The Best Budget Bass Guitars Of 2023

Tighten those bass strings and let’s rock! Is the high price tag of top-tier bass guitars holding you back? Don’t worry; this guide is here to bust the myth that a tight budget equals low quality. We’ve put together a list of the best budget bass guitars in 2023 to get you thumping and slapping in no time without emptying your wallet.

Whether you’re a beginner just tuning in or an experienced player looking for a bargain, stick with us as we explore the top-notch, affordable bass guitars that’ll boost your musical skills without breaking the bank.

 

Sterling SUB Ray4

Overview

The Sterling SUB Ray4 falls under the SUB series by Sterling by Music Man. It is a beginner to intermediate-level budget bass guitar that offers the iconic Music Man bass tone. It is designed to be affordable and versatile for bass players of all skill levels. Essentially, it pays tribute to Fender’s original Precision design but with deliberate, innovative upgrades such as the soap bar pickup, active electronics, a shorter headstock, and a chrome boomerang control plate.

This bass has a solid hardwood body with a high-gloss finish, a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and a 34-inch scale length. This is a well-crafted instrument that offers a lower price point compared to the premium USA models yet still maintains the Music Man heritage.

Key Benefits

• Durable and nice quality build with a basswood body and hard maple neck.
• Entry-level, easy-to-use hardware with open-gear tuning machines and a fully-adjustable fixed bridge.
• Single coil humbucker and volume and 2-Band EQ controls that provide versatility and control over the instrument’s tone.
• Surprisingly wide tonal range and amazing definition, exceeding expectations for its price range.
• Solid hardwood body with a high-gloss finish and a comfortable neck profile for greater playability.
• Activated preamp for tone shaping, giving rise to a wide range of tonal options.
• Vintage-style bridge with adjustable saddles and open-gear tuners for enhanced sound output.

Pricing

The Sterling SUB Ray4 is known for its affordability while offering a high-quality instrument, making it an attractive choice for bass players, especially beginners and intermediate players.

See Current Guitar Center Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

The Sterling SUB Ray4 is well-regarded for its solid build quality, versatile tone, and playability. The neck profile is comfortable, and the smooth fretboard facilitates extended periods of play. The active preamp allows for a wide range of tonal options, offering everything from a warm, round sound to a bright, cutting tone. The pickup delivers a powerful and focused sound, suitable for a variety of musical styles.

However, it may require a setup out of the box to achieve optimal playability. The action and intonation might need some adjustment, but once properly set, the bass performs exceptionally well. While the hardware is generally reliable, there have been some reports of issues with the tuners or bridge. However, these issues are not widespread and can often be resolved with minor adjustments or replacements.

In spite of these minor drawbacks, the Sterling SUB Ray4 is indeed a solid choice for beginner and intermediate bass players seeking a versatile and budget-friendly instrument. Its sound quality, playability, and affordability make it a favorite in its price range.

 

Hofner Ignition Bass

Overview

The Hofner Ignition Bass is a unique and highly playable instrument that stands out for its distinctive sound, tone, and aesthetic appeal. It holds a special place in the history of music due to its association with Paul McCartney and The Beatles. Designed with a semi-hollow body made of flamed maple on the back and sides, and spruce on the top, this instrument is lightweight and comfortable to play. Its distinctive sound is deep, punchy, and versatile, suitable for genres ranging from jazz and blues to classic rock, pop, dance, and reggae.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight, comfortable design suitable for long rehearsals and gigs
• Unique sound that cuts through a mix well
• Versatility in tone with the use of different pickups and switches
• Pairs well with effects pedals, allowing for experimentation across genres
• Smooth fretboard and easy access to notes enhance playability
• Iconic “viola” bass design associated with Paul McCartney and The Beatles

Pricing

The Hofner Ignition Bass is highlighted as a more affordable option when compared to the higher-priced Hofner Contemporary Bass, offering great value for its features and performance.

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Pros & Cons

Personally, I find the Hofner Ignition Bass to be a fantastic budget bass guitar, combining comfortability, playability, and an unmistakable tone. Its lightweight construction makes it comfortable for extended playing sessions, and the unique sound it offers is inimitable.

You can achieve anything from punchy low-mids to deep sub-bass with the two pickups and pickup selector. The ability to pair it with effects pedals opens up a world of versatility for different genres, enhancing its appeal for musicians who like to experiment with their sound.

