As much as a quick internet search of the best bass guitar will give you hundreds of feedbacks, this is not always the case and that is where we come in.
Though there may be some truth to some of these searches, most of them will actually turn out to be disappointing.
Taking this into consideration, I’d like to let you in on a little secret of mine…
Consider this day your lucky day since in this section, I’ll be talking about some of the best bass guitars there are out there you can get for your money. In addition to this, I’ll be taking you through the buyer’s guide after which you’ll know exactly what to look for while looking for the best guitar.
Without further ado, let’s start by having a look at some of the key things you ought to consider before you make your purchase.
Have a Quick Look at 3 of Our Recommended Choices...
To save you the hassle of having to read throughout the article, here are 3 of our best choices that you should definitely check out.
Let’s have a look at the Top 5 Best Bass Guitars under $500 & Top 5 Best Bass Guitars under $200
What Should You Look for in a Bass Guitar?
Considering the different constructions, you could get on a bass guitar, here are some of the things you should look for.
The Number of Strings:
The bass guitars will have either 4,5 or 6 strings. Though it may be tempting to go for the guitar with 6 strings, going for the 4-stringed is advised.
Here’s why: the less the number of strings the less narrow the body which of course makes the 4-stringed guitar narrower. The tuning is the E-A-D-G format hence they are way easier to handle and play.
Some music styles are however in favor of the 5 strings such as country music and modern worship songs that root in B mostly which makes the ideal tuning to be B-E-A-D-G. though the 4-string bass is easier to use, 5 or 6 strings will foster better creativity in the long-run.
How’s the Fingerboard on the Guitar?
The fingerboard can either be coated or uncoated. Whereas the former will give you a warmer and natural sound, the latter on the other hand gives more of a treble and a longer strain that lasts longer with round-wound strings.
The Pick Ups:
Other than the choice of wood, the pickups have got an even bigger effect on the final sound of your bass. This can give various results on various bases and will also be affected by how old and how many your strings are.
The Fret Numbers:
Different guitarists have got a different taste. Most of the basses have got either 21, 22 or 24 frets and you should, therefore, choose either regarding your taste.
Tonal Variation:
This decides whether or not the notes will be in tune as you move up the neck while playing. Normally, if the distance, especially above the 12th fret is not present, the bass will be out of line hence useless as an instrument.
What about The Scale Length?
When it comes to the neck and string length, a longer neck gives you more defined sound on the lower strings. A shorter scale, on the other hand, is ideal for 4-string basses and is the best for smaller hands.
What about The Bass Bridges?
The strings on a bass guitar terminate at the bridge and it is here where the vibrations are then passed on to the rest of the guitar hence creating a resonance and tone that can be captured by the pickups and amplify.
The strings pass over the bridge saddles that can be adjusted. You can move them either forwards and backward or up and down. If you want the best build on the bridges, you should go for the ones constructed of brass since these are in most cases covered with nickel silver or chrome.
The best bass guitar has got a bridge with more mass since this holds and supports the strings better and transfer more vibrations from the string to the body.
There are normally 3 different types of bridges: the through bridge, the string-through, and the bridge tailpiece combination.
The through-bridge has its strings moving via the back of the guitar’s bridge and over the saddles. On a bridge and tailpiece combination, the strings are fed via a separate tailpiece unconnected to the saddle. The string-through, on the other hand, feeds each string via the body and over the saddles.
You can find here how to play bass guitar for beginners.
Table of Contents
What Is the Best Brand of Bass Guitar?
With a lot of brands to choose from, fender seems to be the brand of the day. Not only do they have a variety of guitars for you, but they also ensure that you get the most out of your guitar.
As the saying goes, old is gold. The brand has also been around since 1946 and has brought a lot of transformation in the music industry.
>Click Here to See The Most Popular & The Best Fender Electric Guitars.
Top 5 Best Bass Guitar under $500 Reviews
Having had a look at what you should look for in a bass guitar as well as how you should choose one. Here we have collected 5 top rated bass guitars under $500 by researching on the market value & wrote their review. Let's have a look.
If you are looking for a guitar with one of the most quality constructions, then this is your choice. The Squier by Fender Affinity Jazz comes with one of the best hardware you could get from a guitar which not only gives it a good feel but you also get to use it for quite some time.
Comes with a rosewood fingerboard. Though it is hard to tell the difference between the maple and the rosewood fingerboard, rosewood tends to produce a warm and spacious sound
Has got a neck and bridge pick up volume controls. With the two of these, working hand in hand, you’ll end up with a decent sound quality. Whether you need it for a studio recording or a performance, this is just the guitar for you.
