madshadows Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Being out of work and funds being tight I've been saving to buy a bass and get shot of the borrowed Encore P-Bass I've been learning on, I now have enough saved to order a bass and I have been looking at the two below (see links) and would like fellow BC'ers opinions on both, I am leaning toward the HB JB75 because of the pickups [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbb1975_na.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbb1975_na.htm[/url] [url="http://www.musicstore.com/en_EN/GBP/Basses/4-strings/Jack-and-Danny-150A-STBN-Satin-Brown/art-BAS0003160-000#FullDetails"]http://www.musicstore.com/en_EN/GBP/Basses/4-strings/Jack-and-Danny-150A-STBN-Satin-Brown/art-BAS0003160-000#FullDetails[/url] Thanks in advances peeps John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 (edited) Good evening, John... Can't help with your choice, I'm afraid; I was just wondering if you've already skimmed through the 'Basses For Sale' ads in the forum. Is there nothing there that fits your needs..? You might be able to get a better bass, already set up, for less money. No problem; just wondering... Edited January 14, 2014 by Dad3353 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 http://basschat.co.uk/topic/226803-squier-vintage-modified-jazz-with-upgraded-squier-japan-silver-series-neck-only-l15000/ http://basschat.co.uk/topic/227037-bass-collection-blue-pj-4-string-mic-fresh-setup/ http://basschat.co.uk/topic/225015-squier-vintage-modified-jazz-bass-sunburst-rosewood/ http://basschat.co.uk/topic/220001-esp-ltd-surveyor-405-ebony-new-pics-l200-ono/ http://basschat.co.uk/topic/224318-aria-gt-4-string-trans-blue/ http://basschat.co.uk/topic/226958-fs-ibanez-gsr205-black-5-string-l175-inc-uk-del/ ok, so that took 10 minutes for several lovely used bass which will be looooaaadddss better than that new stuff, please take a look at the for sales and do yourself a big favour! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jellyfish Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 [quote name='skidder652003' timestamp='1389734633' post='2337410'] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/226803-squier-vintage-modified-jazz-with-upgraded-squier-japan-silver-series-neck-only-l15000/"]http://basschat.co.u...ck-only-l15000/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/227037-bass-collection-blue-pj-4-string-mic-fresh-setup/"]http://basschat.co.u...ic-fresh-setup/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/225015-squier-vintage-modified-jazz-bass-sunburst-rosewood/"]http://basschat.co.u...burst-rosewood/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/220001-esp-ltd-surveyor-405-ebony-new-pics-l200-ono/"]http://basschat.co.u...-pics-l200-ono/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/224318-aria-gt-4-string-trans-blue/"]http://basschat.co.u...ing-trans-blue/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/226958-fs-ibanez-gsr205-black-5-string-l175-inc-uk-del/"]http://basschat.co.u...175-inc-uk-del/[/url] ok, so that took 10 minutes for several lovely used bass which will be looooaaadddss better than that new stuff, please take a look at the for sales and do yourself a big favour! [/quote] Well it's pretty clear that funds are around £100, making most of those unaffordable to Mr. madshadows, however that Bass Collection PJ looks like a fantastic choice, especially with it having been set-up properly. I'd keep an eye out for any cheap, second-hand Ibanez SR or Yamaha basses that come up as you'll get way more bass for your money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 You can probably find a Sue Rider P Bass for less than £100 and the consensus was that they're good basses for the money, same is true for Bass Collections though you'd probably be lucky to find a Japanese one in your price range. Ebay often throws up some half decent stuff at around your price range including some Overwater/Tanglewoods for less than the ton. Same is true of Gumtree including this one: http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/109860607/bass-guitar.html You could also find a Yamaha RBX for this sort of money. Check out your local Cash Converters, etc too - I picked up a TE combo from my local store for less than £200 which was a very good price at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BetaFunk Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 [quote name='skidder652003' timestamp='1389734633' post='2337410'] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/226803-squier-vintage-modified-jazz-with-upgraded-squier-japan-silver-series-neck-only-l15000/"]http://basschat.co.u...ck-only-l15000/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/227037-bass-collection-blue-pj-4-string-mic-fresh-setup/"]http://basschat.co.u...ic-fresh-setup/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/225015-squier-vintage-modified-jazz-bass-sunburst-rosewood/"]http://basschat.co.u...burst-rosewood/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/220001-esp-ltd-surveyor-405-ebony-new-pics-l200-ono/"]http://basschat.co.u...