If you’re a serious musician, whether a complete beginner or an experienced pro, then you know that having the right bass guitar can make all the difference in your performance.
But it can be hard to navigate the expansive market of instruments out there and find one that both fits your budget and sounds excellent.
We have spent hours researching and testing different bass guitars today to bring you this definitive list of the 24 best bass guitars available.
Whether you’re just starting or an experienced guitarist looking to take your playing up a notch, these instrument models are sure to deliver top-quality sound and solid performance each time they hit the frets!
Read on to learn more about our handpicked collection – from budget-friendly options that don’t break the bank up to professional studio-grade instruments.
No matter what style of music you like to play, there’s something here that is sure to satisfy you! So grab your picks and get ready for some serious shredding.
Table of Contents
- Top Best Bass Guitars
- Ibanez GSRM Bass Guitar
- Fender Deluxe P-Bass Special Guitar
- Yamaha TRBX 304 Bass Guitar
- Sterling by Music Man Series Ray4 Bass Guitar
- Yamaha BB234 Bass Guitar
- Squier Bronco Bass Guitar
- Yamaha BB734A Bass Guitar
- Ibanez Talman TMB100 Bass Guitar
- Schecter Hellraiser Extreme-4 Bass Guitar
- G&L Tribute JB2 Bass Guitar
- Best Bass Guitars For Beginners
- Best Bass Guitars Under $1000
- Best Bass Guitars Under $500
- Best Bass Guitars Under $300
- Best Bass Guitars Under $200
- Best 5-Strings Bass Guitars
- Best Acoustic Basses Guitars
- Are there other good bass guitar brands?
- What makes a good bass guitar?
- Which brand of bass is the best?
- What is the difference between passive and active pickups?
- The Big Debate: How many strings are enough in a bass guitar?
- How much does a good bass cost?
- Should you buy used or new?
Top Best Bass Guitars
Ibanez GSRM Bass Guitar
This Ibanez GSRM is an excellent choice for bass lovers that appreciate something different.
As a double cutaway, it’s lightweight and curvaceous, featuring an eye-catching body design made from solid mahogany with an exotic poplar burl top and available in a few colors.
The neck is smooth and sturdy, constructed with a Maple build to give it a pleasant feel when playing and that classic look.
To top it off, this bass also comes with high-output pickups that offer famous sound gear, professional comfort, and playability that will help you play anywhere.
Fender Deluxe P-Bass Special Guitar
Fender’s Deluxe Active Deluxe is the perfect choice if you’re looking for the ideal instrument to take your playing to the next level.
Combining classic Fender style with modern features, this guitar provides players an unbeatable tone and versatility.
The solid alder P Bass body and comfortable satin-finished modern C-shaped maple Jazz neck make it easy to play in any genre.
Equipped with two vintage noiseless pickups – a Jazz Bass pickup at the bridge and a Precision Bass pickup in the middle – you’ll have plenty of good options to create exactly the tone you desire.
And with its advanced controls, it’s simple to switch between genres onstage or in the studio.
All of this comes packaged together at a price of under $1000 – making it one of the best deals on the market today.
Yamaha TRBX 304 Bass Guitar
This bass guitar is perfect for those with a more modest budget but still wish to be impressed by the beauty of a 4-string Yamaha design.
The TRBX304’s solid mahogany construction offers an attractive, well-contoured double cutaway body that is finished in vibrant colors.
In addition, it comes equipped with two M3 ceramic humbuckers, providing powerful modern tones while allowing ample sound customization opportunities thanks to its numerous controls.
Sterling by Music Man Series Ray4 Bass Guitar
Music Man’s StingRay is an iconic bass instrument, but the cost of owning a genuine one can be prohibitive.
Luckily, Sterling has taken inspiration from its renowned predecessor and created the affordable Ray4—an ideal option for those on a budget.
Its double-cutaway body is crafted from basswood and available in several playful colors, along with a signature oval pickguard.
Boasting a single humbucker pickup at the bridge, it offers the simplicity of setup yet is far from lacking in tone and versatility; an active two-band EQ aids further playability.
