7 Best Cheap Bass Guitars That Actually Sound Good (2024)

For those of us who are bass players, finding a playable instrument that’s on a budget can be difficult.

Naturally, you want something affordable but more inexpensive than sacrificing quality.

Look no further if you’re trying to find the best budget bass guitars without compromising sound. This blog will take you through 7 top-of-the-line instruments that won’t break the bank!

From vintage tones and modern interpretations of classic designs, we’ll have you jamming in style, whichever type of ax fits your taste and musical genre best.

We’ve rounded up some of the highest-rated budget bass models that offer excellent playability, tone, and craftsmanship.

Read on for details on what each guitar has to offer!

Top 7 Best Cheap Bass Guitars

The Yamaha TRBX174EW is ideal for those just starting their bass journey.

Its distinct aesthetic comes from the eye-catching combination of maple wood on its top and solid mahogany for its body.

The neck is from maple, which is light and comfortable to play with, either standing or sitting. In addition, it features 24 frets satisfyingly set on a fingerboard made from rosewood.

This classic bass offers excellent versatility due to its split Precision-style single-coil and Jazz-style single-coil pickups, accompanied by tone and volume control knobs.

Beyond that, it stands out as an impressive instrument thanks to its superior craftsmanship.

• Pros:
  • Beautiful design.
  • Light and comfortable.
  • Excellent versatility.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Yamaha TRBX174EW is an ideal choice for beginning bass players, offering classic style, superior craftsmanship, and versatile tone options.

The Ibanez TMB100 Talman Bass is an affordable yet stylish take on classical bass guitars.

Its double-cutaway body is made of mahogany and comes in various retro colors.

Its comfortable maple neck and rosewood fretboard allow for smooth transitions between the 22 frets. The sound this model produces genuinely stands out in its price range.

It provides various tones, from heavy rock to jazz, thanks to the two Dynamix single-coil pickups at the bridge and neck positions.

Furthering its feasibility is the reliable hardware that gives you confidence while playing and allows you to enjoy your time with it without any extra worries.

• Pros:
  • Stylish design.
  • Comfortable maple neck.
  • Varied tones.

• Cons:
  • No cons.

My final verdict is that the Ibanez TMB100 Talman Bass is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable, stylish, and high-performance bass guitar.

Its double-cutaway body, comfortable maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and two Dynamix single-coil pickups make it a great option for a variety of tones, and the reliable hardware ensures a worry-free performance.

The Squier Bronco is a bass guitar that offers tremendous value for money.

With its classic double-cutaway agathis body and C-shaped maple neck, this instrument is comfortable to play with and looks stylish.

The lightweight body and 22 frets on its rosewood fingerboard make it friendly to beginners, while its short scale length will appeal to more advanced players as well.

The single-coil pickup provides a rich sound that can adapt to any musical style or genre – from funk to rock and even jazz fusion.

Its clarity and versatility ensure you won’t be disappointed when playing the Bronco, regardless of your skill level.

If you’d like to learn more about this bass, our comprehensive review will provide all the details you need.

• Pros:
  • Comfortable to play.
  • Stylish design.
  • Flexible sound.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Squier Bronco is an excellent choice for any level of bass guitarist, due to its comfortable design, versatile sound, and great value for money.

Dean is no stranger when it comes to well-built and affordable bass guitars.

With the E09M Edge, they’ve pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved at an entry-level price point.

This lacquered beauty has a classic single soap bar pickup in the middle. This is an unusual feature rarely seen in basses at this price range.

Despite its low-cost components, this instrument looks and sounds excellent. It delivers an impressive range of tones akin to more expensive models.

The quality of sound and playability, such as its comfortable C-shaped neck, make the E09M Edge stand out from other beginner models on the market.

Players looking for something unique that won’t break the bank will undoubtedly be pleased with what this bass offers. Check it out for yourself if you’re seeking something a little different!

• Pros:
  • Affordable price.
  • Unique pickup.
  • Good tones.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Dean E09M Edge is an excellent bass guitar that offers great value for money.

It looks and sounds great, with a unique single soap bar pickup in the middle and an impressive range of tones, and its comfortable C-shaped neck makes it a pleasure to play.

It would make an excellent choice for beginner players or those looking for something a little different.

With the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro, you get a fantastic combination of performance and style at an unbeatable price point.

Featuring a 28.6″ short-scale design that is particularly suited for beginners, this bass guitar is both comfortable to play and attractive to look at, thanks to its glossy finish in various paint jobs.

Additionally, it’s loaded with two Dynamix pickups – a P at the neck and a J at the bridge – providing plenty of versatility for different playing styles.

Moreover, it comes complete with quality controls and hardware, so you won’t have to worry about compromising sound or playability.

The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is an excellent option for those looking for something unique without expensive features.

• Pros:
  • Short-scale design.
  • Attractive glossy finish.
  • Versatile pickups.

• Cons:
  • No expensive features.

