Cheap bass to get me started recording

DrsRik · April 6th, 2009, 04:18 AM

Hi,

I'm currently doing more and more (guitar) home recording, and decided it would be nice to be able to record some bass as well.
Now I'm looking for a relatively cheap bass to get me started, say the 200-400 $ or Euro region. Soundwise I'm looking for a P-style passive instrument, with a woody tone. I'm not into slapping or anything, I just want to lay down some solid basslines for my songs. A well constructed guitar with a poor pickup is an option; I know how to handle a soldering iron and replace (guitar) pickups. Of course sound is the most important, but a traditional look is a plus.

I have been looking at the Squier basses, but am wondering if there are any other alternatives on the market?
Any suggestions would be highly appreciated!

Best regards,
Rik

Warm Gums · April 6th, 2009, 08:40 AM

Don't know what your situation is like with used instruments, but here in the states the Peavey "T" series basses are often available for not much more than high end Squires

The T-40 is a bit of a brute (read heavy) and has somewhat industrial styling but is capable of a wide range of tones, the T-20 is usually less expensive and is a more traditional Fender style instrument..both are US made & should give you years of service.

Ptrallan01 · April 7th, 2009, 05:32 PM

Check out their stuff if you can. Good construction, nice action, CHEAP pickups. Not very expensive for their bottom end pieces.

jefrs · April 7th, 2009, 06:46 PM

Yamaha RBX. Although cheap they are very well made and sound good.

My PV T40 weighs 4.8kg = 10-lb.9-oz. heavy maybe but it is a bass designed for smashing up old pianos. Sounds like a VC10 on take off. Not that common right-pond.

dan1952 · April 7th, 2009, 06:53 PM

The fellow who plays bass with me has bought 3 or 4 SX basses, from Rondo Music, and they are pretty cool, and really inexpensive.

ttmnky · April 16th, 2009, 01:59 AM

I second the Yamaha RBX line. The 270 is really nice, and it was my first bass as a bassist, as well as my first recording bass. The P PUP on that is amazing, and the playability is second to none.

That being said, SX basses are also very nice, and for your budget, you could probably get one, and change everything you wanted to on that to make it "your" bass with its own distinct character.

Tim Armstrong · April 16th, 2009, 11:13 AM

Not sure what's available in Holland, but there are a lot of inexpensive basses out there that don't suck! My advice would be to go out hunting for one, play as many as you can get your hands on, take home the one that seems right for the money...

Tim

Fret Wilkes · April 16th, 2009, 11:36 AM

Squire Classic Vibe 50's P-Bass. A WINNER!

See my thread "Back In The Saddle" in The Bass Place

bingy · April 16th, 2009, 11:43 AM

For ultimate satisfaction...make sure you get something that is Fender type long scale
IMO

Tim Armstrong · April 16th, 2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingy

For ultimate satisfaction...make sure you get something that is Fender type long scale
IMO

Why's that?

I've been gigging and recording with 30" scale basses for a couple of years now, and let me assure you, I am achieving "ultimate satisfaction"!

Tim

bingy · April 16th, 2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

Why's that?

I've been gigging and recording with 30" scale basses for a couple of years now, and let me assure you, I am achieving "ultimate satisfaction"!

Tim

Tim...in this rare instance, my opinion varies from yours.

Tim Armstrong · April 16th, 2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingy

Tim...in this rare instance, my opinion varies from yours.

No problem.

You are, of course, wrong.

Tim

bingy · April 16th, 2009, 03:20 PM

You are of course saying, in effect, that Leo Fender was wrong.

I'll give you another shot then I'll let it be.

micpoc · April 16th, 2009, 03:34 PM

DrsRik, welcome to the forum.

I'm sort of in the same position as you, and one thing a friend told me to keep in mind was to not forget I'm looking for a recording bass, not one for live performance. As a bass newbie, I'm wasn't sure how to take that (other than not worrying too much about weight issues) but I do plan on trying to actually record something with prospective basses before making a final decision. Something that might be acceptable for live work could sound like garbage recorded, particularly since I'll be doing so direct with plugins.

micpoc · April 16th, 2009, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingy

For ultimate satisfaction...make sure you get something that is Fender type long scale
IMO

Isn't the Hofner bass McCartney recorded with a short scale model? I'd say that sounds pretty satisfactory.

Tim Armstrong · April 16th, 2009, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingy

You are of course saying, in effect, that Leo Fender was wrong.

