Buying one of the Best Budget Bass Guitars marks an exciting milestone for any bassist, especially those just starting their musical journey. Often designed with beginners in mind, budget bass guitars provide an accessible and playable entry point for aspiring musicians. Beyond beginners, these instruments serve as excellent backup basses or affordable options for gigs where you’d prefer to leave your prized, expensive gear at home. Whether you’re embarking on music lessons, hitting the stage, or simply jamming with friends, a quality budget bass guitar can be a powerful tool.
In the past, inexpensive instruments often meant compromising on quality. Experiences with poorly constructed, unplayable, and lackluster-sounding bass guitars were common. Thankfully, those days are long gone. Today’s market is flooded with incredible bass guitars that cater to players of all levels, offering impressive sound, aesthetics, and playability. The sheer volume of options, covering a wide range of styles and preferences, is remarkable.
However, the abundance of “questionable” cheap bass guitars still lingering in the market can make the search for the right budget bass guitar challenging. This is where we come in. We’ve compiled a guide to the best budget bass guitars available right now, aiming to cut through the noise and present you with a curated selection of top-notch, affordable instruments.
No matter your musical genre or playing experience, finding the best budget bass that fits your financial reach is crucial. Our list encompasses both classic, traditional bass styles and contemporary designs, including both 4 and 5-string models – ensuring we have something for everyone.
Best Budget Bass Guitars: Top Picks
If we were to pinpoint the absolute best budget bass guitar currently available, the Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5 would be a strong contender. This bass style has been the instrument of choice for legendary players like Flea, Cliff Williams, Joe Dart, and countless others.
Despite featuring only one pickup, its versatility spans both modern and classic tones, making it exceptionally adaptable to diverse musical applications. Another noteworthy option is the Yamaha TRBX305, which offers similar capabilities but lacks the same level of heritage and, in our opinion, visual appeal.
A major advantage of both these basses is their availability in both 4 and 5-string configurations, allowing you to choose the version that best suits your playing style and preferences.
Best Budget Bass Guitars: Detailed Guide
Best cheap bass guitars: Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5
(Image credit: Press material)
1. Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5
Is this the best budget bass guitar available today?
Read our expert review
Specifications:
- Launch price: $485/£399/€441
- Pickups: H-1 ceramic humbucker
- Controls: Two-band active EQ/volume
- Bridge: Five-saddle fixed bridge
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Six-bolt hard maple/Maple or jatoba fretboard
- Radius: 305mm
- Scale length: 864mm
- Frets: 22 medium
Reasons to Buy:
- Affordable four-string version also available
- Simple and effective tone controls
- Versatile tonal range
Reasons to Avoid:
- Lacks a midrange EQ control
Sterling By Music Man cleverly offers both four and five-string versions of this iconic bass design at budget-friendly prices. Our 2017 review of the five-string model confirmed that it retains the signature thunderous low-end power of the original Music Man basses. While some might miss a midrange EQ control, the SUB Ray5 remains remarkably versatile, mirroring the capabilities of its more expensive counterparts.
The robust build quality is impressive, and the bass offers excellent playability. The string spacing is comfortably narrow, even for players accustomed to four-string basses, and the satin-finished neck facilitates effortless position shifts.
With its versatility, solid construction, and minimal compromises, the SUB Ray5 is a fantastic budget bass guitar that you can purchase with confidence.
Read the full Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray5 review
Best cheap bass guitars: Yamaha TRBX 305
(Image credit: Press material)
2. Yamaha TRBX 305
A high-performance five-string option for bassists on a budget.
Read our expert review
Specifications:
- Launch price: $413/£340/€375
- Pickups: YGD designed M3 ceramic humbuckers
- Controls: Two-band active EQ/volume/balance/five-way preset EQ switch
- Bridge: High-mass die-cast nickel
- Body: Solid mahogany
- Neck: Five-piece bolt-on maple/mahogany laminate
- Radius: 600mm
- Scale length: 864mm
- Frets: 24 medium
Reasons to Buy:
- Highly playable and comfortable
- Versatile modern tones
- Affordable four-string version available
Reasons to Avoid:
- Tone can sound slightly clinical
Yamaha’s reputation for reliable build quality is well-deserved, and the TRBX 305 exemplifies this. Featuring die-cast nickel hardware, a laminate neck, and an overall sense of robustness, this bass is built to last.
