11 Best Bass Guitars Overall (our top picks)
QUICK HIT: Rounding up bass guitars from Fender, Epiphone and other manufacturers. Sometimes we link to products from companies we partner with. However, this does not impact our evaluations or recommendation process. All opinions are our own.
The best bass guitars are not always the most expensive. While it’s true they might have the most money put into them, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re exactly what you need. And that’s what people often find scary about buying a guitar. It feels like you might be paying for features or quality that you won’t really use. If you can afford a $4000 bass guitar, that’s awesome and I envy you.
But, for most of us, we need a bass guitar that’s both affordable and valuable to us, in our specific situations.
In this list, I’ve pulled together 12 bass guitars that are affordable and ideal for some of the most common musical scenarios. By focusing on these guitars, I’ll cover basses that are ideal for all skill levels, from beginners right up to the semi-pro gigging and recording artist. By focusing on the highest value, this list will help you avoid paying for features or “bells and whistles” that you don’t really need.
Best Bass Guitars: A Couple Favorites
Epiphone Thunderbird E1 Bass
Fender Player Plus Active Precision Bass
The sole focus of this article is to give you a direction to go in so you know you’re not wasting your money. All these basses we’ve had some level of first or second-hand experience with, so we can vouch for their value and relevancy on a personal level. Let’s get started with a classic from Fender.
1. Fender Jazz Series Bass Guitars
The Jazz bass from Fender was introduced in 1960 and is still one of the best-selling bass guitar series in existence.
It’s an all-of-the-above type of instrument, having made its way into literally every style of music. The American Jazz bass models are ideal for intermediate to advanced skill levels, while manageable for most mid-tier budgets. Yet, it also has enough value and quality to work in a professional setting.
Features and specifics
The three knobs are made up of two volume (one for each pickup) and one tone that controls the tone of both. This is a common configuration for the electronics in a Fender bass, though I should mention that the American Ultra version has a far more advanced onboard control system. A slim, C-shaped Maple neck plays and feels fast, making even the higher frets easy to access and control.
You can choose from either a Maple or Rosewood fretboard. There’s a fairly robust color selection as well. You could probably fill a book with the professionals that have used a Fender Jazz bass like this one.
So it’s a solid go-to for modern and vintage-minded bassists alike, regardless of scenario. Studio work, recording, live gigging and just about any kind of music you can think of will fit the bill. It also pairs really well with a simple bass compressor.
You simply can’t go wrong.
Features
- Roasted Pine
- Maple Neck
- Fender V-Mod II Jazz Single-Coil Pickups
- 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
2. Squier Vintage Modified ’70s Jazz Bass
To the naked eye, the Squier version of Fender’s Jazz bass is almost impossible to distinguish from its Fender counterpart, aside from the Squier script on the headstock and some different color choices. So the style and feel is all going to be pretty much the same.
More importantly, both guitars, particularly the Squier version, bring you a lot of value for what you pay. Here’s a look at both the Fender and Squier ’70s Jazz basses:
The Squier version
The Fender version
Side by side, they look very similar. So, what can the Squier bass actually offer? Here are some of its highlight features: Block inlays and black binding on the neck really add to the ’70s vibe of the bass, and complete the look of the guitar. The body is made of a soft Maple, which gets you away from the density and punch of harder Maple tonewoods, leaving you with a much smoother, bass-friendly tone.
The neck and fretboard are also Maple, with a slim C-profile that feels thin and plays fast, with room to accommodate smaller hands and fingers. The Jazz pickups are a Fender stock job, though they do put out a warm tone that sounds decent out of the box without any tinkering or tricky volume adjustments.
Comparing to the Fender Jazz bass
The first difference you’ll notice between the two guitars is that the Fender version uses an Alder tonewood in the body, while the Squier is a soft Maple. Alder has a lot of vintage appeal to the Fender enthusiast, since Leo Fender used the wood almost exclusively during the ’50s and ’60s. Moreover, it’s a popular tonewood choice for bass guitars in general, regardless of brand, since the resonance is strong with a lot of thick low end.
