Best
Overall
Bass Guitar
-
Overall: As With Other Ibanez Guitars, The GRSM20BS Model Upholds The Brand's Reputation For High-Quality Standards
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Best Feature: The Fretboard Is Made From Redwood, And The Neck Is Made Of Maple, Ensuring Durability And A Rich Tonal Character.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Beginners
Bass Guitar
-
Overall: The Ergonomic Design Allows For Smooth Playability And Reduces Fatigue
-
Best Feature: A Unique And Inspiring "C" Shaped Neck Design, Promoting Comfort During Performances And Extended Training Sessions
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
LEFT-HANDED
Bass Guitar
-
Overall: Millettia Laurentii Okoume Body Results In A Well-Crafted Instrument With A Balanced And Resonant Sound.
-
Best Feature: The Combination Of A Maple Neck, Composite Ebony Fingerboard
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Searching for the best bass guitar can feel like hunting for hidden treasure, right? I get it, and I’ve been there too—wading through heaps of options, each promising to transform your groove game.
This article has your back by zeroing in on top choices suitable for beginners and seasoned pros. From the legendary Fender Precision Bass to pocket-friendly wonders like the Yamaha TRBX305, there’s something here for every budget and style preference.
Whether you’re looking for a four-string classic or a five-string powerhouse, I’ve covered all bases, pun intended.
So, are you ready to find your perfect low-end companion? Let’s amp up your bass game!
Top 15 Best Bass Guitars
1. Ibanez GSRM20BS
The short scale of this jazz bass guitar is perfect for those who have just started taking bass guitar lessons and experienced pros who want to play the bass guitar that feels perfect in their hands.
At just 28.6″, it’s ideal for people with small hands, cramped recording spaces and even young adults embarking on a musical journey.
Ibanez is known for the high-quality standards of its guitars, and this model lives up to all the expectations. Its build and quality have garnered five-star ratings from many proud owners who have purchased it.
The GRSM20BS model offers the same workmanship, total sound pickups, and set-up as other Ibanez full-size models. It has a fast, slim maple neck that gives the whole bass guitar a compact, lightweight feel. It features the Dynamic P Pickup, which is expected from the best Bass guitars.
The GSRM20BS is a four-string bass guitar that delivers the excellent bass sound one expects from it. It features a hardtail bridge system. The fretboard is made from redwood, while the neck is made of maple. The guitar has been configured for a magnetic combination pickup.
PERFECT FOR: Beginners and Experienced Players
FEATURES: The fretboard is made from redwood, and the neck is made of maple, ensuring durability and a rich tonal character.
OTHER INFO: As with other Ibanez guitars, the GRSM20BS model upholds the brand's reputation for high-quality standards
Ibanez GSRM20BS
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Comfortable short size, suitable for all players.
- B10 bridge provides stable tuning
- It tends to be out of tune on a higher fret.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Glarry Bass Electric Guitar
This one is built for those who are looking for a high-performance guitar. Ideally suited for beginner and experienced musicians, this bass guitar is one of the best bass guitars, with a standard string spacing and smooth neck for a great playing experience.
The thicker strings, larger string tension, and adjustable bridge produce a sound that is solid tone, sustain and excellent intonation compared to other bass guitars.
This beautifully designed guitar, one of the best bass guitars available online, uses Rosewood and basswood for the fretboard and face/back of the guitar, making it quite sturdy to use and play and lasting for years.
The Basswood neck is great to hold and lets you hold and play the guitar happily for long periods, whether a practice session or a gig. It’s one of the most reliable guitars in the market and comes with a great price compared to other full-size guitars.
It has a portable bag to carry your bass guitar wherever you go.
PERFECT FOR: musicians seeking a high-performance guitar.
FEATURES: Crafted with a combination of Rosewood and basswood for the fretboard and face/back of the guitar
OTHER INFO: this beautifully designed instrument ensures sturdiness and durability.
Glarry Bass Electric Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Full Size
- Maple Neck
- Great for beginners
- Only one set of pickups
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Hofner Ignition Sb
This a great guitar that will impress you with its build quality and sound from the house of Hofner, Germany, which is well known for the high precision and quality musical instruments it produces all over the world.
