Did you know some of the most famous bass lines were played on relatively inexpensive bass guitars? It’s true! As these instruments become more popular across different music genres, it’s important to find a good bass that doesn’t cost a fortune. No one should have to spend a small fortune to chase their dreams of becoming a legendary bassist.
Musical instruments can be really expensive, especially if you’re just starting out and keeping a close eye on your budget. But don’t worry! This post is all about showing you how to pick the best budget bass guitars that offer great value for money.
So, what can you expect from this guide? We’ll explain what makes a bass guitar budget-friendly, the key features that impact how they play and sound, and give you a list of the best cheap bass guitar options available today. We’ve chosen these contenders based on sound quality, build, user reviews, expert opinions, and our own experience.
We want to help you find the best budget bass guitars without having to compromise on quality. Let’s get you set up to start laying down some killer grooves with your new bass!
Best Budget Bass Guitars
We’ve put together a list of the best budget bass guitars out there. Let’s check out the top choices for your next bass guitar!
Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass
A must-buy for budget-conscious bassists seeking quality, iconic design and performance.
Specs
- Body Material: Basswood
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Maple
- Pickups: Ceramic Humbucker
- Number of Frets: 21
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Affordable, legendary StingRay style
- Smooth playability with solid hardware
- Active preamp, versatile sound
Cons
- Gets heavy after long sessions
- Could use better strings
- Minor setup might be needed
We can’t help but love the Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass. Striking in appearance with its black finish and black pickguard, this bass sports a comfortable basswood body and maple neck. The fretboard feels nice under our fingers, making playability a breeze.
Most importantly, the Ray4’s sound quality won’t disappoint! Equipped with a ceramic pickup and a 2-band active preamp, this bass offers volume, treble, and bass control. With various tonal options, you can nail any genre your heart desires.
However, be prepared for a bit of a workout. Weighing in at 9 pounds, it might get tiring after some time. Furthermore, some players have mentioned needing better strings and minor tweaks to the setup. But all things considered, the Ray4 is an excellent investment.
Yamaha TRBX174 Old Violin Sunburst
You should definitely check out this affordable yet high-quality Yamaha bass guitar.
Specs
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: Split Coil + Single Coil
- Number of Frets: 24
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Incredible quality and value
- Mahogany body
- Vintage style bridge
Cons
- No accessories included
- May require minor neck adjustment
- Slightly heavy body
Looking for a budget-friendly bass guitar that doesn’t compromise on quality? We found that the Yamaha TRBX174 Old Violin Sunburst is the way to go. Its mahogany body and vintage style bridge give it a stunning visual appearance.
Admittedly, the bass does not come with any accessories, so you’ll need to purchase a case, strap, and cable separately. However, it’s not often that you find a bass guitar at this price point with such a great build and smooth sound quality. We believe it’s well worth the investment, even with the added cost of necessary accessories.
When we played the Yamaha TRBX174, we were impressed by the crisp and sharp sound from the pickups. The neck is made of one-piece maple wood with a satin finish on the back. You might need to do a minor neck adjustment, but once it’s set up, you’re in for a treat! Overall, the Yamaha TRBX174 Old Violin Sunburst offers tremendous value for aspiring bassists looking for a quality instrument on a budget.
Ibanez GSR200TR 4-String Bass
We recommend this budget-friendly bass for its great balance and feel.
Specs
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: Dynamix P and J pickups
- Number of Frets: 22
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- One-piece maple neck
- Rosewood fretboard
- Active EQ with Phat II Bass Boost
Cons
- Stock strings might need replacement
- May require neck adjustment
- Packaging could be better
The Ibanez GSR200TR has an exceptional balance and feel for its price. The one-piece maple neck allows for smooth playing, while the rosewood fretboard ensures durability.
The standout feature of this bass is its active EQ with Phat II Bass Boost. This system lets you tailor your sound to your liking, making it ideal for various music genres. However, you might want to replace the stock strings for an even better experience.
We did notice that some units may arrive with the neck needing adjustment, but that’s a simple fix. Also, the packaging could be slightly better to ensure safe shipping. These minor drawbacks aside, the Ibanez GSR200TR is an excellent choice for any aspiring bassist looking for a budget-friendly option.
Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass
A great budget bass that packs a punch with authentic Fender style and sound.
Specs
- Body Material: Poplar
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel
- Pickups: Fender-designed alnico split-coil
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Authentic Fender design
- Impressive sound quality
- Comfortable to play
Cons
- May need setup adjustments
- Some quality control issues
- Heavy for some players
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the Fender Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass offers an affordable option with a vintage flair. This bass delivers powerful sound, thanks to its Fender-designed alnico split-coil pickup.
The slim, comfortable C-shaped neck profile and easy-playing 9.5-radius fingerboard make it a joy to play for extended sessions. Plus, the vintage-style bridge with threaded saddles adds to its authentic appeal.
Despite some reports of needing setup adjustments, the Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass is a fantastic choice for musicians looking for a striking bass guitar at a budget-friendly price. With its throwback 1960s-inspired design and reliable performance, this bass is a reliable choice for those wanting an affordable instrument that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
You’ll love this budget-friendly bass with its impressive sound and comfortable playability.