However, the Maple in the Squier is not what I would consider a deal-breaker downgrade. It still sounds really nice and isn’t low-quality. The Gibson Les Paul’s made in the 1950s had a carved Maple top, and are still some of the most sought-after guitars in existence.
In other words, Maple is not necessarily a “cheap” ingredient.
The second significant difference is in the hardware used at the bridge and for the tuners. Fender’s Jazz bass gets the American Vintage bridge treatment, along with Fender brand ’70s vintage-style tuners. On the Squier, both those parts are stock. But again, like the difference between Maple and Alder tonewood, these features aren’t deal breakers one way or the other.
Obviously, the pickups in the Fender version are a far nicer, then the Alnico magnet stock pickups in the Squier.
None of this is to say that it wouldn’t be nice to have the improvements that come with the Fender Jazz bass, because it’s certainly the better product if you have no budget to worry about. But, from a value perspective, the Squier version gives you a good guitar for a lot less money.
Price point
Affordability has always been Squier’s primary attraction, as almost all of their guitars are priced lower than Fender. At these lower price points, they’re a great option for beginner bass players, and can even hold their own as a primary or backup gigging bass. For home jamming and the basics, it’s one of the best bargains available.
Features
- Soft Maple Body
- Maple Neck
- C-Shaped Fretboard Design
- Stock Alnico magnet pickups
3. Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4
Like the Squier Jazz bass, the Stiletto Extreme from Schecter uses Maple for a lot of the guitar, including a quilted Maple top (where “quilted” means a softer grain) and a solid Maple neck. The body of the guitar is a more dense type of Mahogany. The Maple/Mahogany combination gives it a tone profile that’s similar to the high end Squier basses with a smoother profile and plenty of sustain. Specter’s offering is, however, more modernized in appearance and can fit in well with the nu-Metal bass crowd.
Tone and features
Schecter’s Diamond bass pickups are smoother and deeper, providing a more modern feel and “boom” on the low end, which you’ll feel more than you’ll hear. This gives it a deep resonance when combined with the smooth response of the Maple and Mahogany. A blend knob and two-band EQ does give you the ability to dial in a more clear and crisp tone, if you prefer.
But it’s certainly a modern outfit, good for metal and hard rock, and more in line with the Ibanez 5-string vibe than the Fender ’70s vibe. At the price, it’s an ideal beginner bass that’s going to get you mileage well-beyond the early years.
Features
- Maple & Mahogany Tonewood Combination
- Schecter Diamond Pickups
- Ernie Ball Strings
4. Epiphone Thunderbird Classic E1
Epiphone’s version of Gibson’s beloved Thunderbird design is an extremely accurate replica and even includes a set of the Gibson TB Plus humbuckers. In the spirit of full disclosure, the Gibson version of this bass still costs about $2000 more than the Epiphone version, so there are certainly cost-cutting measures that have been taken by Epiphone.
However, the number of features that both guitars share is still remarkable. There just isn’t a lot of substantive differences between the two. Here are some highlight features that I noticed are shared on both product pages:
- Mahogany/Walnut neck design
- Gibson-made pickups
- Mahogany body
- Three-point bridge design
Gibson uses more name-brand hardware like Grover Tuners and a Babicz Full Contact bridge. They also add two extra tone switches beneath the guitar’s volume and tone knobs. So there are, of course, differences between the two.
The Epiphone Investment
However, there are enough similarities that I would have to say Epiphone is easily the better value purchase, especially for beginners or semi-professional musicians who don’t want to drop thousands on a bass. If you can spend that kind of money, the Gibson Thunderbird is definitely awesome.
However, for those who need to get something in a much lower price range, the Epiphone Thunderbird is a happy medium that doesn’t feel like a compromise at all. It sounds incredibly good, with a rich and thick EQ and plenty of sustain, just like you would expect from far more expensive basses.
