Hey guys, a week or so ago I went a Guitar Center and messed around on a 5-string bass branded "Mitchell". I LOVED it - it was incredibly versatile sound-wise, the neck and string spacing felt great and the action was good, plus it was rather stylish in appearance. Couldn't really find anything to complain about with it.
 
Does anyone have any experience with this brand of instruments, especially their basses? I'd be thinking of getting one for church use and some light studio stuff (within the degree that I'd be able to perform on bass). Perhaps I'll see about renting that model for a week to see how I like it in the real world.
 
Whaddya think?

I've never heard of them, but from a quick Google...
 
They seem to be decent mid-range instruments.  Probably on par with MIM Fenders...
If you've tried it and like the feel and sound, you've probably got a good buy.  If you can rent beforehand, you'll get all the experience you'll need to know for sure.
 
They've got a few different models on their website, which one was it?
http://mitchellelectricguitars.com/mitchell-bass-guitars/
 

Brand names generally don't mean that much any more with everything made in China. You can stick what every name on it and there you go. To me there's not much difference in the quality between any brand made in China. You save money because a name brand is not stuck on the headstock. 

Slugbaby
I've never heard of them, but from a quick Google...
 
They seem to be decent mid-range instruments.  Probably on par with MIM Fenders...
If you've tried it and like the feel and sound, you've probably got a good buy.  If you can rent beforehand, you'll get all the experience you'll need to know for sure.
 
They've got a few different models on their website, which one was it?
http://mitchellelectricguitars.com/mitchell-bass-guitars/

I was looking at their MB305:

5-string "Rock bass" as they call it. I noticed that it's got lots of possibilities for sounds, from warm and rich to aggressive, which is something I'm particularly looking for. On top of that, the overall feel of the neck and string placement was awesomely comfortable for my playing.
 
Thanks for the insight, guys, I think I'll be buying this one for the home studio. I'll definitely make an effort to get a rental and see exactly how it'd perform in the real world
 

If it feels good, plays well and you like the sound, then for you it is great!  The fact that it is inexpensive is a bonus!
 

That's an awesome mindset, imo. If it sounds/feels good, it IS good! It was $250 for two weeks at the local GC. I don't have the money to pay $400 for it right now but hopefully it'll go on sale again and I can snag it then.

Squier Basses are suppose to be pretty decent.  There are plenty of people out there that play on low cost instruments and they are good players.  Some people prefer cheap gear for live playing.  Accidents do happen.

kitekrazy1
Squier Basses are suppose to be pretty decent.  There are plenty of people out there that play on low cost instruments and they are good players.  Some people prefer cheap gear for live playing.  Accidents do happen.

I've also been thinking about a Squier lately. I've played some of their el guitars and liked them, but I've also always been REALLY wary when it comes to those "big box deal"-type instruments that can often be found at chain retailers packaged with unuseably low-quality extras.
 
Guess I've still got time to give the basses a shot!

Love my Squire Jazzbass. I can't compare it to anything, but it didn't take me long to get it set up, and I didn't have any problems doing so.
 
I got mine shipped from a cold country to a hot country (having started in a hoot country). So it was going to need a truss rod adjustment. My Squire is from Indonesia, not China by the way, and 
 
If you are going into a shop, I'd say get them to do the set up. If you are happy with it's feel, and sound, go for it. When you get to know it better, you can always adjust and change things later
 

The problem with some "not a big name brand" instruments is resale value.  You usually take a hit when trying to resell them (if you even can).