At less than $300, the Ray4 is an ideal choice for aspiring bassists looking for a dependable four-strings performer.
Yamaha BB234 Bass Guitar
Did you know the Yamaha BB234 features a top ten chart-worthy style, playability, and sound in a bass guitar priced under $300?
This model has seen several improvements from its series predecessors, including a more compact body size for comfortable playing.
However, it retains the classic and relaxed BB body shape made from solid alder and a bolt-on maple neck that boasts a thinner profile.
So whether you’re an experienced musician or just starting, the Yamaha BB234 offers excellent value and versatility.
Squier Bronco Bass Guitar
The Squier Bronco, a subsidiary of Fender, is the latest budget-friendly addition to this list.
Coming in at an affordable price that won’t break the bank, this bass delivers a great playing experience with classic Fender styling that anyone can enjoy.
The Squier Bronco features a short scale and a classic C-shaped maple neck for a comfortable ride.
Plus, it only has one single-coil pickup – perfect for beginner players!
Despite its simplicity, the tone quality of this instrument is quite noteworthy – experienced bassists would be as satisfied as newbies.
Yamaha BB734A Bass Guitar
Featuring two YGD Custom V7 pickups, the Yamaha BB Series BB734A Bass offers an impressive variety of tonal options.
This versatile bass can deliver big sound across multiple genres with a 3-band EQ and an active/passive switch.
The build, fit, and finish are also notable, with its comfortable alder/maple body and five-piece maple/mahogany neck proving both stylish and practical.
It’s no wonder the Yamaha BB Series BB734A Bass is a popular choice amongst bassists of all levels!
Ibanez Talman TMB100 Bass Guitar
Despite its modest price tag, the Talman TMB100 from Ibanez is an instrument that will make a statement.
It has all the charm of traditional Talman curves and design, crafted in mahogany with a range of retro finishes.
The neck is made of maple and provides an easy-to-play profile with 22 medium frets.
Two Dynamix pickups provide the tones in a popular P/J configuration controlled by simple but reliable hardware.
All this for less than $200 makes the Talman TMB100 a great buy!
Schecter Hellraiser Extreme-4 Bass Guitar
The Hellraiser Extreme-4 by Schecter proves to be a great-looking instrument, with its mahogany body and quilted maple top finished in Crimson Red Burst.
It is aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, featuring a fast multi-ply maple/walnut neck and an ebony fretboard with a thin C shape.
Furthermore, two EMG 35TW pickups provide single-coil and humbucker tones complemented by an active 3-band EQ for even more versatility.
All this makes this high-end bass well worth the money.
G&L Tribute JB2 Bass Guitar
Although not a widely seen brand on our pages, G&L’s Tribute JB2 is an absolute must-have.
This modestly priced bass guitar has been designed with the same innovative spirit that Leo Fender co-founded the company with.
The electronics of this piece are especially noteworthy – providing an impressive emulation of some of Fender’s earliest 60s sounds.
Yet, they’re only one aspect that makes this bass model special. In addition, it has details such as its solid swamp ash body, glossy maple neck, and reliable components, all culminating in a classically stylish design and fantastic playability.
Ultimately, you won’t find anything else like it at this price point – the G&L Tribute JB2 is truly a gem!
Best Bass Guitars For Beginners
Schecter Omen 4 Bass Guitar
Boasting the iconic Schecter double-cutaway design with a lightweight basswood body, arched top, and smooth maple neck with pearloid semi-goth inlays, the Schecter Omen 4 bass guitar is an unbeatable choice for beginner bassists.
In addition, it comes with high-quality hardware and electronics, including reliable components and a pair of Schecter Diamond Bass pickups with overwound coils and ceramic magnets to provide an aggressive but clear sound ideal for modern metal music.
Overall, the Omen 4 is a big name in the world of bass guitars that lives up to its impressive reputation.
Ibanez GSRM20 Bass Guitar
The Ibanez Mikro GSRM20 is one of the best and most cost-efficient beginner bass guitars.
Its short scale length – 28.5” – makes it perfect for those with smaller hands.
In contrast, its classic Ibanez SR body shape and solid agathis construction are available in many colors, from Pearl White to Starlight Blue, providing users with a look that no other budget bass guitar can match.
