Members Megadeth Man Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 Although I'm fairly clueless about what's what in the bass world, I'm helping a mate to get a new bass on the cheap. Can you tell me about any of these entry level basses that we have under consideration? Aria SB40 Aria IGB40 Cort Action 4 Ibanez BTB200 Ibanez EDB400 Ibanez GAXB150 Ibanez GSR180 Ibanez GSR200 Ibanez RD300 Ibanez SR300FM Ibanez SRX350 LTD B-50 LTD B-154 PEAVEY Millenium 4 BXP PEAVEY Millenium 4 AC BXP SCHECTER STILETTO EXTREME 4 SCHECTER STILETTO DELUXE 4 SPECTOR Performer 4 SPECTOR Q4 Pro Stagg Fusion Warwick Rockbass Streamer Std 4 Washburn BB4 Washburn Force 4 Washburn T14 Washburn T24 Washburn XB120 Yamaha RBX170 Yamaha RBX270 Yamaha RBX374 Any experiences welcome. Are there any stand outs, any absolute dogs? Playablity is the most important factor here rather than stunning tone. My friend is a girl with small hands, playing rock style with a plectrum, so factor that in. Any suggestions or other recommendations? Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassesofalessergod Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 that BTB200 is probably the nicest on the list although those yamahas are alright also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members liko Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 The Peavey Millemium is a good line of basses. Much maligned as being cheap crap, but Peavey don't make no junk; their stuff is built to last. I'd also recommend the Yamaha RBX374 and 375 (the 5-stringer version). Dual MM-style humbuckers with active electronics. Very basic, but for an active it's very inexpensive and an excellent value (Yamaha don't make no crap either; my $160 Yammie BB404 is a smooth player that sounds great). It uses the extreme-offset RBX body, but that body style can actually work rather well with a multitude of visual styles from metal to rock to jazz, even to christian. Take a look at the Ibanez; they're a popular line and that's not for nothing. I just find their instruments to feel a bit flimsy sometimes (they have pretty slim neck profiles). I would stay away from Schecter. Let the flames come, but I've never liked the sound or feel of these basses. They make good guitars though. Similarly, Warwicks just have never done it for me. I would also have her take a look at an MIM Jazz. They are classic project basses (a large percentage of those that buy them upgrade them; usually pickups) but the newest models are very playable and good quality (definitely a far cry from pre-2000 models; Fender realized they were getting beat on the entry/mid level and re-thought their build and QA strategy). The stock pickups aren't bad through a decent combo like an Ampeg BA-115. The Jazz neck will be easier for your friend to work with, and they work visually with a rock image (maybe not metal), especially in black, white, or (for classic rock) sunburst. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Phantasm Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 I played some Peavey Millenium series basses recently and I was very impressed, especially with the 4-string with two J pickups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Megadeth Man Posted April 16, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 The Peavey Millemium is a good line of basses. Much maligned as being cheap crap, but Peavey don't make no junk; their stuff is built to last. I'd also recommend the Yamaha RBX374 and 375 (the 5-stringer version). Dual MM-style humbuckers with active electronics. Very basic, but for an active it's very inexpensive and an excellent value (Yamaha don't make no crap either; my $160 Yammie BB404 is a smooth player that sounds great). It uses the extreme-offset RBX body, but that body style can actually work rather well with a multitude of visual styles from metal to rock to jazz, even to christian. Take a look at the Ibanez; they're a popular line and that's not for nothing. I just find their instruments to feel a bit flimsy sometimes (they have pretty slim neck profiles). I would stay away from Schecter. Let the flames come, but I've never liked the sound or feel of these basses. They make good guitars though. Similarly, Warwicks just have never done it for me. I would also have her take a look at an MIM Jazz. They are classic project basses (a large percentage of those that buy them upgrade them; usually pickups) but the newest models are very playable and good quality. The stock pickups aren't bad through a decent combo like an Ampeg BA-115. The Jazz neck will be easier for your friend to work with, and they work visually with a rock image (maybe not metal), especially in black, white, or (for classic rock) sunburst. Thanks for the helpful info man, much appreciated. I'll take all your comments on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sunburstbasser Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 Nearly all of those basses come out of the same two factories, and all in there that I've played have been pretty consistent. The Cort Action is a damn good bass. No frills, just solid construction. I know some girls with smallish hands playing Actions. The hardware on them is also nice enough that you won't need to worry about upgrading any of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TN.Frank Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 Peavey and Yamaha are both pretty good from what I've read. Best bet would be to let him play them and pick the one that he likes the best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members #6 Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 can't believe no-one's said it yet....SX! take a look at Rondo