-pics-l200-ono/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/224318-aria-gt-4-string-trans-blue/"]http://basschat.co.u...ing-trans-blue/[/url] [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/226958-fs-ibanez-gsr205-black-5-string-l175-inc-uk-del/"]http://basschat.co.u...175-inc-uk-del/[/url] ok, so that took 10 minutes for several lovely used bass which will be looooaaadddss better than that new stuff, please take a look at the for sales and do yourself a big favour! [/quote] .....and most are way over the price of what the op was looking at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I think Harley Benton basses are rebranded Shines. If so, then they're incredible basses for the price. I had a 6 string Shine and it was one of the most comfortable I've played, easier than some 5s! It would probably benefit from some tweaking and a neck shim, and then youd fall in love with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 I would take a punt on the Harley Benton vintage jazz. I had the cheapest Harley Benton shortscale bass and even though everything was cheap after new strings and a set up it was and still is a useable instrument, my long time guitar playing friend uses it to record his own littlebass lines. So with a solid ash body, branded pickups and supposedly better hardware and decent strings the Harley Benton vintage jazz I think is worth a look. But also bought a mint Yamaha rbx for 68 pound delivered from cash generator online came next day. I sold it for 110 on eBay few months later. So check out places like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Harley Benton gear is really good for the price point IMO just chuck some decent strings on it and give it a set up and you have a cheap usable bass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Without doubt your best route is second hand. I've been watching Squiers on Ebay this week. You may be lucky to get a jazz for your money, but it's a great time to buy a p-bass. They're all going for less than 100. The cheapest being those for collection only. Then get a BCer to collect it and ship it to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madshadows Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1389733303' post='2337391'] Good evening, John... Can't help with your choice, I'm afraid; I was just wondering if you've already skimmed through the 'Basses For Sale' ads in the forum. Is there nothing there that fits your needs..? You might be able to get a better bass, already set up, for less money. No problem; just wondering... [/quote] I have, most I cannot afford and those I might be able to buy are too far away to pick up Maybe I'll just keep checking to see if something comes up for sale in London that I can afford Thanks for the reply. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamfist Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 The "traditional" answer on forums such as this is ... buy secondhand. If you know what you are doing and get lucky, you might do well that way. However, the quality of new budget end gear just gets better and better these days. It is certainly not "without doubt" that your best bet is to buy used. It is one opinion though. You can certainly pick up some complete dogs on the used market and that, however, is ..... without doubt. The spec on both basses is just absurdly good for the money for example. The other great thing about buying a new bass online is that you can return it if there is a problem. I have heard very good things about the J&D basses, although have not played one myself. If I were to choose between the two, I would go for the J&D bass for a rock-orientated player (due to the PJ pickups) and the Harley Benton for the more funk/soul R&B type player. Be prepared to have to do a little setting up on either though as budget basses rarely come with any setup (something that is often in common with their more expensive brethren !). Setting up is not beyond anyone who is prepared to do a little research. between Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charic Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Keep your eyes peeled for a Peavey Millenium BXP - new they're a steal at around £110 IIRC, Second hand they'd be a ridiculous bargain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madshadows Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 Thanks for the replies, food for thought !, now undecided what road to go down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 (edited) Keep an eye on this John, It was advertised on this forum and £15 postage it may fall into your budget. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281243039905?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649 Edited January 15, 2014 by Pinball Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 What Hamfist says is right. I think if you're buying used you have to be prepared to go and be a "tyre-kicker". The seller won't like it but if its got things wrong or the wrong sound then you have to say "no thanks" and walk away. I think there are probably a % age of friday-night instruments that get moved on a lot. So you need to keep your eyes open. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annoying Twit Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1389780414' post='2337724'] What Hamfist says is right. I think if you're buying used you have to be prepared to go and be a "tyre-kicker". The seller won't like it but if its got things wrong or the wrong sound then you have to say "no thanks" and walk away. I think there are probably a % age of friday-night instruments that get moved on a lot. So you need to keep your eyes open. [/quote] I've had people asking me about buying their first instrument (in the land of the blind and all that). I usually advise them to take a bass playing friend with them to check out the instrument. Basschat might be a place to meet a bass playing friend if you don't already know one. I'm not sure that all the Harley Benton's are rebranded Shines. Some of the 'modern' ones, and the McCartney bass look very much like Shines. But, the new models and the J, P, basses don't match any Shines that I've seen. (Which doesn't mean that they aren't Shines). [quote]Note to self: The greatest teacher in the world and regular reading of Basschat is no substitute for practice.