My final verdict is that the Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro is an excellent option for those who are looking for a high-quality bass guitar at an affordable price point.

It has a comfortable short-scale design, attractive finish, and versatile pickups that provide plenty of sound options.

Additionally, its quality controls and hardware ensure great sound and playability.

The Gretsch Junior Jet II offers fantastic value for money. It offers an alternative to the usual Fender clones dominating the market for years.

High-quality pickups and a die-cast chrome bridge complement its basswood body. On the other hand, its short-scale neck and medium jumbo frets make it highly playable.

Tonal characteristics-wise, you can expect a smooth rounded punch that’s great for classic rock and ’70s punk – especially if you opt to use the neck pickup with its warmer Beatles-y tone.

If you’re looking for something beefier or more modern sounding, this might not be the guitar for you. But, ultimately, it’s hard to fault the Gretsch Junior Jet II, given its affordability and level of quality.

So it could be a great choice if you’re after a powerful yet wallet-friendly instrument for smaller hands or to get back into playing electric guitar!

• Pros:
  • Great value.
  • High-quality pickups.
  • Highly playable.

• Cons:
  • Not modern sounding.
  • Not for big hands.

My final verdict is that the Gretsch Junior Jet II is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a powerful and wallet-friendly electric guitar, particularly for smaller hands or for those getting back into playing electric guitar.

It offers great value for money with its high-quality pickups, die-cast chrome bridge, and basswood body, and its short-scale neck and medium jumbo frets make it highly playable.

The tonal characteristics are great for classic rock and ’70s punk, but might not be suitable for those looking for something beefier or more modern sounding.

The Yamaha TRBX 305 is the perfect bass for discerning bassists on a budget, delivering exceptional performance combined with excellent quality and reliability.

Featuring high-mass die-cast nickel hardware, a five-piece bolt-on maple/mahogany laminate neck, and an active two-band EQ, it provides sound control and versatility that can easily match more expensive four-string models.

In addition, its YGD-designed M3 ceramic humbuckers provide a powerful tone that projects well.

At the same time, the active EQ and five preset switches allow players to explore a wide range of frequency extremes – from instant slap tones to top-end roll-offs for fingerstyle solos.

Some may find its style too clinical compared to more vintage-sounding instruments.

Nevertheless, the Yamaha TRBX 305 is an ideal instrument for bassists looking for modern tones who’re somewhat restricted by their budget.

And with its extra string and longer scale length compared to the four-string version, it offers plenty of bang for your buck!

• Pros:
  • High-mass die-cast hardware.
  • Five-piece bolt-on neck.
  • Active two-band EQ.

• Cons:
  • Style too clinical.
  • Extra string & longer scale.

My final verdict is that the Yamaha TRBX 305 is an excellent bass for budget-minded players, offering high-quality performance and components, as well as versatile sound control.

The active EQ and five preset switches provide a wide range of sound options, and its M3 ceramic humbuckers provide a powerful tone that projects well.

Although it may have a more clinical style than other vintage-sounding instruments, it still offers plenty of value for the price.

If our recommendations were not enough, here we leave you this video where you can learn about other basses just as cheap:

BUDGET BASS SHOOTOUT - Ibanez, Glarry, Squier, Cort, Harley Benton

What to look for when buying a cheap bass guitar?

No matter your experience level in playing the bass, if you’re looking for a new instrument that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, there are some key features to consider.

For starters, you want to make sure your guitar will still sound great – pickups play a significant role in this, providing you with either a low, rumbling tone or a mellow one depending on which one is equipped on the instrument.

Budget basses usually offer quality pickups without being too pricey, but they don’t provide as much definition or clarity as their more expensive counterparts.

On top of this, most inexpensive models have single pickups or two at most – giving those seeking variety a better range of tones and sounds.

Regarding the pickup types, single-coil and humbucking options have unique qualities that may suit specific musical genres and playing styles better than others.

Some bass guitars also have active EQs equipped, allowing you to be more precise in your sound sculpting and giving additional support to your signal.

Then there are traditional bass designs – where purists often stick by the old ways without these modern amenities. Ultimately the choice is yours!

Build quality 

When shopping for an affordable bass guitar, it’s not just essential to look out for a good sound – you’ll also want to ensure that the instrument is built well and can withstand regular use.

Fortunately, many models are produced by reputable brands such as Yamaha, Squier (Fender), Ibanez, and more.

Not only are these well-known names trusted in the industry for their quality, but they often offer guarantees or warranties that will give you extra peace of mind.

Plus, because they have been developed with the knowledge that players expect from renowned brands, users know they’re getting a reliable product created with both performance and longevity in mind.

Scale length 

Short-scale basses are an ideal choice for those with a smaller handspan, as the strings tend to be set closer together on the fretboard.

In guitar terms, scale length refers to:

The maximum vibrating length of the strings that produce sound, and determines the range of tones that string can produce at a given tension.