A decidedly modern bass, the TRBX 305 delivers a powerful and projecting tone, largely thanks to its active EQ. Bass and treble controls allow for sonic exploration across the frequency spectrum, but, like the Sterling SUB Ray5, it lacks a dedicated midrange control. Yamaha’s inclusion of a five-way EQ preset switch is a welcome addition, offering instant access to tones like a slap bass sound or a rolled-off top-end for fingerstyle solos.
While some might find the Yamaha’s tone slightly too clinical, we consider it an excellent workhorse, particularly if you’re seeking modern and versatile sounds.
Read the full Yamaha TRBX 305 review
Best cheap bass guitars: Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Precision Bass
(Image credit: Press material)
3. Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Precision Bass
The best budget P Bass for players seeking a vintage aesthetic.
[Read our expert review]()
Specifications:
- Launch price: $349/£287/€317
- Pickups: Fender-designed alnico split-coil
- Controls: Volume/tone
- Bridge: Four-saddle vintage style
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple/Indian laurel fretboard
- Radius: 241mm
- Scale length: 864mm
- Frets: 20
Reasons to Buy:
- Recently updated product line
- Classic P Bass look and sound
- Excellent value for money
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited finish options
Squier’s presence on our list is almost inevitable, given their extensive range of affordable basses. The Classic Vibe series, while representing their mid-range offerings, still falls comfortably within a budget-friendly category.
Channeling the iconic look of early P basses, this model features an alnico split-coil pickup, Indian laurel fretboard, and vintage-style bridge, offering a wealth of classic features. True to its name, it exudes a distinct vintage vibe, though finish options are limited to Olympic White or Three-Color Sunburst. We highly recommend exploring Squier’s ’60s and ’70s Classic Vibe variants of both the Precision and Jazz bass models to find the perfect fit for your style.
Best cheap bass guitars: Epiphone EB-3
(Image credit: Press material)
4. Epiphone EB-3
An incredible bargain for hard-rocking bassists.
Read our expert review
Specifications:
- Launch price: $399/£329/€362
- Pickups: Sidewinder humbucker (neck)/NYT mini humbucker (bridge)
- Controls: Two volume/two tone/three-way rotary selector
- Bridge: Nickel stoptail
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany SlimTaper ‘D’ set neck/Rosewood fretboard
- Scale length: 864mm
- Frets: 22
Reasons to Buy:
- A true classic at a budget price point
- Solid and robust build quality
- Cool retro aesthetic
Reasons to Avoid:
- Separate volume knobs make the selector switch somewhat redundant
Priced under $350, Epiphone’s rendition of the classic EB-3 is undeniably one of the best budget bass guitars available. Despite its affordability, our 2017 review highlighted the EB-3 as a high-caliber and capable bass. It boasts a lightweight yet robust feel (around 3.9 kg), along with quality tuners and a stoptail bridge. While upper fret access is slightly restricted, the comfortable low action more than compensates.
Crank up the volume and tone controls, engage both pickups, and you’ll effortlessly conjure the thunderous classic rock tones reminiscent of legends like Jack Bruce and John Entwistle. The full 864mm scale length, compared to the shorter scale of the original, gives this bass a clear, defined voice and playability that modern players will appreciate.
Read the full Epiphone EB-3 review
Best cheap bass guitars: Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II
(Image credit: Press material)
5. Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II
What’s not to love about Gretsch’s fantastic value short-scale bass?
Read our expert review
Specifications:
- Launch price: $299/£312/€329
- Pickups: Gretsch Mini Humbuckers
- Controls: Volume/tone/three-way toggle
- Bridge: Gretsch standard four-saddle die-cast chrome
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Bolt-on maple/Black walnut fretboard
- Radius: 305mm
- Scale length: 770mm (short scale)
- Frets: 20 medium jumbo
Reasons to Buy:
- Exceptional value for money
- Offers an alternative to the usual Fender-style basses
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited tonal palette
- A set neck would be more traditionally “Gretsch”
In a highly competitive market, the Gretsch Junior Jet II distinguishes itself with its cool vintage styling and impressive playability.
Tonally, it delivers a smooth, rounded punch without excessive bite or harshness, making it ideal for classic rock, ’70s punk, or a warmer, Beatles-esque vibe when using the neck pickup. However, if you prefer a more aggressive, contemporary sound, you might want to explore other options.
With its short-scale neck, Gretsch’s compact, Les Paul-inspired single-cut bass is exceptionally playable, offering a familiar feel that encourages rapid fretboard navigation. If you have smaller hands or seek the punchy midrange character unique to short-scale basses, the Junior Jet II could be the perfect fit.
