Bass guitar recommendations

Vintage: Squier Classic Vibe series

Modern: Ibanez Soundgear series.

If buying new, I would check out ESP, Ibanez, and Yamaha. They all have quality stuff at that price point. I saw a G&L Tribute 4-string for $549. Those are top notch. But, the 5-strings are almost $800.

Do you really need a 5-string?

Spector...$450

Spector...$600

Fender Squire Paranormal Jazz ‘54...$400


I use a Spector Euro LX4 as one of my go to. Although that is in another category, their entry models are pretty darn good.

As for the Fender Squire Paranormal, I bought one a few months back so I could put some D’Addario flatwoumds on it...I gotta say, this is a great playing bass for $400.

I also have an Ibanez 650 4-string (PJ) which I keep in a drop tuning. It too is pretty good for the money...it’s main attribute for me is its weight—or lack there of—it’s a pretty light bass.


...and Mel at C&M Music in Kenner will beat any of the Sweetwater/Guitar Center type places on pricing...and he had a few in stock when I was in there a few days ago. He also has a few of the Spector basses ($450 & $600) in stock as well as the Entire Ibanez lineup.



The Fender Squire Paranormal ‘54...





The Spector Euro is on far right, and the Ibanez 650 is just to its left...

Why's that?

Used Spector Legend 5

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Why's that?

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Dont listen, that Baw is just scared of low end

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Why's that?

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I'd agree with him, but I'm basing that on you're probably a guitar player who's wanting to pick up a bass to either fool around on or fill in in some capacity as a bassist with a group, or just for recording purposes.

If I'm on the mark, I mean, obviously do whatever the hell you want, but do you really need the 5 extra notes. Gospel and country, especially in big groups where you don't want to step on each others toes so to speak, it makes plenty of sense.

None of that matters anyway, if you want one by all means go get one dude.

I'm a Warwick and EBMM guy myself. In your price range, the aforementioned Yamaha is a great way to go. Solid and versatile. Squier's aren't bad, they've definitely gotten better. I personally do not like Ibanez but that is my personal preference. Their Soundgear line is in your range and is solid. Again, everyone has what they like and don't like.

My advice would be to go to your local store and tr them. The feel is going to matter as much to you as the price. It's not worth paying money for a piece of crap you don't play just because it's all you could afford and it sounds bad. Go for some test drives.

Edit: if a 4 string was good enough for Jaco Pastorius and James Jamerson, it's probably good enough for you.

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Why's that?

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because it's really not needed and will get in the way. if you need lower notes, just down tune.

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if a 4 string was good enough for Jaco Pastorius and James Jamerson, it's probably good enough for you.

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And John Entwistle.

And Bruce Thomas.

And Graham Maby.

And...

Yeah, I’m a 4-string guy too

I don't see any particular need at getting the mikro if you don't have any size limitations. The price point is good though. For a first bass, get something you can beat up and really learn on. I had a terrible first bass, but I learned a lot on how to make it sound okay through proper set-up, what type of strings I liked, basic maintenance, and how to deal with the temperament of the instrument itself.

The Peavey line of instruments from the 80s can be quality, though some of their basses run heavy. I would recommend the Peavey T-40 to anyone.