Back to bass-ics ... as in bass guitar

[Pantera61]

After a hiatus of almost a quarter century, I may be getting back into playing the bass in a band.  It's guys from the way back, only one our group of four continued to play.

It's a therapeutic thing, my doctors think it's a good idea, we shall see.  Anyhoo, I'm looking for a used bass or inexpensive new because I'm uncertain of what will happen.  In the sense of, it's a bit easier to continue playing guitar if the band splits but a bass is a bit harder.

Are the brands that were decent 25 years ago, still quality?  New brands I should be aware of or stay away from?  Thanks.

[brushhoggin]

For what i imagine to be your price range, just pickin it back up, I'd look into Squier and Ibanez.

Squier: Look atf their Affinity or Vintage Modifed Jazz/Precision basses. Go Affinity if you want to save more money; however, the Vintage Modified series is widely held as Squier's best line of basses, and one of the best basses in a lower price range. Their Jazz basses are really versatile, and can sound good in almost every style of music. Precisions have a great sound for Punk/Rock, but aren't as flexible.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Series-J-Bass?sku=519631

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Series-P-Bass?sku=510424

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-70s-Jazz-Bass?sku=519639

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-Precision-Bass?sku=519638

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-TB-Precision-Bass?sku=519758

Ibanez: Try something from their GSR line, like the GSR200. There's also a version of the GSR200 with a Flamed Maple top if you like the look better, go for it!  The GSR line is like a cheaper version of the SR line, so it shares some of the same features the necks are really slim and comfortable to play; these basses feel really nice.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-GSR200-4String-Bass?sku=519524

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-GSR200FM-4String-Bass-Guitar?sku=515059

The most important thing is to play the bass yourself before you buy it. Go to a music store with a few in mind, and play all of them. Find which one feels the best, sounds the best, and suits your needs the best then you'll be set!

Hope you find what you're looking for

[NateFollmer]

I have a Schecter Guitar and I really love the thing. I would look into some of their stuff. I have an old Hammer Slammer 5 string bass sitting around that I never use... I'd be willing to part with it but it needs a back plate (the thing that covers the wires and junk). It's black with purple and silver flake (it doesnt look as bad as it sounds haha).

[bass or bass ?]

Carvin is very hard to beat for the cost. Their electronics are planned obsolesence, but their instruments are first rate. I'm playing a Carvin LB76 6 string in my avatar photo.

[bassman31783]

Carvin makes a very good bass for the money.  Also if you have a music store next to you, go & try out as many of the mexican made fenders as you can.  I used to work at a music store & 1 in about every 30 mexican made fenders end up being really nice.  My personal opinion though is to put your hands on a lot of basses & see which one feels like "the one". 

[hammer84]

I would look for a nice used bass.  Carvin is an excellent choice.  Not on the popular side so the resale is low but the quality is top notch.  Made in the USA with great parts.  It was said earlier but the consistancy of the low end stuff is just awful.  Go to a music store and you will see what we mean so that would discourage me from buying one online.  Peavey made some solid basses in the late 80s-earl 90s that go for a nice price.  Anything US Fender is overpriced and their Squire line has some very low end electronics.  Go to music stores and hit the used section, I have picked up many nice basses for a song doing that in theh past.

[Teaburner]

For what i imagine to be your price range, just pickin it back up, I'd look into Squier and Ibanez.

Squier: Look atf their Affinity or Vintage Modifed Jazz/Precision basses. Go Affinity if you want to save more money; however, the Vintage Modified series is widely held as Squier's best line of basses, and one of the best basses in a lower price range. Their Jazz basses are really versatile, and can sound good in almost every style of music. Precisions have a great sound for Punk/Rock, but aren't as flexible.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Series-J-Bass?sku=519631

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Series-P-Bass?sku=510424

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-70s-Jazz-Bass?sku=519639

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-Precision-Bass?sku=519638

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-TB-Precision-Bass?sku=519758

Ibanez: Try something from their GSR line, like the GSR200. There's also a version of the GSR200 with a Flamed Maple top if you like the look better, go for it! The GSR line is like a cheaper version of the SR line, so it shares some of the same features the necks are really slim and comfortable to play; these basses feel really nice.

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-GSR200-4String-Bass?sku=519524

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-GSR200FM-4String-Bass-Guitar?sku=515059

The most important thing is to play the bass yourself before you buy it. Go to a music store with a few in mind, and play all of them. Find which one feels the best, sounds the best, and suits your needs the best then you'll be set!

Hope you find what you're looking for

I have owned the Ibanez above for a couple of years. Plays really well, has active electronics, and both "j" and "p" pickups. Very affordable and I can get anywhere from a mellow jazz tone to a punchy high end punk tone with it.

[Stringjam]

If you can find one of the old Fender Prophecy basses on eBay, you might give it consideration.

Fender didn't actually make these...they were farmed out to a Japanese company named Heartfield.

My brother-in-law has one and I'm super-impressed with it given the very low prices they go for (not many people seem to know about them).

Active P/J configuration, very light and comfy, and a versatile range of tones (killer slap and hard rock tones).

[Pantera61]

Well, after some time, I decided on an Ibanez SR300M.  Like the maple over the rosewood BUT there may be a Fender Jazz bass in the future.

Got a Fender Bassman 250/210 amp to go with it.  They must be discontinuing it or something, it was reduced down to $399.  More importantly, it sounds great!

Deep immersion for the past month, retraining the ear, rebuilding speed and dexterity and trying to learn some new techniques.