Specs
- Body Material: Poplar
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Maple
- Pickups: Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Designed by Fender
- 70s-inspired look
- Quality alnico single-coil pickups
Cons
- Might need a setup
- Made in China or Indonesia
- Package might be a bit sketchy
We were impressed by the sound quality and playability that this Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass offers. The slim “C”-shaped neck profile, easy-playing fingerboard, and narrow-tall frets make it a joy to play.
The bass features Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups that produce a versatile and massive tone, perfect for various genres. Moreover, the 70s-inspired look, with headstock markings and nickel-plated hardware, adds a touch of nostalgia to the mix.
One thing to keep in mind is that this bass might need a proper setup once you get your hands on it. Some users also mentioned a slightly sketchy packaging situation, so keep an eye on that. However, for the price, this Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly bass guitar.
Ibanez Standard SR300E Bass Guitar – Cerulean Aura Burst
This bass guitar offers exceptional value with quality features and a comfortable feel.
Specs
- Body Material: Nayatoh
- Neck Material: Maple/Walnut
- Fingerboard Material: Jatoba
- Pickups: PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups
- Number of Frets: 24
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Comfortable arched nayatoh body
- Powerful punch from dual coil pickups
- Versatile 3-band EQ with Power Tap
Cons
- Potential for loose tuners
- Onboard EQ may not suit everyone
- Midrange tones could be better
The Ibanez SR300E bass guitar is perfect for those seeking a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality. Its sleek design and comfortable nayatoh body make it enjoyable to play, especially for beginners.
One of the standout features of the SR300E is its powerful dual coil pickups, which deliver a phenomenal punch. Combine that with a versatile 3-band EQ and Power Tap, you’ll have endless sound-shaping possibilities at your fingertips.
That said, there are a few minor drawbacks to consider. Some users reported loose tuners, which could be an issue if not properly addressed. Additionally, the onboard EQ may not suit everyone’s liking, and the midrange tones could use some improvements.
Overall, the Ibanez SR300E bass guitar offers a fantastic balance of comfort, quality, and affordability. It’s an ideal choice for beginners or professionals in need of a reliable backup instrument, making it a solid investment for any musician.
Epiphone Thunderbird E1
You should consider the Thunderbird E1 for its classy design and warm bass tone with a punchy attack.
Specs
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Maple (bolted)
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: Dual TB Plus Humbuckers
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Classic design in vintage sunburst
- Warm bass tone with great attack
- Affordable option with quality sound
Cons
- Neck dive due to headstock weight
- May require truss rod adjustments
- Initial setup needed for best results
As musicians ourselves, we’re always looking for bass guitars that deliver excellent sound without breaking the bank. The Epiphone Thunderbird E1 caught our attention with its incredibly fashionable vintage sunburst design and classic shape. Its Mahogany body and bolted maple neck blend beautifully to create a warm yet robust bass tone.
The dual TB Plus Humbucker pickups used in this bass guitar ensure plenty of attack and presence. This not only makes it stand out from the crowd but also helps produce the quality sound every bass guitarist craves. One downside to consider is the weight distribution, as the fairly heavy headstock may cause the neck to dip when playing.
However, this can be easily combated with the use of a wide strap for extra support. While it isn’t a deal-breaker by any means, it’s something to keep in mind. Additionally, it’s important to note that you may need to make a few initial adjustments, such as tuning the instrument or adjusting the truss rod. Overall, the Epiphone Thunderbird E1 is an amazing budget-friendly bass guitar for those looking for a classic look and powerful sound.
Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass
We recommend this bass for its incredible value, great tones, and beginner-friendly.
Specs
- Body Material: Alder
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Indian Laurel
- Pickups: Two Single-Coil Jazz Bass pickups
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Lightweight body
- Comfortable neck profile
- Diverse range of tones
Cons
- Less durable tuning machines
- Lower string action may cause buzz
- Minor cosmetic imperfections
The Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass offers an affordable entry to the Fender family. It’s designed for those who want to start their musical journey on a solid foundation. With its thin and lightweight body, playing this bass is a breeze.
The “C”-shaped neck profile keeps your hand comfortable throughout long practice sessions. Additionally, the Squier single-coil J Bass pickups provide a wide range of tones to experiment with. Choose from smooth, melodic lines to punchy, driving rhythms.
Despite its great value, this bass has a few minor drawbacks. The open-gear tuning machines can be less durable than those on higher-priced models. Furthermore, the low string action may cause some buzzing if not adjusted. Lastly, there might be small cosmetic imperfections on the finish. However, these minor issues don’t outweigh the excellent features and affordability of this bass.
Overall, the Fender Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass is a fantastic choice for aspiring bassists seeking a reliable, great-sounding instrument without breaking the bank.
Epiphone EB3 Electric Bass Guitar Cherry
We think this is a great option for those seeking a budget bass guitar with quality sound.
