@@JibblyjabI highly recommend it. Highly versatile tone. Plus super nice looking. I have the Gretsch mentioned in this video, and love it. But my next choice would go to the TRBX304. Yamaha gets slept on for unknown amounts of reasons.
I own a Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass in Sherwood Green and I can honestly say that its a brilliant sounding instrument. Ignore the Squier logo if you're a gear snob, because it really is a stunning thing. Treat it as a proper Fender bass at a discount. Those wide range pickups and tone are fabulous. Totally recommend you buy or try one.
Two months ago I've bought a Sire P5 of the very same colour of yours, what an amazing instrument! There's really something really unique about the mid-rangy tone, the general look, the playing feeling. I hope to never rid away of it! The headstock has never been too much of a problem for me.
I usually jump between a P-Bass and a PRS Kingfisher SE but recently I picked up an Ibanez TMB30 Talisman (short scale), just to chuck in the car, mess around with, practice on in a pinch.... and my god, what a bass for the price! I've found myself playing it more often than the other two over the past few weeks just because its so easy and fun to mess around on. Absolutely worth every dollar!
Really pleased to see the Harley on the list! I’ve been looking at this one for a while, reading reviews etc. I already have a Harley MB-4 LH Stingray copy. Great player but a little on the heavy side. And being a lefty, I find the choice is slightly diminished when looking for reasonably priced basses. Harley do a great job of producing great quality affordable instruments. Keep up the awesome content😄🤙🏼
I picked up a Michael Kelly Element 4 the other day for $300 older model new they’re about $429 to $600. Aside from being a little beat up it plays like a dream. Tight in all the right places and loose in all the right ways.
i was kicking tires in a music store maybe a year ago, and i pulled several sub $800 basses off the wall. a mim p, some kinda sire, a cv j, and maybe a schecter. then i saw a surf green squier sonic p. i grabbed it simply because i hadn't played one before, and it felt better than anything i tried that day. it played so well that i had to plug it in. sounded amazing. i had recently bought a cheap bass so i couldn't really justify another. but they're $179 at musician's friend right now ...
The 500 mark is where all my favorite basses are. Jackson's JS series, Spector's Performer series, Steinberger Spirit, Ibanez's Standard series, it's all good stuff.
Nice video! My Sterling Sub Ray4 is all I could ever dream about in a bass! I love the design (mint finish), the tone, the feeling,... 1000% recommendation, totally worth it!
Vintage brand, £3-400 mark and superb basses with a nice headstock (if headstocks bother you) Or save a little more and grab a fender player, well worth the extra if you can afford it.
@JonnyDibble For sure, I remember that episode. On the subject of budget instruments, I recently bought a Squire Affinity JB, the burgundy blush colour, lovely. I was stunned at the quality of the pups. They were monsters! And the overall build is really good, tuners not the best but I can live with that. All for £239 😎
@chrisegonmusic They certainly are. Not sure but think they're made in Vietnam? They're great, and if you can pick up an original Vintage V74 JB, the 2007 model, don't miss out (unless you have one?) Just as good as a fender.
I bought that Sire P5 based partly on your video. It has become such a workhorse and it sounds amazing. Honestly, the headstock doesn’t bother me. Just a fab bass. Keep up the good work champ!
Ha! I have quite a few of those basses! I have tow Harley Benton PB50s, one of each color. The sunburst is set up with a slightly milder pickup, ashtray covers and the white pickguard from the Fiesta Red PB50. The FR is under reconstruction into an homage to Dusty Hill and his Peeler P. I have the Ashdown Saint Soap in Onyx Green. I was settled on getting one after your review. It was also the last one I could find online, from a store in the UK. It cost me a lot to ship it across the pond, but it was worth it! My daughter had an SX Ursa 1 (SX P copy) and it was a sweet bass. It only needed strings, a set up and a TUSQ XL nut. When she got married and moved out her and her husband got in a bind (as many young couples) and she sold it. ☹ That was before I was committed to bass and I was playing it more than she would, so she never quite bonded with it. I have a Squier Sonic P in Surf Green (FSR from Musician's Friend) and its set up with a vintage split coil P pickup and flats. It's my vintage sound P. Its got a J style neck and plays great! Finally I also have a Sterling StingRay (SUB) Ray4. It has a Seymour Duncan Alnico pickup in it and stock preamp. I did get a preamp for it, but I've been happy with the way it is right now. All got a setup to my taste with the strings for what I was after with each and a TUSQ XL nut, as they allow the stings to move cleanly through the nut, for a more stable tuning. I am just a hobbyist and don't make any money playing bass, but it doesn't mean I don't take sound and playability seriously. I just can't justify high dollar gear, especially if I can modify an affordable bass to my taste.
