Thinking about a cheap P-bass copy

damienblair17 · Post by **damienblair17** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 5:47 am

Anyone have recommendations for brands I should look for? Brands I should stay away from? I'm sure that just because it was made in Japan in the 70's or 80's doesn't mean it's gold right? My price range is around $200ish

Some cheap brands I've seen:

Hondo II
CAHUENGA
Cortez
Electra (sometimes cheap)
Would like an El Degas but haven't seen any in a while.
Obviously greco, Tokai, etc but they're not cheap.

Of course I may just get this MAEARI bass instead if the price stays low.

Any thoughts?

ultratwin · Post by **ultratwin** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 5:51 am

For 200 bones I'd dare to either suggest an Agile with upgrades, or better yet saving up another $150 for a CV Squier P-Bass. You're likely to have less regrets and probably end up with a great bass for life.

broncobuster80 · Post by **broncobuster80** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:47 am

you can get a great used Squier p-bass for (and well under) 200.00 I just personaly did a search online and looked at about 10 before posting to this - one was a vintage modified

toez10 · Post by **toez10** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 1:57 pm

I've frequently seen used MIM Fender P-basses on musicgoround.com for 250. If you're looking for the real deal and can scrap a few extra bones it might be a good way to go.

toez10 · Post by **toez10** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 1:57 pm

I've frequently seen used MIM Fender P-basses on musicgoround.com for 250. If you're looking for the real deal and can scrap a few extra bones it might be a good way to go.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 9:40 pm

squier CV or MIM.

moore65 · Post by **moore65** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 11:37 pm

Used Precision basses will go for 200 or less even at Guitar Center, and I've seen no name brand P-bass ripoffs at GC a few times that were between 100-200 with pretty nice pickups.

Billy3000 · Post by **Billy3000** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 7:58 pm

Seriously in that price range you are definitely more likely to find a quality squier or MIM fender p bass than a 70's copy in good condition that sounds and plays decent. I've seen the squier classic vibes go for around that price used, and I've seen tons of MIM fenders go for that price too. I've also heard pretty decent things about the SX copies from rondomusic.com. You could get one of those for $99 or $109 and just upgrade the pickup, bridge and tuners, you'll be within your price range and have a great instrument.

brambleperro · Post by **brambleperro** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:26 am

I bought a Hondo II "Professional Bass" for $75 a while ago. It's in great shape, and plays real well. I like it. The neck is glossy, the pup sounds good, everything about it is real solid. It could be easily passed off as a P-bass for 5 times the cost if the headstock was Fender.

damienblair17 · Post by **damienblair17** » Wed Sep 08, 2010 1:44 am

Thanks for the input guys! I think I'm gonna look into a lawsuit bass if I can score one for around $100, but other wise i think I can find a decent P bass (probably MIM or classic vibe) for around $200 if I look a little further away from home.