This IGNITION bass guitar is modelled on the same lines as the electric violin bass preferred by Paul McCartney of the Beatles. This bass guitar is a semi-hollow body model with the trademark control panel, wooden bridge and style tailpiece that Hofner is famous for in the music industry.
This bass guitar’s flame maple back and sides, topped with spruce, give off a great natural sound that will impress your audience at home or on a gig. Thanks to the Hofner staple humbuckers, you can experience a warm, woody, nearly acoustic-style tone.
It’s a solid-wood electric bass guitar with four strings perfectly suits all professional and experienced bass guitar players.
PERFECT FOR: professional and experienced bass guitar players
FEATURES: a semi-hollow body design with the trademark control panel, wooden bridge
OTHER INFO: This design ensures both visual appeal and enhanced tonal characteristics.
Hofner Ignition Sb
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Full Size
- Maple Neck
- Style tone of 500/1, which is ideal for any gigs
- Plain volume controls
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4. Ibanez GSR205B
This mid-budget electric bass guitar has a very compact and contoured body and a slim neck profile for a great playing experience. You can now also quickly speed up your performances as required.
The neck of this six-string electric bass guitar is made with maple, and it features a mahogany body, along with a fingerboard made of Rosewood.
The DXH-6N neck and DXH-6B bridge pickups lend a classic fat, punchy tone along with the Phat II EQ with an active bass boost.
A solidly built and lightweight construction makes this electric bass guitar extremely easy to use for professionals. It comes with a gig bag and stands so that you can easily carry it anywhere you need and set it up quickly.
PERFECT FOR: professional use
FEATURES: This mid-budget electric bass guitar features a compact and contoured body, ensuring a comfortable playing experience.
OTHER INFO: The neck of this six-string electric bass guitar is made of maple, providing stability and a bright tonal character.
Ibanez GSR205B
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable electric bass guitar for professionals
- Six strings with easy handling
- Gig bag and stand included
- Knobs could be better.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5. Glarry Electric 5 String Bass
A well-balanced full-size bass guitar that’s perfect for those looking for a good electric bass guitar on a low budget. This electric bass guitar by Glarry gives serious competition to the electric bass guitars of some of the topmost brands, which come at high prices.
It has an excellent comfortable hold and stylish looks that will get more than a few glances from music admirers. This bass guitar’s stable performance and sound are top-notch and will win many new fans. The strings of this bass guitar are thicker, and it comes with the perfect string tension for an excellent performance.
The guitar’s tone, too, is perfectly balanced and does not hinder the vocals at all. One of the best budgets buys in electric bass guitars, as per the many positive reviews it has received online, it also makes for an ideal gift to friends and family.
This right-handed bass guitar’s front, side and back panels are made from basswood, while the neck is made of maple, with the fingerboard material being Rosewood.
PERFECT FOR: music enthusiasts
FEATURES: a basswood body for the front, side, and back panels, providing a balanced tonal character.
OTHER INFO: Its stable performance and top-notch sound quality will impress both players and listeners alike, winning over new fans.
Glarry Electric 5 String Bass
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Solid, Lightweight Build
- Thicker strings
- Ideal for vocal harmonizing
- String quality could be better
- The neck is a bit heavy compared to the body
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6. Ibanez GIO GRG121DX
A sleek electric bass guitar that’s part of the GIO series from Ibanez. Ibanez has acquired a solid market reputation for producing great-performing bass guitars at a very reasonable price. Many buyers have given this model five-star ratings for its excellent bass sound.
It sports a B15 bridge (16.5mm string spacing) and has a Dynamix H neck/bridge pickup (Passive) for a deep sweet sound. The neck is maple, while the body features a mahogany construction.
One of the best bass guitar deals, this electric model features five strings instead of the usual four found in most bass guitars. This gives the bass guitar a more resonant sound and helps you play more chords. The tone sliders are perfect and give you a more jazzy sound; that’s just perfect.
This Walnut finish guitar sports a trendy, high-end look that one usually finds in top-end guitars. At its current price, it’s a great quality guitar for budding musicians with a lightweight body and high volume capabilities.
PERFECT FOR: bass guitar players
FEATURES: 16.5mm string spacing and a Dynamix H neck/bridge pickup (Passive), this bass guitar delivers a deep and sweet sound.
