Totally on the Fence!!

FatBack · January 17th, 2008, 09:03 PM

Total dillemma here...3 choices:

1. Buy that Squier Bass "start playing stop dreaming" kit for $299.00 - I hate the shoddy thin finishes on the majority of all new guitar necks I've played these days...I'm in the minority here. I don't think I'm going to be satisfied with it.

2. Build a pbass from a Saga kit for $129.00 - I can finish it properly...well, the neck anyway. I'm not certain how I'd do a solid color polyurethane body finish. I hate lacquer...again, I'm in the minority I'm sure.

3. Buy this really cool looking Kramer p-bass copy for $99.00....(heresy for the TDPRI, I know) If the neck finish is thin and flat, or totally non-existent...well...who cares, it's $99.00!!!!

http://www.musicyo.com/product_specs.asp?pf_id=357

Just curious what my fellow die-hard telecaster folks recommend I do about this insanity....I've got far bigger things to worry about like the morgtage, bills and real-life stuff (but that's no fun...I prefer to worry about neck finishes!!!!

0le FUZZY · January 17th, 2008, 09:08 PM

Buy that Squier Bass "start playing stop dreaming" kit for $299.00

...I did back in 91 and ain't looked back

Here it iss in axe-shun (click)

Please visit MySpace

Please visit my page

FatBack · January 17th, 2008, 09:12 PM

ol' Fuzzy! I'm honored to have you respond! Thanks for the input! Great gig!

JimiBryant · January 17th, 2008, 09:34 PM

I'd tend to agree with Fuzzy.. I'd also AVOID that Saga kit!

I have a Hamer Slammer bass that I picked up on the cheap and I love it.

Daddydex · January 17th, 2008, 09:37 PM

How about one of those SX Basses at Rondo? I think you would be pleasantly surprised by the quality. 119 dollars.

Dan

Flat357 · January 17th, 2008, 09:41 PM

I wouldn't do any of the options .

I would put my money towards buying a used bass of better quality .

But then what do I know about basses ?

boris bubbanov · January 17th, 2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flat357

I wouldn't do any of the options .

I would put my money towards buying a used bass of better quality .

+1

Bubbanov

bendecaster · January 17th, 2008, 10:12 PM

C'mon, Those Squiers ARE quality instruments! I own 2 Squier basses, and they are every bit as good as my '80's G&L bass any day of the week, and twice on Sunday!
What is in the kit for $299 ?

Flat357 · January 17th, 2008, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendecaster

C'mon, Those Squiers ARE quality instruments! I own 2 Squier basses, and they are every bit as good as my '80's G&L bass any day of the week, and twice on Sunday!
What is in the kit for $299 ?

Squier Stop Dreaming, Start Playing Affinity P Bass Package
Includes: bass. gig bag, amp, tuner, strap, cable, headphones, and DVD.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--SQU301670

Opinions will vary

Mine certainly does .

If the guy is a newbie and starting from scratch with no amp , then maybe it is a good starter pack , but if you are a bassist with an amp , who wants a good bass , I would rather put the money towards a used quality bass as stated .

Also , at this time of year , there will be plenty of these packages out there at a used price too , from unwanted Christmas presents etc .

There are also bass / amp packages for less than 1/2 the price too depending on brand such as Encore , Aria to name a few .

getbent · January 18th, 2008, 01:20 AM

Craigslist fatback. You can pick up a PBASS for cheap in perfect condition.

Daddydex · January 18th, 2008, 11:50 AM

Lookie here:

http://www.rondomusic.com/bg2k3ts.html

FatBack · January 19th, 2008, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddydex

Lookie here:

http://www.rondomusic.com/bg2k3ts.html

Thanks for the website! This little gem has got the extra "jazz" pickup!

601210 · January 19th, 2008, 05:32 AM

Looks like you found your bass, but I still thought i'd mention that there are Squier P-Basses that aren't in a starter pack.

FatBack · January 20th, 2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 601210

Looks like you found your bass, but I still thought i'd mention that there are Squier P-Basses that aren't in a starter pack.

Thanks for the info. Yes, it appears that the "affinity" series are the ones in the starter packs. I've played them at GC and the Squiers & the really cheap $99.00 "made in China" Dean basses seem to be about the same quality. Only the Squiers cost almost double.

This would be a no-brainer except for the fact that just about every entry-level (a.k.a. low cost) guitar has that non-existent / super thin neck finish. Unfortunately, I appear to be the only one out of 10,000 who just doesn't like that. I want the neck to be finished a little better than they are. It's not my intent to spend more than $200.00.

Thanks for all the input and recommendations, fellas. I don't know about the finishes on either of the basses below but since they're so low priced, I can live with it without feeling too bad.

And no, I'm not a serious bassist....I'm a guitarist who used to play bass 25 years ago. I'd abandonded the instrument but would like to re-acquaint myself with playing it and reading bass clef.

Scott V · January 21st, 2008, 08:10 AM

If you are after a budget bass, I wouldn't overlook the pawnshops. I found a MIM Jazz Bass that was missing the pickgaurd for $99.99, that's a rare deal, but they usually have some decent playing bass's for cheap, or Craigslist.
I have not played a Squier bass, but if their anything like the guitars, you can't go wrong there either, I would recommend going to a large store and pick a good one from the herd, some are better than others.

