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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?

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.

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

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.

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.

squier CV or MIM.

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.

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.

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.

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.