"Decent" bass for home recording

M11

With the quarantine going on, Apple decided to have Logic Pro X free for 90 days so I started to give home-recording and producing a new chance (seeing what you guys are doing and talking about it on our Skype meetings helped with that as well).

So I got the skeleton of a song, I even programmed the drum patterns (I actually enjoy that). I've got the rhythm guitar laid down but I'm missing the bass. I could program a MIDI bass but for a rock song it wouldn't sound quite right IMO, so I'm considering ordering a bass online (I could also have a bass player friend record it remotely, but I also don't want to deal with bass players).
Thing is: my intention is to have a real bass for recording songs, I don't want to get serious with the instrument and be the next Geddy Lee (I doubt that would happen anyway even if I practiced a lot ) so I don't want a high-end instrument but I also don't want a total piece of shit. My current available options are the following (prices in US dollars and Euros):

Lower-end Squier Precision or Jazz bass: around $228 (€210)
Higher-end Squier Precision or Jazz bass: around $527 (€484)
Lower-end Fender Precision or Jazz bass: around $726 (€667)

Any of you guys have experience with Squiers? Should I just go for a MIM Fender?

Dinosaur David B

Get the low end Squire, They're great for the money. If for some strange reason doesn't do what you want, you can alway put a better pickup in it, but if you're recording direct, it'll do great. 

The first time I saw Accept with Tornillo, I got to meet the band after the show, and I talked to Baltes for a few minutes. His bass tone that night (and all nights) was just fantastic, and I told him so.  I asked him, is it just your old 59 P bass with the EMGs in it? And he said "I don't take the 59 on the road anymore. What you heard tonight was a Squire P bass with the same EMGs in it."  Though it looked basically the same as his old bass. Must have been relic'd to look like it or something. Sounded unreal.

But I have heard nothing but good things about the Squire basses.  And if I needed a bass just for recording, that's what I'd get. 

Tatosh Guitar

Years ago a friend wanted a squire jazz bass and was unable to go pick it up himself, so I did for him. I got to spend a couple days with it. It was a good instrument, more than decent I would say. So I agree with Dave, you should go for it.

Duojett71

For some reason I have been wanting one of those reissue Danelectro Long Horn basses for a long time. They are lightweight, shorter scale and comfortable to play. Eventually when I have the extra money I will get one. I need a bass to write basslines to some of my songs.

TravisW

I got the "70's vibe" 5-string Squire a couple years ago and it really surpassed my expectations. 

eduardoritos

Also, I'm recording all my tracks pluggin a cheap Samick bass onto a Korg bass pedalboard I'd purchases for only 90 € and sounds fantastic (if you take some hours experimenting to find your tone).

Korg AX3B

MAdX

If you're not entirely comfortable with a full scale Fender bass, try a Mustang. Shorter scale, more guitarist friendly. They make a MIM Mustang Bass PJ that has a P bass and a jazz bass pickup that I almost bought. Feels great and you have two classic sounds.