But what sets this bass apart is its tone. It has a unique thumpy, woody tone that cuts through a mix wonderfully, perfect for recording directly into an interface. Plus, the iconic Paul McCartney bass tone is achievable, along with the indie/psychedelic rock tone of bands like Tame Impala.

However, it’s not all positives. The bass can be a bit top-heavy when played standing up, which might pose a challenge for some. The instrument’s hardware also leaves room for improvement, particularly the bridge and tuners, which may need upgrading for gig-readiness.

But overall, the Hofner Ignition Bass stands out as an exceptional instrument that delivers on playability, unique tone, and versatility. Whether for home use or professional recording and performing, it’s a great choice for musicians of all levels.

 

Squier Classic Vibe ’60s P-Bass

Overview

The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s P-Bass is a vintage-inspired bass guitar that serves as a homage to the iconic 1960s Precision Bass. Being a part of Squier’s Classic Vibe series, this model aims to offer an affordable gateway for bass players to tap into the classic sound and feel of a 1960s Precision Bass. This instrument is lightweight, made with a poplar body and features a gloss polyester finish. The neck is made of maple and follows a “C” shape profile that enhances the playing comfort.

The vintage inspiration extends to its hardware with a 4-saddle vintage-style bridge and vintage-style tuning machines. The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s P-Bass is available in three classic finishes: Olympic White, 3-Color Sunburst, and Sonic Blue.

Key Benefits

• Vintage-inspired design
• Affordable entry point to experience a 1960s Precision Bass
• Lightweight poplar body that enhances comfortability
• “C” shape neck profile that promotes easy navigation of fretboard
• Single split-coil Precision Bass pickup that delivers classic P-Bass tones
• Vintage-style hardware that adds to the aesthetic

Pricing

The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s P-Bass is known to be a budget-friendly alternative to the Fender Precision Bass. The instrument’s quality and classic design, paired with its affordable pricing, provide great value for money as it compares favorably to more expensive counterparts.

See Current Guitar Center Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s P-Bass has a number of significant strengths. For one, its vintage-inspired design is highly appreciated, drawing one back to the iconic 1960s Precision Bass era. The lightweight poplar body and comfortable “C” shape neck profile make it a delightful instrument to play. The single split-coil Precision Bass pickup, implemented with a master volume and a master tone knob, delivers a versatile sound that can be utilized across various musical genres. Moreover, the vintage-style hardware not only adds to the overall aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the instrument’s performance with solid intonation and sustain.

However, no instrument is without possible downsides. Potential players might find the singular vintage sound limiting in some contexts. Also, while the vintage-inspired design is broadly appreciated, it might not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking a more modern aesthetic. Nonetheless, many of these perceived cons can be subjective and depend on the player’s personal preferences. Overall, the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s P-Bass stands as a great choice for bass players who want to enjoy the iconic feel and sound of a 1960s Precision Bass at an affordable price.

 

Ibanez SR300E

Overview

The Ibanez SR300E is a 4-string electric bass guitar that is part of the Soundgear series introduced in 2016. It comes with a double-cutaway mahogany body, a bolt-on maple and rosewood neck, and a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard with white dot position markers.

This versatile instrument is equipped with PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups, an Ibanez custom preamp with a 3-band EQ and a Power Tap switch, allowing for a wide array of bass tones from warm and mellow to punchy and aggressive. The SR300E is known for its comfortable, slim, and fast neck and its sleek, lightweight, and thin body design. It also offers a variety of specialty finishes for a personalized look.

Key Benefits

• Custom 3-band EQ and PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups for precise bass tone control
• Slim and fast neck design that is comfortable to play
• Wide range of bass tones achievable
• Lightweight and thin body design, making it balanced and comfortable for smaller hands
• Easy to use, simply plug and play
• Power Tap switch feature allowing for a warm and heavy sound
• Battery compartment is easily accessible without the need of a screwdriver
• Versatile instrument suitable for various musical styles

Pricing

Despite its affordable price, the SR300E surpasses expectations in terms of tone and playability. It offers high-quality construction and features that are impressive for its price range.