[/quote] My policy too. [quote name='madshadows' timestamp='1389776634' post='2337680'] Thanks for the replies, food for thought !, now undecided what road to go down [/quote] My theory is that beginners should get something that's playable, and not too expensive. Then, worry about getting the 'right' bass at some time in the future when they're more competent. It may be a chicken and the egg situation where you can't choose the right bass until you're more experienced, but you need a bass to get experienced on. What helped me a lot early on is that I was recommended to go to the Lakland site and listen to their bass demos. That showed me what basses of different types (p-bass, j-bass etc.) sounded like, which helped me narrow down the choice a bit. And I heard what good quality basses sounded like, so I could estimate how good sounding a cheaper version was in comparison. [url="http://www.lakland.com/audio.htm"]http://www.lakland.com/audio.htm[/url] Edited January 15, 2014 by Annoying Twit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twincam Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Shine is the in house name for the Saein factory which make basses for a few different companies. Harley Benton are indeed apparently made there. Another good reason to buy a Harley Benton is thomann have a good return policy you don't like it send it back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madshadows Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 [quote name='Twincam' timestamp='1389785083' post='2337785'] Another good reason to buy a Harley Benton is thomann have a good return policy you don't like it send it back. [/quote] That's what I have been thinking as well, seems a good option, think I might leave it a few days, keep checking what I have been watching on Ebay, keep checking on BC and if nothing happens order the HB next Monday Thanks again for all the advice/opinions people, it's been nice to read what people think The search continues John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madshadows Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 [quote name='Annoying Twit' timestamp='1389784784' post='2337783'] I've had people asking me about buying their first instrument (in the land of the blind and all that). I usually advise them to take a bass playing friend with them to check out the instrument. Basschat might be a place to meet a bass playing friend if you don't already know one. I'm not sure that all the Harley Benton's are rebranded Shines. Some of the 'modern' ones, and the McCartney bass look very much like Shines. But, the new models and the J, P, basses don't match any Shines that I've seen. (Which doesn't mean that they aren't Shines). My policy too. My theory is that beginners should get something that's playable, and not too expensive. Then, worry about getting the 'right' bass at some time in the future when they're more competent. It may be a chicken and the egg situation where you can't choose the right bass until you're more experienced, but you need a bass to get experienced on. What helped me a lot early on is that I was recommended to go to the Lakland site and listen to their bass demos. That showed me what basses of different types (p-bass, j-bass etc.) sounded like, which helped me narrow down the choice a bit. And I heard what good quality basses sounded like, so I could estimate how good sounding a cheaper version was in comparison. [url="http://www.lakland.com/audio.htm"]http://www.lakland.com/audio.htm[/url] [/quote] Had a listen on that link, that's a great idea, thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andydye Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 Sue Ryder P bass for £95 alert!! [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/223605-pimped-sue-ryder-p-bass-price-drop-l95/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/223605-pimped-sue-ryder-p-bass-price-drop-l95/[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted January 16, 2014 Share Posted January 16, 2014 Sorry to add to your misery, but there's another candidate (imo...) here... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/227170-squier-standard-jazz-in-sunburst-with-wizard-pickups/page__view__findpost__p__2338597"]Squier 'Jazz'...[/url] Unconnected with the seller, of course; just thought it might be worth consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madshadows Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share Posted January 20, 2014 Well after thinking about it overnight last Tuesday and Wednesday morning I ordered the Harley bass late on Wednesday and got an email this morning that it's been dispatched I figured if I don't like it or it's rubbish I can send it back and search again for a bass, tell the truth I just really like the look of the bass so I went for it, nothing ventured etc. Anyone else ordered via German websites and found that it takes a few days for payment to clear via a VISA debit card ?(I bank with Santander), the amount seemed in limbo for a few days and not available, does it take a few days in Euro countries for payments to clear? I'll post some pics etc. and may even do a playing vid (which should be worth a laugh for you lot!) when it's delivered, unpacked etc John John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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