The master tone controls which give you more control over the sound quality you end up with; this is definitely the ideal beginner guitar.
Comes with two single-coil pickups which are just what you need if you want a variety of classic and contemporary tones.
Pros:
- Come with a comfortable neck and quality hardware.
- Has got 4 strings which makes it easy to play and master.
- Two single-coil pick-ups for a variety of classic and contemporary tones.
Cons:
- Some screws may be loose and you’ll have to tighten them on your own
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Does it come with a warranty?
A: yes, a 1-year warranty
Q: Does the headstock have a gloss finish on it?
A: yes, it is glossy
Q: is it right handed?
A: yes, it is.
Just as it can be said for any other musical instruments, the trick to getting the best entirely lies in the details.
Let’s have a look at what the Ibanez GSR200 guitar has in store for you:
It comes with 4 strings which make it the ideal choice for anyone who is trying out the bass guitar for the first time. The 4 strings mean that the guitar will have a narrower body hence convenient for younger guitarists with smaller hands. The E-A-D-G format is also easy to master and play which just so happens to be what you will be getting from this 4-stringed guitar.
The body is lightweight which gives you the comfortable feel as you use it and at the same time, there is minimal fatigue.
The fact that it comes with the maple neck gives you the guarantee that you’ll be getting both a bright and clear sound each time you play the guitar. The fretboard is constructed out of rosewood which gives a warm and spacious sound.
With both the maple and rosewood combination, you surely will get the best sound quality. This surely can be said to be the best bass guitar under 500
Pros:
- Comes with 4 strings which is perfect for any learner.
- The body is lightweight and comfortable.
- The body is mahogany-made hence quite durable.
Cons:
- If you are looking for anything else rather than a starter bass, this is not it.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: is it a full scale or a short scale?
A: it’s a full scale
Q: would this be a good starter for rock music?
A: yes, it would
Q: what gauge string does it come with?
A: it comes with the typical bass string gauge that is .045 to .100 light gauge
Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Jazz Bass - '77, 3-Tone Sunburst
Looking for the best bass guitar under 500? Well, the Squier by Fender Vintage might just be what you need. This right-handed guitar comes with a solid-wood body construction which contributes to the durability and sound quality that you’ll be getting from it.
When it comes to the comfort, the narrow body construction makes this the best bass guitar for those with small hands. Besides having a narrow neck, the guitar is also lightweight which besides being comfortable to use eliminates fatigue.
As far as choosing your first bass guitar goes, the Squier by Fender Vintage will perform as you expect. Owing to the fact that it comes with 4 strings, it will be much easier to play and master the E-A-D-G format.
The maple neck gives the guitar a bright and clear sound which makes this one of the best guitars you could use especially for a studio setting.
Owing to the fact that it comes with the single-coil pickup. With the single-coil, you get only one coil and one magnet which ends up giving you a bright as well as a focused sound.
However:
Just like many bass guitars in the market today, this one’s a right-handed guitar. If you’re left handed, you’ll be missing out on a lot of features.
Pros:
- Single-coil pick up for a more focused sound.
- Has got 4 strings hence ideal for any first-time user.
- Comes with a solid-wood body construction hence more durable.
Cons:
- You might need to replace the strings for better sound quality
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: what is the action of the bass?
A: iit can be high or low
Q: does it ship outside the USA?
A: no, it doesn’t
Q: will it come with a carry bag?
A: no, it doesn’t come with a carry bag
Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Jaguar Bass Special - Rosewood Fingerboard
Truth be told, this guitar packs a lot of outstanding features and probably more than you would expect to find on a bass guitar that sells for less than $500. Without further ado, let's narrow down on the features.
First of all, it comes with 20 medium jumbo frets. Since the best bass quality can be found in the lower fret numbers, 20 will definitely give you what you seek.
Owing to the fact that it comes with the single coil pickup lines, you get to have a focused as well as a bright sound. Though there will be a little bit of noise as is the case when it comes to the single-line pickups, it will not be a setback at all.
The design:
As for the construction, the guitar comes with 4 strings which mean that it will be narrower hence you can easily be able to play it, especially if you have got smaller hands.
It comes with a maple C-shaped neck as well as the rosewood fingerboard. The maple neck will give you both definition and clarity when playing your bass notes. As for the rosewood fretboard, it will give you distinction when it comes to the tones.