Specs
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Pickups: Sidewinder Humbucker (neck), NYT Mini Humbucker (bridge)
- Number of Frets: 22
- Scale Length: 34 inches
Pros
- Mini-Humbucker pickups
- Mahogany body and neck
- Rosewood fretboard
Cons
- May need a professional setup
- Heavy for some players
- Initial truss rod adjustment required
The Epiphone EB3 Electric Bass Guitar is a fantastic choice for aspiring musicians who want a budget-friendly instrument without sacrificing quality. This bass guitar boasts powerful sound, thanks to its Mini-Humbucker pickups, mahogany body, and mahogany neck.
Another standout feature is the rosewood fretboard, which offers a smooth playing experience. This guitar has all it takes to enhance your skills and make you enjoy every practice session.
However, there are some negatives to consider before making a purchase. Some users have reported that the bass needs a professional setup and an initial truss rod adjustment to make it playable. Also, this guitar might be slightly heavy for some users, especially those who prefer a lighter bass.
Overall, the Epiphone EB3 Electric Bass Guitar Cherry is a fantastic choice for those on a budget seeking a quality bass guitar with top-notch features. With proper setup and maintenance, this instrument will serve you well as you develop your musical skills and style.
Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass
Give this bass a go – it’s budget-friendly, lightweight, and oozes with classic Fender tone!
Specs
- Body Material: Poplar
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Maple
- Pickups: Split Single-Coil Precision Bass
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 30.3 inches (Short Scale)
Pros
- Reduced-size for easy travel
- Comfortable slim “C” shaped neck profile
- Sturdy chrome die-cast tuners
Cons
- May require a setup
- Some stock components could be better
- Action might need adjustment
With its reduced size and lightweight body, this Fender’s Squier Mini Precision Bass is perfect for players looking for a travel-friendly instrument. We love the ease and comfort that the slim “C” shaped neck profile brings, making those groovy bass lines easier to play.
But don’t underestimate its size! The Squier Mini Precision Bass packs a punch with its split single-coil pickup. You’ll get those full, deep bass tones you crave without breaking the bank. The chrome die-cast tuners add a touch of class while keeping your tuning in check.
However, like most budget bass guitars, there might be some tinkering needed to make it perfect. You may need to perform a setup or change out some stock components to improve playability. Additionally, the action might require some adjustment to reduce string buzzing.
All in all, the Fender Squier Mini Precision Bass offers a great balance of affordability, classic style, and quality tone.
Key Features to Look for in Budget Bass Guitars
Affordable bass guitars can still offer great sound and playability. To get the most value, pay attention to these key features: pickup types, scale length, wood types and build quality, sound quality, and playability.
Pickup Types
Different types of pickups found in bass guitars include single-coil, split-coil, and humbucker pickups. Each type impacts the sound quality. Single-coils are known for their bright, clear sound, while humbuckers offer a warmer, richer tone. As for which type suits your music or playing style, it’s up to your preference.
Scale Length
Scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge. It affects playability and tone. Shorter scales have a warmer tone and may suit players with smaller hands, while longer scales offer more sustain, favored for rock and jazz. We recommend shorter scale basses for beginners or younger players.
Wood Types and Build Quality
Common woods used in budget bass guitars include maple, mahogany, and basswood. The choice of wood impacts durability and tonal qualities – mahogany, for example, is known for warmth and resonance. Look for and avoid certain construction details to ensure good craftsmanship in budget instruments.
Sound Quality
Various factors contribute to sound quality, including body construction, hardware, and setup. Test and evaluate by playing different styles or using various amplification settings. Set realistic expectations for sound quality in budget bass guitars, as compromises might be typical at lower price points.
Playability
A playable bass is essential, especially for beginners. Components like neck profile, fretboard radius, and action affect the comfort of playing. We encourage you to try different bass guitars to understand which one feels best in your hands.
Final Thoughts
When picking out a budget bass guitar, remember the key points we talked about. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great instrument. If you can, try out a few different bass guitars to see which one feels right and sounds best to you.
Feel free to drop a comment about your bass guitar experiences or ask any questions. We’re always here to help. Also, be sure to check out our guide on the best bass strings and top bass compressor pedals for more great tips on enhancing your bass setup. Thanks for reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between active and passive pickups in bass guitars?
Active pickups use a built-in battery for power. This gives you a clearer and louder sound. On the other hand, passive pickups don’t require a battery. They have a more natural and warm tone.
Both options are great for bassists. It depends on your personal taste and style.
What is the difference between a short scale and long scale bass guitar?
Short scale basses have a shorter neck than long scale basses. This means the string tension is lower. They are easier to play, especially for people with smaller hands.
Long scale basses produce a deeper, richer sound. Many bassists prefer them for their tone.
How can I improve the sound quality of a budget bass guitar?
First, consider upgrading the strings. Invest in higher quality ones. This will make a big difference in your overall sound.
Next, adjust the action and intonation. These tweaks will make your bass play better and sound better.
Lastly, think about upgrading the pickups. While this can be a bit pricey, it’s worth it if you want a better tone.