People often ask, “What does a bass guitar cost?” Just like lots of things, the price differs.
Factors like the type of bass guitar, its features and quality come into play when deciding.
For those of us on a budget, it’s important to know how the price of a bass guitar is determined. This article will discuss everything you need to know about shopping for a new bass guitar, including prices, features and more.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Bass Guitar
Various factors determine how much a bass guitar costs, including the quality of materials used to build it, the brand reputation, and the type of bass guitar.
Quality of Materials
High-end acoustic and electric bass guitars often feature premium woods like mahogany, maple, ash, or exotic woods, which can drive up bass guitar costs.
These materials enhance the instrument’s tonal characteristics and contribute to its overall durability and aesthetics.
More affordable bass guitars may utilize lower-grade woods or synthetic materials, leading to a lower price point.
When considering a bass guitar’s cost, buyers must assess the materials used in its construction to ensure they are getting the desired tone and longevity.
Brand Reputation
Many bassists look to iconic brands like Fender, Ibanez, Music Man, Gibson, or Warwick for high-end instruments that will last them decades. With such reliable craftsmanship comes a premium cost.
These classic brands may command a higher price than lesser-known instrument makers.
But many beginners can still access good quality instruments from companies like Squier, ESP or Mitchell, who produce affordable models.
Type of Bass Guitar
The type of bass guitar also affects its cost. Electric and acoustic bass guitars have different construction requirements, which can impact their pricing.
Acoustic bass guitars, designed to produce sound without amplification, often require larger bodies, specialized bracing, and acoustic pickups. These additional features can increase the overall cost of the instrument.
Electric bass guitars rely on electronic amplification and may require more complex wiring, pickups, and onboard controls.
Fretless bass guitars are usually more expensive than their fretted counterparts. This is because fretless construction involves additional labor and materials, including a thin metal layer covering the fingerboard. As such, many players may be out of budget for fretless bass guitars.
The specific design and features associated with each type of bass guitar contribute to variations in pricing.
Customization and Personalization
Bass guitars offering customization options or personalization features tend to cost more. Customization can involve selecting specific wood types, finishes, hardware options, and personalized engravings.
These customizations require additional time and effort, often involving skilled artisans who handcraft the right instrument according to the buyer’s preferences.
The ability to personalize a bass guitar allows musicians to create an instrument that suits their individual style and needs but also adds to the overall cost.
Pickups and Electronics
The quality and complexity of pickups and electronics significantly impact the cost of electric bass guitars. High-quality pickups convert string vibrations into electrical signals and can improve tone and versatility.
Basses equipped with advanced preamp systems, active electronics, and tone-shaping controls provide musicians with greater sound manipulation capabilities, but these features also contribute to a higher price point.
Hardware and Accessories
Hardware and accessories can also affect the cost of a bass guitar. Features like tuners, bridges, and strap locks can increase the overall cost of the instrument.
Many bassists purchase additional gear such as hard cases or gig bags, strings, straps, cables, and other items, contributing to their total investment.
Availability and Demand
The current availability and demand for certain models also affect the cost of a bass guitar.
Instruments that are in short supply or limited editions can fetch higher prices.
Similarly, increased demand for certain bass guitar models can cause the price to rise.
For example, if a particular model is associated with well-known musicians and is highly sought after by collectors, its cost may be significantly higher than similar models.
Budget Range for Bass Guitars
Premium Bass Guitars
When it comes to top-of-the-line bass guitars, the premium category stands out as the pinnacle of craftsmanship, powerful sound quality, and playability.
They typically feature high-grade materials such as mahogany and rosewood bodies, maple necks, and active or passive pickups.
The price range for premium bass guitars typically starts at $2,000 and can go well beyond $10,000.
Who Should Purchase this premium bass guitar
If you are an experienced bass guitar player with a discerning ear for tone and a passion for perfection, investing in high-end models is an excellent choice. These better-quality instruments offer unrivaled sound clarity, incredible sustain, and effortless playability.
Musicians who regularly perform on stage, tour, or engage in high-profile recording projects will find these bass guitars reliable, versatile, and inspiring.
If you are willing to make a long-term investment in an instrument that will elevate your playing to new heights and provide an unmatched playing experience, a premium bass guitar is the ideal choice.
FEATURES: Alder Body & Quartersawn Maple Neck
OTHER INFO: String Gauges: .045, .065, .085, .105
Fender Custom Shop '60 Jazz Bass Relic
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!
- Delivers an exceptional amount of tonal clarity and articulation
- Unique pickups provide a dynamic range of sound
- Comfortable U-profile neck for superior playability
- Select controls to shape your vintage voicing with ease
- Bone nut ensures secure tuning stability
- Includes FCS Jazz Bass Black Case
- May require additional setup to achieve a desired sound
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™.
