TPTroll

Anything by Yamaha will be well made. The TRBX and RBXs seem to be made from some decent woods - Alder/Mahogany, with some mango top options too, which is a nice option considering it's under £200. As a starter, try not to worry about something that ticks all the boxes and works out well on paper. If you like the look of it and you like playing it, go for it! You need to get something that you're going to enjoy playing and looks nice, as this will make you want to pick it up. I'd also say that the P&J pickup configuration is also the best option for a beginner, as it gives the most tone options, but don't worry about that for now. The revelation basses aren't bad, but I think they're badly positioned in the market. If you want an inexpensive, chinese made, basswood body fender copy, Harley Benton is the best option, and much cheaper, or a J&D bass (they are sold through this website here - http://www.dv247.com/guitars/bass-guitars/4-string-bass-guitars). Looking to spend more? Go for a squier vintage modified or classic vibe. I've played some of the revelation basses and they are good, but not outstanding considering the crowded market. The big tips for buying your first bass are - 1. Make sure you try the model before buying, and try a couple of other types to make sure you feel comfortable playing it; 2. Make sure you like how it looks, it'll make you want to pick it up and play more; 3. If you're looking to save money, buy 2nd hand. If you can, try the actual bass before buying, but if not and it's being posted to you, make sure you have at least tried the model of bass; 4. If you are buying second hand, take it to a shop to get set up properly. It'll cost around £40, but they'll get the bass playing really well for you. Nothing is going to put you off more than a badly set up bass, as even the nicest, most expensive bass is going to feel awful with a bad set-up. If you're buying new from a shop, they should do this for you as part of the purchase cost.

YOB basses don't count in yearly budgets, because of the randomness of finding one. I thought I'd bought all my basses for the year in Jan, but there's currently a YOB bass somewhere in Miami on it's way to me. Ergo, buy it.

MTD Kingston CRB? http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/mtd-kingston-crb-4-string-electric-bass-guitar

Right, ok, turned my attention away from that one as it sounded too confusing. But, then I found this bass with another neck issue. Neck bowed, but truss rod at max. Truss rod replacement, or just putting a new washer in at the nut?

Hi I'm looking at purchasing an old bass, and it's got one issue I wanted some advice on. The seller says it's difficult to play at the high frets due to buzzing/catching, despite the neck having a bit of a bow to it. I'm not able to try it out, as it's overseas. They say that the truss rod works, and frets are evenly worn. Now, I assume that what may have happened is someone was trying to go too low with the string height and they've tried to change the neck relief to compensate for this. This could all be solved with a new nut, possibly a neck shim and a proper set up. Would that be a correct assumption? What I'm trying to avoid is buying something with a busted truss rod or neck. Thanks!

Rickenbackers. Look nice, but awful, ungainly things to play. Don't see the point. Sorry Mr Hall!

Yamaha BB424 or try and find an old ibanez blazer. Both amazing P bass derivatives.

This is the one the OP is talking about - http://www.richtonemusic.co.uk/products/fender_japan_fsr_classic_60s_p_bass_rw_vw.asp?gclid=CjwKEAiAw4e1BRDfi7vghaWU9jESJACzo9juga0hb0JjXzNyTx1ODdgrFr50CbPsmwMmKiFNdd--9xoC0DXw_wcB and this is the only 50's one they're selling in the UK so far I think - http://www.gak.co.uk/en/fender-fsr-japan-classic-50s-p-bass-vintage-white/123080?gclid=CjwKEAiAw4e1BRDfi7vghaWU9jESJACzo9ju82WLy5kLdsIeMGLaB94QWTAF7ZI5kh8GXYOYjMQs3BoCy-Tw_wcB The only difference between that 50's one and the one I got is the finish, and that one is basswood, whereas mine was alder. Fender Japan tend to do basswood for solid colour finishes, but also on some higher end versions of the same bass, like the FSR 60s bass. It's quite a good idea really - doing the same bass, just one with a cheaper wood, and a more expensive with a better wood.

I've just received one of the Fender Japan Classic Exclusive 50's P basses (will post pics shortly), which is exclusive to Japan, but part of this new range they're doing. There are only 2 of the basses from the range they're selling in the UK, the ones you mention. I ordered mine through Ishibashi. In short, it's the best P bass I've ever played. Better than the Fender Road worn or 50s series basses, better than an American standard, and really better than some vintage Ps i've played. The neck is incredible, the pickups sound great, and the whole bass is wonderfully finished. Although it may purely be down to it matching my particular tastes (7.25 radius, slim but wide profile neck, vintage frets etc) it really has been finished off superbly. Looking at the 60s model, it looks like a similar overall profile to the 50's bass, and similar level of finishing, albeit different colours and neck woods. I'd recommend getting anything out of this new line from Japan. It's excellent stuff.

Have pulled the trigger on some Aguilar Hot Ps. Fingers crossed they're everything I hope for and more!

Hi I'm looking for some vintage hot style p-bass pickups. Basically nothing too modern sounding, and with growl when pushed and a nice chunky sound. Something that could handle motown with the tone and volume rolled off, but Live at Leeds when up full. I've already got some SD QPBs in another bass, so they're out. I was considering the Bareknuckle '58 pickups as they seem to have a decent output, but haven't read glowing reviews of them. The other options are the Kent Armstrong hot vintage pickups, but their output seems fairly low for a hot pickup. The Aguilar hot P-bass set seem to be leading the way at the moment. Anyone got any experience or advice? Thanks