OTHER INFO: The maple neck and mahogany body construction contribute to the overall resonance and tonal character.
Ibanez GIO GRG121DX
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- High-end look
- 5 Strings
- Standard onboard tuner
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
7. Ibanez GSR200BL Left-Handed Bass
Part of the GSR series from Ibanez, these mid-priced guitars are a good buy for amateur and budding bass guitar players looking for a great-sounding guitar within their budget. The build and finish of this electric bass guitar, made for left-handers, is the same that you would expect in other Ibanez guitars.
This is because all the guitars from Ibanez pass the same stringent quality and finish standards, regardless of their price range. This 4-string bass guitar features a Dynamix J bridge pickup (passive) and a B10 bridge (19mm string spacing) that helps produce a great sound no matter where you play it.
The Ibanez 4-string bass guitar also sports a Phat II equalizer for better sound even at high volume levels. The guitar has a preset factory IG, 2D, 3A, and 4E tuning. The full-scale guitar and shoulder strap is easy to hold and use for longer.
The Ibanez Electric Bass Guitar is built with a GSR4 Maple neck and Mahogany body, while the fretboard is of Rosewood with white dot inlays. It comes with a free gig bag, tuner and stands.
PERFECT FOR: amateur and budding bass guitar players
FEATURES: a GSR4 Maple neck and Mahogany body, ensuring a comfortable playing experience and solid construction.
OTHER INFO: The Rosewood fretboard with white dot inlays adds a touch of elegance.
Ibanez GSR200BL Left-Handed Bass
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Mid-Budget Electric Bass Guitar with a superior build,
- Phat II equalizer provides an active boost
- Compact and slim
- The finish could be better.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
8. Fender Mustang PJ
Fender guitars are the world standard for high-quality bass that has become the music industry standard. The Mustang series by Fender is another winner and sports a classy 30″ short scale length.
This makes it the perfect buy for students and beginners who need a comfortable and reachable grip while learning to play the bass guitar.
The well-designed “PJ” pickup configuration offers excellent tonal versatility, the standard of high-precision bass guitars and something professional players look for in their favourite guitars.
This Mustang Bass also features a three-way toggle pickup switch, always giving you the bridge or neck pickup alone or both for an excellent performance. It also offers solid tuning stability and precise intonation with increased sustain, thanks to the hardtail, four-saddle bridge it sports.
A unique and inspiring “C” shaped neck design makes this bass guitar comfortable during performances and long training sessions. The Fender Mustang is a clear winner and a great bass guitar, perfect for professionals and new learners.
PERFECT FOR: students and beginners
FEATURES: a unique and inspiring "C" shaped neck design, promoting comfort during performances and extended training sessions.
OTHER INFO: The ergonomic design allows for smooth playability and reduces fatigue
Fender Mustang PJ
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Sleek Design
- Thunderous Bass Tone
- Short scale increases playability
- Expensive compared to other bass guitars
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
9. Yamaha TRBX305
From one of the pioneers in the musical instruments business, here’s a bass guitar designed and built to offer a great musical experience. The stylish design of this guitar is what catches your attention initially till you discover its great-sounding bass.
It comes with a fast action bolt on a 5-piece maple/mahogany neck and a fingerboard made of Rosewood for a smooth and delightful playing experience that is a part of the Yamaha legacy.
Thanks to this electric bass guitar’s pair of humbucking pickups, you can also enjoy a hum-free sound.
Enjoy the excellent bass sound and play different styles per your preferences with the specially designed performance EQ active circuit. This optimizes the sound for the utmost musical experience while playing a gig or even practising in the studio.
Weighing just 21 pounds, this bass guitar is also perfect for holding and playing with for long durations without feeling any strain. It’s a 34″ full-length guitar with 24 frets. The fingerboard is made of Rosewood. This Yamaha guitar comes with a gig bag, stand and tuner.
PERFECT FOR: musicians on the go
FEATURES: a stylish design that catches the eye but also delivers a great-sounding bass.
OTHER INFO: This combination of materials enhances playability and adds a touch of elegance, carrying on the Yamaha legacy of quality craftsmanship.