Personal reccomendation: Second hand G&L L2000 Tribute, found mine for 440€ and managed to get it for 410€ and it's a beast, go look for the used one boys!
I felt like you were talking to me! I’m cheap , a bass player and my name is Gary! I have Fender players PJ and jazz an p bass. Past couple day I’ve been playing my Sterling sub series with upgraded Aguilar pick up and upgraded bridge from AlBridge and it honestly blows them all away.
Jackson Spectra JS3. It won't be everyone's thing, but it's a cheap active/passive with 2 humbuckers. It's maybe not top notch quality, but it's good for the price if you are looking for a bass with those kind of specs.
Nice list, Jonny 😎🎸 between all these basses, I personally liked the squire sonic precision, the sire Marcus miller signature, and the sterling ray basses.
Tagima I have a heap Tagima jazz bass and find it more than just acceptable.Its actually pretty good for less than 400 pounds.quid. Came set up and ready to play
The bass that stunning me the most on low-price range is by far the Harley Benton enhenced MP5 (MP5-MN for the one I've tried) about $350/400, and what a machine !!
@@JonnyDibble I just watch your vid, I totally agree with "incredible modding platform" 😁 Especially more precise tuners (higher ratio) and maybe a parametric mids eq ('cos I love that 😋) I didn't know the 25th anniversary, looks great !
I'm a great fan of Harley Benton guitars some of the best instruments I've ever played at incredibly good prices. My current workhorse bass is my Chapman thru neck small body well contoured and fits me like a glove, I can have it strapped on all day without any aches and pains. I got for a very cheap price of £500
@@JonnyDibble I know. It was in an auction on eBay starting price £500. I was the only person who bid in it. It was the full outfit with custom hard case and strap. I also got a PJB Briefcase amp for £350. Both items in mint condition and all accessories included. Now my standard working outfit.
Agreed, but you're much better off looking for a Spector Legend. They sound and feel much better and can often be found on sale for similar prices to the Performers. And if not, they can definitely be bought used for a great price!
One thing to look for in cheaper basses is good tuners. I imagine as a beginner you don’t want to be frustrated by the bass getting constantly out of tune
Maybe next time you can do a piece on affordable basses that aren't stuck with 1950s aesthetics, and include Ibanez, Jackson or Washburn? I have a Jackson Spectra that cost me around £300 and I'd say outplays any of the instruments you mentioned in this list, both physically because of its construction, and sonically because of the options it has on board. And it doesn't look like it belongs in the previous century.
I played several basses and I own 7 currently. By a large amount the Paranormal Rascal is the best bass hands down. Check some of my videos playing with it. I just love it
7:42 I think Sire are a bit late in that department or I'm just too impatient ;) As far as I know there is only one actual ( brazilian ) review on UA-cam. Yet the distribution has started, a bit : here in Paris I've seen one Z7 and even two U7, that just popped, in the same boutique. They're probably already gone. They had 3 Z3 a few weeks ago, so within that budget, that I didn't get to see. I'd genuinely love to hear about more original options though as to be honest, we cycle through 3-4 brands on most channels. Could be itd own video, maybe on a wider price range, to give some love to other brands.
@@JonnyDibble You tried the 434 ( I own one), same bass, but a bit less tension in the strings, a few corner cuts like the knobs who feel (and are) cheap and..that's about it.
@@JonnyDibble Eye closed, same. I know that the 434 is a 5 piece plus there's the mitter screw, but the only thing that I really noticed is the string tension wich is lower on the 234, so I didnt really evaluate the mitter screw thing on it because my 434 is stringed thrue body and not as a top loader. Ultimatly, I doubt there would be a big difference if loaded the same, the 234 I tested felt really familiar compared to the 434. As a comparison, I didnt felt any drastic differences between a Fender Player and US Pro JazzBass either, so, maybe there is no big diffeence, or maybe I dont really care for the all the small things, but I am a Blink 182 fan.
