Bass Guitar for £500

Scotty55

I turn 60 in a few months and am being hounded by relatives for gift ideas. Protestations that I don't really want much are falling on deaf ears and I am worried that, if I don't suggest something, they'll buy me something which will cost a fair bit of money but that I don't really want.

I am, therefore, thinking of a new bass guitar. Now, I dont play that often and Ill never be much good, but I like having my bass and being able to pick it up whenever I want. Wife and I are in the fortunate position of having a small holiday flat from ab inheritance and a bass guitar in the flat would be a nice addition.

I am looking for recommendations for a 4 string bass for around £500. I've read the posts which say to look at second hand, but I have an aversion to second hand, probably as a result of regularly finding the odd stray pube in library books. And it's a gift so family will want to go for new.

Any suggestions?

ICBM

Do you like traditional or modern? (Including, but not limited to, passive or active.)

Full scale or short?

Big neck or small?

There’s a lot of choice in that price range, it’s hard to know where to start without narrowing it down a bit!

Scotty55

No idea about any of these! But Google has helped.

Having looked at these, I don't mind passive or active. I'd be looking for full scale and big neck.

UnclePsychosis

In that price range the guys over at Basschat rave about Sire basses but personally I've never been convinced. But worth checking out, they do genuinely have a lot of fans. 

Personally I'd be looking at Squier, Yamaha, or Ibanez depending on the aesthetic and setup you want to go for. I'm boringly traditional / classic when it comes to basses so my first thought was "Squier Jazz, or Squier Precision". If you prefer bigger necks then likely the P. 

MrTee

I can highly recommend squier classic vibe p bass
i have the 70s model in black, punches way above its weight and way under budget 

Winny_Pooh

Yamaha BB234 will do unless you have to have a Fender copy

Kebabkid

Another +1 for Sire basses and whilst prices have gone up, they still punch well above their price point, particularly the various V range (V3, V5 & V7) with the Marcus Miller active preamp (can switch to passive). Pros were buying these up and I've been a happy owner of a V3 and V7 for several years.

I've been impressed by Squier 70s P and J basses and Andertons are offering a free Valeton GP-5 with them and they're just over £400

Obviously, all the above can be had for less on the used market, but that's not for you. I will say if you do change your mind and look down that road, the Bass Collection 'Betsy' (Guy Pratt's signature bass) is fantastic 

Sporky

https://www.andertons.co.uk/sterling-by-music-man-sub-ray-4-bass-guitar-in-black/

Because Stingrays are best. 

Stratavarious

Ibanez, Yamaha or Sire.. find the one you can’t put down.

JCA2550

A good Jazzbass is where I'd start, I have 5 very different basses, each wonderful to play but if it had to be just one it would be my MIJ 2001 Geddy Lee Jazzbass. If it was pinched and I needed an affordable replacement tomorrow this catches my eye https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/product/blockhead-bass/

Haych

Roberty has a gorgeous Vintera 50s Precision Bass over in the classifieds for about that kind of money.

If I had the spare cash I'd have already relieved him of it!

Funkfingers

Scotty55 said:

I'd be looking for full scale and big neck.

Wide, deep or both?

Bod

I have a Sire Z3 and a Z7. I absolutely love them and they knock socks off the Sterling Subs I tried.

Scotty55

Funkfingers said:

Scotty55 said:

I'd be looking for full scale and big neck.

Wide, deep or both?

Either / both

Scotty55

A wee update for the kind folks who advised me. Went to GuitarGuitar in Glasgow with SWMBO to look at  Fender guitars. I'd seen a Precision II bass in coral red - a bit more than budget but SWMBO liked the look online. I was a bit disappointed in the colour in reality, though - it was a bit too muted. The guitar felt lovely. Also tried a Music Man which cost £3k - more than 3x the price of the Fender. SWMBO was actually trying to persuade me to go for it, but I couldn't justify it. It was nice, but not for what I am doing with bass. Settled on a Fender Precision II in suinburst. Very please - although I don't get to play it until the end of April when it's my birthday.

Thanks for all tips and suggestions.

CarbonCopy

Scotty55 said:

A wee update for the kind folks who advised me. Went to GuitarGuitar in Glasgow with SWMBO to look at  Fender guitars. I'd seen a Precision II bass in coral red - a bit more than budget but SWMBO liked the look online. I was a bit disappointed in the colour in reality, though - it was a bit too muted. The guitar felt lovely. Also tried a Music Man which cost £3k - more than 3x the price of the Fender. SWMBO was actually trying to persuade me to go for it, but I couldn't justify it. It was nice, but not for what I am doing with bass. Settled on a Fender Precision II in suinburst. Very please - although I don't get to play it until the end of April when it's my birthday.

Thanks for all tips and suggestions.

Was it the Player II Precision? I've played the original Player Series and thought they were great!

I have a MusicMan Stingray Special and it's amazing, but I'd never pay new prices. The model I have (Black, Maple board) is £3000 new at GuitarGuitar, but I bought mine in almost mint condition for £1600 a few months ago. Obviously used will always be cheaper, but Music Man new prices are ridiculous.

I think you made the better choice. 

Scotty55

Player II Precision. 47 sleeps until I get it.

prowla

A used Fender MIM.

GuyR

Scotty55 said:

Player II Precision. 47 sleeps until I get it.

Once you are over 60, that’s one evening in front of bad TV

Scotty55

Won't be over 60 until the end of April, but have nailed falling asleep in front of TV and being in bed by 9. Looking forward to new challenges.