I'll give you another shot then I'll let it be.

How is choosing one scale automatically rejecting all others for all time? Heck, Fender (the company, not the man, who had sold the company by then, because he MISTAKENLY thought he was dying) went short-scale in '66, with the Mustang and Musicmaster Basses.

Seriously, I do play short-scale basses, and get quite wonderful results...

Tim

ps- which is NOT to reject the idea that 34" scale basses are often wonderful!

bingy · April 16th, 2009, 04:50 PM

OK, after this I am done (I promise)...I respect Tim and everyone else regarding the scale length debate and preferences.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bingy
For ultimate satisfaction...make sure you get something that is Fender type long scale
IMO

>>Isn't the Hofner bass McCartney recorded with a short scale model? I'd say that sounds pretty satisfactory.<<
__________________
Yes McCartney's bass sounds very satisfactory.

A spinet console sounds satisfactory, and I wouldn't hesitate to play one, but a 9' Grand is the ultimate of the species.

My personal experience began with a Gibson EBO...when I got my first P-Bass I vowed I would never go back.

So I admit my biased feelings.

Really that is my last comment. As I have no further arguments, just my humble opinion.

Much respect.
I enjoy the exchange.
See you all on the flip side!
Thanks.

Tim Armstrong · April 16th, 2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingy

Much respect.
I enjoy the exchange.
See you all on the flip side!
Thanks.

I raise my glass to you as well!

If everyone liked the same thing, we'd have nothing to talk about!

Tim

Radspin · April 16th, 2009, 10:09 PM

I have a 2004 Mexican Precision Bass that I really like with a neck that feels great, and really good fretwork. Mexican P-Basses go for around $450 new (without case) in the U.S.--so maybe you can find a used one for less. The hardware and pickups aren't as good as an American Standard or Vintage Reissue P-Bass, but are just fine overall in my opinion.

Stuco · April 16th, 2009, 10:37 PM

Squier classic vibe.

DrsRik · April 18th, 2009, 04:10 AM

Thanks for all your suggestions!
I've looked out for the Peavey T deries, but they ar ehard to find overhere in Holland. I do not reallly want to go for the Rondo, because I'd like to try the instrument before I buy. I have also a bad experience with ordering stuff directly from the US. I once order an amp cover worth $50 and ended up paying more than $100 in total because of additional taxes and custom fees....

The mexican Fenders are a bit out of my range as they cost around 550 Euros overhere, which is about $700.

I was very pleased with the suggestion of the Yamaha basses. I had never considered them because I like a more classic look (silly, I know...). But in all the reviews I read that they are defenitely worth there money and many prefer them over a Squier. I found a music shop which sells both a bunch of Squiers and Yamahas, so I will go there and try for myself with my eyes closed. It will be used for home recording anyway, so noone will spot me with it on stage

Thanks again!
Rik

Zmatko · April 18th, 2009, 08:36 AM

A suggestion would be the Washburn T-12, looks wonderful and goes for about 100€/piece, used.
But then again an ole' jazz bass copy may surface whenever unpredictable, and for a steal price.

winny pooh · April 18th, 2009, 09:42 AM

Go czech, great value basses, here's one
bach basses

and another:

I have one in orange with a replaced pup and I its all i use with my band on the side http://www.myspace.com/casabellamusic

crowenor · April 19th, 2009, 08:02 PM

I just bought a SX SJB57 from Rondo Music and it is an outstanding value for $120.

Tim73 · April 19th, 2009, 08:13 PM

Although I haven't really played bass for 5yrs I was a bassist for 15yrs prior to being a guitarist. I'd really recommend the Danelectro range for guitarists looking to record. They sound great & have a very guitar friendly short scale neck plus (subject to personal taste of course) they look very cool

wilkat1 · May 2nd, 2009, 10:04 AM

I do believe that Bill Wyman most often used short-scale basses throughout his career.

beep.click · May 2nd, 2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrsRik

I found a music shop which sells both a bunch of Squiers and Yamahas, so I will go there and try for myself with my eyes closed.

If you're really willing to shop with eyes closed -- I suggest you try the cheap Gretsch Electromatic and the Epiphone Viola. Both short-scale, and not at ALL what you have in mind, but truly amazing basses. I record with the Epi Viola all the time, just plugged straight into the computer. Sits perfectly in the mix; no muss, no fuss, no EQ, no nothing.

