Ever wanted to lay down a killer bass line but felt your wallet holding you back? You’re not alone! Many aspiring bassists dream of rocking out, but the thought of expensive gear can feel like a big roadblock. It’s tough to know which affordable bass guitar will actually sound good and last, without breaking the bank.
But what if we told you that getting a fantastic bass guitar doesn’t require a ton of cash? In this post, we’re diving deep into the world of budget-friendly bass guitars. We’ll show you how to find a great instrument that won’t empty your pockets, so you can focus on learning and playing.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what makes a cheap bass guitar a good buy. We’ll explore key features to look for and even share some popular, wallet-friendly choices that get the job done. Get ready to plug in and play!
Our Top 5 Bass Guitar Cheap Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bass Guitar Cheap Detailed Reviews
1. Axe Heaven FP-001 Licensed Fender Precision Bass Classic Sunburst
Rating: 9.0/10
The Axe Heaven FP-001 Licensed Fender Precision Bass Classic Sunburst is a cool miniature replica of a legendary bass guitar. It’s officially licensed by Fender, so it looks just like the real thing. This little guitar is perfect for collectors or anyone who loves Fender instruments.
What We Like:
- It’s officially licensed by Fender, making it a genuine tribute to the iconic Precision Bass.
- Each replica is carefully handcrafted from solid wood and metal, just like a real guitar.
- It comes with a miniature adjustable stand and a special Fender by Axe Heaven gift box, so it’s ready to display right away.
- It makes a fantastic gift for any music lover or guitar enthusiast.
- The classic Sunburst finish looks super stylish and captures the essence of the original bass.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to remember that this is an ornamental replica and cannot be played.
This Axe Heaven replica is a fantastic way to own a piece of Fender history without the price tag of a full-size instrument. It’s a great decorative item that celebrates the iconic Fender Precision Bass.
2. Glarry Electric Bass Guitar Full Size 4 String Rosewood Basswood Fire Style Exquisite Burning Bass (Red)
Rating: 9.3/10
Unleash your inner rockstar with the Glarry Electric Bass Guitar in a fiery red “Exquisite Burning Bass” style! This full-size, 4-string beauty is designed for both beginners and aspiring musicians who want to make some noise.
What We Like:
- It has a solid body made of basswood and a rosewood fingerboard, giving it a great feel and stable quality.
- The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to play, even for long practice sessions.
- You can create warm and rock tones with its Split Single-Coil pickup and two volume knobs.
- The strings are coated for smooth tuning and stay in tune well.
- It’s a fantastic gift for anyone starting out on the bass guitar.
- You can easily adjust the strings and the neck for perfect tuning.
- It comes with a portable bass bag to protect your guitar and make it easy to carry.
- You get all the essential accessories, like a shoulder strap, pick, and amp cord, so you can start playing right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, more experienced players might want to upgrade the electronics later for a wider range of sounds.
- The “fire style” design might be a bit flashy for some tastes.
This Glarry bass guitar offers an excellent entry point into the world of music. Get ready to strum, groove, and impress with this all-in-one package.
3. Ktaxon 4 String Electric Bass Guitar
Rating: 8.9/10
Ready to rock? The Ktaxon 4 String Electric Bass Guitar in vibrant red is an awesome starter instrument for kids and teens. This 36-inch bass guitar kit comes with everything you need to start playing right away, making it super easy for beginners.
What We Like:
- Fabulous Sound: The J type single-coil pickups give it a bright sound and a strong mid-range growl. The mahogany body adds richness to the tone, perfect for rock and metal.
- Outstanding Tone: With passive pickups, this bass produces a pure sound with good distortion effects, letting you play many music styles. The special string coating helps you play smoothly and stably.
- Humane Design: The nut width and fretboard radius are just right for kids and adults. The shiny chrome turning knobs stay looking good.
- Fantastic Hand-Feel: The rosewood fretboard feels smooth and strong, making it comfortable to play. The C-shaped neck design is extra comfortable for your hands.
- Suitable for All: This complete kit needs no assembly. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced players alike. The included bag with a strap makes it easy to carry anywhere.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the sound is great for the price, advanced players might want more tonal variety.
- The included accessories, like the strap, are functional but may not be as durable as professional-grade gear.
This Ktaxon bass guitar offers a fun and accessible way to explore music. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to pick up the bass and start making some noise.
4. GLARRY Full Size Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Kit 4 String with AMP
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to rock? The GLARRY Full Size Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Kit in sleek black is your all-in-one ticket to learning the bass. This kit provides everything a budding musician needs to start playing right away, making it a fantastic starting point for anyone dreaming of laying down the groove.
What We Like:
- The bass guitar feels great to play. It has a smooth rosewood fingerboard and a comfortable body shape.
- You can get awesome sounds from this bass. The pickup and knobs let you play many music styles.
- The 20W amplifier is a good size for practice. It has simple controls to adjust your sound.
- It’s a complete package for beginners. Everything you need is included, so you can start playing immediately.
- The guitar is adjustable. You can fine-tune the strings and neck for a better playing experience.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the materials are good for beginners, more experienced players might desire premium woods.
- The included accessories are functional, but upgrading certain items like the strap or picks could enhance the experience further down the line.
This GLARRY bass guitar kit is a solid choice for anyone looking to begin their bass-playing journey. It offers a complete and accessible way to learn and enjoy making music.
5. Ktaxon 5 String Electric Bass Guitar
Rating: 8.9/10
The Ktaxon 5 String Electric Bass Guitar in the beautiful Sunset finish is a fantastic option for anyone looking to dive into the world of bass guitar. This full-size, right-handed instrument comes as a complete kit, making it super easy for beginners to get started right away. It’s designed for both comfort and great sound, so you can focus on learning and playing.
