him..

I'll point him at a few in a shop and get him to try them.. see what he thinks..

if I had a bass of my own I think it'd be a 5-string Stingray

Phil_aka_Pip · August 2013

RBX 375 is a good bass (I've got one).

monquixote · August 2013

Classic Vibe if you want something traditional or a Yammy if you want something a bit more modern.

Clarky · August 2013

for the big 'un, the RBX374 looks like another good option to explore

Jalapeno · August 2013

Love the Yamaha BEX4 I picked up IIRC it was circa £250. Look on Basschat classifieds - always stuff moving there,

noisepolluter · August 2013

I'm looking to sell my Yamaha TRB4-II actually - Japanese made, looks and plays absolutely fabulous. Will put some pics up later when I get home. Will probably be selling my Roland Cube 30 bass amp along with it.

ICBM · August 2013

At the very low end you'll do better with something simple, and not active. You get better bang for your buck quality-wise with the woodwork and hardware if you're not paying for an active preamp as well. Cheap actives are usually crap, and if recording is the primary purpose they can be noisy enough to be a problem.

If you buy a simple P or P/J-style bass (regardless of shape - it's the electrics I'm talking about) you can also upgrade the electronics far more easily than you can with actives - all you need are pickups, pots and wire.

OilCityPickups · August 2013

I've got a soft spot for the Peavey Milestone bass. Lovely slim Jazz Bass style neck ... okay so a ply body on the cheapest ... but they sound and play really nice. I picked up my last one second hand on the flea bay for seventy quid ... the neck is miles better than it should be.

noisepolluter · August 2013

Cheeky spam-a-lam-a-ding-dong - see my post in the classifieds for the details of the TRB4-II I'm selling...

redrighthand · August 2013

A hofner new for less than £130.... http://www.thomann.de/gb/hoefner_galaxie_hctglxbo.htm

Clarky · August 2013

thanks for the tips guys....

we'll be going to a shop Saturday to look around and try some out..

we're not ready to buy just yet, just doing the research and getting an idea of the sort of models to look for..

IanSavage · August 2013

Clarky said:

actually... being an Ibanez player mself I don't know why they never occured to me.

personally I like the modern basses too.. long-horn Strat body types....

but it's really up to him..

I'll point him at a few in a shop and get him to try them.. see what he thinks..

if I had a bass of my own I think it'd be a 5-string Stingray

Have a look at Vintage then, their Stingray-alikes are superb. Should he want something a little more 'trad', the Squier VM/CV basses are also excellent.

Jalapeno · August 2013

Jalapeno said:

Look on Basschat classifieds - always stuff moving there,

littlegreenman · August 2013

Jalapeno said:

Jalapeno said:

Look on Basschat classifieds - always stuff moving there,

<stagey cough>

<cough> #2. Plenty of nice stuff over there.

Clarky · August 2013

we tried a few basses at the weekend..

he really liked the Fender Jazz

I really liked the Yamaha [can't remember what model]

Clarky · August 2013

tried the Ibe SRX too... I liked that a lot..

the neck felt nice and quick..

RocknRollDave · August 2013

As a guitarist who very occasionally plays bass (i.e. I have my second bass gig of the year this Saturday..and it'll probably be the last one this year too), I use a Yamaha RBX 260 that is on long-term loan from my brother's ex bandmate..who possibly has no idea I have it..oops...

Anyways, I know nothing about it's price or origin other than I don't think it is a particularly expensive instrument (the owner's a drummer, so probably wanted one for similar reasons as your lad).

It feels small, but in a good way - easy for a novice to find their way around. Sounds very good plugged in and plays very well indeed.
Definitely worth a look if you get chance (athough, as i say, no idea of the price range nor even if they still make them!)

UnclePsychosis · August 2013

Yamaha. The BB series are ridiculously good value. My BB414 cost me £100, its easily the equal of a standard Fender.

Vintage also make some good fender style copies and just like their 6 string cousins there are some good Squier basses now too.

Personally, though, I'd always say Yamaha. I have two basses and they're both Yammies...

Clarky · August 2013

I'm kinda drawn to the Yammies too...

it's not me buying it though.. lmao..

we'll go try some more next weekend I think...

Heartfeltdawn · August 2013

Check out the Vintage range. At least as well built as the Squiers and generally cheaper too. The Jazz Bass I had also played really well and now belongs to a well known bassist who fancied converting it into a fretless number!

http://www.jhs.co.uk/vintagebass.html