Hey guys,


I am currently looking to get a new bass but I am unsure of what route to go.  I am really into the Schecter basses that I have seen, but I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations for something else?

Budget is around $200-$300.


Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Welcome to the little green man from mars on "Planet BandAmp".

Mmmmhh ?! Itīs hard to give you a concrete recommendation about basses in this price segment.
First question : Do you wanna buy a new or a used instrument ?
2.          "          :  Active or passive electronic ?
 200-300 bucks..............puuuh, ......Schecter is a good brand, test it. Ibanez also, test it. Test a Yamaha bass, a Fender Squier or an ESP B50. .....
So many companies offering good instruments in any price-segment.
No matter how much money you may spend, you should play an instrument before you buy it.
A companyīs name, the price or testing reports dont mean anything if a bass doesnīt feel fine in ya hands or doesnīt sound that way you want it sounding.
I made this experience just a few days ago by purchasing a guitar. Have heard so many good things about a "Parker", ordered it, played it and sent it back. And this was an expensive guitar.
Thatīs the way it can go.
Basses which I have checked over the years are : Ibanez "BTB 300" and "SR 300". ESP "B50". My current bass a Peavy "Millenium" . These basses cost ~ 300€ - 350€. Theyīre good basses  I can recommend.
My advice is this : Visit some stores near your home and check out some basses. And it might be a good idea if you save some euros or bucks more. It makes a decision easier when one can move in a larger "financial frame".

hope it helps
good luck with finding your bass.
U.L.I.

Thanks for the response!

I might go and check out a few Ibanez and Peavy Bass guitars this week at the guitar shop and see how I like them.

Would you also recommend I get a Bass amp to start?  I have a practice amp geared toward guitar more than Bass, is this going to be a problem?

No , I donīt think itīs a problem, if you donīt crank up the amp too much. Iīm also using my 5Watt "Blackstar" git amp for jamming, noodling and practicing at home where I can use only low volume. (neighbours).
For recordings I use a "Hartke DI-Box / Pre-amp". A fantastic sounding little thing for ~100 €.



.........thatīs my current "working horse". Peavy  "Millenium". A various sounding bass you can play any style you want. Itīs a funk monster, a gnarling melodic singer, a metallical growling rockslammer. You can hear how it can sound when you listen to some of my tracks.

Here 3 examples of how it sounds.
1. Funk   http://forum.bandamp.com/Audio_Review/8127.html
2.  Melodic    http://forum.bandamp.com/Audio_Review/8332.html
3. Rock     http://forum.bandamp.com/Audio_Review/8200.html
Thereīs just one small downside : it needs lot of voltage. So Iīm using accus instead batteries. (2 x 9V).
Price : 319€ -- for that money you wonīt find many better basses. A light weight bass , easily to play and comfortable haptic. ............And looks also beautiful.


U.L.I.

That's a GREAT looking and sounding bass!  Might try and find that one and give it a test drive.

Thanks for the information!

Many years ago I put a bass through my guitar amp - it blew the speakers -
Go to your local music store and try them out. If you like the sound and they feel comfortable or easy to play, put them on your short list.
Try and see if the guitars you like are available second-hand on eBay or similar - ideally you need to try them out, but if you don't like it you can pretty much re-sell it for what you paid for it and try something else.

I use a Line 6 Bass pod for bass, http://www.giggear.co.uk/p/Line-6-Bass-Pod-XT/ I got that on Ebay, think I paid about Ģ50.00 - highly recommend piece of kit, you can connect it to your PC or even play it though an AMP

I'd stick with the recognized makes Like Ibanez or Fender, hence they will be easy to sell if you don't like them.
Something like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fender-Squire-Affinity-Bass-Guitar-Torino-Red-/190555259954?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item2c5dfa8432

UPDATE

Hey guys,

Ended up getting this bass: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/schecter-guitar-research-stiletto-extreme-4-bass


Friend had it for sale and I picked it up for $200 with a hardshell case!  What do you guys think?  So far it plays awesome!!!!

Congrats, Uni!
A "Stiletto" and a case for 200 bucks is an excellent deal. I never played one but it got good references in tests.
And itīs looking very fine. Which colour is yours?

Black cherry.  It's a little dinged up but plays awesome.  Now to get a better amp

Thanks for the congrats!  The bass is a great break from the guitar.