Yamaha TRBX305
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Sleek and Stylish Design
- Maple/Mahogany Neck
- 5 Strings
- Storage case needs to be bought separately.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
10. Glarry GJazz
A great-looking bass guitar with excellent sound and design that makes it very easy to play for beginners and professional musicians alike. The fretboard and body materials are Rosewood and basswood, which helps deliver a warm sound from your bass guitar.
The construction of this guitar is strong, which ensures you will keep playing this guitar for many years. The neck construction, which is of maple, offers a comfortable playing grip that suits all playing styles. The hardtail bridge system is flexible and provides a solid tone, sustain and excellent intonation.
The high-tensile strength fret wires ensure longer playing durability, and a smooth playing experience, whether a practice session or a gig. Professionals have acknowledged and used Bass guitars by Glarry due to their affordability and great-quality sound. This guitar sports a single-single-coil pickup configuration.
PERFECT FOR: beginner or a professional musician
FEATURES: The combination of Rosewood and basswood materials in the fretboard and body contributes to a warm and rich sound from the instrument.
OTHER INFO: The maple neck construction offers a comfortable playing grip that suits various playing styles.
Glarry GJazz
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Budget-friendly
- Great sound
- Maple neck construction
- The Truss rod needs to be adjusted.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
11. Yamaha TRBX304
You will fall in love with this sleekly designed Yamaha 5-string bass guitar that comes in a very impressive and appealing candy apple red colour. Apart from striking looks for its guitars, Yamaha is also well known for the quality of the musical instruments it produces, including guitars.
This Yamaha guitar is one of the best brands and produces great-sounding bass that will impress your friends and audience whenever you play it.
It features a rosewood fingerboard that offers a smooth and comfortable playing experience, while the pair of humbucking pickups let you enjoy a humming-free sound.
Enjoy a great bass sound optimized by the Performance Equaliser, with an active circuit for a great-sounding performance. This is a full-length guitar with a 34″ scale, Mahogany body construction, and a maple neck. The Bass guitar includes a gig bag, gig stand and tuner.
PERFECT FOR: beginner or a professional musician
FEATURES: The rosewood fingerboard of this Yamaha guitar provides a smooth and comfortable playing experience.
OTHER INFO: The instrument is designed to produce exceptional tone and clarity, ensuring a memorable performance every time you play.
Yamaha TRBX304
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Stylish Look
- 5 Strings for a better playing experience
- Suitable for professional players only
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
12. Yamaha BB234
From the house of Yamaha comes another show-stopper, electric bass guitar with four strings. The yellow natural satin finish is beautiful and adds a unique look to this bass guitar with the best construction and bass sound among similar brands, as per online reviews.
It’s one of the preferred models for budding musicians and those embarking on their journey as professional bass guitar players. It has an alder body design and a maple neck for superior grip and comfort whenever you play it. The rosewood fingerboard offers a comfortable, smooth playing experience.
The Yamaha BB model has a tone control knob and two volume control knobs for better handling and sound control.
PERFECT FOR: budding musicians and aspiring professionals
FEATURES: a stunning yellow natural satin finish that adds a unique and eye-catching look to the instrument.
OTHER INFO: It enhances the playability, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the fretboard.
Yamaha BB234
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Yamaha Build and Quality
- A legacy model with a modern touch
- Maple neck for better grip
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
13. Ibanez GSR105EX
If you’re looking for the best bass guitar with a great bass sound that fits your budget, the Ibanez 5 String Electric Guitar is a great choice.
It comes in a natural oil finish and has a slim maple neck which is very comfortable to hold. The maple neck also gives you an outstanding balance while providing plenty of sustain.
This Ibanez Guitar has a B15 bridge with medium frets for an excellent performance whenever you play it at your gigs and performances. The SR body style is a beautiful, comfortable design with a natural oil look that will let you enjoy hours of comfortable play.
Moderately priced, it’s a compact body bass guitar you will love carrying wherever you go.
Overall, a quality performer from the house of Ibanez, well known for producing good quality bass guitars in an economical price band.
PERFECT FOR: musicians seeking a quality performer
FEATURES: With its slim maple neck, this Ibanez guitar provides a comfortable grip and outstanding balance.
