Best beginner bass guitars: Get a classic tone on a budget

If you just started to play bass, you might feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to buying one of your first instruments. There are a number of things to consider. You want to choose one that has the right sound and feel for you.

Is the neck sized for your preference? Is the body the best shape for you? Are you looking for a rock sound like a Precision bass, or do you play heavier styles that would be best suited for active pickups? And of course, what’s your budget?

With the wide variety of fantastic beginner and bass guitars under $1,000 available on the market today it’s easier than ever to find one that meets all your needs.

Best bass guitar for beginners overall: Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Precision Bass

The Precision Bass has been a music staple since it was first introduced in the early 1950s. This offering from Fender’s subsidiary Squier has all of the appointments of a bass that costs four times as much.

It’s got the fat, chunky tone that made the Precision model legendary, and a bridge that intonates well. Period-correct appointments include vintage tuners and a bone nut.

Squier’s Classic Vibe line is a great choice for the budding bass player that mixes quality and affordability.

Best multi-pickup beginner bass guitar: Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ

Another option from Squier is a Precision model with a PJ pickup combination. That means it has the split-coil pickup that gives P-basses their chunky sound, but it also sports a Jazz pickup in the bridge for extra punch.

The dual volume controls let you blend the pickups together, and coming in at a low price, it will work with whatever your budget allows.

Best beginner bass guitar for heavy music: Yamaha TRBX504

Yamaha has always kind of flown under the radar in the musical instrument world. They are probably best known for pianos and keyboards, but their line of bass guitars is just as well made.

The mahogany body offers warm tones, but the coolest feature is the 5-way EQ switch that adds incredible versatility. The dual humbucker pickups can hang with the heaviest of styles but work just as well for funk and slap.

Best single-coil pickup beginner bass guitar: Squier Classic Vibe ‘60s Jazz Bass

Yet another option from Squier’s Classic Vibe line is the 60s Jazz Bass. It has a smaller neck than its Precision counterpart and is very comfortable to play.

The dual alnico pickups bring all of the cut and punch that Jazz basses are known for, though you might want to consider retrofitting it with aftermarket pickups. Each pickup has its own volume control to get the perfect mix.

Vintage-style tuners and bridge add to the throwback vibe, and a bone nut offers better intonation and tuning stability.

Most versatile beginner bass guitar: Ibanez SR Gio GSR200

Ibanez is a company that makes great instruments for all skill levels. They have a terrific line of basses that offer beginners quality at a really affordable price. The GSR200 has an ergonomic body and neck that are easy to navigate.

For pickups it has a split-coil and a single coil with independent volume and tone controls for each, which makes it a true workhorse.

Best 5-string beginner bass guitar: Jackson JS Series Spectra JS3V Bass

One of the best 5-string basses for beginners comes from Jackson. Born for metal and heavier styles of music, the compound radius fretboard keeps the neck playable along its entire length.

There are a number of ways to dial in the dual humbucker pickups. It has a blend control as well as coil tapping on each. You can choose to make the pickups active or passive with a push/pull pot, and when the pickups are set to active it integrates a 3-band EQ as well.

Best humbucker beginner bass guitar: Sterling by Music Man StringRay RAY4

Stingrays are another staple in the bass world, and this affordable model from Sterling is a great introduction. It’s got the sleek, classic look that make the Music Man version so appealing.

The single bridge humbucker really thumps thanks to the 2-band active preamp without overloading you with options. It’s a simple, powerful, and affordable bass that’s great for everything from rock to funk.

Best fretless bass guitar for beginners: Ibanez Standard SR370E

Fretless basses have a sound all their own, but a lot of them are pretty one dimensional in their sound. Not to mention there’s a learning curve with discovering how to play them. Ibanez’s SR370E addresses a lot of these issues.

The biggest differentiator is in the 5-piece maple/rosewood neck. It has fret markers to help guide beginners in learning how different it is to play a fretless bass.

Active electronics include punchy PowerSpan humbuckers and 3-band EQ with Power Tap that offers multiple ways to shape the sound.

It might not suit every style due to the high output pickups, with the different tone-sculpting options there are a lot of useful sounds in it. The fret markers provide a great runway for learning the ins and out of playing fretless bass.

Any bass player looking to make the switch from a standard fretted bass should look into this Ibanez.

FAQ

What should I look for in a beginner bass guitar?

Look for a bass with a comfortable feel, good build quality, and solid tone. Find an instrument that fits your budget and has a good playing feel. Look for features like a comfortable body, neck with a smooth travel, and electronics that match the sound you’re going for.

What kind of bass guitar should a beginner get?

If you’re just starting out with bass guitar it’s best to keep it simple. Look for a well-made 4-string bass with a sound and feel that matches your style.

How much should I spend on my first bass guitar?

Entry-level bass guitars typically range from $150 to $400. Not investing enough in an instrument can sometimes result in poor build quality, while more expensive options may have features a beginners don’t need. Do your research, and play it before you buy if possible.