The Mikro also comes equipped with two stock Ibanez pickups in the tried-and-tested P/J pickup configuration, as well as controls that are easy to use.
This quality and features packed into a small package make it an unbeatable bargain and a great starting point for any new bass guitarist.
Best Bass Guitars Under $1000
Hagstrom H8II-TSB Retroscape Bass Guitar
The H8II-TSB 8-string bass from Hagstrom is the perfect choice for those who want to experience a vintage vibe.
Styled after the 1967 H8, this double-cutaway mahogany body instrument echoes days gone by with its classic look.
However, it packs much more than just style! It offers severe hardware and builds quality that will please experienced players, including two Hagstrom DynaRail humbuckers with a range of slider switches.
But perhaps the most exciting element lies in its octave strings, which, when played, create unique harmonies and an unforgettable soundscape.
Ibanez SRH500F Bass Guitar
The Ibanez SRH500F fretless bass is an exciting option for those looking for bass under $1,000.
This semi-hollow bass has a classic design that reflects the gypsy jazz era, yet it also boasts several modern twists.
Its lightweight construction, paired with a five-piece neck, makes it relatively easy to play with and a very nice option for many.
The hardware includes a custom AeroSilk piezo pickup and two simple controls that help create a balanced and organic sound.
If you’re in the market for an impressive bass with vintage charm, give the SRH500F a closer look.
Best Bass Guitars Under $500
ESP LTD B-204SM FL Bass Guitar
The B-204SM fretless bass from ESP LTD is genuinely captivating with its natural finish and rustic grain.
Its beauty transcends beyond mere aesthetics, however; this instrument is equipped with two reliable SB-4 pickups and an active 3-band EQ sculpting it into a vivid and powerful sound.
The playability of this bass guitar is equally impressive, with its thin U-shaped maple neck giving it great comfort, along with 24 markers for more straightforward navigation without frets.
With so much functionality and charm, this instrument is a sure buy for those seeking quality at less than $500.
Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 60’s Jazz Bass Guitar
Squier’s Deluxe Active Jazz Bass IV is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a contemporary sound but with a timeless, vintage vibe.
Boasting a modern tone and exceptional value, the bass is equipped with two Single-Coil Jazz Bass pickups and comes with versatile controls that include a Slap Switch.
In addition, its body has been designed with inspiration from Fender’s years of producing quality Jazz Basses.
It features a smooth double-cutaway basswood body with a 20-fret C-shaped maple neck.
This model is perfect for beginners and seasoned bassists alike, delivering on its promises – which is why it’s so popular!
Best Bass Guitars Under $300
Jackson JS2 Bass Guitar
Jackson is a force to be reckoned with in the affordable bass guitar market, as the JS2 exhibits a hard-hitting metal style with its double-cutaway poplar body in either black or white.
The neck makes this instrument particularly special, crafted from maple and boasting a slim profile, a rosewood fretboard, compound radius, 24 jumbo frets, and the iconic sharkfin inlays.
Moreover, the dual Jackson-designed high-output humbuckers guarantee a potent blend of power and aggression – as mentioned in the comprehensive JS2 review – making this guitar an extraordinary addition for any rock musician.
Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet II Bass Guitar
The G2220 Junior Jet II from Gretsch boasts a striking retro style under $300 that will captivate any audience.
Its distinct Jet shape is constructed with basswood and finished in a sleek black gloss for an elegant aesthetic.
Moreover, the guitar is well-suited for smaller hands or beginners with its short-scale maple neck of 30.3″ scale length and lightweight for convenient usage regardless of experience.
Furthermore, two mini-humbuckers are tuned to produce a warm yet transparent sound – adding another dimension to this prodigious instrument’s capacity.
Best Bass Guitars Under $200
Ibanez GSR200 Bass Guitar
For many casual players and beginners, there are better choices than spending a large sum of money on a bass guitar – this is where budget basses come in!
The Ibanez GSR200 certainly sets the bar high for affordability.
This bass comes with an impressively lightweight Agathis body, providing a striking appearance and a comfortable playing experience.