OTHER INFO: The neck's design not only enhances playability but also contributes to the guitar's sustain, allowing notes to ring out with clarity and richness.
Ibanez GSR105EX
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Mid-Range Guitar
- 5 String Bass Guitar
- Classy
- Needs more pickups
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
14. Yinge 5-String Fretless Bass Guitar
Left-handers need not feel left out with this superbly designed bass guitar that offers a comfortable hold and feel whenever you play it. The Maple neck and fingerboard made from composite ebony perfectly match each other and come fitted on a Millettia Laurentii Okoume body.
This Bass guitar has 24 nickel frets, a truss rod, two straphangers and side markers. You can set the sound with its two-volume and three-tone controls. The two pickups are perfect and help create a great sound when playing your bass guitar.
The length of this guitar is 44″, and it has a scale length of 34″, which is just perfect for holding for long durations. If you’re looking for a good quality guitar at the right price, this could be the ideal choice.
PERFECT FOR: Left-Handed Players
FEATURES: The combination of a Maple neck, composite ebony fingerboard
OTHER INFO: Millettia Laurentii Okoume body results in a well-crafted instrument with a balanced and resonant sound.
Yinge 5-String Fretless Bass Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Mid-price range
- Suitable for Left-handers
- 5 Strings
- Body construction is of ebony.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
15. Gstyle Left-Handed Bass Guitar
Add to your style element while playing the grooviest sound with this Black 5 String Fretless Guitar, which has a bolt-on maple neck and a composite ebony fingerboard. The fingerboard is well-designed and comfortable for hours of playing at gigs or during practice sessions.
Bass guitars need a tremendous sound variation; this guitar does not disappoint. It has two volume and two tone controls to set any sound interpretation.
The poplar wood body is sturdy and should easily last you for a couple of years if taken care of properly. The die-cast black machine tuners are fantastic and help you get your guitars tuned and running within minutes.
PERFECT FOR: any musician
FEATURES: Whether you prefer a warm, mellow tone or a bright, punchy sound, these controls allow you to fine-tune your sound interpretation to your liking.
OTHER INFO: This feature ensures that you have the versatility to adapt to different musical styles and genres.
Gstyle Left-Handed Bass Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Fretless
- 5 Strings
- Two pickup
- Ebony composite fingerboard
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Different Types Of Bass Guitars
Four-String Bass
The most common type of bass guitar is the four-string bass. It’s the perfect choice for beginners due to its simplicity and approachability. Its four strings are tuned to E, A, D, and G, which is an octave lower than the lowest four strings of a regular guitar. The four-string bass is versatile enough to be used in various styles of music, including rock, pop, and jazz.
Five-String Bass
The five-string bass is another common type of bass guitar. It’s similar to the four-string but with an added low B string, allowing the player to play even lower notes. This is particularly useful in styles of music such as metal and funk, where the bassist needs to cover lower ranges. However, the extra string can make the instrument more challenging and expensive.
Six-String Bass
The six-string bass is a much less common type of bass guitar. It features an additional high C string, further extending the range of the instrument. This type of bass is typically used in jazz and fusion music, where the player may need to play higher notes to match the range of other instruments.
The six-string bass is also more expensive than the four- and five-string options due to the added complexity of the instrument.
Hollow Body Bass
A hollow-body bass is designed to produce a warmer, more acoustic sound.
Its body is carved from a solid block of wood, with the sound chamber left hollow to create a resonating sound.
These basses are famous in jazz and blues music.
Solid Body Bass
The most popular type of bass guitar is the solid-body bass.
It’s made with a single piece of wood, usually ash or alder, which provides a robust and clear sound.
Solid-body basses are commonly used in rock, pop, and metal music because they can cut through loud drum and guitar sounds.
The Strings Of A Bass Guitar
When it comes to the bass guitar, one of the most important things to understand is the arrangement of its strings. Unlike standard acoustic or electric guitars, bass guitars have four thicker strings tuned similarly to the four lowest-pitched strings of a guitar (EADG) but an octave lower in pitch.
The order of the strings can be remembered with the acronym “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge”: E, G, B, D. This instrument is meant to replicate the sound of the double bass but with a construction similar to an electric guitar and pickups that allow it to be plugged into an amplifier during performances.