So don’t assume it’s a cheap-out version of what Gibson offers. The Epiphone Thunderbird is entirely capable as its own guitar. The only issue I noticed was a slight hum when plugging it into certain mediums.
Most bass amps were fine, though on certain recording gear (USB interfaces) it had a slight hum. This was, however, easily rectified by a Boss noise suppressor. So I might caution those who have a noisy rig to begin with. However, that’s the only issue I can think of with this bass. Even then, grab a noise gate of some kind and you should be good to go.
With no existing noise issues, I doubt the Epiphone Thunderbird will have any problems with hum. I recommend it for any and all styles, skill levels and playing situations, bar none.
Features
- Gibson Pickups
- Mahogany & Walnut Neck
- Light Mahogany Body
5. Squier Classic Vibe and Infinity Series Jaguar Bass Guitars
The body of this guitar uses Poplar tonewood, which is a typical ingredient in budget guitars. However, you also get the familiar Maple C-shaped neck and fretboard. Squier goes with a single, stock Ceramic magnet humbucker. So while there are some cost-cutting measures, the real attraction of this guitar is the price point.
I’d recommend this one exclusively for beginners, kids and music students, since the price tag is just a little below my comfort zone. At the same time, it sounds great and plays well, especially if you’re a fan of the typical Fender neck design.
I like it as a safe and reputable beginner bass guitar.
Features
- Maple Neck
- Single humbucker with ceramic magnet
- Dual Volume Controls
6. Fender Player Plus Active Precision Bass
The Player Plus includes a three-band EQ, allowing you to switch between Precision and Jazz pickups, and combination of the P-bass body with a Jazz neck, supported by active electronics with an onboard preamp, allowing you to be as subtle or intense as you want. In terms of tone versatility, this is one of the best Fender basses available. You also get the real-deal Fender brand noiseless Jazz and P-bass pickups, which sound awesome.
Tonewood
The Alder body, once again, gives you the Fender tonewood of choice, along with a Maple neck and fretboard. It’s a familiar, though reliable combination that bass luthiers love to fall back on.
Lows are thick and full with a lot of sustain and a rumbling quality on the lower frets. This further emphasizes its ability to handle all variances of styles and musical genres.
The Ideal Player
For those who like to tinker, perhaps in the role of a session or studio bass player, this is a nearly perfect fit. Where most basses are just a matter of turning them on and taking what comes, this one lets you dial in all kinds of different tones and sounds from the guitar itself.
In all musical scenarios, this is going to be extremely helpful. Intermediate players and more advanced professionals can all benefit from this guitar. On a more subtle note, the gold vinyl pickguard gives this model a significant aesthetic boost.
It’s easily one of my favorite basses on this list.
Features
- Alder Body
- Maple Neck Combo
- Jazz and P-Bass Pickup Combo
- P-Bass Body and Jazz Neck Combo
- Three-Band Active EQ System and Onboard Preamp
The Second Tier (honorable mentions)
All of the bass guitars in the second tier will meet at least two of the following three criteria:
- Popular and well-known brands/models
- Below-retail pricing (while considering used prices)
- Meet a reasonable standard of quality (considering features, construction, sound quality, etc.)
Like the above list, I’ll cover features and overall value points, providing you with a clean interface for easy product comparison between each bass guitar. The suggestions made in this list are based on informed and educated speculation, as well as a certain level of personal experience, though less than the ones I listed in the first six entries. So it is by no means exclusive or comprehensive. These are just some additional recommendations, and some further direction for you to go in if you didn’t find something you liked in the first tier.
7. Fender Geddy Lee Signature Jazz Bass
You’ll notice that the primary distinction between the Jazz Bass and P-Bass is seen in the different pickups. The jazz configuration sports two American Vintage single-coil pickups, while also adding a volume knob for the second pickup. This particular model is an exact replica of Geddy Lee’s signature Jazz Bass. Rush fans, take note.