To enhance your sound, there’s a one-piece maple neck, Dynamix P split-coil neck pickup, Dynamix single-coil J pickup at the bridge, and active EQ featuring PHAT-II Bass Boost.
You might not believe it by looking at or playing it, but the Ibanez GSR200 is the cheapest option!
Dean E09M Edge Bass Guitar
Dean is renowned throughout the bass market, from high-end models to budget-friendly options such as the Dean E09M Edge.
This model offers a subtle take on the brand’s usually bold style, featuring a sleek natural satin-finished basswood body with an attractive double-cutaway design.
Additionally, it has a smooth maple neck that grants you easy access to all 22 frets.
Concerning electronics, Dean kept things straightforward with just one soap bar pickup in the middle position – but don’t be fooled by its simplicity.
It can still deliver an impressive range of sounds that’s sure to impress many people.
Best 5-Strings Bass Guitars
Yamaha TRBX605 Bass Guitar
Stepping into the 5-string bass market, we have the Yamaha TRBX605 from the company’s renowned TRBX Series.
With its uniquely carved double-cutaway body constructed out of alder and maple, this model comes in various finishes – though the natural hue is incredibly stunning!
The speedy playing profile of its five-piece maple/mahogany neck with satin finish makes it an outstanding choice for gigging professionals.
It features two mighty YGD H5 pickups as part of an active circuit but can be switched to a passive mode for additional tonal versatility.
Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Bass Guitar
If you’re after a 5-string bass that’ll make heads turn, the Stiletto Studio-5 from Schecter is worth considering.
It features a beautiful double-cutaway body with curves in all the right places constructed from mahogany and boasts a stunning bubinga top available in two exquisite color options.
Apart from its captivating design, this mid-range bass also offers excellent playability thanks to the maple/walnut neck and superb sound courtesy of two passive EMG HZ pickups combined with 3-band active EQ controls for added versatility.
All in all, it’s an excellent choice!
Best Acoustic Basses Guitars
Taylor GS Mini-e Acoustic Bass Guitar
Taylor’s GS Mini-e is among our favorite acoustic bass models.
This mid-range bass offers the high-quality sound, style, and feel that has come to be associated with Taylor guitars – all at a modest price.
Instantly recognizable as a Taylor product, this petite bass features premium wood pairings and the signature Taylor shape and pickguard.
Additionally, it sports a concise scale length of 23.5 inches – making it ideal for small-handed players and those who prefer on-the-go portability.
Its top is solid Sitka spruce, while its back and sides are crafted from laminated sapele.
It also comes with ES-B electronics featuring an onboard preamp with simple volume and tone controls and a built-in tuner.
Fender Kingman V2 Acoustic Bass Guitar
Bolstering our list is the upgraded Fender Kingman V2 acoustic bass.
This stylish bass features an auditorium-style shape and a classic all-black body that exudes relaxed Californian vibes.
Materials and craftsmanship are of excellent quality, especially in light of its midrange price point – offering a solid spruce top and cream binding for vintage appeal.
The playability is also ideal, thanks to Fender’s recognizable Jazz Bass neck.
When unplugged, it produces its warm, woody tone well.
Still, the amplified sound is equally impressive – due mainly to Fishman’s quality pickup and versatile preamp controls as we explore more thoroughly in our review of the Kingman V2.
To finish with our recommendations, I want to leave you with this video talking about the top 7 basses that you should NOT buy:
Are there other good bass guitar brands?
While some manufacturers may be more well-known than others, every brand brings something unique to the mix.
For those looking for a great bass guitar and want to make sure they are getting the best of the best, this list will definitely give you the top models from various brands.
But of course, not all good basses are listed here, there are definitely a few that we didn’t mention.
Fender and Ibanez, two of the most popular bass guitar companies, offer some fantastic instruments that can fit many genres, ranging from jazz to metal to many other genres.
Other respected names in bass guitars include:
And many others…
Players who want to explore even further options will find that all of these brands have been crafting instruments for decades and feature several models worth checking out.
What makes a good bass guitar?
When buying a bass guitar, it’s essential to consider several different attributes.