The bass guitar is a crucial aspect of many bands. Today, it provides deep sounds that push the music forward using bass lines. While chords are less commonly used on modern bass guitar design, playing them by taking any regular guitar chord and building the same shape on the bass is possible.
A knowledge of chords on the bass can help you find bass lines you can improvise on during a solo or accompaniment. Whether you are a musician or a beginner, picking up the bass guitar may come quickly to you due to its similarities to other instruments, and regardless, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the art of music.
Factors To Look For When Buying The Best Bass Guitar
Choosing one of the best bass guitar brands for your needs will probably be one of the trickiest things you do all day. Though opinions vary on who or what makes the best bass guitar, everyone can agree that it should feel good in your hands and be easy to play.
Jazz musicians and bassists, in general, tend to favour bass guitars for live performances.
Ensure the bass guitar you buy will give you the low end you’re after and is comfortable enough to play for hours during your practice sessions if you’re starting. Some of the features that set bass guitars apart include.
1. The Number Of Strings
Bass guitars typically have only four strings rather than the standard five or six found on other guitars. Since the four-string models cover all the typical notes you need for a song, the five- and six-string models are available but rarely used.
There’s no hard and fast rule against thinking about a guitar with 5 or 6 strings, but you should keep your performance range in mind. It would be best to begin your journey with a 4-string instrument unless you are a professional who requires more.
2. The Scale Length
The short-scale bass guitar, whose scale is typically less than 30 inches, is ideal for beginners and people with short hands. This is because they can easily pick them up and start playing immediately. Because of their reduced weight, small-scale bass guitars facilitate long rehearsals and performances.
The long-scale bass guitar, with a scale length of about 33″ to 35″, is the instrument of choice for most professional bassists. The fifth and sixth strings can be found on some extra-long scale guitars that are longer than 35 inches.
3. With And Without Frets
The frets on a guitar divide the neck into sections, making it easier to play various chords. They show guitarists where their fingers should go to make the instrument produce different tones based on the notes they’re playing.
Therefore, frets play a crucial role in teaching novices how to play different chords and providing a reference point to ensure that their notes are correct.
The best fretless bass guitars should only be used by experienced musicians who can pinpoint the instrument’s tone without looking at the frets.
4. The Wood Of The Guitar
Once they feel confident with their bass guitar skills, professional guitarists tend to worry more about this. Even if you’re starting, you might wonder why specific bass guitar models favour a particular wood.
Here are some examples of frequent word forms you might encounter.
ALDER
Most bass guitars are made out of alder because of the warm, clear tone it provides. It also aids in keeping the bass guitar’s overall weight distribution in check, making it easier to play for extended periods.
Its widespread acceptance and use among bass guitarists can also be attributed to the wide variety of tones it can produce.
ASH
Since Alder wood may only be readily available in some areas, a popular substitute is ash. Ashwood bass guitars have a slightly brighter tone.
MAPLE
Another popular choice amongst professional bassists, maple is used to craft the necks of most bass guitars. It’s a dense wood that allows bassists to create clear tones with much sustain.
MAHOGANY
This is commonly used for the body and sometimes the neck of bass guitars. It has a warm, sustained sound and is dense like maple.
BASSWOOD
Those just starting on the bass guitar usually opt for a guitar made of basswood. This is because bass guitars made of basswood are more cost-effective and affordable for them.
Basswood guitars have a shorter sustain, making them ideal for playing fast, intricate bass lines.
AGATHIS
A cheaper alternative to Maple and Mahogany, it’s often used to make bass guitars that won’t break the bank.
5. The Neck Type
It’s also important to pay attention to the bass guitar’s neck, mainly if you’re playing an electric or acoustic bass guitar. The neck of your guitar must be solid and sturdy to withstand the string tension required for playing the bass guitar and for tightening and tuning the instrument.
There are three common varieties of neck found on electric bass guitars.
Bolt-on necks
As their name implies, necks that are bolted onto the guitar. These necks are simple to install on the guitar, but they may need to be better because they tend to become loose and shift position over time. They’re also the worst for bass guitar sustain. Bolt-on necks are typical of inexpensive and entry-level guitars.
