wishface Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 (edited) Hi friends, I am shopping for a new bass and found a couple i liked in PMT/Bristol. I couldn't decide between them: https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/jackson-js2-spectra-tobacco-burst-bass-guitar and https://www.pmtonline.co.uk/ibanez-sr300eb-bass-in-weathered-black I've heard good things about the latter from a few youtube clips. I had never heard of the former before I went in so I decided to ask the wise brains here if they had any experience with it or either. Both have their plus points and both were quite playable. The Ibanez has lots of tonal options (lots of pots and active eq iirc) while the Spectra just had 3 pots, but was just really playable if a little high action (that can possibly be lowered). The Spectra is cheaper though, if they were both the same price it'd likely be the Ibanez. One thing I've noticed is that in PMT none of their guitars ever seem to be set up. Both had some buzz here and there on the low E. I don't know if this is normal for instrument retail and it's probably something I culd fix with a little truss rod adjustment or basic setup. But they seemed reasonably well intonated as is so I'm not sure if that's a sign of a bad instrument or just conditoins right out of the factory. Maybe you know a better model at that price point? I didn't have time to play every instrument and, as can be seen from the PMT website they have a fair amount of stuff. I would shop around but Rikaxxe has nothing and the last time i went to Treblerock was, with the greatest of respect to Steve who was otherwise lovely, it was a bit of a mare: a Cort bass that was just a disaster because of massive fret buzz on the 5th 6th frets on the low E. Despite going back and forth to the shop (not easy) it coudln't be fixed and, reluctantly, I had to ask for a refudn (which was granted tbf). Shame as otherwise it was a lovely bass. Thanks Edited August 5, 2019 by wishface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahambythesea Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 Do you have to buy a new one? At this price range you are going to get the lowest common denominator, poor quality pickups, frets, tuners. You would fair better with a second hand bass of better quality for similar money. Why not look on here at what’s being offered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 5, 2019 Author Share Posted August 5, 2019 Like what? I've no idea what would be good and postage would suck. The ibanez is getting good reviews though, do you have any experience with either? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dry Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 (edited) I'm certainly no expert but I'd have said that although there is definitely a concept of a better bass in terms of overall quality of finish and hardware etc, the most important thing is whether you like the feel and sound of any particular bass. A really good name is no good if you don't like playing it 😉 So, of the two, which did you prefer? Edited August 5, 2019 by Dry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 8 hours ago, Dry said: I'm certainly no expert but I'd have said that although there is definitely a concept of a better bass in terms of overall quality of finish and hardware etc, the most important thing is whether you like the feel and sound of any particular bass. A really good name is no good if you don't like playing it 😉 So, of the two, which did you prefer? I enjoyed them both, but tbh it may well be better to see e if I can find something that is Bette. These are cheap instruments for a reasons and it would be nice to have something as good as I can afford. Problem is I can't really try out instruments such cond hand unless they are local. I'm not mobile as I don't drive and buying something on the strength of photos doesn't seem wise. But they were both playable. That's why I posted. I couldn't find a clear favourite. Overall the reviews and comments I've seen elsewhere favour the ibanez, but again perhaps it is cheap as the guy above said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sykilz Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 The Ibanez 300 series is a very well respected bass at its price point, I had one for a while and it was good. For me it lacked a bit of mid range, but it was the older model with different pickups , Electronics and only two band e.q. so if you've tried and liked the new model that probably isn't an issue. Ibanez basses seem to be very popular for metal/rock, but I personally thought the tone was good for funky stuff too. The only negatives were the slight lack of mids and the neck feels very long compared to a "Fender style" bass. The neck is nice and thin if you like that , and the bass was light as a feather which was good. I have no experience of the other bass but it does look pretty good for the price. (If you like the Ibanez style then a used SR500/600 might be within reach if you can find one, better pups and electronics and nicer woods.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 (edited) I'm really not sure what to do tbh. I could afford this, but it's the whole 'for its price' thing. I'm not going to the studio tomorrow, nor am I off touring the world's stadiums, but I would like a quality instrument - not in relative terms. I'd like something I know isn't gong to have problems, evne if I'm just noodling along to some tunes at home. So it makes sense to try an find something second hand, assuming it's possible to find something local enough I can at least try out. There's also a Sire Marcus Miller M2 which i've seen (not at PMT) which looks nice at a similar point. Not sure how much value Marcus' name gives it in terms of quality, but it looks nice. Are there any good used outlets online? Edited August 6, 2019 by wishface 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dov65 Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 6 minutes ago, wishface said: Are there any good used outlets online? There's Sire and Ibanez in the for sale section on here bud maybe something else pops up that you never thought about, Ibanez don't hold their value for some reason but i've seen some premier stuff go for less than half price. Have a look at the classifieds see what you like take some notes read reviews and take it from there, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 Of the two in the original post I'd go for the Ibanez. I've not tried a Jackson but have owned an Ibanez SR300 and it's a great bass. The newer ones are probably better than the one I had. The Sire M2, I can't comment on. However, I do have a Sire V7 and it's the one bass I own that won't be sold unless I'm absolutely desperate for money, it's that good. A little more expensive, the Yamaha TRBX204 (£260). Yamaha are always a good bet. Second hand Squiers you can't really go wrong with in my opinion. I bought my current one, unseen, from RichTone