Read the full Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II review
Best cheap bass guitars: Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro
(Image credit: Epiphone)
6. Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro
Another Gibson-designed classic rock bass receives the Epiphone budget treatment.
[Read our expert review]()
Specifications:
- Launch price: $749/£549/€645
- Pickups: 2 x ProBucker humbuckers
- Controls: 2 x volume, 1 x tone
- Bridge: 1960’s TB-Bass Tune-o-matic
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: 7-ply mahogany/walnut laminate/pau ferro fretboard
- Radius: 12”
- Scale length: 34”
- Frets: 20 medium jumbo
Reasons to Buy:
- Iconic bass design
- Vintage-inspired aesthetics
- High-quality pickups
- Through-neck construction
Reasons to Avoid:
- Leans towards the higher end of the “budget” category
Like the EB-3, Gibson’s Thunderbird bass holds iconic status, famously played by John Entwhistle, Gene Simmons, and Nikki Sixx. While original Gibsons command premium prices, Epiphone has long provided more accessible budget alternatives.
Two models deserve consideration: the Thunderbird IV (around $450/£350) and the upgraded Vintage Pro. Both offer significant value, but cost-saving measures are more apparent on the IV, including a bolt-on neck. Given that the through-neck design is so integral to the Thunderbird’s character, we recommend saving a bit more for the Vintage Pro. While it slightly exceeds the $/£500 mark, the enhanced features are worth the investment.
The Thunderbird Vintage Pro is equipped with ProBucker humbucking pickups that deliver both vintage and modern tones. Combined with Epiphone’s renowned build quality, this bass is a stylish and dependable instrument.
Best cheap bass guitars: Ibanez Talman TMB100
(Image credit: Press material)
7. Ibanez Talman TMB100
Retro looks, impressive specifications, and a remarkably low price.
Read our expert review
Specifications:
- Launch price: $218/£179/€198
- Pickups: DXJ Bridge/DXP Neck
- Controls: Ibanez Custom Electronics two-band active EQ/Balance/Volume
- Bridge: Ibanez B10
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple/Jatoba fretboard
- Radius: 240mm
- Scale length: 864mm
- Frets: 20 medium
Reasons to Buy:
- Unbelievable price point
- Active EQ adds tonal versatility
Reasons to Avoid:
- Appearance might be considered somewhat basic
- Hard to find significant faults at this price
Featuring the classic PJ pickup configuration (a split-coil neck pickup and a single-coil bridge pickup) and a two-band active EQ, the retro-styled Ibanez Talman TMB100 punches well above its weight in terms of tone.
Expect warm, traditional sounds with a pleasant character. The inclusion of active EQ on a budget model is a standout feature, providing the ability to boost bass or treble frequencies for a more modern sonic edge.
In terms of playability, the 20-fret neck offers a vintage feel. The rounded body and rear contour enhance comfort, although the upper horn slightly restricts access to the highest frets. However, this is inherent to the design and shouldn’t deter you if the aesthetics appeal to you.
Read the full Ibanez Talman TMB100 review
Best cheap bass guitars: Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ
(Image credit: Press material)
8. Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ
A top contender for the best budget bass guitar, especially for beginners.
[Read our expert review]()
Specifications:
- Launch price: $199/£164/€181
- Pickups: Standard Jazz Bass single coil/Standard Precision Bass split-coil
- Controls: Volume/volume/tone
- Bridge: Four-saddle standard style
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple/Indian laurel fretboard
- Radius: 241mm
- Scale length: 864mm
- Frets: 20
Reasons to Buy:
- Combines Precision and Jazz Bass pickups for tonal versatility
- Available in bundles with essential accessories
- Exceptionally affordable
Reasons to Avoid:
- Primarily designed for beginners
Squier’s bass lineup includes Jazz, Precision, Jaguar, and Mustang models. You might wonder why we’ve included a second Precision Bass on this list. The Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ offers the best of multiple worlds within Squier’s entry-level range.
Firstly, the PJ pickup configuration provides an additional bridge pickup from a Jazz Bass, essentially giving you two basses in one in terms of tonal options.
Secondly, the Affinity PJ is also available as part of a bundle that includes a 15-watt Rumble amp, padded gig bag, strap, cable, and a Fender Play subscription. While it requires a slightly larger initial investment, it’s an excellent value package for beginners.