Dude, get over the Sire headstock hate bandwagon. Say you didn't grow up seeing James Tyler basses without actually saying it😂😂. Can you please review some basses that are not trending on other channels. Gets really stale when channels do the same basses across 4or 5 sometimes even 6 channels are doing the same basses. It's like there is an actual whole entire world of other basses to be reviewed not just the same ones that are trending🫤
But the headstock really is hideous... I do agree that always repping the newest Sire or Squier gets stale. However Sire's are popular for a reason. They are AMAZING for the price. Also, I haven't seen any other channel mention the Ashdown basses yet. Since I said all that defending Johnny's video, I may as well supply my own list of favorite affordable basses 😉 1. Gretsch G2220 2. Spector Legend 5 Standard (slightly over, but easily found on sale or used) 3. Yamaha BB434 (Again, Slightly over, but very easily found on sale or used for well under that price range) 4. Squier 40th Anniversary 5. Cort Artisan C4 Plus
I agree. Would even be worth expanding the budget to get to learn about other basses, I got fatigue over basses I don't even own because they just pop everywhere all the time x)
Personally I feel like they look even nicer than Fender headstocks, almost like they took the design and made it more sleek and modern. But I didn’t grow up playing basses so that cultural imprint isn’t there for me. Same reason I think rickenbackers are just plain ugly, I didn’t grow up seeing them in media or listening to any rock/punk. All the more power to you no matter what you like!
No Yamaha? I have a TRBX304 and it is absolutely beautiful, sounds great and it is so comfy to play! Highly recommended! ❤
Hi I was looking at a TRBX304 too. I’m a complete beginner, never picked a guitar up. Would you still recommend?
@@JibblyjabI highly recommend it.
Highly versatile tone. Plus super nice looking.
I have the Gretsch mentioned in this video, and love it. But my next choice would go to the TRBX304.
Yamaha gets slept on for unknown amounts of reasons.
I own a Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass in Sherwood Green and I can honestly say that its a brilliant sounding instrument. Ignore the Squier logo if you're a gear snob, because it really is a stunning thing. Treat it as a proper Fender bass at a discount. Those wide range pickups and tone are fabulous. Totally recommend you buy or try one.
Do you recommend it as a starting bass for a beginner?
@@goldstay6469 Absolutely yes!
Two months ago I've bought a Sire P5 of the very same colour of yours, what an amazing instrument! There's really something really unique about the mid-rangy tone, the general look, the playing feeling. I hope to never rid away of it! The headstock has never been too much of a problem for me.
One of the best necks in the game!
I usually jump between a P-Bass and a PRS Kingfisher SE but recently I picked up an Ibanez TMB30 Talisman (short scale), just to chuck in the car, mess around with, practice on in a pinch.... and my god, what a bass for the price! I've found myself playing it more often than the other two over the past few weeks just because its so easy and fun to mess around on. Absolutely worth every dollar!
Excellent shout on the Stingray sterling . I modded mine with a Nordstrand pickup and preamp and it sounds amazing...thunder and zing for days!
I bought a Sire V5 24 fret a couple of days ago, the build is incredible for £400, ridiculously playable
I got the same in the Andertons sale.
So great.
This is exactly what I needed today. So glad I subbed. Thanks, Jonny!
I recently bought a JJB-300 from Jet Guitars as my first bass, and it's been a well-built and great sounding bass for Squier Classic Vibe money
Really pleased to see the Harley on the list! I’ve been looking at this one for a while, reading reviews etc. I already have a Harley MB-4 LH Stingray copy. Great player but a little on the heavy side. And being a lefty, I find the choice is slightly diminished when looking for reasonably priced basses. Harley do a great job of producing great quality affordable instruments. Keep up the awesome content😄🤙🏼
I picked up a Michael Kelly Element 4 the other day for $300 older model new they’re about $429 to $600. Aside from being a little beat up it plays like a dream. Tight in all the right places and loose in all the right ways.
i was kicking tires in a music store maybe a year ago, and i pulled several sub $800 basses off the wall. a mim p, some kinda sire, a cv j, and maybe a schecter. then i saw a surf green squier sonic p. i grabbed it simply because i hadn't played one before, and it felt better than anything i tried that day. it played so well that i had to plug it in. sounded amazing. i had recently bought a cheap bass so i couldn't really justify another. but they're $179 at musician's friend right now ...
