PenguinBob posted:

I have heard that the SX instruments aren't as good as the other brands that Rondo sells. I personally wouldn't trust a guitar that retails that cheap and has a quilt maple top, because it seems like a disproportionate portion of the price would be in that top.

You should be able to find a used Fender clone of some sort for that money. Check eBay and local music shops. Pretty much every guitar company has made them in the past. You could also look for Ibanez Soundgear, Epiphone T-bird, Cort, Peavey, whatever. There are plenty of serviceable basses in that price range.

I've never heard a word of good about the Squier Affinity line.

If you're going for entry-level instruments, I'd go with Ibanez.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-GSRM20-Mikro-Short-Scale-Bass-Guitar?sku=516148