If it has to be a P-style, I second the Squire Classic Vibe 50's P-Bass. GREAT neck (maple fretboard) and cool sound. Definitely noisier than the Epi Viola, though, which can be an issue when you're recording.

DrsRik · May 16th, 2009, 06:33 AM

Thanks again for all your replies! I bought a second hand 80's Yamaha BB300 last week. It plays really well and sounds great for the money. With its white finish, it doesn't even look too bad either :-)

tuuur · May 16th, 2009, 07:14 AM

I got a Session P-bass copy for 50 euros, a Hoyer Rickenbacker copy for 99 euros, a Hondo II bass for 1 euro for the screw I used to repair a tuner with, and a 1980s Japanese Vantage bass for free. They all needed just cleaning and the occasional string but work fine and are giggable, except for the Hondo which has a fret sticking out and thus is buzzing.

With which I just want to say, there still are cheap but OK basses out there second hand.

TelecasticFS · May 19th, 2009, 12:53 AM

squier modified 70-'s jazz bass. I'm diggin the maple body :)

play_loud · May 19th, 2009, 04:19 AM

An SX wont be beaten!

I was in the same situation as you a while ago and I have never looked back! Mine has the original pickups though you could put whatever you fancied in them. The model i have is a P bass that also has a jazz pickup in the bridge for the ultimate in versatility.

agent2x4 · May 22nd, 2009, 03:17 PM

A few years ago I bought a Dean Jeff Berlin signature bass. Bartolini pickups, ebony fretboard, schaller tuners, badass bridge, and fit and finish to rival any brand, USA or not.

I see them occasionally on ebay and they rarely go over 175 bucks. I'd put that Dean up against any bass.

Beatbx · May 22nd, 2009, 05:10 PM

I've heard Squire Bronco basses that sound really good. Kinda like early P-basses, that single coil right in the middle of the body just works.

mrmorrison · May 22nd, 2009, 05:38 PM

http://www.ritter-basses.com
http://www.ritter-royals.com/instruments-available.php#

April 6th, 2009, 04:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
DrsRik NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands Age: 33 Posts: 6	Cheap bass to get me started recording Hi, I'm currently doing more and more (guitar) home recording, and decided it would be nice to be able to record some bass as well. Now I'm looking for a relatively cheap bass to get me started, say the 200-400 $ or Euro region. Soundwise I'm looking for a P-style passive instrument, with a woody tone. I'm not into slapping or anything, I just want to lay down some solid basslines for my songs. A well constructed guitar with a poor pickup is an option; I know how to handle a soldering iron and replace (guitar) pickups. Of course sound is the most important, but a traditional look is a plus. I have been looking at the Squier basses, but am wondering if there are any other alternatives on the market? Any suggestions would be highly appreciated! Best regards, Rik

April 7th, 2009, 05:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ptrallan01 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 721 3 Photos	Samick Check out their stuff if you can. Good construction, nice action, CHEAP pickups. Not very expensive for their bottom end pieces. __________________ Ooh, I want my guitar to sound like Jimmie Smith's organ!!!

April 7th, 2009, 06:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
jefrs Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Newbury, England Age: 55 Posts: 2,967	Yamaha RBX. Although cheap they are very well made and sound good. My PV T40 weighs 4.8kg = 10-lb.9-oz. heavy maybe but it is a bass designed for smashing up old pianos. Sounds like a VC10 on take off. Not that common right-pond. __________________ There's two kinds of people, those that hear the music and those that don't.

April 16th, 2009, 11:36 AM	#8 (permalink)
Fret Wilkes Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Harmony, R.I. Age: 53 Posts: 1,620 47 Photos	Squire Classic Vibe 50's P-Bass. A WINNER! See my thread "Back In The Saddle" in The Bass Place __________________ See, I didn't reconize ya when ya first drove up till ya stuck yer hand out and wove then I seen right off who ya was and knowd ya.

April 16th, 2009, 03:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
micpoc Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Louisiana Posts: 909	DrsRik, welcome to the forum. I'm sort of in the same position as you, and one thing a friend told me to keep in mind was to not forget I'm looking for a recording bass, not one for live performance. As a bass newbie, I'm wasn't sure how to take that (other than not worrying too much about weight issues) but I do plan on trying to actually record something with prospective basses before making a final decision. Something that might be acceptable for live work could sound like garbage recorded, particularly since I'll be doing so direct with plugins. __________________ "Everybody should be able to make some music - that's the cosmic dance!" - Maude

April 6th, 2009, 08:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Warm Gums Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 579 3 Photos	Don't know what your situation is like with used instruments, but here in the states the Peavey "T" series basses are often available for not much more than high end Squires The T-40 is a bit of a brute (read heavy) and has somewhat industrial styling but is capable of a wide range of tones, the T-20 is usually less expensive and is a more traditional Fender style instrument..both are US made & should give you years of service.