Scott V · January 21st, 2008, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatBack

Thanks for the info. Yes, it appears that the "affinity" series are the ones in the starter packs. I've played them at GC and the Squiers & the really cheap $99.00 "made in China" Dean basses seem to be about the same quality. Only the Squiers cost almost double.

This would be a no-brainer except for the fact that just about every entry-level (a.k.a. low cost) guitar has that non-existent / super thin neck finish. Unfortunately, I appear to be the only one out of 10,000 who just doesn't like that. I want the neck to be finished a little better than they are. It's not my intent to spend more than $200.00.

Thanks for all the input and recommendations, fellas. I don't know about the finishes on either of the basses below but since they're so low priced, I can live with it without feeling too bad.

And no, I'm not a serious bassist....I'm a guitarist who used to play bass 25 years ago. I'd abandonded the instrument but would like to re-acquaint myself with playing it and reading bass clef.

Wouldn't be too tough to apply a coat of wipe-on poly to the Squier neck IMO, just a thought.

FatBack · January 21st, 2008, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott V

Wouldn't be too tough to apply a coat of wipe-on poly to the Squier neck IMO, just a thought.

That is a thought...since it's known to be a light coat of poly there anyway (poly over lacquer isn't compatible) an additional coat or two to my liking should be OK.

January 17th, 2008, 09:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
FatBack Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 138	Totally on the Fence!! Total dillemma here...3 choices: 1. Buy that Squier Bass "start playing stop dreaming" kit for $299.00 - I hate the shoddy thin finishes on the majority of all new guitar necks I've played these days...I'm in the minority here. I don't think I'm going to be satisfied with it. 2. Build a pbass from a Saga kit for $129.00 - I can finish it properly...well, the neck anyway. I'm not certain how I'd do a solid color polyurethane body finish. I hate lacquer...again, I'm in the minority I'm sure. 3. Buy this really cool looking Kramer p-bass copy for $99.00....(heresy for the TDPRI, I know) If the neck finish is thin and flat, or totally non-existent...well...who cares, it's $99.00!!!! http://www.musicyo.com/product_specs.asp?pf_id=357 Just curious what my fellow die-hard telecaster folks recommend I do about this insanity....I've got far bigger things to worry about like the morgtage, bills and real-life stuff (but that's no fun...I prefer to worry about neck finishes!!!! Last edited by FatBack : January 17th, 2008 at 09:10 PM. Reason: I've got adult ADD...don't we all?

January 17th, 2008, 09:12 PM	#3 (permalink)
FatBack Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 138	Thanks, Fuzzy! ol' Fuzzy! I'm honored to have you respond! Thanks for the input! Great gig!

January 17th, 2008, 09:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
JimiBryant Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago Chicago that toddlin' town Age: 46 Posts: 1,575	I'd tend to agree with Fuzzy.. I'd also AVOID that Saga kit! I have a Hamer Slammer bass that I picked up on the cheap and I love it. __________________ I'm sick and tired of following my dreams, so I'm just gonna ask 'em where they're going and hook up with them later!

January 17th, 2008, 09:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
Daddydex Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,489	How about one of those SX Basses at Rondo? I think you would be pleasantly surprised by the quality. 119 dollars. Dan __________________ Teles are like Mr. Potato head

January 17th, 2008, 10:12 PM	#8 (permalink)
bendecaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: maine Posts: 803	C'mon, Those Squiers ARE quality instruments! I own 2 Squier basses, and they are every bit as good as my '80's G&L bass any day of the week, and twice on Sunday! What is in the kit for $299 ? __________________ The Demented 7th

January 17th, 2008, 09:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
0le FUZZY Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kolly-forn-knee-ya Posts: 10,001 6 Photos	Buy that Squier Bass "start playing stop dreaming" kit for $299.00 ...I did back in 91 and ain't looked back Here it iss in axe-shun (click) Please visit MySpace Please visit my page

January 17th, 2008, 09:41 PM	#6 (permalink)
Flat357 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Cheshire Age: 40 Posts: 2,756	I wouldn't do any of the options . I would put my money towards buying a used bass of better quality . But then what do I know about basses ?

January 18th, 2008, 01:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 9,132 37 Photos	Craigslist fatback. You can pick up a PBASS for cheap in perfect condition. __________________ Happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length.

January 18th, 2008, 11:50 AM	#11 (permalink)
Daddydex Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,489	Lookie here: http://www.rondomusic.com/bg2k3ts.html __________________ Teles are like Mr. Potato head

January 19th, 2008, 05:32 AM	#13 (permalink)
601210 Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Philippines Age: 14 Posts: 310	Looks like you found your bass, but I still thought i'd mention that there are Squier P-Basses that aren't in a starter pack.

January 21st, 2008, 08:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
Scott V Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Seattle Age: 42 Posts: 458	If you are after a budget bass, I wouldn't overlook the pawnshops. I found a MIM Jazz Bass that was missing the pickgaurd for $99.99, that's a rare deal, but they usually have some decent playing bass's for cheap, or Craigslist. I have not played a Squier bass, but if their anything like the guitars, you can't go wrong there either, I would recommend going to a large store and pick a good one from the herd, some are better than others.