Still banging away at course with my cheap Amazon ($100) set-up. Thinking of a down-the-road goal, any next rig suggestions? I assume I will buy used. Thanks in advance.
I am a big fan of Squier. The classic vibe line is fantastic. If you want something a little nicer I’ve really taken a liking to the G&L tribute basses.
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Man, you’ll get a ton of opinions. So here’s mine 
My favorite bass is my Sire V5. It’s just so nice to play. Followed by that is my Squire CV 60’s, just another great feeling bass. Also have a Sire Z3, it’s a Music Man styled bass. Another great one to play. Yamaha comes up a ton and I see a bunch on FB marketplace if you’re looking for used.
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Several topics here address this already with all the usual suspects and reasoning.
Depending on where you are, if you are in the US, Guitar Center used is a good way to go as it has 45 days return policy.
As for upgrade or GASsing new bass, it really depends on what kind of music you want to play, it may influences what bass to get.
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This is another great reason to pile on to Fender, last weekend one of the friend brought the American Ultra to the gig to show to my bandmate. I swear, it’s probably the worst Fender USA, I’ve seen. scruffs marks, fret lift, and smears.
I can put the Fender logo on my Squier Classic Vibe and no one would even question it.
Fender is going down fast, Their reputation is plummeting like it’s going out of fashion. What’s going on?
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Fodera. You deserve it.
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They pulled a Gibson and started suing companies for things they have been doing for 50+ years.
There is a lot of justified backlash to this.
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It’s really whatever speaks to you.
Just start perusing used markets - FB, Guitar Center, Music-Go-Round, or your local equivalents. Wait for something that jumps out to your attention and excites you. Then look into the specs. That’s effectively how I came by all of my basses.
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+1 on second hand. I’m more or less three years into my bass journey and have never bought a new bass. If I see something I like the look of, second hand, I buy it. If I like it, it stays for a while, if I don’t, I just sell it on. I’ve now lost count of how many basses I’ve bought (and sold)!
Stuff that’s stayed - 2 x Dingwall (incredible), a Squier CV 50s P, an early 90s Hohner B bass.
Stuff that hasn’t - a couple of Sires (tried to like them, didn’t), a Schecter, a couple of Squier Affinity basses (they are great basses, BTW) … gosh, can’t remember!
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I have bought both new and used. There are valid reasons for both. I have had good experiences with both. I haven’t really had bad experiences with either. I have had generally better experiences used.
I prefer buying used where possible. Let someone else take that instant depreciation hit.
That said I will absolutely buy new again, no question. Sometimes it’s the best choice.
I am lucky enough to be in a position where I have easy access to dozens of stores (no exaggeration) with excellent bass selections. I will always prefer trying instruments in person before buying - there’s significant variance even in different instruments of the same model and year. It’s a far better choice than ordering sight unseen if you can do it, and sometimes the one you love the most happens to be new.
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Depending on where you are, if you are in the US, Guitar Center used is a good way to go as it has 45 days return policy.
As for upgrade or GASsing new bass, it really depends on what kind of music you want to play, it may influences what bass to get.
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I’ve bought a couple basses on Reverb. They have a “make an offer” option. Don’t be afraid to try to get a deal. I made an offer of $600 on a brand new bass that was listed at $750 and they agreed. You never know.
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I’ve bought a few guitars and basses on Reverb. I’ve had a lot of luck making offers. The Hooky BB, I got a good deal on that way.
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Thanks to all for answering my newb question. Big learning (doh!) - try before you buy! Happy Memorial Day.
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Good luck!
A Mexican P-bass is going to feel like gold after an Amazon special.
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Drooooooooooooooooooooooooooool
I like those
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Since joining the forum, I have purchased two used instruments.
-The first was the MiM Fender P/J Special which was a Reverb buy that came not as described and I got a sizeable refund on. I set it up to my liking and would not trade it for anything as it plays and sounds incredible.
-The second was used ibanez SR400EQM from Guitar Center. It was advertised as like new and and it is absolutely mint. It was unplayable and they gave me some cash back. Took it apart and after some time on the bench it is the nicest playing instrument I have ever owned.
-I still have the only new bass I ever bought in 1982 and it sat for decades before getting the attention it needed and aside from being the heaviest bass I own, it plays and sounds better than it did when I bought it.
Whatever you decide on I would rather buy after trying different products to see what speaks to you. Unless you are competent at doing your own setups, in which case you can definitely get whatever tickles your fancy. The hunt is kind of fun and making an offer a good deal lower is usually accepted. Ask for as many detailed photos as possible. Once you have the tracking number, waiting is the worst part. And be sure to do an unboxing video when it arrives to help protect yourself against unseen damage. If I ever buy another it will be in person as waiting is a buzzkill for me.
You may find one style suits you more than others so if you can hold/play one before dropping the cash so be picky in your choices.
Then just enjoy the next step in your badass journey. You will get out what you put in. Good luck.
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