Comments on: Cheap Bass Guitars and Bass Gear – Beware

By: Luna

Luna — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:04:27 +0000

Hey!
I agree with most of it!
I started playing the bass a couple of years ago – am kinda old but still I can handle it – with a bass pack that didnt exceed 150$ WITH the amp.
I knew what I was doing, and didnt have the $500 that could work for a good gear, so I said, as much as it lasts – if I like playing the bass I will gradually upgrade my gear.
So, my bass was a harley benton brand, and its action was very high for me, the picks where colliding with my fingers and I was really frustrated.
I managed to low the action but my intonation was mucked up afterwards.
My blood pressure began to rise severly when I found out that my alen key wouldnt work. I saw that my neck was bowed one day so I found my keys and tried to straighten it up. No use. And after this basic setup that I am sure I didn’t do wrong, my E bass string was hitting on my 15th fret. I forgot to mention that its strings were extremely strong, very hard to play.
Two and a half years after this purchace, I saved up some money and after lots of playing in the shop and checking up every part of it, I finally bought Dark Blue Metallic
Yamaha RBX170 Bass. Its pickups are a bit high still, but its action is low and its strings are medium strengthed. I dont know if I will lower the pickups yet. It’s not that bad and I dont really hit them with my fingers. But even If I do, I believe it will be classes higher than my first bass.
I purchased it for about 200 euros (apprx $180) and I am happy with it.
I even can slap and pop with it.
I would love to know what you think about this bass!

Really good post, thanks a lot!

By: Mike Ippersiel

Mike Ippersiel — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:36:48 +0000

Hey Johnny,
Thanks for the feedback, but I disagree for the most part. Cheap bass = cheap hardware which is more likely to fall apart, especially if you only own a single bass and need it to be your workhorse instrument.

Are more expensive basses 100% free from defects from the time of purchase to infinity? Definitely not, and over spending for a crappy quality instrument isn’t going to protect you (crap = crap no matter how much you pay for it). I’ve heard some people say that they’ve had Mexican made Fender basses that sound better than the American Standard versions – but often with the mention that they’d still rather upgrade the hardware.

I’d love to hear more about your experiences with the Epiphone EB-3…how’s the hardware on that puppy and how much did it set you back?

By: Johnny

Johnny — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 08:14:50 +0000

Most of what you mentioned can easily happen to expensive instruments, and so I find your commentary to be off base. The detriments of cheap gear are, in reality, different than what you described. I feel that you might unintentionally mislead people by only giving part of the required information.

Some instruments that are $300 are “better” for various reasons and purposes than others that are over $1,000. I own a pair of very high end MTDs as well as a Rickenbacker, but I wouldn’t go anywhere without my Epiphone EB-3.

By: joey b

joey b — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:40:42 +0000

currently playin 10.00 bass i bought at junk yard in junk pile an refurbished….got 50 bucks into it…mostly pickup cost….i play in a band an is the only bass ive ever played….but tomorrow goin pawn shoppin for another bass….thanks for info

By: Matt H

Matt H — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:02:15 +0000

Thanks for the post. The 6 on the site ive read about basses and similar subjects have been very helpful and insightful. I suppose I was lucky when in 10th grade bought a “starter kit” by Silvertone. Just a basic 4 string P-style bass with a 15 watt amp, paper thin gig bag, tuner, picks, and beginner DVD. I’ve had the bass just over 7 years now without an issue. After reading the horror stories consider myself very lucky! I am happily making a slight upgrade to a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz bass and hopefully a suitable amp in the near future. Thank you again!