Pros:
- 20 medium jumbo frets for a good bass quality.
- Single-coil pick-ups hence you get a more focused sound.
- 4 strings make it comfortable to hold and easy to use.
Cons:
- The volume knobs and tuning knobs may not be that satisfying
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: does it come with a carry case?
A: no, it doesn’t
Q: how are the frets on the guitar?
A: they are smooth
Q: is this an active or passive guitar?
A: the guitar is passive.
Coming 10th on our list is the Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Bass VI and there’s plenty that you’ll be getting from this one. Let’s narrow down on its features.
The guitar gives you a vintage tone that is delivered by the 3 custom Jaguar single-coil pickups with notched claw shielding rings. Single coils have been around for long and are quite simple. They give you a bright and focused sound.
Has got 6 strings on it. though this may be too complicated for a beginner, it is ideal for the advanced guitarists. The 6-string count allows you to step up your skills and have a better sound output.
Comes with the 21 medium jumbo frets. This gives you the bass you desire since most bass notes lie in the low fret counts.
The modern C-neck style is comfortable to use and the 9.5” fingerboard radius makes things easier for you as well- you’ll definitely enjoy the way this guitar feels.
The fact that it comes with a lot of tonal variations via the (4) two-position slider switches allows you to play in a variety of styles. It surely is the best bass guitar under 500 dollars.
Pros:
- With the 21 medium jumbo frets, you get a good quality bass.
- Considering it’s a 6-stringed guitar, there’s room for better experience.
- Durable and beautiful build quality
Cons:
- The pickguard routs for the pick-ups are a little rough
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: does it come with a hard case?
A: no, you have to buy separately
Q: is this bass or a guitar?
A: it’s more of a cross between the two
Q: are the necks the original dimensions of 7.0 as the 1961?
A: no, they aren’t
Top 5 Best Bass Guitars under $200 Reviews
Here we find out 5 of the best bass guitars under 200 dollars, and we wrote their reviews here. You have to read these before purchasing the best one for you.
Crescent Electric Bass Guitar Starter Kit - Transparent Blue Color
Taking into account the construction of this guitar and the features that it comes with, it surely will serve flawlessly as both a beginner bass guitar as well as for advanced guitarists.
It is completely a handmade guitar which means that you’ll be getting a lot out of it and at the same time spend less which just makes it the best bass guitar under 200 dollars. Here’s what you’ll be getting from it.
It comes with 4 strings. The lower the strings the narrower the guitar and obviously the easier it is to use it. Ask any guitarist and they’ll tell you that the E-A-D-G format is easiest to master hence if you’re just learning how to play the bass guitar, this can be the perfect one to start with.
Durability is an obvious added advantage on this guitar considering that it is 100% handmade. Get to use it for as long as possible. It surely is designed to take a beating.
For a starter kit, here’s what you’ll get with the guitar:
It comes with a starter amp, an amp cable, a gig back which can also act as a protective case, extra strings, a shoulder strap and the CrescentTM digital E-tuner.
Pros:
- Comes with a lot of accessories for a starter bass guitarist.
- Has got 4 strings hence comfortable to hold and easy to use.
- Owing to the fact that it is homemade, it is meant to last you for so long
Cons:
- Though it’s not always the case, you may need to tighten the screws more
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: how many watts does the amp have?
A: 10 watts
Q: what strings will I need to restring this guitar?
A: just the standard bass strings
Q: what is the size of the neck?
A: it’s a full size neck.
How good a bass guitar performs lies in the details of every aspect of its construction. Taking this into account, here’s what you should be getting from this guitar.
This guitar has got a maple C-shape neck with a 9.5-inch radius and 20 medium jumbo frets. Most bass playing occurs in the lower fret positions which make 20 frets ideal for bass playing. As is the case in any bass guitar, the C shaped neck on this one will serve you quite well when it comes to precision.
The single coil feature is quite simple to use and it will create both a bright and focused sound quality.
For a bass guitar in its price, it comes with 6 strings. Though this may not be the best option if you are looking for a beginner bass guitar, it is the best choice for any advanced guitarist wanting to step up his/her skills.
The agathist body construction, besides being cheap, will give you a balanced in tone and in addition to this, you get to have more emphasis on the low-mid tones. The fact that it has got an adjustable bridge allows you to adjust your bass as you desire.
Pros:
- It’s a 6-stringed guitar hence it gives you a more detailed sound.