The 500 mark is where all my favorite basses are. Jackson's JS series, Spector's Performer series, Steinberger Spirit, Ibanez's Standard series, it's all good stuff.
Nice video!
My Sterling Sub Ray4 is all I could ever dream about in a bass! I love the design (mint finish), the tone, the feeling,... 1000% recommendation, totally worth it!
There’s so many great options out there these days! I think it’s a great time to be playing guitars/basses on a budget
Vintage brand, £3-400 mark and superb basses with a nice headstock (if headstocks bother you)
Or save a little more and grab a fender player, well worth the extra if you can afford it.
Reviewed a few Vintage basses, all been great!
Vintage seem to be making some great stuff at the moment.
@JonnyDibble For sure, I remember that episode. On the subject of budget instruments, I recently bought a Squire Affinity JB, the burgundy blush colour, lovely. I was stunned at the quality of the pups. They were monsters! And the overall build is really good, tuners not the best but I can live with that. All for £239 😎
@chrisegonmusic They certainly are. Not sure but think they're made in Vietnam? They're great, and if you can pick up an original Vintage V74 JB, the 2007 model, don't miss out (unless you have one?) Just as good as a fender.
I bought that Sire P5 based partly on your video. It has become such a workhorse and it sounds amazing. Honestly, the headstock doesn’t bother me. Just a fab bass. Keep up the good work champ!
Amazing!! Congrats 😊
Ha! I have quite a few of those basses!
I have tow Harley Benton PB50s, one of each color. The sunburst is set up with a slightly milder pickup, ashtray covers and the white pickguard from the Fiesta Red PB50. The FR is under reconstruction into an homage to Dusty Hill and his Peeler P.
I have the Ashdown Saint Soap in Onyx Green. I was settled on getting one after your review. It was also the last one I could find online, from a store in the UK. It cost me a lot to ship it across the pond, but it was worth it!
My daughter had an SX Ursa 1 (SX P copy) and it was a sweet bass. It only needed strings, a set up and a TUSQ XL nut. When she got married and moved out her and her husband got in a bind (as many young couples) and she sold it. ☹ That was before I was committed to bass and I was playing it more than she would, so she never quite bonded with it.
I have a Squier Sonic P in Surf Green (FSR from Musician's Friend) and its set up with a vintage split coil P pickup and flats. It's my vintage sound P. Its got a J style neck and plays great!
Finally I also have a Sterling StingRay (SUB) Ray4. It has a Seymour Duncan Alnico pickup in it and stock preamp. I did get a preamp for it, but I've been happy with the way it is right now.
All got a setup to my taste with the strings for what I was after with each and a TUSQ XL nut, as they allow the stings to move cleanly through the nut, for a more stable tuning.
I am just a hobbyist and don't make any money playing bass, but it doesn't mean I don't take sound and playability seriously. I just can't justify high dollar gear, especially if I can modify an affordable bass to my taste.
Personal reccomendation: Second hand G&L L2000 Tribute, found mine for 440€ and managed to get it for 410€ and it's a beast, go look for the used one boys!
I love my Jaguar Short Scale bass (I'm mainly a guitarist)
The Jackson JS3 concert bass! I’ve had one for 9 years and it’s been super reliable. The stock pickups sound good and it has a 3 band preamp.
Great reviews as always 👍🏻
I felt like you were talking to me! I’m cheap , a bass player and my name is Gary! I have Fender players PJ and jazz an p bass. Past couple day I’ve been playing my Sterling sub series with upgraded Aguilar pick up and upgraded bridge from AlBridge and it honestly blows them all away.
Jackson Spectra JS3. It won't be everyone's thing, but it's a cheap active/passive with 2 humbuckers. It's maybe not top notch quality, but it's good for the price if you are looking for a bass with those kind of specs.
7 basses for £500 ? I cant afford 3 and half grand ,,! 😅
I'm sure it's £500 for the 7 basses all together 😄
Nice list, Jonny 😎🎸 between all these basses, I personally liked the squire sonic precision, the sire Marcus miller signature, and the sterling ray basses.