April 7th, 2009, 06:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
dan1952 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Anderson, IN Age: 57 Posts: 491	The fellow who plays bass with me has bought 3 or 4 SX basses, from Rondo Music, and they are pretty cool, and really inexpensive.

April 16th, 2009, 01:59 AM	#6 (permalink)
ttmnky NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 8	I second the Yamaha RBX line. The 270 is really nice, and it was my first bass as a bassist, as well as my first recording bass. The P PUP on that is amazing, and the playability is second to none. That being said, SX basses are also very nice, and for your budget, you could probably get one, and change everything you wanted to on that to make it "your" bass with its own distinct character.

April 16th, 2009, 11:13 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ocean Pines, Maryland, USA Age: 50 Posts: 13,968	Not sure what's available in Holland, but there are a lot of inexpensive basses out there that don't suck! My advice would be to go out hunting for one, play as many as you can get your hands on, take home the one that seems right for the money... Tim

April 16th, 2009, 11:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
bingy Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Champlain Valley,Vermont, USA Posts: 1,072	For ultimate satisfaction...make sure you get something that is Fender type long scale IMO

April 16th, 2009, 03:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
bingy Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Champlain Valley,Vermont, USA Posts: 1,072	You are of course saying, in effect, that Leo Fender was wrong. I'll give you another shot then I'll let it be.

April 16th, 2009, 04:50 PM	#17 (permalink)
bingy Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Champlain Valley,Vermont, USA Posts: 1,072	OK, after this I am done (I promise)...I respect Tim and everyone else regarding the scale length debate and preferences. Quote: Originally Posted by bingy For ultimate satisfaction...make sure you get something that is Fender type long scale IMO >>Isn't the Hofner bass McCartney recorded with a short scale model? I'd say that sounds pretty satisfactory.<< __________________ Yes McCartney's bass sounds very satisfactory. A spinet console sounds satisfactory, and I wouldn't hesitate to play one, but a 9' Grand is the ultimate of the species. My personal experience began with a Gibson EBO...when I got my first P-Bass I vowed I would never go back. So I admit my biased feelings. Really that is my last comment. As I have no further arguments, just my humble opinion. Much respect. I enjoy the exchange. See you all on the flip side! Thanks.

April 16th, 2009, 10:09 PM	#19 (permalink)
Radspin Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: East Northport, NY Age: 54 Posts: 885	I have a 2004 Mexican Precision Bass that I really like with a neck that feels great, and really good fretwork. Mexican P-Basses go for around $450 new (without case) in the U.S.--so maybe you can find a used one for less. The hardware and pickups aren't as good as an American Standard or Vintage Reissue P-Bass, but are just fine overall in my opinion.

April 16th, 2009, 10:37 PM	#20 (permalink)
Stuco Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: GA Posts: 4,713	Squier classic vibe. __________________ -"You do not merely want to be considered just the best of the best. You want to be considered the only ones who do what you do" J. Garcia

April 18th, 2009, 04:10 AM	#21 (permalink)
DrsRik NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands Age: 33 Posts: 6	Thanks for all your suggestions! I've looked out for the Peavey T deries, but they ar ehard to find overhere in Holland. I do not reallly want to go for the Rondo, because I'd like to try the instrument before I buy. I have also a bad experience with ordering stuff directly from the US. I once order an amp cover worth $50 and ended up paying more than $100 in total because of additional taxes and custom fees.... The mexican Fenders are a bit out of my range as they cost around 550 Euros overhere, which is about $700. I was very pleased with the suggestion of the Yamaha basses. I had never considered them because I like a more classic look (silly, I know...). But in all the reviews I read that they are defenitely worth there money and many prefer them over a Squier. I found a music shop which sells both a bunch of Squiers and Yamahas, so I will go there and try for myself with my eyes closed. It will be used for home recording anyway, so noone will spot me with it on stage Thanks again! Rik

April 18th, 2009, 08:36 AM	#22 (permalink)
Zmatko Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Sweden, now where's me rattle-can? Posts: 376	A suggestion would be the Washburn T-12, looks wonderful and goes for about 100€/piece, used. But then again an ole' jazz bass copy may surface whenever unpredictable, and for a steal price.

