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Best Bass Guitars for Every Style and Budget in 2024

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Nathan Thompson

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Introduction

The bass guitar serves as the foundation of any band, providing the low end and driving the groove. Choosing the right bass to match your music genre, technique, and budget can elevate your playing and inspire creativity. This buyer’s guide will explore the key factors to consider when selecting a bass guitar.

Bass guitars typically have four or five strings, solid or hollow bodies, and a variety of pickup configurations to shape your tone. Scale length, neck profile, string spacing, and body style all impact the feel and playability. While aesthetics are personal preference, prioritize fit and finish to ensure smooth playability. Electronics like preamp EQs and active pickups allow tonal tweaking, while quality tuning machines keep you in tune.

Evaluate your budget, music style, and skill level first when bass shopping. A versatile 4-string like a Fender Precision or Jazz Bass makes a great first bass. Intermediate players can explore 5-strings or extended range models for enhanced range. Experts may desire premium tonewoods and components to craft their signature sound. While pricier basses offer premium specifications, skilled players can still shine on budget-friendly models too.

Use this guide to demystify the bass buying process. Learn the lingo to communicate with sales staff, while gaining the knowledge to hone in on the ideal bass for your musical needs. The journey starts with your first bass, continues through upgrading equipment, and lasts a lifetime. Let’s start exploring!

4-String vs 5-String Basses

The most common bass guitar configurations are 4-string and 5-string models. Both offer distinct advantages depending on your playing style and musical genre.

4-String Basses

The 4-string bass is the most popular configuration and provides versatility across many musical styles. The standard tuning is E-A-D-G, perfect for rock, pop, blues, jazz, and country.

Pros:

  • Excellent balance and comfortable weight distribution
  • Wider string spacing for easier fingering
  • Simple and intuitive tuning for beginners
  • Works well for slap/pop techniques
  • The traditional option for rock and pop

Cons:

  • Limited range compared to 5 or 6-string models
  • Not ideal for very low tunings
  • Less flexibility if you need extended range

Overall, 4-string basses offer a comfortable playing experience and are a perfect choice for genres like classic rock, pop, punk, blues, and traditional jazz.

5-String Basses

The extra low B string on a 5-string bass allows extended range access to lower notes. The standard tuning is B-E-A-D-G.

Pros:

  • Expanded range reaches lower registers
  • Powerful low end and thicker tone
  • Ideal for metal, progressive rock, and fusion
  • Allows alternate tunings while retaining low B
  • More flexibility in basslines and walking lines

Cons:

  • Wider neck can be less comfortable for smaller hands
  • Closer string spacing takes some adjustment
  • Not always suitable for slap/pop playing
  • Low B can sound muddy if not properly set up

Overall, 5-string basses work well for genres that utilize the extended lower range, like metal, fusion, and progressive rock. The added flexibility allows more diverse bass lines.

Bass Guitar Body Types

The body style of a bass guitar has a significant impact on its tone, playability, and aesthetic. There are several common bass body shapes, each with their own unique characteristics.

Precision Bass

The Fender Precision Bass, often called the "P-Bass", is one of the most iconic bass body shapes. Introduced in 1951, its name comes from its frets being positioned specifically for optimal intonation. P-Basses have a symmetrical, sleek body style with contoured edges. They are known for their deep low end and punchy mid-range, perfect for rock, blues, country, and many other genres. The tone is crisp and defined. P-Basses often have a maple neck with a rosewood or maple fingerboard.

Jazz Bass

Fender debuted the Jazz Bass in 1960 as a slimmer, faster playing alternative to the Precision. The Jazz Bass, or "J-Bass", has an offset asymmetrical body that many find more ergonomic and comfortable to play. J-Basses provide a warmer, smoother tone that works very well for mellower genres like jazz, R&B, funk, and pop. The neck is usually maple with a rosewood fingerboard.

Music Man StingRay

The Music Man StingRay arrived in 1976 and featured an iconic and radically innovative body style. It has an almost spaceship-like shape with a deep cutaway for easy upper fret access. StingRays produce a thick, growling tone perfect for rock, fusion, and slapping. The two humbucking pickups powered by an active 3-band EQ provide tremendous tonal control. The bass is often made from alder or ash with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard.

