Need some BASS Guitar recommendations... please!

[Virgil.]

Right now all I'm doing is pitch-shifting my guitar for bass tracks.

So I'm desperate for some real bass at the moment.

Budget: $300 ... although anything cheaper (even $100 range) would be great too.

Here are some that I'm currently considering:

Squier P-bass -
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/msg/1840865020.html

Other Squiers -
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/msg/1825627788.html

Squier Jazz bass -
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-Jazz-Bass?sku=519639

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...ic-Vibe-Jazz-Bass-60s-Bass-Guitar-?sku=519578

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...e-Jazz-Bass-Active-V-5String-Bass-?sku=512618

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Standard-Jazz-Bass-?sku=510627

Cort -
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/msg/1841871063.html

Rogue - (if I want to go dirt cheap lol)
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-SX100B-Series-II-Bass-Guitar?sku=512278

LTD -
http://www.guitarcenter.com/ESP-LTD-B-104-Bass-Guitar-516169-i1390950.gc

Would anyone recommend any of these? Or is there another cheaper/better solution?

Ideally I'm keeping my eyes pealed for a Fender Jazz Bass (mexico) used... but I may have to settle on Squier if I can't find an actual Fender within my budget.

I'm not a bass player by any means... so there's no intention of ever using this for practice or gigging. I would only be using this for adding bass to songs I'm recording. So I'm not sure if I really even need an expensive bass. I'm wondering if stuff in the $100 range would be ok for just this purpose.

Thanks!

 

[DanLights]

A squire in the 200-300$ range can really work wonderfully for what you want it, I would go for that if I was you

 

[MetalJonesy]

im picking up a squier vintage modified jazz bass next month. Plays great and sounds fuckin unreal for its such low price!!

 

[Virgil.]

Yeah, if I end up spending around $300, I was actually HIGHLY considering the Squier vintage modified jazz bass as my first choice. I guess I'm a sucker for blondes and maple necks.

 

[slashvanyoung]

Those Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified ones are easily on par with Mexico Fenders, highly recommended!

 

[laszlozsolt82]

Those Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified ones are easily on par with Mexico Fenders, highly recommended!

+ 1 totaly agree with this

 

[BLUElightCory]

Go play everything in the store. Basses can vary SO much (even among identical models) that it's really important to play the ACTUAL bass you're looking at before you buy. Plus, it's more fun to take a couple hours and play basses, and you'll be more satisfied knowing you bought the best bass for your tastes.

 

[Josh Burgess]

I say go for a used spector legend classic.

 

[53Crëw]

Those Classic Vibe and Vintage Modified ones are easily on par with Mexico Fenders, highly recommended!

+1. These things are really quite nice for the money. Also, keep your eyes out for a used MIM Jazz bass. One thing I like about the MIM Jazz basses is they have Alder bodies and a satin neck finish which I like. The Squier will be a Basswood or Maple body and a gloss neck finish. It just depends which one you prefer. Any of these would be a good choice, though.

 

[Virgil.]

I'm a bit apprehensive to go in and sit down and play basses in the store; especially considering I don't play bass so I'm going to look like one of those fucking retarded 13 yr old kids going in there messing around. lol. But I understand what you're saying. I've been playing guitar for a long time, and it really is just going to be used for tracking simple bass lines until I find a bass player to jam with.

I will keep my eye out for a used Spector. Nice that they come stock with EMG's

I plan on going to a couple of music stores today after work to see what they have and how they feel. But as far as bang for the money, I've been hearing a LOT of good things about those Squier jazz basses (the classic vibe and vintage modified) mentioned here.

Will keep y'all updated for sure! Thanks for your input!

 

[Virgil.]

+1. These things are really quite nice for the money. Also, keep your eyes out for a used MIM Jazz bass. One thing I like about the MIM Jazz basses is they have Alder bodies and a satin neck finish which I like. The Squier will be a Basswood or Maple body and a gloss neck finish. It just depends which one you prefer. Any of these would be a good choice, though.

The modified vintage jazz bass actually has a maple neck, fingerboard and body. As well as a satin finished neck.

 

[Virgil.]

Ok, so this guy on CL is willing to let this one go for $60. It's a Squier P bass (normally $150-$200 new).
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/msg/1840865020.html

What do y'all think? I would spend $300 on one of the nicer Squiers, but I'm not sure if I should pass up this deal.

 

[crillemannen]

The best tone i got by far is with Fender Jazz bass. I also did a great production with Fender Jaguar bass. But they are pretty expensive.

 

[Virgil.]

What about these SX Bass guitars from Rondo Music? http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars4.html

Holy shit... I should get this... this is SO METAL!
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Custom-Zone-4String-Bass-Guitar?sku=512934

 

[NicholasDWolfwood]

The SX basses are very good for the price. Marcus has one I believe, and I also have a fretless 5 string (strung E-C with a set of EMG J-X pickups installed.)

 

[PhilR]

I'd say go with the Squier Vintage Modified Jazz. Mainly because I've got one and love it to an entirely unmanly degree.

 

[Jaymz]

Have you swapped the pups out or do the Duncan Designed ones pack enough punch?

 

[XnaySaturo]

I picked up that LTD recently and it totally slays. 5 string version though

 

[Uladyne]

I know this isn't the For Sale section, but I'm actually looking to sell my Peavey 5 string Grind bass for about $300.

Might not seem too great of a deal until you consider theres another $300 worth of EMG electronics in it, and a case.

Two EMG40DC pickups, and an EMG BQC control system (Master volume, blend, bass, treble, and parametric mid controls)

It has a few minor cosmetic issues but it's still a great bass. The only thing is I was going to try to sell it locally, so I could deliver it. Not sure how a long distance deal would work, but if you're interested PM me or something.

 

[PhilR]

Have you swapped the pups out or do the Duncan Designed ones pack enough punch?

Completely stock other than the bridge which I swapped for a Leo Quan. Those Duncan Designed pup pack more than enough punch for me. It was pretty much the sound I'd been looking for a soon as I plugged it in.