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so i play guitar, have for 5 years. recently i decided it wouldn't be a terrible idea to pick up a decent bass to mess around on to expand my musical horizons. where should i start? i'm looking into a fender bassman for my guitar, so i'm assuming i'd be pretty set for a bass amp as well. i don't wanna spend too much, but i do want some quality. and i'd like to stay away from squier's if possible. i also wouldn't be opposed to changing out a pickup. any suggestions would be great

ms1012 wrote:and i'd like to stay away from squier's if possible.

Do you mind if I ask why?
Their Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe series are very nice guitars for their price range.
I'm holding my Vintage Modified Jaguar bass as I type this. Tbh, I enjoy it quite a bit more than several of my basses costing exponentially more.

foomanfat wrote:

ms1012 wrote:and i'd like to stay away from squier's if possible.

Do you mind if I ask why?
Their Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe series are very nice guitars for their price range.
I'm holding my Vintage Modified Jaguar bass as I type this. Tbh, I enjoy it quite a bit more than several of my basses costing exponentially more.

my friend plays one of the vintage modified's and after holding my old bassist's highway one, the VM didn't feel the same.

ms1012 wrote:

foomanfat wrote:

ms1012 wrote:and i'd like to stay away from squier's if possible.

Do you mind if I ask why?
Their Vintage Modified and Classic Vibe series are very nice guitars for their price range.
I'm holding my Vintage Modified Jaguar bass as I type this. Tbh, I enjoy it quite a bit more than several of my basses costing exponentially more.

my friend plays one of the vintage modified's and after holding my old bassist's highway one, the VM didn't feel the same.

Ah, okay.
So, budget-wise, how much is too much? Also, is used an option?

used is definitely an option. i've got the money to buy a highway one, but it's just gonna be something i mess around on/maybe mod a bit, so i don't want it to be a really nice bass. i just want a smooth neck and something that feels nice and smooth, and i plan on doing a pickup change anyway at some point. also, i'm not opposed to a 5 string, and i think it would be a pretty smooth transition, considering i'm not really adjusted to a 4 string bass as is

Check out early to mid 80's Ibanezes like Blazers and Roadstars, great basses that can keep up with of pass up US fenders.

You could probably score a used G&L for a pretty decent price.
That's the only thing coming to mind for some reason. :/

The two previous suggestions are excellent. Also, I really liked the Ibanez ATK I used to have.

Standard MIM Fenders aren't a bad choice either.

I'm lusting for a P-Bass right now. I like my Jazz Bass fine, but it's not thumpy enough for me.

Noise... wrote:Standard MIM Fenders aren't a bad choice either.

I'm lusting for a P-Bass right now. I like my Jazz Bass fine, but it's not thumpy enough for me.

My MIM P-bass left a bit of a bad impression. I was hoping for thump, but I ended up with nothing but grind.
I guess I just got a janked pickup but I was quite disappointed.

Noise... wrote:Standard MIM Fenders aren't a bad choice either.

I'm lusting for a P-Bass right now. I like my Jazz Bass fine, but it's not thumpy enough for me.

same! i just need to find the right p bass.. that isn't 40 years old..

but it you're looking for a solid bass to mod around the mim fenders are a good bet. some play a lot better than others. i have had a mim jazz for 3 years now and it has served me well. i tend to see used mim fenders for around 300-350 on my local craigslist

You just have to play a shit tun of them... My 82 blazer does the thump and the OX thing and I payed $200 for it.... 10 years ago... But I've seen a few still at that price now and then. No it's not as good as my 74 P but then well...

My bassist plays an old cij p bass that he got at a pawn shop, nice and beat up.

he recently got ahold of a reissue mustang bass for like $300 and it doesn't even look like its been held...

got to vote for the peavy basses.

the newer ones nail the jaco tone and are built like tanks.

If you did get a Bassman (head) you'd nead a seperate bass speaker cabinet to use, unless your okay with running your bass through guitar speakers, like back in the day.
All of the suggestions so far are great, I'd check out some of the cheaper Ibanez bassses, twas my first bass and it sill holds up to my Lakland in some regards, if I knew what your budget was that would help, adn I totally second and recomend teh Squier Vintage Modified Basses for a first bass, their quality has gone up in recent years.