The Affinity series is aimed at beginners, so it may lack some of the refinements of higher-end Squiers, but it provides everything a new bassist needs to get started.
Best cheap bass guitars: Danelectro Longhorn Bass
(Image credit: Press material)
9. Danelectro Longhorn Bass
Danelectro’s classic-styled, versatile, and affordable bass guitar.
Read our expert review
Specifications:
- Launch price: $607/£499/€551
- Pickups: Souped Up Lipstick single coils
- Controls: Stacked volume/stacked tone
- Bridge: Traditional bridge with rosewood saddle
- Body: Plywood frame and center block with masonite top and back
- Neck: Bolt-on maple/Pau Ferro fretboard
- Radius: 355mm
- Scale length: 755mm (short scale)
- Frets: 24 medium jumbo
Reasons to Buy:
- Impressive tonal versatility
- Excellent upper fret access
Reasons to Avoid:
- Stacked knobs can be slightly fiddly
- Traditional bridge can be challenging to intonate precisely
Deep body cutaways, a distinctive ‘Coke bottle’ headstock, and ‘lipstick’ single-coil pickups define the Longhorn’s retro charm. However, its unique shape is not just for show. The extended horns provide unparalleled access to the 24th fret and excellent balance when playing standing up.
While the plywood and masonite construction might raise eyebrows among tone purists, the Danelectro’s lo-fi build is integral to its distinctive tone. Leaning towards the brighter side, the lipstick pickups pair exceptionally well with flatwound strings, especially if you’re aiming for warmer, vintage tones.
Like many classic-styled basses on this list, the Danelectro isn’t designed for modern, extreme lows and highs, but it remains a capable and surprisingly versatile workhorse.
Read the full Danelectro Longhorn Bass review
Best cheap bass guitars: Höfner Ignition Violin Bass
(Image credit: Press material)
10. Höfner Ignition Violin Bass
Arguably the best budget bass guitar for Beatles enthusiasts.
[Read our expert review]()
Specifications:
- Launch price: $349/£289/€317
- Pickups: Höfner Ignition Staple Nickel
- Controls: Höfner control panel with switchable pickups and solo/rhythm switch
- Bridge: Höfner tailpiece with fretted rosewood bridge
- Body: Spruce top/Flamed maple back and sides
- Neck: Maple/Rosewood fretboard
- Scale length: 762mm (short scale)
- Frets: 22
Reasons to Buy:
- Produces warm, vintage tones
- Possesses a unique and distinctive sound
Reasons to Avoid:
- Quirky styling might not appeal to everyone
- Not exceptionally versatile across genres
The Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass is arguably the company’s most iconic model, famously played by Paul McCartney, perhaps the most celebrated bassist of all time. The Ignition series represents Höfner’s affordable instrument line, and the Violin Bass is a standout recommendation.
Höfner has wisely adhered closely to the original design template favored by McCartney, featuring a semi-hollow body, short scale length, Ignition Staple pickups, and the renowned Höfner Control Panel. This panel provides individual volume controls for each pickup, on/off switches, and a third knob to toggle between ‘rhythm’ and ‘solo’ modes.
Tonally, it leans towards the warmer side with a characteristic short-scale midrange punch. This quirky and historically significant instrument is best suited for blues or vintage-style rock.
Best cheap bass guitars: Ibanez SR300E
(Image credit: Ibanez)
11. Ibanez SR300E
The best budget bass guitar for covering a wide spectrum of styles and sounds.
[Read our expert review]()
Specifications:
- Launch price: $349/£279/€319
- Pickups: 2 x PowerSpan Dual Coil
- Controls: Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/3-way Power Tap switch, 1 x volume, 1 x balancer
- Bridge: Accu-cast B120
- Body: Nyatoh
- Neck: 5pc Maple/Walnut/jatoba fretboard
- Radius: 12”
- Scale length: 34”
- Frets: 24 medium
Reasons to Buy:
- Punchy and articulate pickups
- Versatile control options
- Available in attractive finishes
- Slim and comfortable neck profile
Reasons to Avoid:
- Body shape might not appeal to all players
Despite its budget-friendly price tag, the Ibanez SR300E performs far beyond expectations. It delivers a clear, punchy tone, and the comprehensive control panel allows you to dial in a vast array of sounds.
