Bass & Amp Advice Needed

[teejay]

I want to buy a bass & amp for my 16 yr old son & his friends to use when they come over (some have guitars). I have bought a few used guitars and amps for them to use (Charvel, Ibanez, Crate) but I think a bass and amp would be fun to add to the mix. I don't know any bass players so what would you guys recommend for me to get them. I dont want any fantastic equipment just something decent they can use and I wont have a heart attach if it gets broken. Thanks!

[John Phillips]

I would start with a Mexican Fender bass and a Peavey amp.

The best value I can think of in lower-end gear, and actually good and reliable enough to be used professionally if you want to.

[TedintheShed]

Lots of folks talk up Essex (SX) as a great leaa expensive bass. Some even mod the elctronics and use them as back up basses for gigging.

[Zim]

Peavey has a Starter pak, has the new Zodac (think I spelled that wrong) and a little practice amp, strap,tuner, ect for less than $300 new. I'd check that out. I'm thinking of getting one for my 16yr old siter-in-law.

[Chuck King]

Yamaha makes some of the best cheap basses out there. +1 on a Peavey amp. The old ones are heavy but built like tanks.

[MattB]

Yamahas are nice. The Ibanez entry line are decent too. SWR amps can be had for cheap. The Peaveys are nice too.

[cameron]

I'd second John Phillips on the Mexican Fender and a Peavey amp.

Used Peaveys abound on the market and can be had quite cheaply. On the used market even their fancier lines (which really are pro quality, and very reliable) can be had for moderate $$.

A basic Mexican-made Fender P-bass will work fine, and if you invest a few more $$ in a good pickup for it (maybe also better pots) you'd have a true pro-quality instrument.

[swollen303]

Just picked up a Peavey Fury bass this weekend. It was the opposite of what I thought I wanted. My belief was that I needed P/J PU's and rosewood FB. The Fury is a MIA Precision clone with a maple fretboard. Sounded great though, especially after I cleaned up the electronics. Contact cleaner quieted up the pots and soldered the bridge ground ( it was just crimped on the jack ground:nono)

Any way for just over $120 on craigslist, a decent bass. I did not want to spend too much in case the bass is not for me. My guitar is now jealous due to lack of attention.

[mgarrison99]

Ibanez GSR200, Fender Mexi Jazz, or a Jay Turser are all nice little units. The Hartke A35 is a cool combo that doesn't take up a lot of space.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--HTKA35