Need a New Bass "suggestions please"

[D]

I've really been getting into playing bass here lately as I started challenging myself to write new songs strictly using the bass. I'm doing well so far but the bass I have is a complete piece of  crap.

Always loved guitar and thought of bass as an afterthought but enlight of my love of the red hot chili peppers, I've discovered bass can be a truly awesome instrument.

So Im looking to invest some money into a quality bass.... Don't get me wrong.. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars, but just something with a good quality to get the job done.

any ideas?

[IzzyDutch]

How about a Squier Jazz or Precision bass? They're not that expensive and they get the job done for sure..

I've got this one and I'm pretty happy with it:

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0326702521


The Squier Precision bass models:
http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?section=basses&cat=precisionbass

The Squier Jazz bass models:
http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?section=basses&cat=jazzbass

[Waldorf]

Squier Vintage-Modified Jaguar Bass
http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0327900506


it sounds great, plays incredibly good and it's versatile 

[DeN]

if I had to buy a bass I'd probably choose a H?fner Ignition VSB Beatles

some examples of how it sounds here ("Exemples sonores" in french)

http://www.thomann.de/fr/hoefner_ignition_beatles_bass_vsb.htm

[Johnny Rattlesnake]

You can get almost whatever you want for $500 if you're will to look for it. I got my Fender's & BC Rich off of Ebay for less than $500 but I did a lot of work to them to get them the way I wanted. My Hamer was another story with A LOT of work but in the end, I got what I wanted.

[D]

Nice Johnny, they look awesome.

Thanks for suggestions so far everyone..

I am def digging the Fender at the moment.. may have to do some searching

[Trist805]

Fenders are very high quality.  I bought a Fender 1951 Japanese Re Issue P bass (modeled after the first electric bass).  It plays great, and it stays in tune for so long.  I can tune it, and keep it in a carrying case, even carry the case around and it will still stay in tune.   I considered getting the Geddy Lee model bass, I always liked the look of the Fender Jaguar Bass too.  The Roger Waters bass looks badass too!

A standard Jazz bass would probably be solid.

[westcoast_junkie]

Thunderbird!! The ultimate rock n' roll bass 

Or maybe one of those bass-banjo's Les Claypool's using. They are pretty raw.

Can't say I've tested any of them. I have a Carvin, and I'm satisfied

[Johnny Rattlesnake]

Thunderbird!! The ultimate rock n' roll bass 

The only thing keeping me from getting one of those was the neck dive issue.

[westcoast_junkie]

Thunderbird!! The ultimate rock n' roll bass 

The only thing keeping me from getting one of those was the neck dive issue.

Haha You'll probably get used to it

[Johnny Rattlesnake]

Na, played one today, didn't like it. Liked the Nikki Sixx Hamerbirds & Spectorbirds he played before he endorsed Gibsons with the P&J pick-ups.

[westcoast_junkie]

What about the Gothic variant?

[Johnny Rattlesnake]

What about the Gothic variant?

The Epiphone & Gibson Blackbirds?

Actually, instead of buying by looks; I'd suggest going to a store or shop where you have a selection of different basses so you can see what feels best.
My Fenders have the smallest neck out of what I own and the Hamer is definitely the largest feeling like a 5 string neck.

I'm always looking for gems that are used mainly because I don't like any of the newer bass designs out these days. Some quality stuff is out there to be had at a decent price even though that brand or body design might not be as fashionable with today's stuff.

[D]

I'm gonna have to just go to a store and try them out.. i guess thats prob the best way... see which one speaks to me the most and sounds/feels good

[Johnny Rattlesnake]

I'm gonna have to just go to a store and try them out.. i guess thats prob the best way... see which one speaks to me the most and sounds/feels good

Good idea!