See Current Guitar Center Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

In my opinion, the SR300E offers a multitude of advantages. Its lightweight and ergonomic design makes it comfortable to play for long periods, which is a huge plus for gigging musicians. The bass’s 5-piece maple/walnut neck provides stability and durability, while the 24-fret fingerboard extends the range and versatility of playing styles. The Accu-cast B120 bridge ensures excellent sustain and intonation, while the die-cast tuners provide stability and easy tuning.

This bass guitar’s wide tonal range, delivered by two PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups, is impressive. With the active 3-band EQ, I can precisely control over the bass, mid, and treble frequencies, personalizing my sound. The SR300E also boasts variety in finishes, including Pearl Black Fade Metallic, Pearl White, and Iron Pewter.

In terms of drawbacks, issues with noisy pickups and quality control have been mentioned. However, these issues are quite minor and can be easily fixed. The overall consensus is that the Ibanez SR300E is a great value for its price, offering superior sound, and playability.

 

Yamaha TRBX 305

Overview

The Yamaha TRBX305 is a remarkable bass guitar that features a solid mahogany body and a five-piece maple/mahogany neck. Boasting active electronics with a master volume, pickup balance, bass boost/cut, treble boost/cut, and a Performance EQ switch, this guitar allows for a multitude of equalization options to suit different playing styles. The guitar’s tone versatility, excellent build quality, and affordability make it a highly recommended musical instrument for all player levels.

Key Benefits

• Solid Construction: The guitar has a strong mahogany body and a five-piece maple/mahogany neck, ensuring durability.
• Active Electronics: It features a master volume, pickup balance, bass boost/cut, treble boost/cut, and a Performance EQ switch that offers five different equalization options.
• Versatility: It caters to all music genres with its versatile tonal palette.
• Comfortable Design: The sleek, curvaceous body shape and deep lower cutaway provide easy fret access and comfortable playability.
• Lifetime Warranty: Yamaha offers a lifetime warranty for the TRBX305, enhancing its overall value.
• Affordability: Despite its high-quality features and performance, the TRBX305 is budget-friendly.

Pricing

The Yamaha TRBX 305 offers great value for money, given its high-quality features and performance. It is a budget-friendly five-string bass that provides a highly playable experience and a versatile tonal performance.

See Current Guitar Center Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

From my perspective, the Yamaha TRBX 305 has many advantages. The instrument has a powerful sound, featuring a solid mahogany body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The two humbucking pickups, coupled with an active 3-band EQ, offer a wide range of tonal options. This makes it a highly versatile instrument, capable of delivering the right sound for rock, funk, jazz or any other genre.

The guitar is also comfortable to play for extended periods, thanks to its smooth neck and ergonomic body design. The gloss polyurethane coat on the body and satin polyurethane finish on the neck further add to its sleek and comfortable feel. The high-quality construction of the guitar ensures it can withstand regular playing and touring.

However, while the TRBX 305 has a lot to offer, it may not meet everyone’s needs. For instance, although the EQ selector switch allows for easy access to specific tones, it could be considered excessive. Some might find the sound to be too colorful and versatile, preferring a simpler, more straightforward sound.

Despite this, the Yamaha TRBX 305 is a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced bass players. Offering a diverse sound, comfortable playability, and excellent build quality, it successfully meets the needs of a band setting, studio recording, or home practice. With its affordable price point, it provides excellent value for the money.

 

Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II

Overview

The Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II is a well-crafted bass guitar renowned for its quality construction and precise attention to detail. This instrument boasts classic Gretsch appointments and is ready to play straight out of the box. The bass is designed with a 30.3″ short-scale length that makes it playable and apt for beginners.

Despite its shorter scale, it nevertheless delivers a powerful and full sound, thanks to the combination of a basswood body and bolt-on maple neck. Additionally, the black walnut fingerboard enhances the instrument’s clarity, while the pair of passive Gretsch single-coil bass pickups ensures a crisp and articulate sound.

Key Benefits

• Quality construction and attention to detail
• Short-scale length suitable for beginners
• Powerful and full sound despite shorter scale
• Combination of basswood body and bolt-on maple neck for punch and clarity
• Pair of passive Gretsch single-coil bass pickups for crisp and articulate sound
• Black walnut fingerboard for added clarity
• Plenty of tonal versatility with three-position toggle switch, master volume, and master tone controls
• Four-saddle adjustable bridge, synthetic bone nut, and die-cast tuners
• Comes with nickel-plated steel D’Addario strings

Pricing

The exact pricing of the Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II may vary, but it’s positioned as a budget-friendly instrument, providing great value for its price.