Gibson Thunderbird

Gibson’s Thunderbird bass debuted in 1963 and turned heads with its unique "reverse" body shape, with extended upper horn and sloped lower bout. Beyond its distinctive look, it delivers an edgy bite and forceful low-mid punch ideal for hard rock. The Thunderbird is constructed from mahogany or walnut, usually with a maple neck and rosewood or ebony fingerboard.

Warwick Thumb

Warwick’s Thumb bass has an eye-catching body style optimized for playing comfort. It features subtle horns, deep cutaways, and sculpted contours. Available with both 4 and 5 strings, the balanced tone works well for various music styles, from rock to jazz. It often consists of an ovangkol or bubinga body with an oiled maple neck and ebony fingerboard.

Bass Guitar Pickups

The pickups on a bass guitar are a crucial component that directly impact the overall tone and sound. There are several main types of bass pickups to consider:

  • Single-coil pickups – These have a bright, crisp tone and are known for having a "classic" bass sound, especially on Fender basses. Single-coil pickups tend to bring out more high-end frequencies.

  • Split-coil pickups – These have a coil split into two parts, allowing for a fuller frequency range than a standard single-coil. Split-coils provide a balanced tone.

  • Humbucking pickups – Humbuckers have two coils which cancel out noise and hum. They have a powerful, deep tone perfect for hard rock and metal. The dual coils allow for boosted output.

  • Soapbar pickups – Named for their rectangular shape, soapbars have a wide surface area and full low-end punch. They are common on basses like the Gibson EB series.

  • Blade pickups – Skinny and sleek, blade pickups have a focused sound. The Music Man StingRay bass features blade pickups for a cutting treble attack.

In addition, bass pickups can be either active or passive:

  • Passive pickups do not require a battery or preamp. They have a more vintage, organic sound and are easy to install and maintain. However, they may produce noise.

  • Active pickups incorporate a preamp powered by a battery to boost the signal. They allow for boosted output, reduced noise, and more control over EQ. However, the preamp and battery can add cost and complexity.

The combination of pickup types and active/passive configurations allows bassists ultimate flexibility in crafting their tone. Carefully selecting the right pickups is crucial to achieve your desired sound.

Bass Guitar Woods

The type of wood used in a bass guitar’s body and neck has a significant impact on its tone, sustain, weight, and feel. There are several tonewoods commonly used for bass guitars:

Alder – A lightweight, soft wood that produces a balanced tone with good lows and clear highs. Alder offers great resonance and sustain. It is a very common wood used by companies like Fender.

Ash – A hardwood known for its brightness and sustain. Ash has a snappy, cutting tone that works well for modern styles like rock, metal, and punk. It is found in basses by Warwick, Ibanez, and Music Man.

Mahogany – A dense, heavy wood that provides a warm, round, and full-bodied tone. Mahogany emphasizes low-end and midrange frequencies. It is often used for the neck in many basses.

Maple – A very dense, hard wood that offers a punchy, percussive tone. Maple provides crisp highs and tight lows. It is commonly used as a top wood paired with other tonewoods.

Rosewood – An oily, dense wood that produces deep lows and silky highs. Rosewood necks bring warmth and resonance to the bass tone. It is found on many high-end Fender and Music Man models.

The combination of woods used in a bass guitar’s construction has a significant impact on the instrument’s tonal characteristics and response. Most companies carefully select different woods to shape the ideal bass tone for different playing styles and genres. The density, oiliness, and hardness of the wood all contribute to the bass guitar’s unique voice.

Bass Guitar Necks

The bass guitar neck has a huge impact on playability and style. There are several key factors to consider when looking at bass necks:

Neck Profiles

  • Thin necks – Allow easy access to higher frets, ideal for lead bass playing and soloing. Can be less comfortable for some.

  • Thick necks – Offer more surface area and stability in the hand. Preferred by many for rhythmic playing. Can be harder to play complex parts on.

  • U-shaped – Rounded profile common on Fender basses. Comfortable and versatile.

  • V-shaped – Thinner at the nut, thicker towards body. Allows easy access across neck. Found on Ibanez models.

  • Oval/asymmetrical – Variation of a U, slightly fatter on bass side. Seen on Warwick and some Music Man basses.

Scale Length

  • Short scale (30") – Easier playability, looser string tension. Limited low-end response. Great for beginners.

  • Medium scale (34") – Balanced tone and playability. The most common scale length.

  • Long scale (35"+) – Excellent low-end and string definition. Can be harder to play for some. Benefits 5+ string basses.