Music. I adjusted the action to my preference and it's been a great solid workhorse (and looks great with the Mexican Fender rosewood board neck I put on it :D ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 (edited) I don't know how the v7 compares with the M2, but Anderton has this which seems good value, only the one finish. Not a huge issue realy but the colour is a bit dull However there's a new version of this for £50 more that has rolled edge fretboard. Don' tknow if that's the only change. Problem is I can't try it out because I don't live near a shop stocking them EDIT - it's also not quite 24 frets, given the length of the body, which I would like Edited August 6, 2019 by wishface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sykilz Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 If it were my money I'd get one of these, I gigged a Yamaha BB414 every weekend for three years, used and abused it in pubs, never missed a beat, solid as a rock, held its tuning forever, sounded great. http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/BB_234.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songofthewind Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 Second hand Ibanez SR500, if you can find one. Frequently to be found on Gumtree. Very ergonomic design, plays great, got the mid control for maximum versatility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 (edited) 56 minutes ago, sykilz said: If it were my money I'd get one of these, I gigged a Yamaha BB414 every weekend for three years, used and abused it in pubs, never missed a beat, solid as a rock, held its tuning forever, sounded great. http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/BB_234.html Nice instrument, but a little out of my price range at £300 (new), but that's not the model you said you were using? Edited August 6, 2019 by wishface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 (edited) I'm thinking i might take a punt on that sire, quality wise i think it might just edge out the sr300. sr500 would probably be better but i'd have to wait for something to turn up second hand for around £250 Edited August 6, 2019 by wishface Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 Low frequency friends i've taken the plunge on the Sire. I thank you for your responses, and if anyone was about to message me saying this bass is the worst thing on the planet...well too late I think as long as it allows me to express myself without falling apart or falling out of tune that's the main issue right now. Maybe when the Flower Kings need a new bassist (Jonas Reingod is my new bass hero) i'll be able to afford a superstar P Bass or Rickenbacker. Until then, thanks for the responses 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmo Valdemar Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 20 hours ago, wishface said: The Spectra is cheaper though, if they were both the same price it'd likely be the Ibanez. If it's only between these two basses, there's your answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sykilz Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 I'm sure the Sire will do you proud, they are well regarded on here. The Yamaha I use is basically the same as the one I linked to but a couple of generations older, if you ever need a second bass you can get used BB414s for about £160. Hope you enjoy your new purchase, what colour did you go for...?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 6 hours ago, sykilz said: I'm sure the Sire will do you proud, they are well regarded on here. The Yamaha I use is basically the same as the one I linked to but a couple of generations older, if you ever need a second bass you can get used BB414s for about £160. Hope you enjoy your new purchase, what colour did you go for...?? The only choice was white at the price offered. I think it was old stock (it was the link above) as the model has been replaced by a new version which has a better colour but for the sake fo fifty quid I'm happy with white. I'm not that fussed about these things and the new version is only different in that the neck is rounded at the edges. I'd rather pay the two hundred frankly. It was the model I linked above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sykilz Posted August 6, 2019 Share Posted August 6, 2019 5 minutes ago, wishface said: The only choice was white at the price offered. I think it was old stock (it was the link above) as the model has been replaced by a new version which has a better colour but for the sake fo fifty quid I'm happy with white. I'm not that fussed about these things and the new version is only different in that the neck is rounded at the edges. I'd rather pay the two hundred frankly. It was the model I linked above. Nothing wrong with white, when I was gigging both my basses were white...they look good on stage too as they reflect the lights 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 6, 2019 Author Share Posted August 6, 2019 Just now, sykilz said: Nothing wrong with white, when I was gigging both my basses were white...they look good on stage too as they reflect the lights 👍 True, but the version 2 does look nice. dark translucent aqua green with a light fingerboard. Very nice. But that's not what's important. What is important is whether I can shred like a demon on it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikki_Sixx Posted August 8, 2019 Share Posted August 8, 2019 We're very lucky these days that a lot of basses around the lower budgets are still seriously good quality and will hold tuning! The Sire will be great, but I bet any of your shortlist would be a winner. It's a good position to be in! Places like Argos and the big catalogue companies must have to try REALLY hard to source the low quality stuff they sell 😆 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wishface Posted August 8, 2019 Author Share Posted August 8, 2019 5 hours ago, Rikki_Sixx said: We're very lucky these days that a lot of basses around the lower budgets are still seriously good quality and will hold tuning! The Sire will be great, but I bet any of your shortlist would be a winner. It's a good position to be in! Places like Argos and the big catalogue companies must have to try REALLY hard to source the low quality stuff they sell 😆 There's no reason why musical instruments should be expensive tbh. I think it would be far healthier if more people coulad affordgood quality instruments to express themselves, but of course that's not how the world works. The industry likes celebrity endorsements and rich rockstars who will pay top dollar for a branded product. It's a shame really. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Defo Posted August 10, 2019 Share Posted August 10, 2019 Toss a coin, before it has even landed you will know which one you prefer because you will be hoping for it. Works every time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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