Locked necks
Set neck bass guitars are the go-to choice for pros on a tight budget due to their superior sustain compared to their bolt-on counterparts. They’re made by overlapping the bass guitar’s body and neck.
Cut-Through Necks
This neck style is typical on custom bass guitars and is widely favoured by bassists worldwide. The price tag may be steep, but the stability and sustain they provide will make your bass playing sessions worthwhile.
6. The Type Of Electronics It Sports
Your bass guitar’s neck, wood, and strings contribute significantly to the sound, but the bass’s electronics set it apart. The electronics play a crucial role in making a strong enough signal for the amplifiers to pick up.
Typically, electric guitars will have one of two electronic configurations. To increase the strength of the magnetic signal, an active system uses a pre-amp powered by a separate battery. Active pickups give bassists more say over the signal’s strength and quality, and they sound better to boot.
Active electronic bass guitars are quieter, more harmonically pleasing, and have a longer sustain.
Bass guitars with passive electronics rely on a more powerful magnet to produce a signal. Compared to active pickups, passive ones are easier to use and require less fiddling with the settings. Passive pickups are standard on professional bass guitars.
Passive pickups, relatively common among electric bass guitars currently available, are the best choice for players looking for a classic and punchy bass tone with a wide range of sounds.
The relatively new active pickups are ideal for bassists who want their performances to have bigger, brighter, and clear tones. Active pickups have a greater sound output and significantly less background noise interference. If you’re starting, you can experiment with both pickups to see which produces your preferred tone.
How To Buy
The Best Bass Guitar?
Knowing what parts make up a bass guitar and how they work together to create high-quality bass music will help you zero in on the model and specifications that are right for you.
Because of its central role, the neck deserves careful inspection when shopping for the best bass guitar ever. While a bolted neck is convenient in the short term (especially if you intend to make bass guitar your profession), there may be better choices in the long run.
An acceptable middle ground is a bass guitar with a set neck. If you’re concerned about it, you can alter the string height later. Verify that the bridge, controls, and other guitar hardware are securely attached to the guitar body.
The seating screws should make raising and lowering the pickups simple, ensuring a snug fit whether you’re using an active or passive pickup. That’s another thing to consider.
When starting, a beginner with short hands may benefit from a guitar with a shorter scale length. A full-scale guitar, or even one with five or six strings, would be preferable for professionals and experienced bass guitar players.
Last but not least, you need to decide how much money you want to spend on a guitar, as you can learn on a cheap one and then upgrade to a better one when you’re ready to play a professional gig.
Many professional bass guitarists own more than one instrument to accommodate their ever-changing musical tastes. Choosing a bass guitar is more complicated than picking out an acoustic or electric guitar because of the many factors that affect the instrument’s construction and tone.
When deciding which bass guitar is right for you, it’s a good idea to get the opinions of people who already play the instrument and are familiar with your preferred playing style and musical tastes.
Buying a bass guitar online is the best option because it allows you to research and read reviews on various instruments before making a final decision. Among the many factors to consider when shopping for the best bass guitar online are the instrument’s sound, neck construction, and scale length.
Best Bass Guitars
Summary
I’ve explored a variety of bass guitars that cater to diverse playing styles and budgets. There’s something for everyone, from Ibanez Guitars GRSM20BS to budget-friendly options like the Fender Mustang.
Investing in a premium bass guitar can genuinely elevate your musical journey. These instruments offer second-to-none craftsmanship, sound quality, and durability.
For those looking for value without compromising on quality, fantastic budget models are available. They might not carry the same prestige, but their performance can be surprisingly impressive.
Key considerations:
- Sound Quality: Different pickups and electronics can drastically change your tone.
- Build Quality: Pay attention to the materials and construction.
- Playability: The neck feel and fretboard action are crucial.
Exploring these instruments and understanding what fits your needs is an exciting part of the musical journey. With so many excellent bass guitars, you will find one that resonates with your sound and style.
Before you go…
Are you looking for a bass guitar that won’t break the bank but still sounds great and looks cool? Look no further than my list of the 12 Best Bass Guitar Under 200!
These budget-friendly basses prove you don’t have to spend a fortune to rock out like a pro.