The shorter design reduces the overall size of the instrument and makes it easier to maneuver and transport – especially when compared to a full-scale model.

Moreover, many players transitioning from guitar to bass prefer the feel of a shorter scale as they find its playing style more natural and intuitive.

The tuning is identical to a standard-sized bass. However, due to the string being slightly shorter, there can sometimes be a difference in sound.

If you think the basses we show you are too cheap and want to raise the bar, make sure to watch this video:

Buying a bass UNDER $1000? (3 budgets to consider)

Here you can find other recommendations under $1000, plus some tips on what to look for.

It’s an interesting way to look for other points of view on this topic and will help you learn more about the process of buying a bass.

Which brands make the best budget bass guitars?

Budget basses may only sometimes have the most impressive specs or top-of-the-line features, but there are great options available from many of the biggest names in bass guitar.

Ibanez is an excellent choice for any budget-conscious player looking for value and quality at an affordable price.

Whether it’s for novice players looking to get into the game or seasoned pros on a tight budget, Ibanez makes powerful, dynamic bass guitars that are comfortable to play and won’t break the bank.

Yamaha bass guitars boast less personality than other units but excel in craftsmanship and tonal capabilities.

Yamaha makes excellent instruments that keep up with a musician’s demanding lifestyle without needing every last penny invested. Their instruments are durable, well-built, and able to take on even the toughest of gigs,

Finally, Squier by Fender offers another great classic option without going over budget. Squier crafts reliable replica versions of some of Fender’s most popular models while maintaining affordability.

Great sound meets vintage design with these lauded basses – all at an unbeatable cost.

Are these cheap basses only for newbies?

Even intermediate and advanced bass guitar players can benefit from owning an inexpensive instrument.

After all, without making a significant financial commitment, you can experiment with different pickup configurations or styles of bass for fun.

A cheap bass around your house or studio can also come in handy when inspiration strikes.

At under $400, these models may not have the highest-end tonewoods, construction, and electronics available. But they’re still ideal for playing around at home or jamming sessions.

If you’re looking for something to take onto the big stage, this isn’t the best option – but if you’re aiming to practice and enjoy playing, this is a great choice!

What materials are budget bass guitars made from? 

The materials used to construct cheap bass guitars vary greatly depending on the brand and model. However, some popular materials used in budget-friendly bass guitars include:

Agathis: Agathis is a wood commonly used to construct budget-friendly musical instruments. It is a dense hardwood known for its warm tonal characteristics, making it a popular choice for bass guitar bodies.

Basswood: Basswood is another common material used to construct cheap bass guitars. It is a lightweight and relatively soft wood known for its balanced tone and affordability.

Paulownia: Paulownia is a relatively new material that is becoming increasingly popular in constructing budget-friendly bass guitars. It is a fast-growing and sustainably sourced wood known for its resonant and lightweight properties.

In addition to these materials, some cheap bass guitars may be made from other woods, such as alder, ash, composites, or other manufactured materials.

The choice of materials used in constructing a bass guitar can significantly impact its tone, playability, and overall quality, so it’s essential to consider this when choosing a budget-friendly instrument.

Are there any compromises I need to make when buying a cheap bass guitar?

Yes, there are compromises that you may have to make when purchasing a cheap bass guitar.

Here are a few of the most common ones:

• Tone: Cheap bass guitars may have a different tonal quality than expensive models due to lower-quality materials and pickups.
• Build quality: Budget-friendly bass guitars may have sharp fret edges, poor neck alignment, or a less solid construction than higher-end models.
• Hardware: Hardware on a cheap bass guitar may not be as durable as on a more expensive model.

This can result in issues such as tuning stability and a tendency for the instrument to go out of tune more quickly.

Are cheap bass guitars any good?

The quality of cheap bass guitars can vary, but many options offer good value for the price, I would say.

Some budget-friendly bass guitars are well-made, with decent tone and playability, making them a good choice for beginners or hobbyists.

However, it’s worth noting that some cheap bass guitars may have limitations in terms of tone, build quality, and hardware.

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to try different instruments to see which works best for your needs and preferences.

In the end, the manufacturer has to build the bass with a cost limit so that they can have a profit at the end, which means less quality checks and low-quality materials.

Additionally, investing in a higher-quality instrument may be worth it in the long run if you’re looking to play seriously and advance your skills.

Can a cheap bass guitar be used for professional performance?

While a cheap bass guitar may not have the same level of craftsmanship and tone as higher-end models, you can still use it for professional performance in some cases.

For example, a budget-friendly bass guitar may suffice if you’re playing in a style that only requires a little nuance or tonal sophistication.

Suppose you’re on a tight budget and need more money to afford a more expensive instrument.

In that case, a cheap bass guitar can still help you achieve your musical goals and allow you to perform professionally, but…

It will also hugely depend on what amplifier you use and effects pedals to compensate for what the bass guitar lacks.

That being said, trying out different instruments is always a good idea to see which one works best for your needs and preferences.