It excels as a rock bass, country bass, metal bass, worship bass, blues bass – its versatility is remarkable. While it leans towards a modern sound profile, the ‘power tap’ switch enables you to transition from humbucker tones to a more single-coil-like character. The active 3-band EQ provides further tonal refinement for discerning players.
For the price, the SR300E boasts excellent build quality and exceptional playability. The thin neck profile, in line with modern bass designs, and the double-cutaway body provide easy access to the higher frets. While the aesthetics might not resonate with players favoring vintage styles, the Ibanez SR300E is undeniably one of the best budget bass guitars in terms of sound, playability, and reliability.
Best Budget Bass Guitars: Buyer’s Guide
Close up of the Danelectro Longhorn bass fretboard and neck pickup
(Image credit: Future)
Choosing the best budget bass guitar for your needs.
If you’re new to playing bass, you might be hesitant to invest heavily in your first instrument. Alternatively, you might be a seasoned or professional bassist seeking an additional bass without significant expense. Regardless of your reasons for seeking a new bass, several key considerations should guide your decision before you make a purchase.
Firstly, the best budget bass guitars will deliver satisfying sound quality. Whether you prefer an aggressive low-end rumble or a tight, mellow tone, the pickups are paramount in shaping your sound. While budget basses might not offer the same level of definition and clarity as premium instruments, a good budget bass will feature quality pickups that provide a respectable sonic foundation without breaking the bank. Some basses feature a single pickup for a more focused sound, while others offer two pickups for increased tonal versatility.
Pickup types also play a crucial role. Single-coil and humbucking pickups each offer distinct tonal characteristics that suit different playing styles and musical genres, although personal preference ultimately reigns supreme. Some of the best budget bass guitars even incorporate active EQ systems. Active EQs allow for more precise frequency adjustments and can boost your signal. Older, more traditional bass designs typically lack active EQs, and some purists prefer this approach, but it ultimately comes down to individual taste.
Build Quality
MusicRadar has your back. Our team of experienced musicians and producers dedicates countless hours to rigorously testing products to ensure you choose the best music-making gear for your needs. Learn more about our testing process.
A quality budget bass guitar should also be built to a high standard. It needs to be durable enough to withstand years of playing and the rigors of regular gigging. All the basses on our list are manufactured by reputable and reliable brands such as Sterling (Music Man’s sister company), Squier (Fender), Epiphone (Gibson), Ibanez, and others.
Scale Length
Short-scale basses can be an excellent choice for players with smaller hands, and the budget market offers some fantastic short-scale options. Scale length refers to the total length of the vibrating string, measured from the nut to the bridge. Short-scale basses are typically a few inches shorter than standard full-scale basses. While the tuning remains the same, short-scale basses offer a slightly different feel and sound. Guitarists transitioning to bass often find short-scale basses more comfortable initially.
How much should you spend on a budget bass guitar?
Budget bass guitars have significantly improved in quality over the years, especially compared to entry-level instruments from past decades. Today, you can acquire a high-quality bass capable of handling touring, practice, and recording for under $650/£500. If you prefer to spend even less, there are numerous exceptional options available around the $370/£300 price point.
Which brands produce the best budget bass guitars?
Virtually all major bass guitar brands offer budget-friendly models, but some excel more than others in this category.
We particularly recommend exploring Sterling by Music Man, Yamaha, and Squier. Sterling stands out for exceptional value, demonstrating that players can achieve powerful and dynamic bass tones from a remarkably comfortable and affordable instrument.
Yamaha basses might lack some visual flair, but they compensate with exceptional build quality and tonal versatility. Few companies match Yamaha’s ability to produce high-quality budget gear. If durability, robust construction, and resilience to demanding use are priorities, Yamaha basses are an excellent choice.
If you’re drawn to classic bass designs but want to avoid high prices, Squier is your ideal brand. Every Squier bass guitar falls within our “budget” price range, and thanks to their affiliation with Fender, they faithfully and accurately recreate Fender’s most popular bass models while keeping costs minimal.
Buying Online
Purchasing a quality budget bass guitar online is easier and more convenient than ever. Numerous reputable online retailers offer a wide selection of the best budget bass guitars. Upon receiving your instrument, minor adjustments might be necessary to optimize playability to your preferences. This is entirely normal, and any reputable retailer will provide guidance on necessary adjustments if you’re unsure. Remember that you are typically covered by a minimum 14-day return policy (always verify the retailer’s specific policy) if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase.
Learn more about how we test music gear and services at MusicRadar.
Related Buying Guides
