Yes but not the entry-level ones. I’d say that starting at about 200€, HB’s start to be interesting. The cheapest ones are really bad.
3 Likes
Yeah, I understand what you mean.
I use my Katana Go only outside … but, if you want to save money, this is a way to go.
Also, you could use your own stereo equipment / boom box as a temporary “loud” solution, if money is an issue! Just connect the headphone out to your amplifier and you’re set.
1 Like
I haven’t owned a HB but I’ve heard they can have some set up issues like sharp fret wires. Those of us with a little experience under us now, we can handle filing those down, no biggie, but someone brand new shouldn’t have to.
2 Likes
Yes plus the lower end HB’s are like 11 pounds. The slightly more expensive ones have a much better reputation- but in that range there’s also the Squiers and Yamahas.
Even so they would be a better gamble than a random no name brand though.
2 Likes
I think, it depends on the model. A friend of mine has this one, and it sound very ok:
As always: look at the reviews. Thomann is quite neutral, when it comes to reviews and even allows posting very critical ones!
So, my 40 yr old BB 
1 Like
I have two of them, and frets are perfect.
EDIT I saw a review where somebody cut his fingers on the frets of his model. So mileage may vary. Thomann is very relaxed about sending back and exchanging instruments though.
This is a review of my (short scale) bass and I confirm all his findings, except frets.
Watch from 2:05 to see his fret issue:
This one is 9.5 pounds (old model - new model should be lighter)
The JB75 is over 5kg.
1 Like
Yeah - that’s quite a heavy model!
I have been playing thomann bass and I’m very happy with it!
I have brought it on local store for a review (I know a mate working in) and it seems ok, just a few intonation check.
1 Like
Hi @JohnnyBoy!
I’d say you can probably get started on this one. Basschat.co.uk has a thread that says what people here have said, too. It’s not going to be perfect, and perhaps the Thomann options etc. are good, too.
Try not to think too much about finding the perfect first instrument, rather get one and be ready to return it and try another one.
Best of luck!
2 Likes
The Harley Benton JB-62CC gets great reviews on the Thomann site, costs only €148 (in Portugal) and comes in several cool colors:
3 Likes
This bass has also a very interesting user review that matches my impression of some HB basses: “The sound… Really good! I’m amazed at what a great instrument you get for this price. 2 years ago I bought a Fender Bass (Mexico) for 1200€… It had frets that were sticking out, despite the P-BASS humbucker, buzzing like crazy, overtightened screws, loose tuners, etc. No joke, the HB makes this 1200 € in every respect!”
2 Likes
You might like to check out Josh’s tips “Which Bass to Buy”.
Which Bass To Buy? | BassBuzz.com
In the past 4 years I’ve bought a lot of stuff from Gear4Music and have few if any real complaints. Their own brand acoustics/classicals tend to be OK but I did buy a 3/4 size electric from them and this turned out to be a mistake. Poor quality and not easy to set up. But I’m very happy with the Ibanez TMB30 Talman bass I got from them. And not too expensive. I actually started last year with a Blackstar Travel bass - happy I started on a small bass then worked my way up!
2 Likes
It’s not a bad thing necessarily. One of my favorite Fender bass is the Fender Steve Harris and that one is Maple body and Maple neck, I have 2 both are in the 11-12 lbs neighborhood amazing feel, albeit, heavy 
Heavy and dense body transfer vibration to your body well and it makes certain techniques fun, like slapping. I don’t mind heavy basses.
1 Like
The Blackstar Travel bass is a mean little MF 
Own one, love it!
I had the Ibanez TMB35 Talman (for testing), which is the 5 string version of the TMB30 - and consider the HB that I currently have much better in every respect - while costing about the same.
If I remember correctly, the TMB35 felt really heavy too…
I have a short scale though, so that might not be what @JohnnyBoy is looking for. The Harley Benton MV-4PJ seems to be the long scale version and there is a P version too.
@Mike_NL’s link shows also a very interesting bass .
There is a lot of choice here
1 Like
While I am happy with lighter basses (looking at you, Ibanez EHB1005SMS), I feel that (no) neck dive is much more important than weight!
1 Like
Balanced is key but neck dive is not the end of the world or even a deal breaker for me. Siting or standing I’ve never been in a position where neck dive is ever an issue. A quick counter balance in position usually prevent problems.
4 Likes
They all contribute to overall feel. Balance, weight, heft, contour, thickness, neck profile and radius, etc etc. All are important to me really, and I do tend to dislike weight extremes - both ends of it feel cheap and less elegant to me. Too heavy is annoying and clunky, and too light lacks satisfying heft. I generally like around 3.5-4kg. Much outside of either end of that range and it bugs me.
2 Likes