First, it is worth exploring the range of woods used to construct the body and neck since cheaper models may be made from basswood or alder, while more expensive options could be crafted with maple, swamp ash, or mahogany.
Second, researching the type of tone each wood can produce is recommended; for instance, mahogany typically yields warmer and punchier sounds, while instruments constructed with swamp ash will likely have brighter timbres.
Third, you should also consider your plans for the bass – if you plan on using it for extended practice or performance sessions, opting for something lighter like basswood might be a better choice than its heavier counterpart, maple.
Finally, single-coil and humbucker varieties are available in active and passive designations when reviewing pickups.
Although the single-coil is seen as a classic pickup delivering bright tones, humbuckers are known to provide fatter sounds that can get muddy at higher volumes but make up for it by reducing interference caused by background noise.
Ultimately, selecting what sounds best to you is critical.
Check out this video so you know what other features you should look for before buying a bass:
Which brand of bass is the best?
From blues to rock to metal, bass guitars have come a long way since their introduction in the mid-1900s.
While there are varying opinions on which brands are the best of all time, it cannot be denied that Fender and Ibanez deserve to be high on the list.
Fender is an iconic American guitar manufacturer established in 1946, renowned for creating the famous J Bass and P Bass models.
At the same time, Ibanez is a Japanese company producing highly impressive instruments that look and feel like works of art.
When looking for awesome rock and metal basses, Rickenbacker, ESP, or Schecter should also be considered, while Musicman’s Stingray model has become legendary over time.
German maker Warwick also deserves mention here, as they have created signature basses for Robert Trujillo (Metallica) and John Entwistle (The Who).
However, when deciding who is ‘the best,’ there’s no clear winner as many other brands, such as Yamaha, Gibson, and Washburn would vie for the prestigious title.
With so much variety from the different makers, every bassist can easily find their perfect companion!
What is the difference between passive and active pickups?
Passive pickups are the traditional choice for players looking for a classic warm, punchy bass tone.
These are renowned for providing a dynamic range of sound and have been used since the conception of the electric bass.
Alternatively, active pickups with built-in preamps powered by separate batteries may offer more powerful sounds with higher output levels and reduced background noise.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type works best for your style – so be sure to test out different basses with each pickup type before settling on one!
The Big Debate: How many strings are enough in a bass guitar?
A four-stringed instrument is usually recommended for those just beginning their journey with the bass guitar.
More straightforward to learn and master than its 5-and 6-string counterparts, this model allows you to access a wide range of notes and chords, plenty for most popular music genres.
If you find yourself progressing faster than expected or want to expand your tonality, having a 5- or 6-string bass in your collection can be beneficial.
With more strings come additional challenges – but fair practice can bring considerable improvements in skill and versatility.
How much does a good bass cost?
If you’re a beginner musician on a tight budget, you can still find great bass guitars without breaking the bank, so don’t worry too much.
Some reliable brands such as Squier, Ibanez, and Yamaha offer great quality instruments in the under $200 price range.
Researching marketplace reviews will ensure you pick something that works for you.
For example, if any of the basses that we mentioned interest you, then any website such as Amazon or even Guitar Center should be able to help you find reviews of people that bought it.
Most of the time, they will leave a very good review saying what they like and don’t about the guitar, which can be very useful for you.
For those wanting to max out their budget up to $500, you’ll get some impressive models with unique designs, faster necks, better tuners, and upgraded pickups and controls.
These beefed-up versions offer superior sound and performance, perfect for practice sessions, jamming, or small gigs.
Should you buy used or new?
Getting a new or used bass is a crucial decision to make.
With a new one, you’ll benefit from a warranty, the security of a returns policy, and an option to change your mind within a certain cooling-off period.
Buying used can be risky but also lead to great value for money.
To minimize risks, it’s best to choose reputable physical or online guitar stores rather than flea markets or thrift stores.
That way, you can try out the bass with an amp and make returns more quickly if needed.
In love with guitars, and gear; expert in all things music! Been writing about guitars for about 5 years and counting. Born in the ’90s. Alma Mater: University of Havana. Always curious, trying to understand the world. #TeamFender