April 18th, 2009, 09:42 AM	#23 (permalink)
winny pooh Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South London Posts: 2,374 7 Photos	Go czech, great value basses, here's one bach basses and another: I have one in orange with a replaced pup and I its all i use with my band on the side http://www.myspace.com/casabellamusic __________________ my afro ambient side project: http://www.myspace.com/theswyambusessions I play dancy bass here: http://www.myspace.com/casabellamusic

April 19th, 2009, 08:02 PM	#24 (permalink)
crowenor Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Norfolk VA Age: 53 Posts: 112	I just bought a SX SJB57 from Rondo Music and it is an outstanding value for $120. __________________ Crowecaster

April 19th, 2009, 08:13 PM	#25 (permalink)
Tim73 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Berkshire, England Age: 37 Posts: 2,386 19 Photos	Although I haven't really played bass for 5yrs I was a bassist for 15yrs prior to being a guitarist. I'd really recommend the Danelectro range for guitarists looking to record. They sound great & have a very guitar friendly short scale neck plus (subject to personal taste of course) they look very cool __________________ Born in the '70's & in my mind, still living there now...

May 2nd, 2009, 10:04 AM	#26 (permalink)
wilkat1 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: So. Illinois Age: 41 Posts: 1,907 20 Photos	I do believe that Bill Wyman most often used short-scale basses throughout his career. __________________ MySpace "That number don't mean nothing to me if the guitar don't sound right." - Buddy Guy on the year a guitar was manufactured.

May 16th, 2009, 06:33 AM	#28 (permalink)
DrsRik NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Haarlem, The Netherlands Age: 33 Posts: 6	Thanks again for all your replies! I bought a second hand 80's Yamaha BB300 last week. It plays really well and sounds great for the money. With its white finish, it doesn't even look too bad either :-)

May 16th, 2009, 07:14 AM	#29 (permalink)
tuuur Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: the Netherlands Age: 41 Posts: 2,259 7 Photos	I got a Session P-bass copy for 50 euros, a Hoyer Rickenbacker copy for 99 euros, a Hondo II bass for 1 euro for the screw I used to repair a tuner with, and a 1980s Japanese Vantage bass for free. They all needed just cleaning and the occasional string but work fine and are giggable, except for the Hondo which has a fret sticking out and thus is buzzing. With which I just want to say, there still are cheap but OK basses out there second hand. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/tuuur

May 19th, 2009, 12:53 AM	#30 (permalink)
TelecasticFS TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: colorado springs Posts: 30	squier modified 70-'s jazz bass. I'm diggin the maple body :) __________________ Telecastic Fake Show

May 19th, 2009, 04:19 AM	#31 (permalink)
play_loud Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sydney Age: 20 Posts: 334	An SX wont be beaten! I was in the same situation as you a while ago and I have never looked back! Mine has the original pickups though you could put whatever you fancied in them. The model i have is a P bass that also has a jazz pickup in the bridge for the ultimate in versatility.

May 22nd, 2009, 03:17 PM	#32 (permalink)
agent2x4 Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: WI Posts: 663	A few years ago I bought a Dean Jeff Berlin signature bass. Bartolini pickups, ebony fretboard, schaller tuners, badass bridge, and fit and finish to rival any brand, USA or not. I see them occasionally on ebay and they rarely go over 175 bucks. I'd put that Dean up against any bass.

IMPORTANT:Treat everyone here with respect, no matter how difficult! No sex, drug, political, religion or hate discussion permitted here.

May 22nd, 2009, 05:10 PM	#33 (permalink)
Beatbx Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL Age: 38 Posts: 324	I've heard Squire Bronco basses that sound really good. Kinda like early P-basses, that single coil right in the middle of the body just works. __________________ -Joe http://www.myspace.com/celestialsrock http://www.myspace.com/handofthehost

May 22nd, 2009, 05:38 PM	#34 (permalink)
mrmorrison Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Florida Age: 31 Posts: 989 7 Photos	http://www.ritter-basses.com http://www.ritter-royals.com/instruments-available.php# __________________ Life's a journey, not a destination...and I just can't tell, just what tomorrow will bring. http://www.myspace.com/morrisonmusictown