- The adjustable bridge allows you to play a variety of tunes.
- Single-coil pick up for a more detailed sound.
Cons:
- Considering it’s a 6-stringed guitar, it won’t be suitable for a first timer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: does it come with a case?
A: no, it doesn’t
Q: is it right handed or left handed?
A: the guitar is right handed
Q: does it come with strings?
A: yes, it is fully strung.
Think of how awesome it would be if you could get a quality bass and at the same time spend less on a guitar. Well, if you're looking for a budget guitar, this one's for you.
The maple neck design makes things easier. It will surely allow you to play faster and at the same time give you a sleep feel and an easier time while playing.
The 22-fret count is one of the best when it comes to playing the bass notes with an electric guitar. The best bass is always in the lower fret numbers.
As for the pickups, the guitar comes with the dean ‘soap bar’ style. This will give you both smooth low-end as well as an aggressive high-end. You also get to have plenty of response to your playing and the tone controls is the best.
With the vintage-style Dean bridge, you will have things set up perfectly on the intonation front. The Dean diecast tuners allow you to stay in tune all the time.
Has got 4 strings. With 4 strings on your guitar, you get to have a narrower neck which automatically makes using it more comfortable and much easier. Also, the 4 strings are the easiest to master and perfect hence ideal for beginners.
Pros:
- Single-coil pick up for a better sound quality.
- Has a basswood body construction for better sound and added durability.
- 22-frets give you a quality bass
Cons:
- Despite playing very well, the finish is not that appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: does it have a case or a gig bag?
A: no, neither is included
Q: is this a good beginner bass guitar?
A: yes, it is
Q: do I get an amp with the guitar?
A: unfortunately, no.
If you are looking for the ideal bass guitar for beginners as well as the advanced guitarists, then you should definitely check this one out. This crescent premium electric bass guitar might just be the best bass guitar under $200 since it just happens to be a handmade guitar.
For a handmade guitar, however, it sure does pack a lot of features on it:
With a basswood body, this can just be the best option if you are trying the guitar for the first time since it has got a short sustain. In addition to this, the guitar can be used for more complicated sounds. If you’re not really sure the kind of music you’ll be focusing on, be sure to try out this guitar.
Right out of the box, the guitar comes with a tuner, extra strings, the picks as well as a strap and a gig bag. Considering that the guitar is entirely homemade, it packs quite a lot of gear for you. Be sure to check it out.
Summing up, considering that this guitar is 100% handmade, you surely cannot get a better deal if you are on a budget.
Pros:
- Comes with a basswood body that allows you to play a variety of sound
- It is 4-stringed hence easy to learn and perfect.
- Comes with a lot of accessories that make things simpler for any first timer.
Cons:
- You may find the neck a little bit uncomfortable.
Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: does it come with a strap, cord and picks?
A: yes, it does
Q: will it work with a guitar amp?
A: yes, it will
Q: does the guitar come with a case?
A: yes, a soft zip case
If you want to get the most out of your money, this is definitely what you should go for. For a guitar under 200, it sure does have a lot to offer. Let’s have a look at some of the things you’ll be getting from it:
The fact that it comes with 4 strings means that it will be narrower. Besides being comfortable to play with if you have small hands, the 4-stringed guitars are easier to play with and master in a short while as it focuses on the E-A-D-G format.
One of the best-fretted guitars you could get for your money. The fret design has been around for long and this is so because of its simplicity. With the frets dividing the fingerboard, you'll get to see the position to play each note on the neck. Definitely, makes guitar playing much easier.
Since most of the bass playing takes place in the lower fret number, this guitar comes with 20 frets which will do just fine.
To make things easier and much better for everyone, the guitar includes a BAXs bass amp, a digital tuner, an instructional DVD, strings, straps, picks, a cable and a gig bag. This is quite the deal for a bass guitar under 500 and surely will give you a good head start when it comes to using the bass guitars.
Pros:
- Comes in an extensive package that gets you started just right.
- The body is laminated wood hence you get a better sound and a durable guitar.
- Adjustable bridge for a more detailed sound quality
Cons:
- The amp may blow after some time
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: can I use headphones with it?
A: yes, you can
Q: is the guitar a full size?
A: yes
Q: is it a right-handed or a left-handed guitar?
A: it’s right handed
How Should You Choose a Bass Guitar?
For anyone who’s familiar with the bass guitars, this may just be the hardest thing to do before you buy one. Here are some of the things you should have in mind before you buy one.