Features
- Custom Voiced American Vintage ’70s Geddy Lee
- Volume Knob for Both Pickups
- Maple Neck
8. Yamaha TRBX Bass Series
The average Yamaha bass guitars give you some excellent mid-tier options if you want quality but don’t want to spend too much money. The TRBX series is comparable to the Ibanez Soundgear lineup. Note that there are both four and five-string models available.
Features
- Solid Mahogany
- Barolini BH2 Humbucker
- 1 x Volume, 1 x Balancer, 1 x Bass, 1 x Middle, 1 x Treble, 1 x EQ bypass switch, 1 x 3-way Mid frequency switch
9. ESP LTD B Series B-205 Five-String Bass
ESP makes some fantastic-looking bass guitars, with a lot of modern features and aesthetic appeal. This model features a three-band active EQ and passive ESP-designed pickups. Once again, they’re comparable to the Ibanez Soundgear line and even to some of the Yahama bass guitar models. So, think modern rock and metal as opposed to lighter or classic-rock genres.
Features
- Ash Body & Maple Top
- Active & Three-Band EQ
- ESP Designed SB-5N Humbuckers
10. Epiphone EB-3 Bass
Stylistically, this guitar can be an awkward fit for some people. But if you happen to like the look and the classic SG-style body, the Epiphone EB-3 bass is a time-tested go-to. Given the low price, there are no bells and whistles (no three-band EQ, fancy inlays, etc.). But the tone and the body of the guitar are decent for what you pay, making this a popular choice amongst those shopping with a strict budget.
Features
- Mahogany Body
- Neck Pickup: Sidewinder Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: NYT Bass Mini Humbucker
11. Schecter Stiletto Studio 5 Bass
The offset inlays and gold hardware give the Schecter Stiletto Custom 5 basses a lot of visual appeal. This one is also fitted with active EMG 40HZ humbuckers, which is a real bonus considering the guitar’s typical retail. Good luck finding anything sharper in this price range.
Features
- S-Tek Top-loaded Bridge
- Gold Hardware
- EMG 40HZ humbuckers
What else should I look for in a bass?
Getting good value is often what people don’t trust themselves with. Because buying a bass guitar is a big investment, so most of the time people worry about the return, whether or not they’re making a “wise purchase” or ending up with a lemon.
Getting the best bass guitars for what you’re paying is essential when you’re pricing anything over the $300.
But, what else should you look for?
You know you want value, but once you have a direction to go in, what should you focus on?
Stylistic Preferences
It’s alright to just look for something you like or that looks appealing to you. Style matters, because you’re going to have to play the guitar and look at it all the time, so you want to be happy with the shape, color and other aesthetic attributes.
Simplicity or Versatility?
Do you want a plug in and play type of bass, or something that’s really going to allow you to customize your sound? Some players want a simpler solution, perhaps just a volume and tone knob, and one pickup. Others like to have additional EQ options and more opportunities to customize their sound. Your own preferences in this area are worth considering when making your purchase.
Your Playing Levels
Whether you’re just looking to pick up the bass for your own enjoyment or you’re trying to open at jazz festivals for Marcus Miller, your own playing ability should have an impact on what bass you buy. If you’re a casual musician, that doesn’t mean you can’t get something of good quality, but it might have an impact on how much quality you afford yourself.
It also has practical implications for where and when you’ll use the guitar — whether you’ll use it to record, play live gigs or just jam with your buddies — which matters when you’re making such a big purchase.
The point is to find something that suits you and that fits with your own goals and stylistic leanings.
So yes, try and target good quality and value, but once you find out where quality and value are, use what you like to narrow down your choices and find the ideal bass.
Your Thoughts
What other bass guitar belong on this list?
What bass do you own that’s under $1000 but plays like it cost three grand?
We want to hear about it.