Mid-Range Bass Guitars
Mid-range bass guitars offer an attractive balance between quality and affordability.
Priced between $500 and $1500, these instruments are crafted carefully, utilizing quality components and construction techniques that ensure a great playing experience without breaking the bank.
Popular brands such as Fender, Ibanez Schecter, and Squier are all represented in the mid-level range, providing a variety of body styles and pickups.
For electric bass guitars, popular models include Fender’s Precision Bass, favoured among funk and rock players for its punchy sound and classic design.
On the other hand, Ibanez offers a wide range of models to choose from for all styles of music, such as the SR500 and BTB lines.
Who Should Purchase this Mid-Range bass guitar
They are suitable for intermediate players looking to upgrade from their entry-level instruments and for professionals seeking a reliable backup bass.
Semi-professional musicians and gigging artists seeking reliable instruments for regular performances will benefit from the enhanced sound and features without stretching their budget too far.
PERFECT FOR: Intermediate to Advance
FEATURES: Bartolini BH2 pickups
OTHER INFO: 24 medium frets
Ibanez SR500E 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!
- Smooth and Balanced Tone
- Fast Attack with Clarity and Articulation
- Warm Resonance from the Rosewood Fingerboard
- Sharp Mid-Range and Sustain
- Semi-professional sound quality
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™.
Entry-Level Bass Guitars
These bass guitars are often made with lower-grade materials and feature basic construction that provides a decent sound. They come with basic features such as passive electronics and pickups.
For entry-level bass guitars, expect to pay around $100 to about $500, making them an accessible option for those on a budget looking for their first bass guitar.
They are often made in Asian countries such as China or Indonesia and feature lower-quality construction than their higher-end counterparts.
Who Should Purchase this Entry-level bass guitar
Aspiring bassists and beginners who want to learn and develop their skills should consider an entry-level bass guitar.
Parents looking to introduce their children to music or hobbyists seeking a cheap bass for occasional playing will also find these guitars suitable.
Entry-level bass guitars are an excellent starting point for those on a limited budget who want to explore the joys of playing bass.
PERFECT FOR: Beginner bass players
FEATURES: 20 Frets
OTHER INFO: Comes with 1/4" jack cable and fitted gig bag
LA Bass Guitar by Gear4music
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!
- Crisp, clear tone with good low end depth, punch and sustain
- Lightweight & comfortable body
- Impressive build quality at low cost
- Improved tone and volume
- Excellent value for money
- Limited range of sounds
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™.
How Much Does A Bass Guitar Cost?
Summary
Ultimately, how much you invest in a bass guitar will vary depending on your playing level and personal preferences.
Guitarists on a limited budget can find quality entry-level models for as little as $100, while intermediate players may require a mid-range instrument costing around $500 -$1500.
For those seeking the absolute best in sound quality and playability, a premium bass guitar costing upwards of $2000 is an excellent choice.
No matter which type of bass guitar you are interested in, it pays to research and find the instrument that best suits your needs.
What’s your opinion? Have you purchased a bass guitar recently?
Tell us about it in the comments!
While the sections on budget ranges and the factors affecting costs are highly informative, one has to wonder if the emphasis on brand and materials isn’t slightly overstated. Certainly, the craftsmanship and material quality are paramount, but there’s also something to be said for the player’s skill level and dedication to their craft. I’ve seen some phenomenal performances on what some might call ‘budget’ instruments. Ultimately, does the instrument make the musician, or is it the musician’s mastery of the instrument that truly makes the difference? In any case, Lewis’s insights provide a great starting point for those venturing into the world of bass guitars.
Heading straight to the mid-range bass section. I guess it’s like being Goldilocks in the guitar store – not too hot, not too cold, just right for my mediocre fingers. And hey, if I ever get famous, upgrading will just be part of my rockstar journey. Right, Lewis?
so what’s a good price for a newbie bass guitar not looking to spend much but wanna make sure i get something decent Lewis Turner got any tips
Totally agree with Lewis Turner on the aspects that hike up the price of a bass guitar, especially on the premium front. I’ve been eyeing a couple of high-end bass guitars and the difference in materials and craftsmanship is just mind-blowing. It’s not just about the brand name but the attention to detail in every component. High-quality wood and top-notch electronics do make a huge difference in sound. Though the price tag can be hefty, for someone passionate about their music, it feels worth it. Anyone else think the sound of a premium bass justifies the price?
Absolutely! I had the chance to play a premium one at a friend’s studio, and the clarity is unmatched. Worth the investment if you’re serious!
Not sure I can tell the diff in sound. U think it’s really that noticeable?