Music...talk about good stuff cheap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Smokinfiddler Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 every bass you listed are good Musical instruments made by reputable manufacturers it really all boils down to which one you like best. dont make the mistake of letting someone tell you to buy this one when you really want another model because you will truly never be satisfied unless you buy the one you like best. choosing a musical instrument is a personal choice and also a choice that has to fit your budget;) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassman1956 Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 every bass you listed are good Musical instruments made by reputable manufacturers it really all boils down to which one you like best.dont make the mistake of letting someone tell you to buy this one when you really want another model because you will truly never be satisfied unless you buy the one you like best. choosing a musical instrument is a personal choice and also a choice that has to fit your budget;) . He speaketh da truth! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members whoneedstherapy Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 schecter/spector/sx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hanky Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 the ibanez RD500 is amazing for the price, is hard to beat the flexibility of a MM+J with a complex but smart wiring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassred Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 Schecters get my vote, I'm blown away by my $500 Stiletto Studio 5 !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Kindness Posted April 17, 2007 Moderators Share Posted April 17, 2007 every bass you listed are good Musical instruments made by reputable manufacturers it really all boils down to which one you like best.dont make the mistake of letting someone tell you to buy this one when you really want another model because you will truly never be satisfied unless you buy the one you like best. choosing a musical instrument is a personal choice and also a choice that has to fit your budget;) . I love this post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Detox Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 http://elderly.com/vintage/items/55U-3883.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gruntollio Bass Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 If I could only choose 1 of those, I'd choose the Spector. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Roger in the sky Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 http://elderly.com/vintage/items/55U-3883.htm no sir i dont like it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Enderz13 Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 every bass you listed are good Musical instruments made by reputable manufacturers it really all boils down to which one you like best. dont make the mistake of letting someone tell you to buy this one when you really want another model because you will truly never be satisfied unless you buy the one you like best. choosing a musical instrument is a personal choice and also a choice that has to fit your budget;) . When da man is right. Da Man is right:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bonscottvocals Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 every bass you listed are good Musical instruments made by reputable manufacturers it really all boils down to which one you like best.dont make the mistake of letting someone tell you to buy this one when you really want another model because you will truly never be satisfied unless you buy the one you like best. choosing a musical instrument is a personal choice and also a choice that has to fit your budget;) . +1 gazillion. No amount of 'which one do you think is better' on the Internet is going to tell you how a particular bass will perform for you. Each bass is as individual as you are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Perfessor Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 My washburn T24 has been impressive. I thought it had some neck isssues but I tweeked it back to normal. The neck is P bass wide but pretty thin top to bottom and stable due to the laminations. It sounds totally rich, especially with flats. I've had mine 3 years last week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassesofalessergod Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 +1 gazillion. No amount of 'which one do you think is better' on the Internet is going to tell you how a particular bass will perform for you. Each bass is as individual as you are. i disagree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Anesthesia Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 I can vouch for the quality of Ibanez basses. I have an Ibanez GSR-100 that I love to bits. Sounds great, awesome thin neck, 22 frets and fairly light Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Megadeth Man Posted April 17, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 Thanks for all the info guys, it's very useful. Just to clarify, the bass isn't for me. I'm the one who's telling someone else what to get. I don't have any experience with any of those basses so I wanted to get a feel of how the land lies. I wanted to narrow down the options but it seems like you guys think that they are all half-decent so that is cool. Me and the bassist will try out what we can but may have to take a gamble if the one she wants isn't available locally. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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