What We Like:
- It’s built with quality materials like a basswood body and a smooth rosewood fretboard, which feel great and help the guitar last.
- The extra B string on this 5-string bass opens up more musical possibilities, especially for pop music.
- The neck is designed to be comfortable, reducing hand fatigue during long practice sessions.
- The enclosed tuning machines keep your guitar in tune more accurately and are built to last.
- The kit includes everything you need: picks, a strap, a cable, and a wrench tool, so you can start playing immediately.
- It has a really nice look with its glossy finish and the “Sunset” color is eye-catching.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, more experienced players might eventually want to upgrade to higher-end components for even better sound.
- The included gig bag is basic, so for serious gigging, a more padded bag might be a good future purchase.
This Ktaxon bass guitar kit is a wonderful choice for beginners and hobbyists. It offers a complete package with good sound and playability, making it an excellent gift or personal starting point for your musical journey.
Finding Your First Bass: A Cheap Bass Guitar Buying Guide
So, you want to play the bass guitar! That’s awesome. The bass is the backbone of any band. It lays down the groove and makes people want to dance. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. We’ll show you what to look for in a cheap bass guitar that sounds great and is fun to play.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking for a budget-friendly bass, a few things really matter.
- Number of Strings: Most beginner basses have four strings. This is the standard and easiest to learn on. Five-string basses give you a lower note, but they can be a bit harder for new players.
- Pickups: These are the parts that turn your string vibrations into sound.
- P-style (Precision Bass) pickups: These are split in the middle and give a warm, punchy sound. They’re great for rock, blues, and country.
- J-style (Jazz Bass) pickups: These are usually two single-coil pickups. They offer a brighter, more versatile tone. They work well for funk, jazz, and pop.
- PJ-style pickups: These combine both P and J pickups. You get the best of both worlds!
- Neck Profile: This is the shape of the back of the neck. A slimmer neck is often easier for smaller hands or beginners.
- Scale Length: This is the distance from the nut (near the headstock) to the bridge.
- Long Scale (34 inches): This is the most common. It has a good balance of tension and feel.
- Short Scale (30-32 inches): These necks are shorter, making them easier to play for some people, especially those with smaller hands.
Important Materials
The wood used in a bass guitar affects its sound and feel.
- Body Woods:
- Alder: This is a very common wood for bass bodies. It’s lightweight and has a balanced tone.
- Poplar: Another good, affordable option. It’s similar to alder in sound.
- Basswood: This wood is very light. It can have a warm, full sound.
- Neck Woods:
- Maple: This is the most popular wood for bass necks. It’s strong and gives a bright, clear tone.
- Rosewood (or similar fingerboard woods like Pau Ferro): This is often used for the fretboard. It adds warmth and sustain to the sound.
- Hardware: Look for decent tuning machines and a solid bridge. These keep your bass in tune and help it sound its best.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Even on a budget, some things make a big difference.
- Build Quality: Check for any sharp fret ends on the neck. Make sure the paint is smooth and there are no gaps where the neck meets the body. A well-built bass will be easier to play and stay in tune better.
- Setup: A good setup means the bass plays comfortably. The strings aren’t too high off the fretboard, and the intonation is correct (notes sound in tune up the neck). Many affordable basses might need a quick setup by a guitar tech to play their best.
- Electronics: The quality of the pickups and wiring matters. Even on a cheap bass, decent electronics will give you a better sound.
User Experience and Use Cases
A cheap bass guitar is perfect for beginners. It lets you learn the basics without a huge investment.
- Learning: You can practice scales, learn songs, and join a band.
- Casual Playing: If you just want to strum along to your favorite tunes at home, a budget bass is ideal.
- Gigs: Many affordable basses are good enough for small gigs or rehearsals. You can always upgrade later if you stick with it.
The main goal is to find a bass that’s comfortable to hold and play. Try to find one that inspires you to pick it up and practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature on a cheap bass guitar?
A: The most important feature is playability. A bass that’s hard to play will discourage you from practicing. Look for a comfortable neck and strings that aren’t too high off the fretboard.
Q: Are cheap bass guitars good enough for beginners?
A: Yes, absolutely! Many affordable bass guitars are made specifically for beginners. They offer great value and allow you to learn the instrument without spending a lot of money.
Q: What kind of wood is best for a budget bass body?
A: Alder and poplar are excellent choices for budget bass bodies. They are common, affordable, and provide a balanced, pleasing tone.
Q: Do I need to buy an amplifier with my bass guitar?
A: Yes, you do. Bass guitars are electric instruments, and they need an amplifier to produce sound. You can often find beginner bass guitar packages that include an amplifier and other accessories.
Q: How many strings should my first bass have?
A: A four-string bass guitar is recommended for most beginners. It’s the standard and has the most learning resources available.
Q: What does “scale length” mean for a bass guitar?
A: Scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge. A shorter scale length can make the neck feel easier to play, especially for people with smaller hands.
Q: Can I get a good sound from an inexpensive bass?
A: Yes, you can. While high-end basses have superior components, many budget basses offer good tone. The pickups and your playing style have a big impact on the sound.
Q: What should I do if my cheap bass sounds bad or is hard to play?
A: Often, a professional setup can make a huge difference. A guitar technician can adjust the neck, string height, and intonation to make it play much better.
Q: What are the most common types of pickups on budget basses?
A: P-style and J-style pickups are very common on affordable bass guitars. Many also feature PJ-style pickups, which combine both for versatility.
Q: Where can I buy a cheap bass guitar?
A: You can find cheap bass guitars at online music retailers, large chain music stores, and sometimes even at pawn shops or on used marketplaces.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.