Tagima
I have a heap Tagima jazz bass and find it more than just acceptable.Its actually pretty good for less than 400 pounds.quid. Came set up and ready to play
Imo squier and epiphany quality is much better than it used to be (15-20 years ago) especially the classic vibe lines each brand has are super nice
Had great experiences with the CV range!
the Sire v3 Jazz and v3P jazz bass in almost unbeatable for the money
Taking notes ❤❤❤❤
The bass that stunning me the most on low-price range is by far the Harley Benton enhenced MP5 (MP5-MN for the one I've tried) about $350/400, and what a machine !!
I reviewed the 25th anniversary one, it was cool!
@@JonnyDibble I just watch your vid, I totally agree with "incredible modding platform" 😁
Especially more precise tuners (higher ratio) and maybe a parametric mids eq ('cos I love that 😋) I didn't know the 25th anniversary, looks great !
I'm a great fan of Harley Benton guitars some of the best instruments I've ever played at incredibly good prices. My current workhorse bass is my Chapman thru neck small body well contoured and fits me like a glove, I can have it strapped on all day without any aches and pains. I got for a very cheap price of £500
Those Chapman basses are rare!
@@JonnyDibble I know. It was in an auction on eBay starting price £500. I was the only person who bid in it. It was the full outfit with custom hard case and strap. I also got a PJB Briefcase amp for £350. Both items in mint condition and all accessories included. Now my standard working outfit.
Agreed on the paranormal rascal, its the nuts
Love the musicman ray 4s I have 2 of them
It sucks there aren't as many lefthanded options in this price range
3:49 BRO
I missed that reference :/
@@thierry18 Google "Ghost Car" or "Scary car commercial" 😁
Bringing back childhood trauma 🤣😭
The Spector performer series is a good choice.
Agreed, but you're much better off looking for a Spector Legend. They sound and feel much better and can often be found on sale for similar prices to the Performers. And if not, they can definitely be bought used for a great price!
@@thierry18 Good to know. If I am not mistaken the fret board is some kind of ebony on Spectors.
I also sold my American Stingray & kept the Ray 4 because it was just way more enjoyable to play.
I highly recommend the Epiphone Embassy.
Me too!
One thing to look for in cheaper basses is good tuners. I imagine as a beginner you don’t want to be frustrated by the bass getting constantly out of tune
Yamaha BB434 is an excellent bass for the price
I own the H.B. 50s P and the Gretch both great. How about the Squire Jaguar H? Another good one well under $500
I'm happy with my three year old fender MIM P-bass, got it for £650 brand new but I nearly by Squire CV P-bass instead!
Hi Jonny, The Squire 70's Classic Vibes P Bass is a great player and a lot of Bass for your Buck. 🤔
I‘ve missed the Yamaha BB234, great PJ imo.
Still need to try the 234!
I would like to buy an ashdown bass but they are still sold out at the moment :O
Maybe next time you can do a piece on affordable basses that aren't stuck with 1950s aesthetics, and include Ibanez, Jackson or Washburn? I have a Jackson Spectra that cost me around £300 and I'd say outplays any of the instruments you mentioned in this list, both physically because of its construction, and sonically because of the options it has on board. And it doesn't look like it belongs in the previous century.
@@robpaige2376 I’ve only played 1 Jackson Spectra and it was great! I think mine was over £500 though. I tried to only include ones I’ve played 😊
I played several basses and I own 7 currently. By a large amount the Paranormal Rascal is the best bass hands down. Check some of my videos playing with it. I just love it
Vintage VJ74 😎
what about harley benton jb-75 ?? Do you guys recommend this one as well?
@@goldstay6469 Yes! Great bass but HEAVY. There’s a video on it on my channel 😄
Awesome list.
Thanks 😄
7:42 I think Sire are a bit late in that department or I'm just too impatient ;)
As far as I know there is only one actual ( brazilian ) review on UA-cam. Yet the distribution has started, a bit : here in Paris I've seen one Z7 and even two U7, that just popped, in the same boutique. They're probably already gone. They had 3 Z3 a few weeks ago, so within that budget, that I didn't get to see.
I'd genuinely love to hear about more original options though as to be honest, we cycle through 3-4 brands on most channels.
Could be itd own video, maybe on a wider price range, to give some love to other brands.