See Current Guitar Center Pricing

Pros & Cons

From a firsthand viewpoint, the Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II provides a lot of value for its cost. This budget-friendly electric guitar offers classic Gretsch sound and style, making it an appealing choice. With a single-cutaway basswood body, a bolt-on maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, the design and construction of the guitar speak volumes of its quality.

The guitar is equipped with two Gretsch mini humbucking pickups, which deliver a warm and vintage-inspired tone. The master volume control, master tone control, and the three-way pickup selector switch provide versatile sound shaping options that allow for customization. The Adjusto-Matic bridge with an anchored tailpiece is notable for providing excellent tuning stability and sustain.

The 24.6″ scale length and 12″ radius fingerboard offer a comfortable playing experience, which is an important factor for regular players. Furthermore, the addition of die-cast tuners, chrome hardware, and a synthetic bone nut is a testament to its robustness and durability.

However, it’s worth noting that the bass performs exceptionally well in various genres including hard rock, but it might limit its appeal to those who are more inclined towards other genres. But overall, the Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II is a reliable and stylish electric guitar with a classic Gretsch sound, making it a great choice for beginners or players on a budget.

 

Epiphone Thunderbird E1

Overview

The Epiphone Thunderbird E1 is a popular electric bass guitar admired for its distinctive design and powerful sound. It’s an affordable version of the Gibson Thunderbird bass, built to the same specifications and standards. The unique reverse body shape, mahogany body, and 34″ scale length maple neck contribute to its sleek and edgy appearance.

Equipped with two TB-Plus humbuckers, it delivers a rich and punchy tone with plenty of low-end presence. The Epiphone Thunderbird E1 is available in both 4-string and 5-string versions, offering versatility for different playing styles. Moreover, it’s available in diverse finishes, including Vintage Sunburst, Alpine White, and Ebony.

Key Benefits

• Distinctive and iconic design
• High-quality pickups and electronics
• Powerful and punchy sound, ideal for rock and metal genres
• Versatility with both 4-string and 5-string versions
• Solid alder body and bolt-on hard maple neck contribute to its sustain and tone
• Unique neck profile and a 12″ radius for a comfortable playing experience
• Great value for money

Pricing

The Epiphone Thunderbird E1 electric bass guitar is priced at roughly $449.00, offering a high-quality instrument at an affordable price.

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Pros & Cons

The Epiphone Thunderbird E1 is revered for its deep and resonant sound, making it a popular choice among rock and metal players. The unique and iconic design, solid build, and powerful sound make it a worthwhile purchase for bassists. It can produce a wide range of tones suitable for different musical styles. Moreover, it has excellent sustain and strong projection, ensuring the bass cuts through the mix in a live band setting.

On the flip side, the Thunderbird E1 is known for its weight and bulkiness. It may not be comfortable for everyone, especially for smaller players or those who play for extended periods of time. It’s been observed that the bass has a tendency for neck-dive, which has been partially addressed by moving the strap attachment point to the back of the instrument. However, this solution has led to some problems with the neck bolt and strap attachment.

Moreover, while the design is visually appealing, some find it to be a bit on the hard-edged side. Some adjustments might be required for optimal playability, such as upgrading the tuning keys or using a wide strap to prevent neck-dive. The factory setup and the tuners could use some improvement as well.

 

Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5

Overview

The Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5 is a sleek, 5-string bass guitar that delivers a wide scope of tones – from the vibrant pizzazz of funk to the heavy, resonating sounds of rock and metal. Made with a basswood body, hard maple neck, and rosewood fretboard, this bass ensures a warm and rich tone. Though it might not be as refined as pricier options, this instrument is well-regarded for its impressive sound quality. With its player-oriented design, the SUB Ray5 is made for easy playability and comfort, making it a great choice for both beginners and professionals.

Key Benefits

• Offers a wide range of tones, suitable for various genres
• High-quality build, designed for both comfort and ease of playing
• Features a 2-band EQ and low-noise humbucking pickups, assuring tonal versatility and a punchy, bright sound
• Available in different finishes and fretboard options
• Lightweight and comfortable for long playing sessions

Pricing

The Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5 is known for its high-quality sound and excellent playability at an affordable price. However, do note that it doesn’t come with a hard case, which needs to be purchased separately.