Number of Frets

  • 20-22 frets – Traditional setup allowing access to higher register. Most common.

  • 24 frets – Gives two extra frets for extended range. Benefits lead playing.

  • Fretless – Provides smooth, vocal-like tone. Requires excellent intonation.

The ideal bass neck will depend on your hand size, playing style, and tonal preferences. It’s worth trying different neck profiles when shopping for a new bass.

Top Bass Guitar Brands in 2023

When it comes to bass guitars, there are several brands that stand out as producing high-quality, iconic instruments. Here’s an overview of some of the top bass guitar brands on the market today:

Fender

Arguably the most well-known bass guitar manufacturer, Fender has been producing bass guitars since the 1950s. They are best known for their Precision Bass and Jazz Bass models, which have become standard instruments across many genres. Fender basses are known for their bright, punchy tone and versatility. Some of their most popular models include:

  • Fender Precision Bass
  • Fender Jazz Bass
  • Fender Jaguar Bass
  • Fender Mustang Bass

Ibanez

Originally a Japanese brand, Ibanez has become a heavyweight in the bass guitar world, producing both affordable entry-level models as well as high-end professional instruments. Ibanez basses often have fast, thin necks and are known for the deep punch and growl they produce. Popular Ibanez bass models include:

  • Ibanez Soundgear Series
  • Ibanez BTB Series
  • Ibanez SR Premium Series
  • Ibanez ATK Series

Spector

Founded by luthier Stuart Spector, Spector basses have a reputation for their high-end quality and thunderous tone. With their iconic pointed body shape, Spector basses are a popular choice among hard rock and metal bassists. Notable Spector models include:

  • Spector Legend Series
  • Spector Performer Series
  • Spector Euro Series

Warwick

Warwick basses are known for their unique shape and construction, often featuring exotic tonewoods like bubinga and ovangkol. Made in Germany, Warwick basses have a deep low end and clear mids and highs. Famous Warwick bass models include:

  • Warwick Thumb
  • Warwick Corvette
  • Warwick Fortress
  • Warwick Streamer

Music Man

Founded by Leo Fender, Music Man basses feature unique designs and top-notch components. The Music Man StingRay bass is beloved for its meaty tone and is considered one of the best bass guitars for rock music.

Other noteworthy Music Man models include:

  • Music Man Sabre
  • Music Man Sterling
  • Music Man Bongo

There are certainly many other excellent bass guitar brands, but these top names consistently produce high-quality, sought-after instruments with distinctive tones and styles. When shopping for a new bass, considering sticking with one of these reputable manufacturers.

Best Bass Guitars for Beginners

When starting out on bass guitar, it’s important to choose an instrument that is high quality but still affordable. As a beginner, you want a bass that is easy to play, durable, and helps make learning fun. Here are some key factors to look for when choosing your first bass guitar:

Playability – Look for a slim, comfortable neck that allows you to easily reach all the notes. The strings should have a lower action (height above the frets) to make pressing down easier on your fingers. Avoid basses with very thick necks or high string action, as these can be difficult for beginners.

Quality components – While you don’t need top-of-the-line appointments as a beginner, you still want decent quality tuners, pickups, bridges etc. that will hold up. Solid hardware that stays in tune makes learning much less frustrating.

Affordability – As a beginner, you don’t yet need a high-end bass. Look for quality instruments under $300 that give you professional sound and playability without breaking the bank.

Versatile tone – Choose a bass with pickups and electronics that give you a range of fundamental bass tones. From deep, round upright tones to growling rock sounds, you want versatility to explore different genres.

Durability – As a new bassist, your instrument will likely get some bumps and dings along the way. Look for basswood, poplar or agathis bodies that can handle the rigors of practice and performance.

Comfortable weight – Look for a lightweight bass under 8 lbs. Lugging around a heavy instrument can fatigue your shoulders and back as a developing player.

Here are some top affordable bass guitar models that are great for any beginning player:

  • Squier by Fender Affinity Series – Classic Fender styling and tone at a super affordable price. The slim neck and quality tuners make learning a breeze.

  • Ibanez GSR200 – Legendary Ibanez playability with fast neck, flexible tone and rugged construction. A fantastic starter bass.

  • Yamaha TRBX174 – Yamaha’s quality control shines through on this budget-friendly bass. Comfortable playability for any learning style.

  • Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4 – Slick design with versatile active pickups. The slim neck profile is perfect for smaller hands.

  • Epiphone EB-0 – Recreates the iconic Gibson EB-0 tone at a fraction of the price. Short 30" scale is easy to play.

  • Rogue Starter Bass Packs – Very affordable full bass packs with amps and accessories. Surprisingly decent quality for the super low prices.

The most important thing is finding a bass guitar you are excited to pick up and practice on daily. With the right beginner model, you’ll be motivated to put in the time and effort to grow into a skilled bassist.

Best Bass Guitars for Metal

When it comes to playing metal music, your bass guitar needs to be built for high performance and optimized tone. The key considerations for a great metal bass include:

  • High output pickups – Active pickups with lots of power and gain are essential for getting an aggressive, distorted tone perfect for metal. Models like EMGs and EMG-style pickups are popular choices.

  • Extended scale length – A longer 34-35" scale length not only provides tighter low end and definition, but also allows you to tune down without losing tension and tone.

  • Solid and durable construction – Metal music requires hard and heavy playing, so your bass needs a solid wood body and high quality components that can withstand abuse.

  • Versatile tone shaping – Multiple EQ and boost options help you dial in the perfect sound, from vintage growl to modern hyper-aggression.

Some of the top bass guitar models recommended for metal include:

  • Ibanez SR Premium Series – With active pickups, 35" scale, and 5-string options, this versatile modern bass delivers the tightness, power and extended range needed for extreme metal.

  • Schecter Hellraiser Extreme – The EMG pickups, mahogany body, and 34" scale of this bass produce mammoth low end and crystal clear mids perfect for down-tuned metal riffage.

  • ESP LTD D-4 – Featuring an alder body, 34" scale, and active EMG pickups, this bass has the looks, feel, and tone for crushing metal. The 3-band EQ provides excellent tone shaping.

  • Dingwall Combustion – With its 37" fanned fret design, dual humbucking pickups and gnarly tones, this exotic bass is quickly becoming popular among progressive metal bassists seeking more range and power.

The right metal bass guitar allows you to cut through a heavy mix with aggressive authority while still retaining notes clarity and articulation. While there are many great options, basses like the Ibanez, Schecter, ESP, and Dingwall mentioned above are proven instruments built for the demands of extreme metal music.

Bass Guitar Accessories & Upgrades

Every bassist needs a few essential accessories to get the most out of their instrument. Here are some of the must-haves:

Straps – A comfortable strap is crucial for standing and playing bass for long periods. Leather and wide nylon straps with padding help distribute the weight across your shoulders. Brands like Fender and Ernie Ball make great straps built for bass.

Instrument Cables – High quality cables are important for crisp, noise-free signal transfer from your bass to your amp or PA. Look for braided cables with right-angle jacks. Monster Cables and Mogami cables are popular choices.

Tuner – Keeping your bass in tune is essential. A clip-on chromatic tuner like the Boss TU-3 provides fast, accurate tuning for both 4 and 5-string basses.

Strings – Bass strings lose brightness over time and need to be changed regularly. Try different brands and gauges to find the right tone and feel. Popular options are Ernie Ball Slinkys, D’Addario EXL, and Rotosound Swing Bass strings.

Gig Bag/Case – Protect your bass from dings and dents with a padded gig bag or hardshell case. Hard cases by brands like SKB and Gator provide the most protection.

DI Box – A DI (direct input) box like the Radial J48 helps get a clean bass signal to the mixing board and prevents ground loop noise. Essential for gigging bassists.

Wireless System – Wireless units like those made by Line 6 free you from cables so you can roam the stage. Look for options with good connectivity range and little signal compression.

Compressor/Limiter – A compressor evens out your attack and sustain for a consistent tone. Great for smoothing out dynamics. The MXR M87 Bass Compressor is a popular pedal.

Overdrive/Distortion – Effects like overdrive and distortion add grit and growl to your tone. The Darkglass B7K Ultra is an overdrive made specifically for bass.

Multi-Effects – All-in-one floor units like the Zoom B1X FOUR give you multiple effects like chorus, delay, distortion, and more. Convenient and affordable.

Upgrades like new pickups, preamps, and tuners can also make a big difference in your bass’ overall tone and playability. A proper professional setup is also key to getting the best sound. Invest in quality accessories that inspire you to play your very best!