Fender Squier Classic Vibe '50s? in white......
Squire mini P?
No Yamaha BB or TRBX series basses??
Yah, I have the Yamaha BB 434 and it is way nicer then the MIM fender P bass I had. In terms of both quality and playability.
@@grahamcomfort4312 I have a RBX 375 and a TRBX 305.
I'm missing some Yamaha BB and Ibanez SR or TMB, maybe even a Warwick RB
I liked the BB343 but didn’t LOVE the neck in the end! Yet to try the 234 😈
@@JonnyDibble It happened the same to me but that's personal preference after all, it's an awesome bass.
Johnny, still got your BB434M around?
@@jerrywangg No that went a few years ago I’m afraid!
Where can I find the Ashdown Basses in the US?
@@Romaluii unfortunately they seem to be all out of stock atm 😓
Squire Affinity 😢, I just bought the pack, seems I bought too soon
it's a good one
What about Vintage Reissued v4?
Nearly made the list tbh!
I don’t where your looking m8 but the ashdown is a lot more than £500
@@sy84 the Roasted series, not the normal one
Where are basses listed?
Not the Rapier?
Can we hear the damn bass guitars? You love the sound of your own voice!
@@david75nufc99 I’ll add in the links to the videos. Appreciate it xo
Is 500 pounds considered cheap nowadays?
I'm not a cheapskate. I'm just broke. Piss poor. Barely earning enough to keep myself alive.
Apparently my name is Gary now.
@@djr_drums I see you Gary.
I will just say Yamaha BB234.
Leave it here.
Let it grow.
@@nekot9274 yet to try the 234!
@@JonnyDibble You tried the 434 ( I own one), same bass, but a bit less tension in the strings, a few corner cuts like the knobs who feel (and are) cheap and..that's about it.
@@nekot9274 how do you find the neck on it?
@@JonnyDibble Eye closed, same. I know that the 434 is a 5 piece plus there's the mitter screw, but the only thing that I really noticed is the string tension wich is lower on the 234, so I didnt really evaluate the mitter screw thing on it because my 434 is stringed thrue body and not as a top loader. Ultimatly, I doubt there would be a big difference if loaded the same, the 234 I tested felt really familiar compared to the 434. As a comparison, I didnt felt any drastic differences between a Fender Player and US Pro JazzBass either, so, maybe there is no big diffeence, or maybe I dont really care for the all the small things, but I am a Blink 182 fan.
Dude xD
@@dominikszkoda970 🤪
bro fix your glasses lol
@@TREEMOSS20 fix?
@@JonnyDibble Go for the plaster around the middle, and both hinges too😅😂🤣
Dude, get over the Sire headstock hate bandwagon. Say you didn't grow up seeing James Tyler basses without actually saying it😂😂. Can you please review some basses that are not trending on other channels. Gets really stale when channels do the same basses across 4or 5 sometimes even 6 channels are doing the same basses. It's like there is an actual whole entire world of other basses to be reviewed not just the same ones that are trending🫤
But the headstock really is hideous...
I do agree that always repping the newest Sire or Squier gets stale. However Sire's are popular for a reason. They are AMAZING for the price. Also, I haven't seen any other channel mention the Ashdown basses yet.
Since I said all that defending Johnny's video, I may as well supply my own list of favorite affordable basses 😉
1. Gretsch G2220
2. Spector Legend 5 Standard (slightly over, but easily found on sale or used)
3. Yamaha BB434 (Again, Slightly over, but very easily found on sale or used for well under that price range)
4. Squier 40th Anniversary
5. Cort Artisan C4 Plus
6. Danelectro Longhorn
7. Warwick rockbass streamer
I agree.
Would even be worth expanding the budget to get to learn about other basses, I got fatigue over basses I don't even own because they just pop everywhere all the time x)
Gotta give credit where it’s due. Fantastic basses! I don’t personally HATE the headstock, it’s an observation about other people’s opinions
Personally I feel like they look even nicer than Fender headstocks, almost like they took the design and made it more sleek and modern. But I didn’t grow up playing basses so that cultural imprint isn’t there for me. Same reason I think rickenbackers are just plain ugly, I didn’t grow up seeing them in media or listening to any rock/punk. All the more power to you no matter what you like!