Why would you like to get one?
The purpose as to why you need to get yourself a guitar should be one of the key things to consider. Taking a simple scenario, the bass guitar needed by a beginner is not the one that an expert will go for. It is important to know why you really need it, if you just want to get one for fun, then you should go for the basic guitar. On the other hand, if you want more than just basic use and you need a better and more punchy bass, then you will have to spend more on your guitar.
This brings us to the budget…
All things considered, this happens to be the most important factor when shopping for one. The bass guitar is a musical instrument that is used in most of the modern music styles.
The low-end guitars are normally for the beginners who'd love to learn of the bass which happens to be simple, fun and straightforward to learn. These guitars will come with both low-quality electronics as well as hardware which makes them cheaper.
As for the experienced and more dedicated guitarists who’d love to set their standards higher, the high-end guitars are the ones to go for. These come with a better electronic system and the hardware top-notch; the same also goes for the tone woods. Besides sounding better to the ear, a high-end bass guitar will serve you longer and of course feel better.
Which fretboard layout do you prefer?
These are normally of two types; the fretted and the fretless. The former is the normal guitar neck that we are used to; each fret divides each of the half steps on the chromatic scale. With this, it is easier to get the correct notes which make it ideal for a beginner.
The fretless has got just smooth wood as you would get on an upright bass or violin. Though many assume this may be the best to use, how good the sound entirely depends on your finger position. This is why the skilled players depend on the memory of their muscles for perfect positioning of their hands. Nevertheless, the more you practice, the better you’ll get.
The body types.
When it comes to the design, different guitarists have their own preferences as to which is best between the bolt-on and the neck-through type
The bolt-on neck design is the most common and most of us probably know of it. This design has the neck as a separate piece of wood attached to the body.
As for the neck-through design, the guitar is of uniform span all through. These designs have got better durability, quality as well as the transfer of energy since they are made of many pieces of wood glued together.
The bass tone it will give you.
Well, it’s a bass guitar hence the bass tone should definitely not be overlooked. When it comes to the tone, the type of wood used in constructing the guitar is important.
Though new players do not necessarily need to be concerned with the specifics, the body is quite an important factor when you want to get a particular sound for your guitar.
Here are some of the constructions you can choose from…
The agathist bodies.
Being one of the cheapest woods you could get out there, it is very popular and recommended for beginners. It is bound to give you a fairly balanced tone while at the same time paying attention to the low-mid notes which give it an amazing sound.
Ash construction:
Though there are different species used, there is very little difference between them all. Just like alder, you’ll get a beautifully bright sound. Desired because of its aesthetics is the swamp ash wood.
Alder:
If you want utmost clarity and a balanced tone, then alder is your choice. It is also the most commonly used for guitar bodies.
Mahogany Construction:
If you want to get the most out of your guitar, this is definitely your choice. Giving you a warm, soft tone, mahogany will create a longer sustenance and at the same time pay heed to the tones especially the lower and mid-range tones.
Maple:
Creating a well-sustained sound like mahogany is maple. If you want a guitar for a studio setting, then this is definitely your choice since it will give both a clear and bright tone.
Basswood construction:
Though it doesn’t resonate so much and some bass players think it gives a flat sound, it can be the best option for complicated techniques since the sustain is short.
A Final Consideration Before Making Your Purchase:
The good bass guitar is the one that’ll make you a better guitarist. If you’re a beginner, it will make learning much easier and if you already know how to play, well, you’ll be more experienced. For simplicity, get the 4-string guitar.
You should also choose a fretted one unless you’ve mastered it and want to scale higher.
Also:
If you have got tiny hands, go for the short scale guitar. Though the looks won’t make it sound better, they admittedly surely do matter to you; get a guitar that looks better and appeals to you.
Final Verdict:
Wrapping things up and knowing what to look for in a bass guitar as well as how to choose one for ourselves, getting a guitar that suits you best is easier also considering you have our top 10 list. It is always best that you go for the guitar that you will afford and at the same time consider why you want that guitar.
If you pay utmost attention to the details, you can overlook what you don’t need from a guitar and only narrow down on your preferred features. This ends up giving you the guitar you desire and you’ll spend less.
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Summary
As much as a quick internet search for the best bass guitar will give you hundreds of feedbacks, this is not always the case and that is where we come in. ... Consider this day your lucky day since in this section, I’ll be talking about some of the best bass guitars there are out there you can get for your money.
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