Hi all, guitarist looking for inexpensive bass to do everything from funk to metal.

[thenakedarab]

I really, really, really, loved the Fender Jaguar I played at best buy, but don't want to spend that much. I remember loving my buddy's old fretless Mexi Jazz, his Custom P, Gibby Thunderbird, and his Stingray 5. But I want to keep it at/under $300 USD used.

 

I have normal/smallish hands, so I thought about going with a short scale, but worry about low tunings (I play a lot of low tuned rock and metal ala Clutch, Sabbath, Kyuss, COC, AIC, etc...), and punch/snap. I believe I would rather go with a regular scale and a nice comfortably thin neck. Would a J neck be better than a P style for me in that regard? If so I'm thinking of looking for a used Mexi or Jap J on fleabay, CL, and BP.

 

For amplification I plan at first to go SansAmp > mic preamp > computer to begin with, and then once I buy or build a bass cab I'll run the SansAmp into the fx loop of my KMD head (4x6550 and massive OT) and a 4x10 or 1x15.

 

This way I can also jam with my son and friends that come over, and lay down bass lines for them too.

 

My neighbors are sooo gonna love me with two half stacks, a bass rig, and a drum program going through my surround system and my stereo.

 

BTW, the reason I've got to do it on the cheap is that I am a single father, have a house, and have many other expenditures both music related and other that I need to think of too. Believe me, if cost was no object I'd love to have a sweet high end bass.

 

Thanks for your time.

[dDigitalPimp]

seems like you like the dual jazz pup config. id go with that then. get a used fender MIM jazz bass. smaller neck profile should be good for you as well.

[zachoff]

 

seems like you like the dual jazz pup config. id go with that then. get a used fender MIM jazz bass. smaller neck profile should be good for you as well.

 

 

Yup, or a Squier Vintage Modifed... They're $300 new.

[thenakedarab]

seems like you like the dual jazz pup config. id go with that then. get a used fender MIM jazz bass. smaller neck profile should be good for you as well.

 

Thanks man.

[thenakedarab]

 

Yup, or a Squier Vintage Modifed... They're $300 new.

 

 

 

Thanks for the option, and do you think you would choose that over a used Mexi Jazz in good playing condition at the same price?

[zachoff]

 

Thanks for the option, and do you think you would choose that over a used Mexi Jazz in good playing condition at the same price?

 

 

Probably not, but it'd be new... If that matters to you at all. I kinda does to me. I would say that a Squier Classic Vibe for $300 might be the same, if not better than an old MIM Fender... Might.

[vanlatte]

If you can find one of these:

 

Washburn RB 2502

 

Snag it!

 

I got mine for $250 brand new, apparently it is discontinued or they made too many, or something. Not exactly sure. It's like Washburns best kept secret and one of my all time favorite basses.

[bluedogaudio]

 

get a used fender MIM jazz bass.

 

 

+1

[thenakedarab]

 

If you can find one of these: Washburn RB 2502 Snag it! I got mine for $250 brand new, apparently it is discontinued or they made too many, or something. Not exactly sure. It's like Washburns best kept secret and one of my all time favorite basses.

 

 

I'll keep that in mind, it looks sick. I'd rather stick with a 4 string though, as I've played them more, and am reasonably comfortable playing them.

[thenakedarab]

 

+1

 

 

This is still the way I'm leaning, thanks for the affirmation.

[perrydabassman]

Go strap on an Ibanez soundgear (SR 400 or higher) before you spend any money.

[justinbass]

Another vote for a jazz bass.

[thenakedarab]

Go strap on an Ibanez soundgear (SR 400 or higher) before you spend any money.

 

I've played them, and it's an option, but I like the Fenders a bit more.