See Current Guitar Center Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

Talking about the pros, this bass guitar stands out for its high-quality sound and excellent playability. The solid hardwood body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard contribute to a warm and rich tone. The bass is equipped with a humbucking pickup that delivers a powerful and punchy sound. Moreover, the 2-band active preamp allows for versatile tone shaping, with controls for bass and treble. It is designed with a 34″ scale length and 21 medium jumbo frets, making it comfortable to play. The sleek and stylish design, with a classic double-cutaway body shape and a glossy finish, adds to the appeal of this instrument.

On the flip side, the SUB Ray5 lacks the more desirable 3-band EQ, which might limit the range of tones you can achieve. Also, some might argue that its appearance is less flashy compared to USA-made basses. However, these are minor drawbacks when considering the overall value that the SUB Ray5 offers.

Overall, the Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5 is a reliable and affordable bass guitar that is suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

What To Expect From A Budget Bass Guitar?

Budget bass guitars, despite being more affordable, can still give you a decent sound and fair playability. If you’re a beginner or a casual player who’s unsure about your long-term commitment to the instrument or if you’re on a tight budget, these guitars can be a practical and sensible choice. They can also serve as a reliable backup if you’re a seasoned player who already owns a higher-end bass guitar.

But when you’re considering a budget bass guitar, it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. They might not have the same level of craftsmanship or high-grade components as more expensive instruments, but that doesn’t necessarily affect their reliability or playability. So, when you’re making a purchase, you should thoroughly review aspects like build quality, playability, and sound.

Remember, not all budget bass guitars are created equal. Some might offer better build quality and sound than others. By doing your homework, reading reviews, and trying out the instrument before buying, you can significantly improve your chances of finding a budget bass guitar that fits your needs and meets your expectations.

Reasons Why You Might Want A Budget Bass Guitar

If you’re just starting your journey to become a bass guitarist or simply looking for an instrument to practice or hone your skills without breaking the bank, budget bass guitars are a fantastic option. Thanks to improved manufacturing practices, even mid and low-range basses can produce fantastic sound quality. This means that even budget bass guitars can offer a satisfying playing and listening experience.

Choosing between a cheap and expensive bass guitar isn’t always about the budget. It could also depend on your personal preferences and specific needs. For example, a cheap bass can sound good if it’s properly set up and comfortable for you to play. Conversely, even expensive bass guitars can sound bad if they’re not set up correctly or have manufacturing flaws. You might opt for a budget bass guitar and use the money saved to purchase other accessories or upgrade the components to improve the sound.

Furthermore, cheap bass guitars can be a good choice for beginners or hobbyists. They might not have the same level of craftsmanship or high-end components as their pricier counterparts, but they can still offer decent tone and playability. Despite their limitations, budget bass guitars could be used for professional performance in certain styles that don’t require a lot of nuance or tonal sophistication. Therefore, it’s always a good idea for you to try out different instruments and choose the one that fits your needs, preferences, and budget.

Bass-ically, Budget Doesn’t Mean Compromise!

As you’re browsing through the selection of the best budget bass guitars on the market, you’ll quickly realize that affordable doesn’t mean you’re settling for less. Take the Sterling SUB Ray4, Squier Classic Vibe ’60s P-Bass, Ibanez SR300E, Yamaha TRBX 305, Gretsch G2220 Electromatic Junior Jet II, Epiphone Thunderbird E1, Hofner Ignition Bass, and the Sterling By Music Man SUB Ray5 as examples. These instruments prove that you can rock out without breaking the bank! They offer quality construction, great tone, and versatility, often giving their pricier counterparts a run for their money.

Sure, a budget bass won’t have the high-end components and artisan craftsmanship of a premium model. But, you’ll find it’s more than capable of delivering a satisfying, enjoyable playing experience. Plus, these guitars can serve as a solid foundation. As your skills advance and your budget allows, you can upgrade components and hardware over time.

Remember, while price can be a factor in determining quality, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. The right bass guitar for you will feel comfortable, sound good, and inspire you to play and improve. So, no matter your budget, make sure to test out a variety of basses, consider your needs, and choose an instrument that suits your style.