Basic Basses - any good?

[Tom_C76]

I've decided it might be handy to be able to play a bit of bass, for both home recording and jam sessions. I wouldn't consider playing a cheapo six string, so how disappointing would a beginners bass package be? Some on eBay around £130 including a small amp.

Or would a slightly more expensive second hand one be less hassle to learn on?

[Baryonyx]

See if you can get a used Squier Classic Vibe 60's bass. The white and tortoiseshell looks might not be to everyone's taste but I really like it. I've had two in the past and they are far, far better than any cheapo starter bass. They're of a new era in Squier quality, where their guitars are actually worth playing. As I say, I've had two of these and was really impressed with both. Both were well shielded, had great fretwork, great hardware and a good tone. They sound really good too, because you can't really go wrong with a passive Jazz bass. Dial out the neck pickup for a really burpy Jaco Pastorius kind of sound and you're set.

Two features I really like are the low profile frets and the hi-mass bridge. It has brass saddles and is a very sturdy piece of kit. The one thing I didn't like is the thumb rest, but you can unscrew that and leave it in the case.

I imagine if you were buying used you could get some really good deals on them.

Stock pic: