On the fence--Yamaha rbx 170 or Ibanez gsr 200 bass?

[jeffree]

My first post to this outstanding forum...

As a studio guitarist, I've decided to cough up about $200 for a cheap bass
to lay down tracks for my home recordings--i.e., I'm retiring my usual synthesizer bass, which is getting to sound old to me. RIP.

I've searched this forum and found that the Yamaha rbx 170 garners the most praise for a cheap bass, and I've just now played the Yamaha--along with the Ibanez--in my local GC. Each has its advantages although I came away with some confusion about which might produce cleaner, more solid bass lines on my Yamaha aw16g. (I'm recording music with nods to groups like Steely Dan, King Crimson, Pat Metheney, and Yes.)

But I'm not a real bass player, just a guitarist bass-faker, so I admit to knowing little of what I might appreciate more, later, during my future bass playing, even if playing a budget-priced bass. Can any of you bassists out there help?

I've really narrowed down the field to these two basses, so I'd appreciate a brief comment if anyone has played one or both of them. I'm not really open to spending more than $200 or to considering lots of other brands at this time. I think one of these will do me fine... but which one would be the best ticket? Any advice?

Thanks very much for any guidance, gang.

J.

[Buck62]

I've played both, and although I'm a big fan of Yamaha products (I own 2 Yamaha guitars), I like the Ibanez better.

It's got more punch to it, which sounds better when recorded straight in through a decent preamp.