Bass for under $500

[Utaynarl]

Hi guys , I know this is a highly subjective question but I thought I would ask for some advice. I have really enjoyed playing bass in the past. My last instrument was a Guild. I don't have a lot of money, maybe $500 ,but I would like to pick up something that I can have some fun with. Is it possible to get something new for that kind of money that will be worth it ?( I saw a few new Squiers for about $500) or should I look around for something used? I'm looking for something simple with a good feel, normal scale, w/t frets.

I guess what I'm asking is, based on your experience if you had to order a bass online and only had $500 what would you buy?
In the alternative any suggestions on what to look for in a used instrument would also be helpful.

I'm a guitar guy and to give you an idea of what I'm looking for this may help.
If someone came to me and said , "I want to learn to play acoustic guitar and only have $500, what should I get"? I would suggest something like a Yamaha like this https://bestelectricguitars.reviews/bes ... -under-500 , there fairly consistent, and at the low price point hard to beat.

Any comments or suggestions would be very helpful,
P.S. I know this question is like asking what should I eat? An apple, a banana or a cheeseburger, lol

[Bg]

I've literally never played an 'SX' that I didn't like.
Cheap as chips but well made. I'd take them over the budget end of Squier every day. Not over a classic vibe though.

[jeremyb]

Look seriously at the Harley Benton range on Thomann, they're making some really great budget stuff, if you have patience tho' you can probably pick up something decent on trademe, you'll get a far better quality instrument secondhand

[TmcB]

Newer Corts are pretty cheap and cheerful.

Can it be a used bass?

Otherwise, I’m with BG - SX Basses are surprisingly good quality.
New strings, new pickups, and a decent setup will often get you something comparable to a bass in the $800-1k range.

[willow13]

I scored a used cort GB 34 A bass for $75 it is a great budget bass. When I picked it up the dude was cool as hell .. but he never left any feedback so maybe he was pissed at the price he got